JP2011029152A - Shielded type cassette for cable interconnecting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cassette having a shielded type connector which is arranged in high density. <P>SOLUTION: The cassette (420) includes a shell having a plurality of shielded passages extending between a front portion and a rear portion of the shell (428). A communication module (444) is inserted into the shielded passages. The communication module has: a front engagement interface which is constructed so as to be engaged with a corresponding first plug; and a rear engagement interface constructed to be engaged with the corresponding second plug. The communication module is inserted into the corresponding shielded passages so that they may be shielded individually from the other. The shell may have an internal wall which divides the shielded passages extending between the front and rear portions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cable interconnection system, and more particularly to a cassette having a shielded plug receiving chamber.

  Known connector assemblies exist with a plurality of receptacle connectors in a common housing and arrange such receptacle connectors in a compact manner. Such a connector assembly serves to provide a plurality of connection ports. Accordingly, such a connector assembly is referred to as a multiple port connector assembly. One application for such connector assemblies is in the field of computer networks where desktops or other equipment are interconnected to servers or other network components via state-of-the-art wiring. Such networks have a variety of data transmission media including coaxial cables, fiber optic cables and telephone lines. Such a network has requirements to provide a very large number of distributed connections, but in the best case it is required that there is little space to accommodate the connections.

  One type of connector assembly is a so-called “stacked jack” type connector assembly. An example of a stacked jack type connector assembly is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This patent discloses an insulating housing having two rows of receptacles, ie plug receiving chambers. The receptacles are arranged side by side in the upper and lower rows in the common housing, and there is an advantage that the number of receptacles is doubled without increasing the length of the housing. The insulating housing has an outer shield that surrounds the unit. Stacked jacks have the advantage of coupling multiple receptacles in a compact arrangement within a network. However, a typical stacked jack only shields the exterior to electrically isolate the connector assembly from other components in a system such as adjacent connector assemblies. There is no shield between each of the receptacles. As the connector assembly is propelled in the direction of higher performance, shields provided in known connector assemblies are proving to be ineffective.

  Another type of connector assembly has a plurality of individual modular jacks mounted in a housing to form an interface connector. Each modular jack has a jack housing that defines a plug housing chamber and a plurality of contacts in the plug housing chamber. Interface connectors including multiple modular jacks can be mounted on corresponding network components. At least some of the known connector assemblies of this type utilize shielded modular jacks. Here, each modular jack is shielded separately and mounted in the housing. While interface connectors have the advantage of combining multiple modular jacks in a single arrangement within a network component, the combined individual modular jacks have the problem of limited density. Density problems arise from each modular jack having a separate jack housing that can be bulky. The density problem is highlighted when shielded modular jacks are used, as shielded modular jacks become larger than unshielded modular jacks.

US Pat. No. 6,655,988 US Pat. No. 6,364,707 US Pat. No. 6,608,764 US Pat. No. 6,988,914 US Pat. No. 7,300,347 US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/246784

  At least one problem with known connector assemblies is that current networks require higher density connections. Furthermore, in order to satisfy the performance requirements, a shield disposed close to each other is required between adjacent plug housing chambers. Some shielded connector assemblies are known to be bulky with reduced density per predetermined length.

  Means for solving the problems are provided by a cassette comprising a shell having a plurality of shielded passages extending between the front and rear of the shell. A communication module is inserted into these shielded passages. The communication module has a front mating interface configured to mate with a corresponding first plug and a rear mating interface configured to mate with a corresponding second plug. The communication modules are inserted into corresponding shielded passages so that the communication modules are individually shielded from each other. Optionally, the shell may have an inner wall that extends between the front and rear and defines a shielded passage.

  In another embodiment, the cassette comprises a shell having a front portion and a rear portion. The shell is configured to be received within an opening in a grounded panel. The shell has a plurality of shielded passages extending between the front and rear. The shielded passage is separated from the adjacent shielded passage by the inner wall of the shell. The communication module is inserted into the shielded passage. The communication module has a front mating interface and a rear mating interface and is inserted into a corresponding shielded passage so that the communication modules are individually shielded from each other by the inner wall. A joining bar is connected to the shell. The joining bar is configured to be electrically connected to the grounded panel to form a ground path between the grounded panel and the shell.

  In yet another embodiment, the cable interconnect system includes a patch panel, the patch panel having an opening that selectively receives a first cassette or a second cassette therein. The first cassette has a shell, the shell having a plurality of shielded passages extending between a front portion and a rear portion thereof, and a communication module inserted into the shielded passages. The communication module has a front mating interface and a rear mating interface and is inserted into a corresponding shielded passage so that the communication modules are individually shielded from each other. The second cassette has a shell, the shell having a plurality of shielded passages extending between a front portion and a rear portion thereof, and a communication module inserted into the shielded passages. The communication module has a front fitting interface and a rear fitting interface, and at least one of the front fitting interface and the rear fitting interface of the communication module of the second cassette is a front fitting of the communication module of the first cassette. The combined interface and the rear mating interface are different. The communication modules of the second cassette are inserted into corresponding shielded passages so that the communication modules are individually shielded from one another.

It is the perspective view which looked at a part of cable interconnection system which incorporates the some cassette mounted in the panel from the front. It is a disassembled perspective view of the panel and cassette shown by FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at another panel for cable interconnection systems in the state where the cassette was mounted in the panel from the front. It is the perspective view which looked at the cassette shown by FIG. 1 from back. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at the cassette shown by FIG. 4 from back. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a contact subassembly of the cassette shown in FIG. 4. It is the perspective view which looked at the housing shown by FIG. 4 from the front. It is the perspective view which looked at the housing shown by FIG. 7 from back. It is the perspective view which looked at the cassette in assembly shown in FIG. 4 from back. It is the perspective view which carried out the partial side cross section of the cassette shown by FIG. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG. 4. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a cassette and the joining bar for cassettes. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at the cassette of the state by which the joining bar was mounted in the cassette from the downward direction. It is an expansion perspective view which shows a cassette and a part of joining bar | burr. FIG. 5 shows another housing for a cassette having a shield member and a joining bar electrically connected to the shield member. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing another cassette for the cable interconnection system shown in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing of the shell of the cassette shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing of the shell of the cassette shown by FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of another cassette for the cable interconnection system shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows the communication module for cassettes shown by FIG. It is a perspective view which shows another communication module for another cassette. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing yet another cassette for the cable interconnection system shown in FIG. 1.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a part of a cable interconnection system 10 showing a panel 12, a plurality of cassettes 20 mounted on the panel 12, and a modular plug 14, as viewed from the front. Cassette 20 has an array of receptacles 16 for receiving modular plugs 14.

  The cable interconnect system 10 is utilized to interconnect various devices, components, and devices with each other. FIG. 1 schematically shows a first device 60 connected to the cassette 20 via a cable 62. The modular plug 14 is attached to the end of the cable 62. FIG. 1 also shows a second device 64 connected to the cassette 20 via a cable 66. The cassette 20 interconnects the first device 60 and the second device 64. In an exemplary embodiment, the first device 60 may be a computer located remotely from the cassette 20. The second device 64 may be a network switch. The second device 64 may be disposed near the cassette 20 in the same equipment room or the like, or may be disposed away from the cassette 20. The cable interconnect system 10 may have a support structure 68 shown partially in FIG. 1 to support the panel 12 and the cassette 20. For example, the support structure 68 may be an equipment rack of a network system. The panel 12 may be a patch panel mounted on an equipment rack. In another embodiment, rather than a patch panel, the panel 12 supports one or both of the cassette 20 and one or both of an assembly of other connectors, such as an interface module, a stacked jack or other individual modular jack. It may be another type of network component used with the system. For example, the panel 12 may be a wall or other structural member of a part. Note that the cable interconnection system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is merely illustrative of typical systems and components for interconnecting communication cables that use modular jacks, modular plugs, or other types of connectors. I want to be. Optionally, the second device 64 may be mounted on the support structure 68.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the panel 12 and the cassette 20. The cassette 20 is mounted in the opening 22 of the panel 12. These openings 22 are partitioned by a peripheral wall 24. In an exemplary embodiment, the panel 12 has a plurality of openings 22 for receiving a plurality of cassettes 20. The panel 12 has a flat front surface 25, and the cassette 20 is mounted in contact with the front surface 25. The panel 12 has mounting tabs 26 on both sides of the panel 12 for mounting on a support structure 68 (see FIG. 1). For example, mounting tabs 26 may be provided on either side of panel 12 for mounting in a standard equipment rack or other cabinet system. Optionally, panel 12 and mounting tab 26 meet the 1U height requirement.

  The cassette 20 has a shell 28 that defines its outer periphery. In an exemplary embodiment, the shell 28 is a two-piece design having a housing 30 and a cover 32 that can be coupled to the housing 30. The housing 30 and cover 32 may have similar dimensions (eg, height and width) to be nested with each other to define a smooth outer surface. Further, the housing 30 and the cover 32 may have the same length so as to fit in the approximate center of the shell 28. Alternatively, the housing 30 may define substantially all of the shell 28 and the cover 32 may be substantially flat and coupled to one end of the housing 30. In other embodiments, the cover 32 may be omitted.

  The housing 30 has a front portion 34 and a rear portion 36. The cover 32 has a front part 38 and a rear part 40. The front portion 34 of the housing 30 defines the front portion of the cassette 20, and the rear portion 40 of the cover 32 defines the rear portion of the cassette 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 32 is coupled to the housing 30 such that the rear portion 36 of the housing 30 abuts the front portion 38 of the cover 32.

  The housing 30 has a plurality of plug receiving chambers 42 that open at the front 34 of the housing 30 to receive the modular plug 14 (see FIG. 1). The plug receiving chamber 42 defines a part of the receptacle 16. In one exemplary embodiment, the plug receiving chambers 42 are arranged in a stacked configuration in their first row 44 and second row 46. The plurality of plug accommodating chambers 42 are arranged in each of the first row 44 and the second row 46. In the illustrated embodiment, since six plug housing chambers 42 are arranged in each of the first row 44 and the second row 46, each cassette 20 is provided with a total of 12 plug housing chambers 42. Since four cassettes 20 are mounted on the panel 12, a total of 48 plug accommodating chambers 42 are provided. Such an arrangement provides 48 plug receiving chambers 42 for receiving 48 modular plugs 14 within panel 12 that meet the 1U height requirement. It should be clearly understood that the cassette 20 may have 11 or fewer or 13 or more plug receiving chambers 42 arranged in one or more rows. It should also be clearly understood that three or fewer or five or more cassettes 20 may be provided for mounting on the panel 12.

  The cassette 20 has a latch member 48 on one or more side surfaces of the cassette 20 in order to fix the cassette 20 to the panel 12. The latch member 48 may be held in close contact with the side of the cassette 20 to maintain a small form factor. In other embodiments, other implementation means may be utilized. The latch member 48 may be provided separately from one or both of the housing 30 and the cover 32. Alternatively, the latch member 48 may be formed integrally with one or both of the housing 30 and the cover 32.

  During assembly, the cassette 20 is inserted into the opening 22 of the panel 12 from the front of the panel 12 as in the insertion direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. The outer periphery of the cassette 20 may be substantially the same as the size and shape of the peripheral wall 24 that defines the opening 22 so that the cassette 20 fits snugly within the opening 22. The latch member 48 is used to fix the cassette 20 to the panel 12. In one exemplary embodiment, the cassette 20 has a front flange 50 at the front 34 of the housing 30. The front flange 50 has a rear engagement surface 52 that engages the front surface 25 of the panel 12 when the cassette 20 is inserted into the opening 22. The latch member 48 has a panel engaging surface 54 facing forward, and the panel engaging surface 54 engages with the rear portion 54 of the panel when the cassette 20 is inserted into the opening 22. The panel 12 is captured between the rear engagement surface 52 of the front flange 50 and the panel engagement surface 54 of the latch member 48.

  FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of another panel 58 for the cable interconnection system 10 with the cassette 20 mounted. The panel 58 has a V-shaped configuration so that the cassette 20 is inclined in different directions. In other embodiments, other panel configurations are possible. The cassette 20 may be mounted on the panel 58 in the same manner as the cassette 20 is mounted on the panel 12 (see FIG. 1). Panel 58 may meet 1U height requirements.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one cassette 20 showing the plurality of rear fitting connectors 70 as seen from the rear. The rear mating connector 70 is configured to mate with a cable assembly having a mating cable connector that connects the cable assembly to other devices or parts of the cable interconnect system 10 (see FIG. 1). For example, a cable connector may be provided at the end of a cable that is connected to network switching or other network components behind the panel 12. Optionally, a portion of the rear mating connector 70 may pass through the opening 72 in the rear portion 40 of the cover 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear mating connector 70 is represented by a board-mounted MRJ-21 connector. However, it should be clearly understood that other types of connectors may be used rather than MRJ-21 type connectors. For example, in another embodiment, the rear mating connector 70 is another type of copper-based modular connector, fiber optic connector, or other type of connector such as an eSATA connector, HDMI connector, USB connector, FireWire connector, etc. Also good.

  As will be described in detail below, the rear mating connector 70 is a high density connector. That is, each rear mating connector 70 includes two or more receptacles to enable communication between the plurality of modular plugs 14 (see FIG. 1) and the cable connector that mates with the rear mating connector 70. 16 (see FIG. 1). The rear mating connector 70 is electrically connected to two or more receptacles 16 to reduce the number of cable assemblies that connect to the rear of the cassette 20. It should be clearly understood that in other embodiments, one or more rear mating connectors 70 may be provided.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cassette 20 as seen from the rear, showing a state where the cover 32 is removed from the housing 30. The cassette 20 has a communication module represented by a contact subassembly 100 inserted into the housing 30. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing 30 has a rear chamber 102 in the rear portion 36. Contact subassembly 100 is at least partially received in rear chamber 102. The contact subassembly 100 includes a circuit board 104 and one or more electrical connectors 106 mounted on the circuit board 104. In an exemplary embodiment, electrical connector 106 is a card edge connector. The electrical connector 106 has at least one opening 108 and one or more contacts 110 in the opening 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 108 is an elongated slot, and a plurality of contacts 110 are arranged in the slot. The contact 110 may be provided on one side or both sides of the slot. Contact 110 may be electrically connected to circuit board 104.

  The cassette 20 has an interface connector assembly 120, and the interface connector assembly 120 has a rear mating connector 70. Interface connector assembly 120 is configured to mate with electrical connector 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the interface connector assembly 120 has a circuit board 122. The rear fitting connector 70 is mounted on one side surface 124 of the circuit board 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board 122 has a plurality of edge contacts 126 along one edge 128 thereof. Edge contact 126 may mate with contact 110 of contact subassembly 100 by inserting edge 128 of circuit board 122 into opening 108 of electrical connector 106. The edge contact 126 is electrically connected to the rear mating connector 70 via the circuit board 122. For example, a pattern for interconnecting the edge contact 126 to the rear mating connector 70 may be provided on the surface or inside of the circuit board 122. The edge contact 126 may be provided on one or more sides of the circuit board 122. The edge contact 126 may be a contact pad formed on the circuit board 122. Alternatively, the edge contact 126 may extend from at least one of the surface of the circuit board 122 and the edge 128. In another embodiment, interface connector assembly 120 uses an electrical connector at or near edge 128 rather than using edge contact 126 to mate with electrical connector 106 of contact subassembly 100. You may have.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the contact subassembly 100 of the cassette 20 (see FIG. 4). The circuit board 104 of the contact subassembly 100 has a front side 140 and a rear side 142. The electrical connector 106 is mounted on the rear side 142. A plurality of contacts 144 extend from the front side 140 of the circuit board 104. The contact 144 is electrically connected to the circuit board 104 and is electrically connected to the electrical connector 106 via the circuit board 104.

  Contacts 144 are arranged in contact sets 146 with each contact set 146 defining a portion of a different receptacle 16 (see FIG. 1). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, eight contacts 144 are configured as a contact array that defines each of the contact sets 146. The contacts 144 may constitute a contact arrangement configured to mate with plug contacts of an RJ-45 modular plug. The contacts 144 may have different configurations for mating with different types of plugs in other embodiments. In other embodiments, seven or fewer or nine or more contacts 144 may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, six contact sets 146 are arranged in each of the two rows of the stacked configuration, so a total of twelve contact sets 146 are provided for the contact subassembly 100. Optionally, contact sets 146 may be substantially aligned with each other within each row, or may be aligned above or below another contact set 146. For example, the upper contact set 146 may be disposed relatively close to the upper surface 148 of the circuit board 104 as compared to the lower contact set 146 disposed relatively close to the lower surface 150 of the circuit board 104.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the contact subassembly 100 has a plurality of contact supports 152 that extend from the front side 140 of the circuit board 104. The contact support 152 is disposed in proximity to each contact set 146. Optionally, each contact support 152 supports a contact 144 of a different contact set 146. In the illustrated embodiment, two rows of contact supports 152 are provided. A gap 154 separates the contact support 152. Optionally, the gap 154 may be located approximately in the center between the upper surface 148 and the lower surface 150 of the circuit board 104.

  During assembly, the contact subassembly 100 is inserted into the housing 30 (see FIG. 2) such that the contact set 146 and contact support 152 are inserted into the corresponding plug receiving chambers 42 (see FIG. 2). The In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of the housing 30 extends between adjacent contact supports 152 in a row, and a portion of the housing 30 extends within a gap 154 between the contact supports 152.

  7 and 8 are a perspective view of the housing 30 of the cassette 20 (see FIG. 1) as seen from the front and a perspective view as seen from the rear, respectively. The housing 30 has a plurality of internal walls 160 extending between the plug receiving chambers 42 adjacent to each other. The wall 160 may extend at least partially between the front portion 34 and the rear portion 36 of the housing 30. The wall 160 has a front surface 162 (see FIG. 7) and a rear surface 164 (see FIG. 8). Optionally, the front surface 162 may be located on or near the front surface 34 of the housing 30. The rear surface 164 may be spaced apart from the rear portion 36 of the housing 30 or may be recessed from the rear portion 36. The housing 30 has a protrusion 166 represented by a single wall 160 extending between the first row 44 and the second row 46 of the plug housing chamber 42. Optionally, the inner wall 160 may be formed integrally with the housing 30.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 30 has a rear chamber 102 (see FIG. 8) in the rear portion 36. The rear chamber 102 is open to each plug housing chamber 42. Optionally, the rear chamber 102 extends from the rear portion 36 of the housing 30 to the rear surface 164 of the wall 160. The rear chamber 102 is open at the rear portion 36 of the housing 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear chamber 102 is substantially box-shaped. However, the rear chamber 102 may have other shapes depending on the particular application and the size and shape of the components that fill the rear chamber 102.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing chamber 42 is separated from the adjacent plug housing chamber 42 by a shield member 172. The shield member 172 may be defined by one or both of the inner wall 160 and the outer wall 174 of the housing 30. For example, the housing 30 may be made of a metallic material having one or both of an inner wall 160 and an outer wall 174 made of a metallic material. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 30 is die cast using a metal or alloy, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. When the entire housing 30 is made of metal, the housing 30 including a part of the housing 30 between the plug accommodating chambers 42 (for example, the inner wall 160) and a portion of the housing 30 that covers the plug accommodating chamber 42 (for example, the outer wall 174) is It functions to provide a shield around the plug housing chamber 42. In such an embodiment, the housing 30 itself defines a shield member 172. The plug accommodating chamber 42 may be completely surrounded by the shield member 172 (for example, the entire circumference is surrounded).

  Since the contact sets 146 (see FIG. 6) are arranged in different plug accommodating chambers 42, the shield member 172 shields the contact sets 146 adjacent to each other. For this reason, the shield member 172 separates the contact sets 146 adjacent to each other so as to enhance the electrical performance of the contact sets 146 received in the plug accommodating chambers 42. By arranging the shield member 172 between the plug accommodating chambers 42 adjacent to each other, good shielding effectiveness is provided to the cable interconnection system 10 (see FIG. 1). Good shielding effectiveness can enhance electrical performance in systems that use components that do not shield between adjacent plug chambers 42. For example, placing shield member 172 between adjacent plug containment chambers 42 in a given row 44, 46 enhances the electrical performance of contact set 146. In addition, disposing the shield member 172 between the rows 44 and 46 of the plug housing chamber 42 can enhance the electrical performance of the contact set 146. The shield member 172 can reduce heterogeneous crosstalk between adjacent contact sets 146 in a particular cassette 20, or a heterogeneous cross with contact sets 146 of different cassettes 20 or with other electrical components proximate to the cassettes 20. Talk can be reduced. Also, the shield member can enhance the electrical performance of the cassette 20 by other methods such as providing an EMI shield or acting on coupling attenuation.

  In another embodiment, the housing 30 may be made at least partially of a dielectric material rather than being made of a metallic material. Optionally, the housing 30 may be selectively formed with a metal layer together with a portion where the metal layer defining the shield member 172 is formed. For example, at least a part of the housing 30 between the plug accommodating chambers 42 may be formed with a metal layer so as to define a shield member 172 between the plug accommodating chambers 42. A metal layer may be formed on one or both of the inner wall 160 portion and the outer wall 174 portion. The surface on which the metal layer is formed defines a shield member 172. Thus, the shield member 172 is provided on one or both of the inner wall 160 and the outer wall 174. Alternatively, the shield member 172 may be formed by different methods such as plating a separate shield member 172 or coupling a separate shield member 172 to one or both of the internal wall 160 and the external wall 174. It may be provided on one or both of the walls 174. The shield members 172 are arranged along a plane that defines the plug housing chamber 42 such that at least some of the shield members 172 engage the modular plug 14 when the modular plug 14 is inserted into the plug housing chamber 42. May be. In other embodiments, one or both of the inner wall 160 and the outer wall 174 are replaced with a metal filler material provided on or inside one or both of the inner wall 160 and the outer wall 174, or the inner wall 160 and the outer wall 174. It may be formed at least partially by a metal fiber provided on the inside or on the surface of one or both.

  In another embodiment, the shield member 172 may be provided inside the wall of the housing 30 instead of or in addition to providing the shield member 172 on the wall of the housing 30. For example, one or both of the inner wall 160 and the outer wall 174 may have an opening 176 that opens to one or both of the rear portion 36 and the front portion 34 so that the shield member 172 can be inserted into the opening 176. The shield member 172 may be a separate metal part inserted into the opening 176 such as a plate. The opening 176 and the shield member 172 are disposed between the plug accommodating chambers 42 in order to shield the contact sets 146 adjacent to each other.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the partially assembled cassette 20 as viewed from the rear. During assembly, the contact subassembly 100 is inserted through the rear portion 36 into the rear chamber 102 of the housing 30. Optionally, the circuit board 104 may substantially fill the back chamber 102. The contact subassembly 100 is inserted into the rear chamber 102 so that the electrical connector 106 faces the rear portion 36 of the housing 30. The electrical connector 106 may be at least partially received in the rear chamber 102, and at least a portion of the electrical connector 106 may extend beyond the rear portion 36 from the rear chamber 102.

  During assembly, interface connector assembly 120 mates with electrical connector 106. Optionally, interface connector assembly 120 may mate with electrical connector 106 after contact subassembly 100 is inserted into housing 30. Alternatively, both the contact subassembly 100 and the interface connector assembly 120 may be inserted into the housing 30 as a unit. Optionally, some or all of the interface connector assembly 120 may be located behind the housing 30.

  Cover 32 is coupled to housing 30 after contact subassembly 100 and interface connector assembly 120 are positioned relative to housing 30. Cover 32 is coupled to housing 30 such that cover 32 surrounds one or both of interface connector assembly 120 and contact subassembly 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 32 and the housing 30 cooperate to form an interior chamber 170 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) when coupled together. The rear chamber 102 of the housing 30 defines a portion of the interior chamber 170, and the hollow interior of the cover 32 defines a portion of the interior chamber 170. The interface connector assembly 120 and the contact subassembly 100 are received in the internal chamber 170 and are protected from the external environment by the cover 32 and the housing 30. Optionally, the cover 32 and the housing 30 may be shielded for components housed within the interior chamber 170. The rear mating connector 70 may penetrate the cover 32 when the cover 32 is coupled to the housing 30. As such, the rear mating connector 70 may extend at least partially from the inner chamber 170.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view in which the cassette 20 is partially cross-sectionally cut. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette 20. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the contact subassembly 100 and interface connector assembly 120 disposed within the interior chamber 170 with the cover 32 coupled to the housing 30. The contact subassembly 100 is inserted into the rear chamber 102 such that the front side 140 of the circuit board 104 faces the rear surface 164 of the wall 160 or abuts against the rear surface 164. Optionally, the front side 140 abuts the structure of the housing 30, such as the rear surface 164 of the wall 160, or a rib or tab extending from the housing 30 to place the contact subassembly 100 within the housing 30. Also good. When the contact subassembly 100 is inserted into the rear chamber 102, the contact 144 and the contact support portion 152 are inserted into the corresponding plug accommodating chamber 42.

  During assembly, the plug housing chamber 42 and the contact set 146 cooperate to define a receptacle 16 for mating with the modular plug 14 (see FIG. 1). The wall 160 of the housing 30 defines the wall of the receptacle 16 and the modular plug 14 engages the wall 160 when inserted into the plug receiving chamber 42. The contact 144 appears in the plug receiving chamber 42 to mate with the plug contact of the modular plug 14. In an exemplary embodiment, when the contact subassembly 100 is inserted into the housing 30, the contact support 152 is exposed in the plug receiving chamber 42 and has a box-shaped storage that defines the plug receiving chamber 42. Define one side of the chamber.

  Each contact 144 extends substantially between the tip 180 and the base 182 along a contact plane 184 (see FIG. 11). A portion of the contact 144 between the tip 180 and the base 182 defines a mating interface 185. Contact plane 184 extends substantially along plug axis 178 and extends parallel to the modular plug insertion direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. Optionally, the tip 180 may be inclined with respect to the contact plane 184 so that the tip 180 does not interfere with the modular plug 14 during insertion of the modular plug 14 into the plug receiving chamber 42. The tip 180 may be inclined toward the contact support 152, engaged with the contact support 152, or both. Optionally, the base 182 may be inclined with respect to the contact plane 184 such that the base 182 is connected to the circuit board 104 at a predetermined location. Contacts 144 including tip 180 and base 182 may be oriented with respect to each other to control electrical properties between contacts 144, such as crosstalk. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the tips 180 in the contact set 146 are generally aligned with one another. Bases 182 of adjacent contacts 144 may extend in the same direction or in different directions. For example, at least some of the bases 182 extend toward the upper surface 148 of the circuit board 104, while some of the bases 182 extend toward the lower surface 150 of the circuit board 104.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board 104 is substantially orthogonal to the contact plane 184 and the plug axis 178. The upper surface 148 of the circuit board 104 is disposed near the upper side 186 of the housing 30, while the lower surface 150 of the circuit board 104 is disposed on the lower side 188 of the housing 30. The circuit board 104 is disposed substantially behind the contact 144, such as between the contact 144 and the rear portion 36 of the housing 30. The circuit board 104 substantially covers the rear portion of each plug housing chamber 42 when the contact subassembly 100 is inserted into the rear chamber 102. In one exemplary embodiment, the circuit board 104 is positioned approximately equidistant from the mating interface 185 of each contact 144. Thus, the contact length between the fitting interface 185 and the circuit board 104 is substantially the same for each contact 144. Thus, each contact 144 can exhibit similar electrical characteristics. Optionally, the contact length may be selected such that the distance between the mating interface 185 and the circuit board 104 is reasonably short. Further, the contact length of the contact 144 in the upper row 44 (see FIG. 2) of the plug housing chamber 42 is substantially the same as the contact length of the contact 144 in the lower row 46 (see FIG. 2) of the plug housing chamber 42.

  The electrical connector 106 is provided on the rear side 142 of the circuit board 104. The electrical connector 106 is electrically connected to the contacts 144 of one or more contact sets 146. Interface connector assembly 120 mates with electrical connector 106. For example, the circuit board 122 of the interface connector assembly 120 is inserted into the opening 108 of the electrical connector 106. The rear mating connector 70 mounted on the circuit board 122 is electrically connected to the predetermined contact 144 of the contact set 146 via the circuit board 122, the electrical connector 106, and the circuit board 104. Other configurations for interconnecting the rear mating connector 70 to the contacts 44 of the receptacle 16 are possible.

  FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the cassette 20 showing the cassette 20 and a bond bar 300 for the cassette 20. The joining bar 300 has a substantially flat main body 302 and a plurality of flexible beams 304 extending from the main body 302. The joining bar 300 is made of metal and is conductive. The joining bar 300 has tabs 306 extending from both ends of the main body 302. The tab 306 is used to couple the joining bar 300 to the housing 30 of the cassette 20. In one exemplary embodiment, the tab 306 has a slot 308 that latches into a rib 310 that extends outwardly from the housing 30. The rib 310 is received in the slot 308 by press fitting or the like. In other embodiments, other securing means or components may be provided to secure the joining bar 300 to the housing 30.

  The bonding bar 300 has a cassette bonding surface 312 on one side of the main body 302 and a panel bonding surface 314 on the opposite side of the main body 302. The cassette joint surface 312 faces inward, such as a direction substantially facing the housing 30. The cassette joint surface 312 is configured to engage and electrically connect to the cassette 30. Optionally, cassette interface 312 engages housing 30. The panel joint surface 314 faces outward such as a direction away from the housing 30. Panel interface 314 may be defined by one or both of flexible beam 304 and body 302. The panel joint surface 314 is configured to engage and electrically connect to the panel 12 (see FIG. 1). The joining bar 300 forms a conductive path between the panel 12 and the cassette 20.

  FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the cassette 20 with the joining bar 300 mounted as viewed from below. The cassette joint surface 312 is engaged with the housing 30. The flexible beam 304 is formed in a cantilever shape from the main body 302 in a direction substantially away from the housing 30. The flexible beam 304 extends from the fixed end 316 to the free end 318. In one exemplary embodiment, the flexible beam 304 extends outward from the body 302 at a fixed end 316. The free end 318 curves in a direction returning toward the main body 302. Thus, the flexible beam 304 has a crest 320 at a point along the flexible beam 304. The top 320 may be located proximate to the free end 318 or at the free end 318.

  The flexible beam 304 may be biased substantially inward when the cassette 20 is mounted and mounted in the panel 12. For example, the flexible beam 304 engages the panel 12 during insertion of the cassette 20 into the panel opening 22. The flexible beam 304 may define a spring-like member so as to apply a normal force to the panel 12 when the cassette 20 is mounted on the panel 12. Panel 12 biases flexible beam 304 to be flat. Since the flexible beam 304 has elasticity, it is biased against the peripheral wall 24 of the opening 22. For this reason, the flexible beam 304 maintains contact with the panel 12. Optionally, the panel 12 may additionally engage the body 302 of the joining bar 300.

  Since cassette 20, junction bar 300 and panel 12 are conductive metals, junction bar 300 provides a coupling path or interface between panel 12 and cassette 20. The coupling path electrically connects the parts. Optionally, when one of the components (eg, panel 12) is grounded (eg, electrically grounded), the coupling path forms a ground path between the components. The joint bar 300 uses a flexible beam 304 to form a secure mechanical and electrical connection between the panel 12 and the cassette 20. In an exemplary embodiment, when the shield member 172 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) is used between the plug receiving chambers 42 (see FIGS. 7 and 8), the joining bar 300 is similar to the shield member 172 being the joining bar 300. The shield member 172 may be electrically connected so as to be electrically connected. Thus, when the joining bar 300 is electrically grounded, the shield member 172 is similarly electrically grounded. The shield member 172 may be electrically connected to the joining bar 300 via the housing 30 when the housing 30 is a metal or when a metal layer is formed on the housing 30. Alternatively, the shield member 172 may be directly electrically connected to the joining bar 300 by direct engagement or the like. Junction bar 300 is an example of a conductive structural member used to form a coupling surface and interconnect cassette 20 to panel 12 to form a coupling path and grounded path between cassette 20 and panel 12. I want you to clearly understand that this is not the case. Junction bar 300 or its equivalent may have many different shapes, dimensions and configurations that interconnect cassette 20 and panel 12.

  FIG. 14 is an enlarged view showing a part of the cassette 20 and the joining bar 300 indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 14, the housing 30 has a slot 330 for receiving a part of the joining bar 300. For example, the leading edge of the joining bar 300 may be received in the slot 330. The slot 330 may assist in fixing the joining bar 300 to the housing 30. For example, the slot 330 may cooperate with the rib 310 to secure the joining bar 300 to the housing 30. The housing 30 has a notch 332. These notches 332 may open to the slots 330. The notch 332 is configured to align with and receive the flexible beam 304. The notch 332 may form a space for accommodating the flexible beam 304 when flattened by the panel 12 (see FIG. 13).

  FIG. 15 shows another housing 340 having shield members 342 and a joining bar 344 electrically connected to the shield members 342. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 340 is a dielectric housing made of a non-conductive material such as a plastic material. The housing 340 has an opening 346 that receives the shield member 342.

  The shield member 342 is a plurality of plates configured to be disposed between plug housing chambers 348 adjacent to each other in the housing 340. Optionally, each shield member 342 may be integrally formed with each other as part of a unitary structure that is inserted into opening 346. Alternatively, the shield members 342 may be separate from each other and may be inserted into the opening 346 separately. Separate shield members 342 may be electrically connected to each other. The shield member 342 contacts the joining bar 344 and electrically connects the joining bar 344 to the shield member 342. Optionally, the joining bar 344 may have a flexible finger 350 that engages the shield member 342 and maintains contact with the shield member 342.

  FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing another cassette 420 for the cable interconnection system 10 shown in FIG. Cassette 420 is similar to cassette 20 (see FIG. 1) in some respects, but has a rear mating interface 422 that is different from cassette 20. The front mating interface 424 of the cassette 420 is similar to the front mating interface of the cassette 20. Cassette 420 may be used in place of cassette 20. For example, the cassette 420 has the same dimensions as the cassette 20 so that it can be inserted into the panel 12 (see FIG. 1). The joining bar 300 (see FIG. 12) may be coupled to the cassette 420. As described above, the joining bar 300 may be provided between the cassette 420 and the panel 12 to provide a joining path between the panel 12 and the cassette 420.

  The cassette 420 has a shell 428 that defines its outer periphery. In an exemplary embodiment, the shell 428 is a two-part design having a housing 430 and a cover 432 that can be coupled to the housing 430. Housing 430 and cover 432 may have similar dimensions (eg, height and width) that are nested together to form a smooth outer surface.

  The shell 428 has a front portion 434 and a rear portion 436, the housing 430 is located at the front portion 434, and the cover 432 is located at the rear portion 436. The front mating interface 424 includes a plurality of plug housing chambers 442 formed in the housing 430 for receiving plugs such as the structure of the housing 430, the modular plug 14 (see FIG. 1), and a shell for mating with the plug. Defined by a communication module 444 disposed within 428. Plug receiving chamber 442 defines a receptacle for receiving a plug. The communication module 444 is configured to be directly electrically connected to the plug when the plug is inserted into the plug housing chamber 442. The communication module 444 transmits a signal through the cassette 420. Plug containment chamber 442 and communication module 444 cooperate to define a specific mating interface configured to receive a type of plug. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug receiving chamber 442 and the communication module 444 are configured to receive an 8-pole 8-contact (8P8C) type plug, such as an RJ-45 plug, or another copper-based modular plug type connector. Yes. Alternatively, the plug receiving chamber 442 and the communication module 444 may be configured to receive different types of plugs, such as optical fiber type plugs. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug receiving chambers 442 are arranged in a stacked configuration in a first row and a second row. The plurality of plug accommodating chambers 442 are arranged in each of the first row and the second row.

  The rear mating interface 422 is used for mating with a plurality of plug housing chambers 446 formed in the cover 432 for receiving plugs such as the structure of the cover 432 and the modular plug 14 (see FIG. 1). Defined by communication module 444 disposed within shell 428. Plug receiving chamber 446 defines a receptacle for receiving a plug. The communication module 444 is inserted into the plug housing chamber 446 from the inside of the cassette 420. The communication module 444 is configured to be directly electrically connected to the plug when the plug is inserted into the plug housing chamber 446. Plug containment chamber 446 and communication module 444 cooperate to define a specific mating interface configured to receive a type of plug. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug housing chamber 446 and the communication module 444 are set to the same size and shape as the plug housing chamber 442 so that the plug housing chambers 442 and 446 receive the same type of plug.

  The cassette 420 has a latch member 448 on one or more sides of the cassette 420 in order to fix the cassette 420 to the panel 12. The latch member 448 may be held tightly on both sides of the cassette 420 to maintain a smaller form factor. In other embodiments, different mounting means may be used. The latch member 448 may be provided separately from one or both of the housing 430 and the cover 432. Alternatively, the latch member 448 may be integrally formed with one or both of the housing 430 and the cover 432. Latch member 448 may additionally be used to couple housing 430 and cover 432 together.

  The housing 430 has a plurality of inner walls 450 extending between the plug receiving chambers 442 adjacent to each other. The inner wall 450 defines a shield member between adjacent plug receiving chambers 442. These shield members shield between the communication modules 444 received in the corresponding plug accommodating chambers 442. The inner wall 450 defines a plug receiving chamber 442. Inner wall 450 may extend at least partially between the front and rear of housing 430. Several internal walls 450 extend vertically between adjacent plug receiving chambers 442 in the same row. Some internal walls 450 extend horizontally between adjacent rows of plug receiving chambers 442 in different rows. Optionally, the inner wall 450 may be integrally formed with the housing 430.

  The cover 432 has a plurality of inner walls 452 extending between the plug accommodating chambers 446 adjacent to each other. Inner wall 452 defines a shield member between adjacent plug receiving chambers 446. These shield members shield between the communication modules 444 received in the corresponding plug accommodating chambers 446. Inner wall 452 defines a plug receiving chamber 446. The inner wall 452 may extend at least partially between the front and rear portions of the cover 432. Several internal walls 452 extend vertically between adjacent plug receiving chambers 446 in the same row. Some internal walls 452 extend horizontally between adjacent rows of plug receiving chambers 446 in different rows. Optionally, the inner wall 452 may be integrally formed with the cover 432.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 430 and cover 432 are made from a metallic material. The inner walls 450 and 452 are also made of a metal material. Optionally, the housing 430 may be die cast using a metal or alloy such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Since the entire housing 430 is metal, the housing 430 including a portion between the plug receiving chambers 442 of the housing 430 (for example, the inner wall 450) and a portion covering the plug receiving chamber 442 of the housing 430 (for example, the outer wall 454) It functions to shield the periphery of the plug housing chamber 442. The plug housing chamber 442 may be completely surrounded by the shielding member (for example, the inner wall 450 and the outer wall 454) of the housing 430 (the entire circumference may be surrounded). Similarly, the cover 432 may be cast by die casting. Since the entire cover 432 is metal, the cover 432 including a portion between the plug accommodating chambers 446 of the cover 432 (for example, the inner wall 452) and a portion covering the plug accommodating chamber 446 of the cover 432 (for example, the outer wall 456) It functions to shield the periphery of the plug housing chamber 446. The plug housing chamber 446 may be completely surrounded by the shield member (for example, the inner wall 452 and the outer wall 456) of the cover 432 (the entire circumference may be surrounded).

  During assembly, the plug receiving chambers 442 and 446 of the housing 430 and cover 432 cooperate to define a shielded passage 460 (see FIGS. 17 and 18), respectively. Communication module 444 is received in shielded passage 460. A shielded passage 460 extends between the front 434 and rear 436 of the shell 428. Inner walls 450, 452 cooperate to define a shielded passage 460 that is aligned with each other. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner walls 450, 452 abut each other such that the inner walls that define the shielded passage 460 are continuous between the front portion 434 and the rear portion 436. In this manner, the passage 460 is shielded along the entire length of the passage 460 between the front portion 434 and the rear portion 436.

  Since each communication module 444 is disposed in a different shielded path, the shell 428 provides electromagnetic shielding between adjacent communication modules 444. Therefore, the shell 428 electrically isolates the communication modules 444 adjacent to each other, and improves the electrical performance of the communication module 444 received in each shielded passage 460. By providing a shield member between shielded passages 460 adjacent to each other, the cassette 420 can be provided with a good shielding effect, and the electrical performance of the entire system using components that do not shield the interior can be improved. For example, the electrical performance of the communication module 444 is improved by providing a shield member between the shielded passages 460 adjacent to each other in a predetermined row. Furthermore, the electrical performance of the communication module 444 can be improved by providing a shield member between the rows of the shielded passages 460. The inner walls 450, 452 can reduce crosstalk between adjacent communication modules 444 in a particular cassette 420. One or both of the inner walls 450, 452 and the outer walls 454, 456 can reduce crosstalk with the communication module 444 of different cassettes 420 or other electrical components near the cassettes 420. The shield component may also improve the electrical performance of the cassette 420 in other ways, such as providing an EMI shield or acting on coupling attenuation.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 430 and cover 432 may be made at least partially from a dielectric material, rather than being made from a metallic material. Optionally, a metal layer may be selectively formed on the housing 430 and the cover 432, and the metal layer portion may form a shield member. For example, at least a portion of the walls defining the passages 460 may be formed with a metal layer to form a shield member between the passages 460. The surface on which the metal layer is formed forms a shield member. Alternatively, the shield members may be differently coupled by plating or by combining separate shield members with one or both of the inner walls 450, 452 and the outer walls 454, 456. You may provide in one or both of these. In other embodiments, one or both of the inner walls 450, 452 and the outer walls 454, 456 may be formed at least in part by a metal filler material or metal fiber provided therein or on the surface thereof.

  FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of the shell 428 of the cassette 420. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the shell 428 of the cassette 420. Communication module 444 (see FIG. 16) has been removed for clarity. 17 and 18 show the inner walls 450, 452 and outer walls 454, 456 that define the shielded passageway 460. FIG.

  Each internal wall 450 of the housing 430 extends between the front portion 470 and the rear portion 472. Each outer wall 454 of the housing 430 extends between a front portion 474 and a rear portion 476. The front portions 470 and 474 are substantially aligned with each other at the front portion 434 of the shell 428. The rear portion 476 of the outer wall 454 extends further rearward than the rear portion 472 of the inner wall 450. Also, the rear portions 472, 476 may be substantially aligned with one another.

  Each inner wall 452 of the cover 432 extends between the front portion 480 and the rear portion 482. Each outer wall 456 of the cover 432 extends between a front portion 484 and a rear portion 486. The front portions 480 and 484 are substantially aligned with each other at the rear portion 436 of the shell 428. The rear portion 486 of the outer wall 456 extends further rearward than the rear portion 482 of the inner wall 450. Also, the rear portions 482, 486 may be substantially aligned with one another.

  During assembly, the front portions 480, 484 of the cover 432 are coupled to the rear portions 472, 476 of the housing 430. Optionally, the front portions 480, 484 are such that the inner walls 450, 452 are substantially continuous between the front portion 434 and the rear portion 436 of the shell 428 and the outer walls 454, 456 are between the front portion 434 and the rear portion 436. You may contact | abut to the rear parts 472 and 476 so that it may continue substantially. In this manner, shielded passage 460 is shielded along the entire length of passage 460 along passage axis 488 of passage 460. Inner walls 450, 452 and outer walls 454, 456 surround the entire circumference of passage 460 along the length of passage 460. For example, the inner walls 450 and 452 and the outer walls 454 and 456 surround the entire circumference of the passage 460 radially outward from the passage shaft 488. As described above, the passage 460 opens at the front 434 and the rear 436 to define plug receiving chambers 442, 446 for receiving plugs. FIG. 18 shows the joining bar 300 mounted outside the shell 428.

  FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of another cassette 620 for the cable interconnection system 10 (see FIG. 1). Cassette 620 is similar in some respects to cassette 420 (see FIG. 16), but has a different rear mating interface 622. Cassette 620 may be used instead of cassette 420. For example, the cassette 620 has the same dimensions as the cassette 420 so that it can be inserted into the panel 12 (see FIG. 1). The joining bar 300 may be coupled to the cassette 620. As described above, the joining bar 300 may be provided between the cassette 620 and the panel 12 to provide a joining path between the panel 12 and the cassette 620.

  Cassette 620 has a front mating interface 624 that is similar to the front mating interface 424 of cassette 420. Cassette 620 has a plurality of shielded passages 626 extending between rear mating interface 622 and front mating interface 624. The shielded passage 626 defines a plug receiving chamber 628 of the cassette 620 that receives the corresponding plug. The shielded passage 626 may be sized and shaped similar to the shielded passage 460 (see FIGS. 17 and 18). The communication module 630 is received in the shielded passage 626 for mating with the plug when the plug is inserted into the plug receiving chamber 628. The communication module 630 is illustrated in FIG.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the plug housing chamber 628 in the communication module 630 and the rear mating interface 622 is represented by a four-type mating interface configured to receive four types of plug connectors. Each communication module 630 has a contact 632. These contacts 632 are arranged in pairs in different quarter sections of the plug housing chamber 628. Wall portion 634 divides plug receiving chamber 628 into quarters, with each quarter section receiving a pair of contacts 632. Optionally, the wall portion 634 may shield quarter sections adjacent to each other. Cassette 620 has an inner wall 636 that defines a shielded passage 626 and a plug receiving chamber 628. Optionally, the wall portion 634 may be integrally formed with the inner wall 636. Alternatively, the wall portion 634 may be separate from the inner wall 636 and coupled to the inner wall 636.

  FIG. 20 shows a contact subassembly represented by the communication module 630. The communication module 630 includes a circuit board 640, a contact support portion 642, and a plurality of contacts 644 arranged as a contact set. The contact support portion 642 and the contact 644 extend from the front side of the circuit board 640. Contact support 642 and contact 644 define a mating interface similar to the mating interface of cassette 420 (see FIG. 16). For example, the contact support portion 642 and the contact 644 are configured to contact an RJ-45 type plug.

  The communication module 630 includes a plurality of support towers 646 that are mounted on the rear side of the circuit board 640 and extend from the rear side of the circuit board 640. Support tower 646 holds contacts 632. Each contact 632 is electrically connected to a corresponding one contact 644 via a circuit board 640. The arrangement of the contacts 632 is different from that of the contacts 644. For example, the contacts 644 are arranged in one row, while the contacts 632 are arranged in pairs in a quarter section. A communication module 630 including a circuit board 640 is received in a corresponding shielded passage 626 (see FIG. 19). The communication module 630 is separated from other communication modules 630 by a shielded passage 626. For example, the inner wall 636 (see FIG. 19) separates adjacent communication modules 630 from each other.

  FIG. 21 shows another communication module 660 for use with another cassette (not shown). The communication module 660 has a front part 662 and a rear part 664. When the communication module 660 is arranged in the cassette, the front portion 662 forms the front mating interface of the cassette and the rear portion 664 forms the rear mating interface of the cassette.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the communication module 660 forms part of a mating interface similar to the rear mating interface 622 (see FIG. 19) of the cassette 620 (see FIG. 19). For example, the communication module 660 is configured to mate with four types of plug connectors. The four communication modules 660 are arranged in a group for mating with a single four-type plug connector. A shield may be provided between the communication modules 660. For example, a shielded wall portion similar to shielded wall portion 634 (see FIG. 19) may divide one shielded passage of the cassette into quarters. The shielded wall portion may extend between the front and back of the cassette along the entire length of the shielded passage. The wall portion shields between the communication modules 660 adjacent to each other, while the shielded passage shields the set of four communication modules 660 from the adjacent sets of communication modules 660.

  The communication module 660 has a pair of contacts 665 held by the body 668. Contact 665 extends between front portion 662 and rear portion 664. Each contact 665 has an integral body between the front 662 and the rear 664. Alternatively, a front contact and a rear contact may be provided and coupled to each other, or may be coupled via a circuit board therebetween.

  FIG. 22 is an exploded view showing yet another cassette 720 for the cable interconnection system 10 (see FIG. 1). The cassette 720 has a rear mating interface 722 and a front mating interface 724 that are similar in some respects to the cassette 420 (see FIG. 16), but different from the cassette 420. Cassette 720 may be used instead of cassette 420. For example, the cassette 720 has the same dimensions as the cassette 420 so that it can be inserted into the panel 12 (see FIG. 1). The joining bar 300 may be coupled to the cassette 720. As described above, the joining bar 300 may be provided between the cassette 720 and the panel 12 to provide a joining path between the panel 12 and the cassette 720.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 720 has optical fiber type mating interfaces at the rear mating interface 722 and the front mating interface 724. The cassette 720 is configured to be fitted with an optical fiber type plug connector at a rear fitting interface 722 and a front fitting interface 724. Alternatively, any of the rear mating interface 722 and the front mating interface 724 may be a copper-based mating interface such as an RJ-45 type interface or a four-type mating interface. Thus, cassette 720 is a hybrid type cassette that converts signals between optical fiber signals and copper types. Cassette 720 may have an active transceiver device used for signal conversion therein.

  The cassette 720 has a plurality of communication modules 726. Each communication module 726 has a front portion 728 and a rear portion 730. When the communication module 726 is disposed in the cassette 720, the front portion 728 is disposed at the front mating interface 724 of the cassette 720 for mating with a corresponding plug. When the communication module 726 is placed in the cassette 720, the rear 730 is placed in the rear mating interface 722 of the cassette 720 for mating with the corresponding plug. In the illustrated embodiment, the communication module 726 is configured to mate with an optical fiber plug at both the front 728 and the rear 730. Alternatively, the communication module 726 may be a hybrid communication module configured such that either the front portion 728 or the rear portion 730 is fitted with an RJ-45 plug or a four-type plug. The communication module 726 may have a circuit board. Two different types of receptacles are connected to the circuit board so that different types of signals can be converted by the circuit board.

  Cassette 720 has a shell 732, with housing 734 located at the front of shell 732 and cover 736 located at the rear of shell 732. The housing 734 defines a plurality of plug receiving chambers 738. Cover 736 defines a plurality of plug receiving chambers 740. When the housing 734 and cover 736 are assembled, the plug receiving chambers 738, 740 are aligned with each other and define both ends of a shielded passage 742 that extends between the front and rear of the shell 732. During assembly, the cover 736 is inserted into the corresponding shielded passage 742 of the housing 734 so that the communication module 726 is then received in the corresponding shielded passage 742 of the cover 736. 734 is fitted. Alternatively, the cover 736 is inserted into the housing 734 such that the communication module 726 is inserted into the corresponding shielded passage 742 of the cover 736 and then the communication module 726 is received in the corresponding shielded passage 742 of the housing 734. Mating. The communication module 726 is arranged in the cassette 720 for mating with the corresponding plug inserted into the plug housing chambers 738, 740.

  Thus, a cassette is provided that can be mounted to the panel through the opening in the panel. Optionally, each cassette described herein generally has a similar perimeter to fit into the same panel opening. The panel may be electrically connected to ground. Optionally, a joining bar 300 may be provided between the panel and any cassette to provide a joining path between the panel and the corresponding cassette. Once the panel is grounded, the cassette is then grounded. The cassette has a plurality of receptacles configured to receive the modular plug therein. The type of plug that mates with the cassette depends on the type of mating interface of the cassette. For example, the mating interface may be a copper type mating interface such as an RJ-45 jack type interface or a four type interface, or an optical fiber type mating interface, or another type of mating interface. It may be a mating interface within the mating interface. The cassette has an inner wall and an outer wall that define a shielded passage extending through its front and rear. Communication modules having specific front mating interfaces and rear mating interfaces are received in individually shielded passages. For this reason, the communication module can be separated from other communication modules by the inner wall, and the performance of the cassette can be improved. For example, shielding effectiveness can be increased by providing shielding members between shielded passages adjacent to each other. Furthermore, external crosstalk can be reduced between communication modules adjacent to each other.

  It is to be understood that the above description is illustrative and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and their side surfaces) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. The dimensions, material types, orientations of the various parts, and the number and location of the various parts described herein are intended to define the parameters of certain embodiments and are in no way limiting. Rather, it is merely an exemplary embodiment. Many other embodiments and variations within the spirit of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined on the basis of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents. In the claims, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are merely symbols and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on the object.

20, 420, 620, 720 Cassette 28, 428, 732 Shell 30 Housing 32 Cover 300, 344 Joint bar 422, 622, 722 Rear mating interface 424, 624, 724 Front mating interface 444, 630, 660, 726 Communication Module 450, 636 Internal wall 460, 626, 742 Shielded passage 640 Circuit board 642 Contact support

Claims (20)

A cassette comprising: a shell having a plurality of shielded passages extending between a front portion and a rear portion of the shell; and a communication module inserted into the shielded passages,
The communication module includes a front-side mating interface configured to mate with a corresponding first plug, and a rear-side mating interface configured to mate with a corresponding second plug. The cassettes are inserted into the corresponding shielded passages so that they are individually shielded from each other.   The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the shell has an inner wall extending between the front portion and the rear portion and defining the shielded passage.   2. The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the shielded passage extends along a passage axis, and is entirely surrounded by a wall of the shell along the passage axis.   2. The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the communication module is surrounded by the shielded passage between the front fitting interface and the rear fitting interface. The shell has an inner wall extending between the front and the rear;
The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the communication module is separated from other communication modules by at least one inner wall. The shell has a housing at the front and a cover at the rear;
The housing and the cover are separate from each other and coupled to each other;
The cassette of claim 1 wherein both the housing and the cover have passage portions that are aligned with each other and cooperate to define the shielded passage.   The shielded passage is open at the front and rear to provide access to the communication module and is configured to receive the first plug and the second plug. The cassette according to claim 1. The shell has an inner wall separating each of the shielded passages from one another;
The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall is electrically grounded to shield between adjacent communication modules.   2. The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the shielded passages are arranged in two or more columns and two or more rows.   The cassette according to claim 1, wherein both the front mating interface and the rear mating interface are configured to mate with the same type of plug. The communication module has a circuit board having a first side and a second side,
A plurality of first contacts extend from the first side,
A plurality of second contacts extend from the second side,
The first contact is electrically connected to the second contact by the circuit board;
The first contact defines the front mating interface;
The second contact defines the rear mating interface;
A first contact support portion that supports the first contact extends from the first side adjacent to the first contact;
The cassette according to claim 1, wherein a second contact support portion that supports the second contact extends from the second side adjacent to the second contact. Each of the communication modules has a plurality of contact modules arranged in a quarter section,
Each of the contact modules has a base that holds a pair of contacts;
The cassette of claim 1, wherein the communication module is disposed in the shielded passage such that a shielded wall portion separates each of the contact modules from each other.   The communication module is characterized in that an optical fiber connector configured to receive an optical fiber type plug is formed on at least one of the front mating interface and the rear mating interface of the communication module. The cassette according to claim 1. The cassette further comprises a joining bar coupled to the shell,
The cassette of claim 1, wherein the joining bar is configured to be electrically connected to a grounded component to form a ground path between the shell and the grounded component. A shell having a front portion, a rear portion, and a plurality of shielded passages extending between the front portion and the rear portion and configured to be received within an opening in a grounded panel, and inserted into the shielded passages A cassette comprising a communication module and a joining bar coupled to the shell,
The shielded passage is separated from the adjacent shielded passage by the inner wall of the shell;
The communication module has a front mating interface and a rear mating interface and is inserted into the corresponding shielded passages such that the communication modules are individually shielded from each other by the internal wall;
The cassette is configured to be electrically connected to the grounded panel to form a ground path between the grounded panel and the shell. The joining bar has a plurality of flexible beams extending from the joining bar,
The cassette according to claim 15, wherein the flexible beam is configured to bend by the panel to maintain contact with the panel when engaged with the panel.   The cassette according to claim 15, wherein the joining bar is electrically connected to the inner wall through the shell. A cable interconnection system comprising a patch panel having an opening for selectively receiving a first cassette or a second cassette therein,
The first cassette has a shell;
The shell has a plurality of shielded passages extending between the front and rear of the shell and a communication module inserted into the shielded passages;
The communication module has a front mating interface and a rear mating interface and is inserted into the corresponding shielded passage so that the communication modules are individually shielded from each other,
The second cassette has a shell;
The shell has a plurality of shielded passages extending between the front and rear of the shell and a communication module inserted into the shielded passages;
The communication module has a front mating interface and a rear mating interface;
At least one of the front fitting interface and the rear fitting interface of the communication module of the second cassette is the front fitting interface and the rear fitting interface of the communication module of the first cassette. Is different,
The cable interconnection system according to claim 1, wherein the communication modules of the second cassette are inserted into the corresponding shielded passages so that the communication modules are individually shielded from each other. The first cassette is a first type configured to mate with a first type plug;
19. The cable interconnection system of claim 18, wherein the second cassette is of a second type configured to mate with a second type of plug different from the first type of plug. The communication module of the first cassette has copper contacts arranged in a predetermined arrangement for mating with a corresponding plug;
19. The cable interconnection system of claim 18, wherein the communication module of the second cassette has an optical fiber connector arranged to mate with an optical fiber plug.

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