Optical transceiver

By designing a frame, movable parts, and a bending plate spring component in the optical transceiver, and utilizing preload to achieve simple assembly, the problem of cumbersome assembly in the prior art is solved, and assembly efficiency and spring lifespan are improved.

CN114488430BActive Publication Date: 2025-12-30SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202111319305.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-11-12
Filing Date
2021-11-09
Publication Date
2025-12-30
Estimated Expiration
2041-11-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The assembly of existing optical transceivers is complicated due to the deformation of springs during the assembly process, and it is difficult to install small springs in a confined space, which affects the assembly efficiency.

Method used

An optical transceiver structure was designed, including a frame, a movable part, and a spring part. The spring part has a curved plate shape. By setting a connecting part and a pressing part in the housing part, preload is used to achieve simple assembly and avoid excessive deformation of the spring.

Benefits of technology

This technology simplifies the assembly of optical transceivers, reduces cumbersome operations during assembly, and improves assembly efficiency and spring lifespan.

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Abstract

The present application provides an optical transceiver that can be easily assembled. The optical transceiver has a frame having a slot-shaped housing portion extending in a length direction, capable of being plugged into a holder; a movable member mounted to the frame; and a curved plate-shaped spring member housed in the housing portion, the housing portion having a first surface and a second surface and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, the first surface being away from the second surface in a length direction in a direction in which the frame is inserted into the holder, the movable member having a protruding portion protruding toward the housing portion, the spring member having a first pressing portion pressing the protruding portion toward the first surface, a second pressing portion pressing the second surface in a length direction in a direction away from the first surface, and a connecting portion connecting the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, curved and connected to the third surface, and an end portion of the first pressing portion side of the spring member being curved in a manner that the farther away from the first pressing portion, the farther away from the first surface in the length direction.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an optical transceiver. Background Technology

[0002] An optical transceiver is disclosed having a spring between the frame and the pull tab to return the pull tab to its initial position (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-508046

[0004] An optical transceiver capable of hot-swapping from the cage of a host system engages with the cage upon insertion. While engaged, the pull tab protruding from the cage is in its initial position, preventing the transceiver from being pulled out. By pulling the pull tab from its initial position in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, the engagement with the cage is released, allowing the transceiver to be removed. In addition to pulling the transceiver out of the cage, a preload is applied to the spring to maintain the pull tab in its initial position. That is, with the pull tab in its initial position, the spring is also deformed from its natural state. Therefore, conventionally, during the assembly of optical transceivers, the spring is installed between the frame and the pull tab while being subjected to the reaction force generated by the spring's deformation. Excessive deformation of the spring during installation can sometimes lead to a weakening of the spring's elasticity. Furthermore, to miniaturize the optical transceiver, a small spring needs to be installed in a confined space. For example, small springs that cannot be operated by hand must be moderately deformed and accommodated in confined spaces. Therefore, the assembly of existing optical transceivers is cumbersome. This cumbersome process is particularly pronounced when using compression coil springs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide an optical transceiver that can be easily assembled.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the optical transceiver includes: a frame having a cuboid shape extending in the longitudinal direction, having a groove-shaped receiving portion extending in the longitudinal direction, and being insertable and removable from a holder of an external device in the longitudinal direction; a movable member mounted to the frame in a state capable of moving relative to the frame within a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction; and a spring member having a curved plate-like shape, received in the receiving portion, the receiving portion having: a first surface and a second surface that are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction; and a third surface that forms the bottom of the receiving portion, holding the first surface and the second surface together. The first surface is located away from the second surface in the longitudinal direction of the direction in which the frame is inserted into the retainer. The movable member has a protrusion protruding toward the receiving portion. The spring member has: a first pressing portion that presses the protrusion toward the first surface; a second pressing portion that presses the second surface away from the first surface in the longitudinal direction; and a connecting portion that bends to connect the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion and is in contact with the third surface. The end of the spring member on the side of the first pressing portion is bent such that the further away from the first pressing portion it is, the further away from the first surface it is in the longitudinal direction.

[0007] The effects of the invention

[0008] According to the present invention, optical transceivers can be assembled easily. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the optical transceiver involved in the implementation method.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the optical transceiver involved in the implementation method.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the first housing section.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an oblique sectional view showing the first and second containment sections.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a leaf spring.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the first housing section and the leaf spring.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the slider.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the upper frame, slider, first housing part and leaf spring.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the leaf spring when the pull tab is pulled to the front.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a perspective view (1) showing a method for assembling an optical transceiver according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a perspective view (2) showing a method for assembling the optical transceiver involved in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a perspective view (3) showing a method for assembling the optical transceiver involved in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a perspective view (4) showing the method of assembling the optical transceiver involved in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view (1) showing a method for assembling an optical transceiver according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view (2) showing a method for assembling the optical transceiver involved in the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view (3) showing a method for assembling the optical transceiver involved in the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The implementation method is described below.

[0027] [Description of embodiments of the present invention]

[0028] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and the same descriptions will not be repeated.

[0029] [1] One aspect of the present invention relates to an optical transceiver comprising: a frame having a cuboid shape extending in a longitudinal direction, having a groove-shaped receiving portion extending in the longitudinal direction, which is insertable and removable from a holder of an external device in the longitudinal direction; a movable member mounted to the frame in a state capable of moving relative to the frame within a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction; and a spring member having a curved plate-like shape, received in the receiving portion, the receiving portion having: a first surface and a second surface that are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction; and a third surface that forms the bottom of the receiving portion, wherein the first surface and the second surface are connected together. The first surface is connected to the second surface in the longitudinal direction in which the frame is inserted into the retainer. The movable member has a protrusion that protrudes toward the receiving portion. The spring member has: a first pressing portion that presses the protrusion toward the first surface; a second pressing portion that presses the second surface in the longitudinal direction away from the first surface; and a connecting portion that bends to connect the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion and is in contact with the third surface. The end of the spring member on the side of the first pressing portion is bent such that the further away from the first pressing portion it is, the further away from the first surface it is in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] The spring component has a first pressing portion, a second pressing portion, and a connecting portion, with the connecting portion contacting the third surface of the bottom forming the receiving portion. Therefore, when assembling the optical transceiver, if the spring component is inserted into the receiving portion with the connecting portion in contact with the third surface, even without external load being applied to the first and second pressing portions, the first pressing portion contacts the first surface, and the second pressing portion contacts the second surface, thus applying a preload to the spring component. Furthermore, the end of the spring component on the first pressing portion side is bent such that the further away from the first pressing portion it is from the first surface in the longitudinal direction, the further away it is from the first surface. Therefore, the protrusion of the movable component can be easily inserted between the first pressing portion and the first surface. As described above, the spring component and the movable component can be easily installed in the frame.

[0031] [2] In [1], when the spring member is housed in the housing, the connecting part can apply force in a direction that moves the first pressing part and the second pressing part away from each other. In this case, after the optical transceiver is removed from the holder, the movable part can be easily returned to its position before removal.

[0032] [3] In [1] or [2], the connecting portion may have a flat plate portion connected to the first pressing portion, and the end of the spring member on the first pressing portion side may be bent toward the second pressing portion at an angle of 50° to 70° with reference to the flat plate portion. In this case, it is easy to insert the protrusion between the end of the spring member and the first surface.

[0033] [4] In [1] to [3], the spring component may have: a first slit extending from the first pressing portion toward the third surface; and a second slit extending from the second pressing portion toward the third surface, wherein the width of the first slit increases as it approaches the first pressing portion from the connecting portion, and the width of the second slit increases as it approaches the second pressing portion from the connecting portion. In this case, the uniformity of stress acting on the connecting portion is improved, and the deterioration of the spring component associated with stress concentration is easily suppressed.

[0034] [5] In [4], the receiving portion may have a limiting portion that protrudes from the second surface toward the first surface and passes through the second slit to limit the range of movement of the spring member. In this case, by limiting the range of movement of the spring member, such as rotation, by the limiting portion, it is easy to prevent the spring member from detaching from the receiving portion.

[0035] [6] In [1] to [5], the receiving portion may have a fourth surface connected to the end of the first surface opposite to the third surface, the fourth surface being inclined such that the end further away from the first surface is further away from the second surface in the length direction. In this case, it is easy to insert the protrusion between the end of the spring member and the first surface.

[0036] [7] In [1] to [6], the protrusion may have: a fifth surface that contacts the first pressing portion; and a sixth surface that faces the third surface, with a chamfer applied to the portion where the fifth and sixth surfaces intersect. In this case, it is easy to insert the protrusion between the end of the spring component and the first surface.

[0037] [8] In [1] to [7], the connecting portion may be bent with a first radius of curvature at the part that contacts the third surface, and the third surface, within the range contacted by the connecting portion, may have a curved surface bent with a second radius of curvature larger than the first radius of curvature. In this case, deformation of the spring component accompanying the movement of the movable component can be realized, and rotation of the spring component can be restricted.

[0038] [9] In [1] to [8], the movable part may have a pair of plates that are mounted on the frame across the frame in the width direction intersecting the length direction. In this case, the load acting on the movable part when the optical transceiver is pulled out of the holder can be distributed.

[0039]

[10] In [9], a bridge portion may be provided to connect the pair of plates. In this case, the load imbalance between the two plates can be suppressed.

[0040] [Embodiments of the Invention]

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention relate, for example, to optical transceivers that can be plugged into or removed from a holder in a host system (optical transmission device). Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the optical transceiver involved in the implementation method. Figure 2 These are exploded perspective views showing the optical transceiver according to the embodiment. An XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is used in each figure for ease of explanation. For example, the direction in which the optical transceiver can be inserted and removed from the holder is the X-axis direction. Additionally, the Y-axis direction is, for example, the direction in which the two optical sockets are arranged, as described later. In this invention, planar shape refers to the shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the optical transceiver 1 according to the embodiment has a frame 91, a slider 95 and a pull tab 96.

[0043] The frame 91 has a planar shape with both a length direction and a width direction. The frame 91 has a generally cuboid shape that is long in the length direction. In this embodiment, the length direction is along the X-axis, and the width direction is along the Y-axis. The length direction is, for example, the direction in which the optical transceiver 1 is inserted and removed from the holder. The width direction is the direction intersecting the length direction. The frame 91 has, for example, a lower frame 91A and an upper frame 91B. The lower frame 91A and the upper frame 91B are arranged opposite each other in the height direction. The height direction is along the Z-axis. The height direction is the direction intersecting both the length direction and the width direction. The lower frame 91A has an internal space for accommodating components. The internal space opens on the +Z side. The upper frame 91B is fixed relative to the lower frame 91A in a manner that closes by covering the opening of the lower frame 91A. The lower frame 91A and the upper frame 91B are, for example, made of metal.

[0044] A transmitting optical connector 92T and a receiving optical connector 92R are provided at one end (the -X side end) of the lower frame 91A in the X-axis direction. The frame 91 can be inserted into the holder of the host system on the +X side. Alternatively, the frame 91 can be pulled out of the holder towards the -X side by holding the pull tab 96 described later. Optical connectors 92T and 92R are, for example, LC-type connectors. For example, optical connector 92T is positioned further towards the +Y side than optical connector 92R. Optical connectors 92T and 92R are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The optical transceiver 1 transmits optical signals via the optical fiber connected to optical connector 92T and receives optical signals via other optical fibers connected to optical connector 92R. When the frame 91 is inserted into the holder, optical connectors 92T and 92R are not housed within the holder but face the outside of the host system, allowing them to connect to optical connectors located at the front ends of the optical fibers. In the following description, in the X-axis direction, the side of the lower frame 91A with the optical sockets 92T and 92R (-X side) is sometimes referred to as the front side, and its opposite side (+X side) is referred to as the rear side.

[0045] The lower frame 91A has a first sidewall portion 100 and a second sidewall portion 200 arranged in the width direction of the frame 91. The second sidewall portion 200 is disposed further towards the +Y side than the first sidewall portion 100. The first sidewall portion 100 forms part of the optical socket 92R, and the second sidewall portion 200 forms part of the optical socket 92T. The lower frame 91A has a bottom wall portion 300 that connects the -Z side ends of the first sidewall portion 100 and the second sidewall portion 200 to each other. The bottom wall portion 300 forms part of the optical sockets 92R and 92T. A first receiving portion 110 with a groove extending in the X-axis direction is formed in the first sidewall portion 100, and a second receiving portion 210 with a groove extending in the X-axis direction is formed in the second sidewall portion 200. The first containment section 110 contains the leaf spring 150, which will be described later, and the second containment section 210 contains the leaf spring 250, which will be described later.

[0046] Furthermore, the frame 91 has a generally symmetrical shape about the ZX plane, which is centered in the Y-axis direction passing through the frame 91. For example, the first side wall portion 100 and the second side wall portion 200 are symmetrical. For example, the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion 210 are symmetrical. For example, the optical socket 92R and the optical socket 92T are symmetrical. Therefore, the description of one side sometimes also includes a description of the other side. The same applies to the leaf springs 150, 250, slider 95, etc.

[0047] Here, the first containment section 110 and the second containment section 210 will be described. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the first containment section 110. Figure 4 This is an oblique sectional view showing the first containment section 110 and the second containment section 210.

[0048] The first receiving portion 110 is provided on the outer surface of the first sidewall portion 100 with an opening on the +Z side. The first receiving portion 110 has a first surface 111 and a second surface 112 that are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction, and a third surface 113 that connects the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. The third surface 113 forms the bottom of a groove. For example, the first surface 111, the second surface 112, and the third surface 113 form a U-shaped inner surface that is open in the +Z direction. The first surface 111 is provided further rearward (on the +X side) than the second surface 112. That is, the first surface 111 is provided away from the second surface 112 in the X-axis direction (the length direction of the frame 91) in the direction of insertion into the retainer. For example, the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 are each a surface perpendicular to the X-axis direction. For example, the third surface 113 includes a curved surface 113C bent with a second radius of curvature, a plane 113A connecting the curved surface 113C and the first surface 111, and a plane 113B connecting the curved surface 113C and the second surface 112.

[0049] The first receiving section 110 has a first wall surface 121 and a second wall surface 122 that are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. The first wall surface 121 is disposed further towards the +Y side than the second wall surface 122. For example, the first wall surface 121 and the second wall surface 122 are surfaces perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The first wall surface 121 and the second wall surface 122 are connected to the first surface 111, the second surface 112, and the third surface 113. The dimension of the second wall surface 122 in the Z-axis direction is smaller than the dimension of the first wall surface 121 in the Z-axis direction. For example, the boundary between plane 113A and curved surface 113C, and the boundary between plane 113B and curved surface 113C, are located further towards the -Z side than the end of the second wall surface 122 on the +Z side.

[0050] The first receiving portion 110 has a limiting portion 130 that protrudes from the second surface 112 toward the first surface 111 to limit the range of movement of the leaf spring 150. The limiting portion 130 may also protrude from the second surface 112 and the plane 113B toward the first surface 111.

[0051] The lower frame 91A has an upper surface 140 on the +Z side, and a fourth surface 114 is formed by chamfering at the intersection of the first surface 111 and the upper surface 140. Therefore, the fourth surface 114 is connected to the end of the first surface 111 opposite to the third surface 113. Furthermore, the fourth surface 114 is inclined such that the end closer to the upper surface 140 in the Z-axis direction (i.e., farther from the first surface 111) is farther from the second surface 112 in the X-axis direction. The chamfer of the fourth surface 114 is, for example, a C-shaped chamfer, but it can also be an R-shaped chamfer.

[0052] For example, the distance between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 in the X-axis direction is approximately 7 mm to 9 mm. The distance between the first wall surface 121 and the second wall surface 122 is approximately 2 mm to 3 mm. The depth of the first receiving portion 110, based on the upper surface 140, is approximately 7 mm to 9 mm. The second radius of curvature is approximately 3.0 mm.

[0053] Next, the leaf spring 150 will be explained. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of leaf spring 150. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the first receiving part 110 and the leaf spring 150. The leaf spring 150 is an example of a spring component.

[0054] Leaf spring 150 is formed by bending a metal plate in one direction, for example. The thickness of leaf spring 150 is approximately 0.2mm to 0.3mm. Figure 6 As shown, the leaf spring 150 is housed in the first receiving portion 110. The leaf spring 150 has a first pressing portion 151, a second pressing portion 152, and a connecting portion 153, which connects the first pressing portion 151 and the second pressing portion 152 and is in contact with the third surface 113. The first pressing portion 151 presses the protrusion 170 (described later) toward the first surface 111. The second pressing portion 152 presses the second surface 112 in the X-axis direction toward a direction away from the first surface 111, i.e., the -X side. The leaf spring 150 is made of metal such as stainless steel or phosphor bronze. The leaf spring 150 is housed in the first receiving portion 110, and the connecting portion 153 applies force to the first pressing portion 151 and the second pressing portion 152 in the X-axis direction in a direction away from each other.

[0055] For example, the connecting portion 153 has a curved portion 153C bent with a first radius of curvature and flat portions 153A and 153B connected to both ends of the curved portion 153C, respectively. Flat portion 153A connects the curved portion 153C and the first pressing portion 151. Flat portion 153B connects the curved portion 153C and the second pressing portion 152. The first radius of curvature is, for example, about 2.8 mm, and the second radius of curvature (about 3.0 mm) is larger than the first radius of curvature. In addition, the end portion 154 of the leaf spring 150 on the side of the first pressing portion 151 is bent toward the second pressing portion 152. That is, the end portion 154 is bent such that the further away from the first pressing portion 151 it is, the further away from the first surface 111 in the X-axis direction. The end portion 154 is bent in the X-axis direction with reference to the flat portion 153A at an angle of, for example, 50° to 70°, or about 60°. The bending angle is preferably 55° to 65°. Additionally, the end portion 155 of the leaf spring 150 on the side of the second pressing portion 152 may also be bent toward the first pressing portion 151. That is, the end portion 155 may be bent such that the further away from the second pressing portion 152 it is, the further away from the second surface 112 in the X-axis direction. The end portion 155 may be bent at an angle of 50° to 70°, for example, around 60°, with reference to the flat plate portion 153B. The flat plate portions 153A and 153B may, for example, be flat in their natural state and slightly bent when housed in the first receiving portion 110. Here, the natural state is, for example, a state where the leaf spring 150 is not housed in the first receiving portion and is not deformed by external force.

[0056] The leaf spring 150 has a first slit 156 extending from the first pressing portion 151 toward the top 153D of the curved portion 153C and a second slit 157 extending from the second pressing portion 152 toward the top 153D of the curved portion 153C. For example, the first slit 156 is formed from the flat portion 153A to the curved portion 153C, and the second slit 157 is formed from the flat portion 153B to the curved portion 153C. If the leaf spring 150 is received in the first receiving portion 110, the first slit 156 extends from the first pressing portion 151 toward the third surface 113, and the second slit 157 extends from the second pressing portion 152 toward the third surface 113.

[0057] For example, the width (dimension in the Y-axis direction) of the leaf spring 150 is approximately 2mm to 3mm, and the width of the leaf spring 150 is the same from end 154 through connecting portion 153 to end 155. The width of the first slit 156 is different, becoming wider as it approaches the first pressing portion 151 from connecting portion 153. Therefore, the sum of the widths of the two portions of the leaf spring 150 in the Y-axis direction separated by the first slit 156 becomes smaller as it approaches the first pressing portion 151. Similarly, the width of the second slit 157 is different, becoming wider as it approaches the second pressing portion 152 from connecting portion 153. Therefore, the sum of the widths of the two portions of the leaf spring 150 in the Y-axis direction separated by the second slit 157 becomes smaller as it approaches the second pressing portion 152.

[0058] When the leaf spring 150 is in its natural state, the angle between the flat plate portion 153A and the flat plate portion 153B is, for example, about 30°. The maximum dimension of the leaf spring 150 in the X-axis direction in its natural state is about 8.0 mm, which is greater than the distance between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 (about 7.8 mm). Therefore, the leaf spring 150 housed in the first housing portion 110 is compressed in the X-axis direction, and the connecting portion 153 always applies force in a direction that moves the first pressing portion 151 and the second pressing portion 152 away from each other. When the leaf spring 150 is housed in the first housing portion 110, it is preloaded by deforming the first pressing portion 151 and the second pressing portion 152 closer to each other than in their natural state.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, the leaf spring 150 is housed in the first housing portion 110 such that the first pressing portion 151 faces the first surface 111, the second pressing portion 152 faces the second surface 112, and the top 153D of the curved portion 153C is in contact with the third surface 113. Movement in the Y-axis direction near the curved portion 153C is restricted by the first wall surface 121 and the second wall surface 122. Furthermore, the restricting portion 130 of the first housing portion 110 passes through the second slit 157. The restricting portion 130 restricts the range of rotation of the leaf spring 150 in the ZX plane and restricts movement in the Y-axis direction near the flat portion 153B.

[0060] Next, the structure of slider 95 will be described. Slider 95 is slidably mounted on the lower frame 91A in the X-axis direction. Pull tab 96 is fixed to slider 95. Slider 95 is, for example, made of metal. Slider 95 is, for example, formed by bending a metal sheet. Slider 95 is, for example, formed by sheet metal processing. The thickness of the metal sheet of slider 95 is, for example, about 0.5 mm. Pull tab 96 is, for example, made of resin. Figure 7 This is a perspective view representing slider 95. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the upper frame 91B, slider 95, first receiving part 110, and leaf spring 150. Furthermore, in Figure 8The diagram shows only a portion of the slider 95 (the connecting plate 94 and the protrusion 170, which will be described later).

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown, the slider 95 has a pair of side plates 160 and 260 and a connecting plate 94 connecting these side plates 160 and 260. The side plates 160 and 260 are each located outwards from the outer surfaces of the first side wall portion 100 and the second side wall portion 200 of the lower frame 91A, and are movable along these outer surfaces in the X-axis direction. A protrusion 161 extending towards the -Y side is formed at the rear end (+X side) of the side plate 160, and a protrusion 261 extending towards the +Y side is formed at the rear end (+X side) of the side plate 260. When the pull tab 96 is pulled in the -X direction, the protrusions 161 and 261 move in the -X direction, thereby pushing the retainer's locking tab (not shown) outwards. The locking tab is provided on the side of the retainer and bends inwards towards the retainer. When the optical transceiver 1 is inserted into the holder (not shown) of the host system, the engaging tab contacts the frame 91, thus engaging. In this engaged state, the frame 91 cannot be pulled out of the holder. By pulling the pull tab 96 in the -X direction, the slider 95 moves, and the protrusions 161 and 261 push the engaging tab of the holder outwards, releasing the engagement. If the engagement is released, the optical transceiver 1 can be pulled out of the holder. The slider 95 is an example of a movable part. The side plates 160 and 260 are examples of sheet metal. The connecting plate 94 is an example of a bridge. The slider 95 can be formed, for example, from a single sheet of metal through sheet metal processing.

[0062] A pair of protrusions 170 and 270 are provided, protruding from the +X side of the connecting plate 94 toward the -Z side. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the protrusion 170 protrudes into the first receiving portion 110 and has: a fifth surface 175 that contacts the first pressing portion 151; a sixth surface 176 that is opposite to the third surface 113; and a seventh surface 177 that contacts the first surface 111.

[0063] Upper frame 91B uses screw 93 (see reference) Figure 2 The upper frame 91B is fixed to the lower frame 91A. The upper frame 91B has a protrusion 97 that is close to the end 155 of the second pressing part 152 of the leaf spring 150. The protrusion 97 protrudes from the upper frame 91B toward the lower frame 91A (in the -Z direction). In addition, the lower surface of the connecting plate 94 is close to the end 154 of the first pressing part 151 of the leaf spring 150. The lower surface of the connecting plate 94 is, for example, a surface parallel to the XY plane. Therefore, in addition to the limiting part 130, the protrusion 97 and the connecting plate 94 further limit the range of rotation of the leaf spring 150 in the ZX plane. In addition, the movement of the leaf spring 150 in the +Z direction is limited so that the leaf spring 150 does not pop out of the first receiving part 110.

[0064] Next, the components housed in the frame 91 will be described. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the frame 91 houses a TOSA (Transmitter Optical Sub-Assembly) 11 and a ROSA (Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly) 12. The frame 91 also houses a wiring board 20, flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs) 31 and 32, and a digital signal processor (DSP) 40.

[0065] TOSA 11 and wiring board 20 are connected via FPC 31, and ROSA 12 is connected to wiring board 20 via FPC 32. A DSP 40 is mounted on the upper surface of wiring board 20. DSP 40 processes the electrical signals involved in the photoelectric conversion of TOSA 11 and ROSA 12 via the wiring formed on wiring board 20 and FPCs 31 and 32.

[0066] Terminal groups 23, comprising multiple external terminals, are provided on the rear ends of the upper and lower surfaces of the wiring board 20. When the optical transceiver 1 is inserted into the holder of the host system, these terminal groups 23 connect with the multiple terminals provided on the holder. For example, the terminal groups 23 constitute an electrical plug that engages with an electrical socket formed by the multiple terminals provided on the holder. When engaged, the designated terminals of the terminal groups 23 and the designated terminals of the multiple terminals provided on the holder are electrically connected one-to-one. Power required for the operation of the optical transceiver 1 is supplied from the host system via the terminal groups 23, enabling the transmission and reception of electrical signals between the host system and the optical transceiver 1.

[0067] Here, the function of slider 95 will be explained. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the leaf spring 150 when the pull tab 96 is pulled to the front (-X side).

[0068] If the pull tab 96 is pulled forward (to the -X side), the slider 95 connected to the pull tab 96 moves relative to the frame 91 towards the -X side. As a result, the protrusion 161 slides on the outer surface of the first sidewall portion 100, pushing the retainer's engagement piece (not shown) towards the -Y side, thus releasing the engagement between the main unit's retainer and the frame 91. Furthermore, at this time, the protrusion 261 also slides on the outer surface of the first sidewall portion 100, pushing the other retainer engagement piece (not shown) towards the +Y side. As described above, by pulling the pull tab 96 forward (to the -X side), the slider 95 slides and the engagement is released, allowing the optical transceiver 1 inserted into the main unit's retainer to be pulled out of the retainer.

[0069] Furthermore, the second pressing part 152 presses against the second surface 112, and the first pressing part 151 presses the protrusion 170 toward the first surface 111. Therefore, if the pull tab 96 is released, the slider 95 moves relative to the frame 91 towards the +X side, returning to its original position. Figure 8 The state shown is such that the leaf spring 150 deforms by moving towards the protrusion 170 in the -X direction, and the protrusion 170 is pushed back in the +X direction by the reaction force generated by the deformation, causing the pull tab 96 to return to its initial position. If the pull tab 96 is in the initial position, the main unit's cage and frame 91 are engaged, and the frame 91 cannot be pulled out of the cage.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, bending is performed at the +X side ends of side plates 160 and 260 so that protrusions 161 and 261 will not push out the retainer's locking tabs when the pull tab 96 is not pulled to the front side (-X side). For example, protrusion 161 bends further in the +Y direction than side plate 160, and protrusion 261 bends further in the -Y direction than side plate 260.

[0071] Next, the method for assembling the optical transceiver 1 will be described. Figures 10-13 This is a perspective view showing the method of assembling the optical transceiver 1 according to the embodiment. Figures 14-16 This is a cross-sectional view showing the method of assembling the optical transceiver 1 according to the embodiment.

[0072] First, such as Figure 10 As shown, a DSP 40 is mounted on the wiring board 20, a TOSA 11 is connected to the wiring board 20 via an FPC 31, and a ROSA 12 is connected to the wiring board 20 via an FPC 32. For example, the DSP 40 is surface-mounted on the wiring board 20 together with other circuit components via reflow soldering. The connection of the FPCs 31 and 32 can be achieved by soldering the terminals at both ends of the FPCs 31 and 32 to the terminals provided on the wiring board 20 and the terminals provided on the TOSA 11 or ROSA 12, respectively. Next, the opening of the lower frame 91A is set to face the +Z side, and the TOSA 11, ROSA 12, and wiring board 20 are moved from the +Z side to the -Z side of the lower frame 91A, so that they are housed within the internal space of the lower frame 91A. For example, in the X-axis direction, the TOSA 11 and ROSA 12 are positioned between the optical sockets 92R and 92T and the wiring board 20.

[0073] Next, as Figure 11As shown, the openings of the first receiving portion 110 and the second receiving portion 210 are positioned facing the +Z side, causing the leaf springs 150 and 250 to move from the +Z side of the lower frame 91A towards the -Z side, so that they are respectively received within the first receiving portion 110 and the second receiving portion 210. As described above, the maximum dimension of the leaf spring 150 in its natural state (initial state) in the X-axis direction is greater than the distance between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. Therefore, if the leaf spring 150 is moved towards the -Z side, then as... Figure 14 As shown, the first pressing part 151 contacts the first surface 111, and the second pressing part 152 contacts the second surface 112. Simultaneously, the leaf spring 150 is compressed in the X-axis direction and housed within the first housing part 110. As described above, even without applying an X-axis load to the leaf spring 150 from the outside, it can be housed within the first housing part 110 in a pre-loaded state. Furthermore, the limiting part 130 passes through the second slit 157, and the top 153D of the leaf spring 150 contacts the curved surface 113C of the third surface 113. Therefore, the range of rotation within the ZX plane of the leaf spring 150 is limited, and the preload (reaction force) can prevent the leaf spring 150 from detaching from the first housing part 110.

[0074] Next, as Figure 12 As shown, the slider 95 and the pull tab 96 are integrated and moved from the +Z side to the -Z side of the lower frame 91A and mounted on the lower frame 91A. At this time, alignment is performed in the X-axis direction so that the protrusion 170 contacts the outer surface of the end 154 or the fourth surface 114. If the slider 95 is moved towards the -Z side after this alignment, then as... Figure 15 As shown, the protrusion 170 moves within the first receiving portion 110 along the fourth surface 114. Furthermore, the fifth surface 175 contacts the first pressing portion 151, causing the first pressing portion 151 to move towards the -X side. As a result, as... Figure 16 As shown, the protrusion 170 is inserted between the first pressing part 151 and the first surface 111 and enters the first receiving part 110, and the seventh surface 177 contacts the first surface 111 and is stable.

[0075] Next, as Figure 13 As shown, the upper frame 91B is moved from the +Z side to the -Z side of the lower frame 91A and placed on the lower frame 91A. The screw 93 is moved from the +Z side to the -Z side of the lower frame 91A and tightened into the screw hole provided in the lower frame 91A, thereby fixing the upper frame 91B to the lower frame 91A.

[0076] As described above, the optical transceiver 1 involved in the embodiment can be assembled.

[0077] When assembling the optical transceiver 1 according to this embodiment, if the leaf spring 150 is inserted into the first receiving portion 110 such that the connecting portion 153 contacts the third surface 113, then even without applying load to the first pressing portion 151 and the second pressing portion 152 from the outside, the first pressing portion 151 contacts the first surface 111, and the second pressing portion 152 contacts the second surface 112, thus pre-loading the leaf spring 150. Furthermore, the end 154 of the leaf spring 150 on the first pressing portion 151 side is bent such that the further away from the first pressing portion 151 it is, the further away from the first surface 111 it is in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the protrusion 170 of the slider 95 can be easily inserted between the first pressing portion 151 and the first surface 111. As described above, the leaf spring 150 and the slider 95 can be installed in the frame with simple operation.

[0078] Furthermore, during assembly, the movement direction of each component toward the lower frame 91A can be set to the -Z side. Therefore, when automating the assembly operation, mechanical control of robots and the like is extremely easy. Here, each component is, for example, the leaf spring 150, the slider 95, and the upper frame 91B.

[0079] Furthermore, when the leaf spring 150 is housed in the first housing portion 110, the connecting portion 153 applies force in a direction that causes the first pressing portion 151 and the second pressing portion 152 to move away from each other due to the preload described above. Therefore, after the optical transceiver 1 is removed from the holder, it is easy to return the slider 95 to its position before removal.

[0080] The end 154 of the leaf spring 150 on the side of the first pressing part 151 is bent at an angle of 50° to 70° with reference to the flat part 153A, so that the protrusion 170 can be easily inserted between the end 154 and the first surface 111.

[0081] The first slit 156 and the second slit 157 with appropriate shapes are formed in the connecting part 153, so the fluctuation of the magnitude of the reaction force (stress) acting on the leaf spring 150 acting on the connecting part 153 is suppressed, and the deterioration of the leaf spring 150 associated with stress concentration is easily suppressed.

[0082] A fourth surface 114 is formed in the lower frame 91A, so by moving the protrusion 170 along the fourth surface 114, the protrusion 170 can be easily inserted between the end 154 and the first surface 111.

[0083] The third surface 113 of the first receiving part 110 includes a curved surface 113C that is bent with a second radius of curvature larger than the first radius of curvature of the connecting part 153 within the area in contact with the connecting part 153. Therefore, the deformation of the leaf spring 150 that accompanies the movement of the slider 95 can be realized, and the rotation of the leaf spring 150 can be restricted.

[0084] The slider 95 includes a pair of side plates 160 and 260, so that when the optical transceiver 1 is pulled out from the holder, the load acting on the slider 95 from the pull tab 96 can be distributed. In addition, the pair of side plates 160 and 260 are connected by a connecting plate 94, so that the load imbalance between the side plates 160 and 260 can be suppressed.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown, an eighth surface 178 can be formed by chamfering the portion where the fifth surface 175 and the sixth surface 176 of the protrusion 170 intersect. With the eighth surface 178 formed, the end portion 154 contacts the eighth surface 178, making it easy to insert the protrusion 170 between the end portion 154 and the first surface 111. Similarly, a ninth surface 179 can be formed by chamfering the portion where the seventh surface 177 and the sixth surface 176 of the protrusion 170 intersect. The fourth surface 114 contacts the ninth surface 179, making it easy to insert the protrusion 170 between the end portion 154 and the first surface 111. The chamfers of the eighth surface 178 and the ninth surface 179 can be, for example, C-shaped chamfers, but can also be R-shaped chamfers. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the protrusion 170.

[0086] The above describes the implementation methods in detail, but is not limited to specific implementation methods. Various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims.

[0087] Explanation of the label

[0088] 1: Optical transceiver

[0089] 20: Wiring board

[0090] 23: Terminal block

[0091] 31, 32: FPC

[0092] 40: DSP

[0093] 91: Frame

[0094] 91A: Lower frame

[0095] 91B: Upper frame

[0096] 92R, 92T: Optical socket

[0097] 94: Connecting plate

[0098] 95: Slider

[0099] 96: Film Analysis

[0100] 97: Protrusion

[0101] 100: First side wall portion

[0102] 110: First Containment Department

[0103] 111: Page 1

[0104] 112: Page 2

[0105] 113: Page 3

[0106] 113A, 113B: Plane

[0107] 113C: Curved surface

[0108] 114: Page 4

[0109] 121: 1st wall

[0110] 122: 2nd wall

[0111] 130: Restriction Section

[0112] 140: Upper surface

[0113] 151: First pressing part

[0114] 152: Second pressing part

[0115] 153: Connecting Part

[0116] 153A, 153B: Flat plate section

[0117] 153C: Bend

[0118] 153D: Top

[0119] 154, 155: End

[0120] 156: First slit

[0121] 157: Second slit

[0122] 160, 260: Side panels

[0123] 161, 261: Protrusion

[0124] 170: Protrusion

[0125] 175: Page 5

[0126] 176: Page 6

[0127] 177: Page 7

[0128] 178: Page 8

[0129] 179: Page 9

[0130] 200: Second side wall portion

[0131] 210: Second Containment Department

[0132] 270: Protrusion

[0133] 300: Bottom wall

Claims

1. An optical transceiver, comprising: a housing having a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in a length direction, having a housing portion having a groove shape extending in the length direction, and being capable of being inserted into and pulled out of a holder of an external device in the length direction; a movable member capable of being attached to the housing in a state of being movable in the length direction by a prescribed distance with respect to the housing; and a spring member having a curved plate shape, being housed in the housing portion, the housing portion having: a first surface and a second surface that are apart from each other in the length direction; and a third surface that forms a bottom of the housing portion, linking the first surface and the second surface, the first surface being apart from the second surface in the length direction in a direction in which the housing is inserted into the holder, the movable member having a protruding portion protruding toward the housing portion, the spring member having: a first pressing portion that presses the protruding portion toward the first surface; a second pressing portion that presses the second surface in the length direction in a direction apart from the first surface; and a linking portion that links the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion by being curved, and that is in contact with the third surface, an end portion of the first pressing portion side of the spring member being curved so as to be apart from the first surface in the length direction more as it is apart from the first pressing portion.

2. The optical transceiver according to claim 1, wherein the linking portion exerts a force in a direction in which the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are apart from each other when the spring member is housed in the housing portion.

3. The optical transceiver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the linking portion has a flat plate portion that links the first pressing portion, and an end portion of the first pressing portion side of the spring member is curved toward the second pressing portion at an angle of 50° or more and 70° or less with the flat plate portion as a reference.

4. The optical transceiver according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spring member has: a first slit extending from the first pressing portion toward the third surface; and a second slit extending from the second pressing portion toward the third surface, a width of the first slit being wider as it is closer to the first pressing portion from the linking portion, and a width of the second slit being wider as it is closer to the second pressing portion from the linking portion.

5. The optical transceiver according to claim 4, wherein the housing portion has a restriction portion protruding from the second surface toward the first surface, and passing through the second slit to restrict a range of movement of the spring member.

6. The optical transceiver according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing portion has a fourth surface linked to an end portion of the first surface on a side opposite to the third surface, the fourth surface being inclined so as to be apart from the second surface in the length direction more as it is apart from the end portion of the first surface.

7. The optical transceiver according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protruding portion has: a fifth surface in contact with the first pressing portion; and a sixth surface opposite to the third surface. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A chamfer is applied to a portion where the fifth surface and the sixth surface intersect.

8. The optical transceiver according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting portion is curved with a first radius of curvature at a portion in contact with the third surface, the third surface has a curved surface curved with a second radius of curvature larger than the first radius of curvature in a range where the connecting portion is in contact.

9. The optical transceiver according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the movable member has a pair of plates mounted to the frame across the frame in a width direction of the frame intersecting the length direction.

10. The optical transceiver according to claim 9, wherein a bridge portion connecting the pair of plates is provided.

Citation Information

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