Composite connector, composite module, composite cable assembly and optical splice

Abstract

A composite connector (1), a composite module, a composite cable assembly and an optical connector (7). The composite connector (1) comprises an RJ-45 interface (11) and an optical connector (12), the optical connector (12) is located on the RJ-45 interface (11), and the optical connector (12) is configured not to interfere with the adaptation of the RJ-45 interface (11) and the RJ-45 connector (8). The composite connector (1) integrates the optical connector (11) and the electrical connector together, the composite connector (1) not only has the function of optical and electrical signal transmission, but also has the advantage of small size, which can meet the miniaturization development of the switch and the access point device. In addition, the optical connector (12) will not affect the normal insertion of the standard RJ-45 connector (8) and the RJ-45 interface (11), which not only improves the compatibility of the composite connector (1), but also simplifies the preparation process of the composite connector (1) and reduces the preparation cost.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications filed on August 18, 2020, with application number 202010831724.6 entitled "Optical Module and Optical Port Power Supply Method" and on September 22, 2020, with application number 202011004279.2 entitled "Composite Module and Manufacturing Method Thereof", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to composite connectors, composite modules, composite cable assemblies and optical connectors. Background Technology

[0003] Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that provides power to devices such as IP phones, access points (APs), and network cameras while transmitting data signals.

[0004] Taking a switch as the PoE power supply device and an access point (AP) as the PoE receiving device as an example, PoE power supply can be achieved between the switch and the AP via a fiber optic composite cable. Both ends of the fiber optic composite cable have separate fiber optic connectors and power connectors. Both the switch and the AP have optical and electrical interfaces on their respective front panels. An optical module is installed in the optical interface of both the switch and the AP. The fiber optic connector at one end of the fiber optic composite cable is inserted into the optical module on the switch, and the power connector is inserted into the electrical interface of the switch. The fiber optic connector at the other end of the fiber optic composite cable is inserted into the optical module of the AP, and the power connector is inserted into the electrical interface of the AP. Thus, the switch and the AP can simultaneously transmit data and power via the fiber optic composite cable, achieving PoE power supply.

[0005] The above solutions are not conducive to the miniaturization of switches and access points. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a composite connector, a composite module, a composite cable assembly, and an optical connector, which can overcome the problems in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0007] On one hand, embodiments of this application provide a composite connector, which includes: an RJ-45 interface and an optical connector;

[0008] The optical connector is located on the RJ-45 interface, and the optical connector is configured not to interfere with the adaptation of the RJ-45 interface and the RJ-45 connector.

[0009] The composite connector provided in this application innovatively integrates an optical connector onto an RJ-45 interface, thus combining the optical and electrical connectors. This composite connector not only performs photoelectric signal transmission but also boasts the advantage of miniaturization, meeting the miniaturization needs of switches and access points. Furthermore, the optical connector is configured not to interfere with the compatibility between the RJ-45 interface and the RJ-45 connector; that is, it does not affect the normal insertion of a standard RJ-45 connector and the RJ-45 interface. Therefore, this application embodiment obtains the composite connector by defining an optical interface on a traditional electrical interface, which not only improves the compatibility of the composite connector but also simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the optical connector is located at the original filling position or the original indicator light mounting position on the RJ-45 interface.

[0011] The composite connector involved in this application embodiment, without occupying the socket space of the RJ-45 interface, uses the original filling position or the original indicator light installation position on the RJ-45 interface as the optical connector installation position, so that the composite connector can simultaneously carry electrical connectors and optical connectors. That is, it can not only receive and transmit electrical signals, but also receive and transmit optical signals, and is also compatible with standard RJ-45 connectors.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the number of optical connectors is one, which is suitable for single-fiber bidirectional transmission, where the optical connector serves as both a transmitter and a receiver.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the number of optical connectors is two, which enables bidirectional transmission over two fibers, with one optical connector serving as the transmitter and the other as the receiver.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the optical connector includes: an optical fiber ferrule and an optical fiber;

[0015] The fiber optic ferrule is located on the RJ-45 interface;

[0016] The fiber optic ferrule has a fiber optic socket, and the fiber is located inside the fiber optic socket.

[0017] A fiber optic ferrule is a fiber optic mounting base that can accommodate optical fibers. The structure of the fiber optic ferrule is adapted to the structure of the optical connector mounting position. For example, if the optical connector mounting position has a rectangular cavity structure, the corresponding fiber optic ferrule also has a rectangular block shape.

[0018] The fiber optic ferrule of an optical connector can be fixed to the connector mounting position using methods such as snap-fit, adhesive bonding, or keying. Taking the snap-fit ​​method as an example, the connector mounting position can have a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall connecting the top and bottom walls. Furthermore, the connector mounting position also has a rear wall, which is connected to one end of the top, bottom, and side walls. In this way, the cavity formed by the top, bottom, side, and rear walls can be used to accommodate the fiber optic ferrule. In this example, the fiber optic ferrule is fitted into the cavity to achieve the snap-fit ​​connection.

[0019] On the other hand, embodiments of this application also provide a composite module, the composite module including: the composite connector described in any of the above claims.

[0020] The composite module provided in this application embodiment can also be called an optoelectronic composite module. This module can be used for both optical and electrical signal conversion and to implement Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE is a technology that provides power to devices such as IP (Internet Protocol) phones, access points (APs), and network cameras while simultaneously transmitting data signals. This composite module meets the miniaturization needs of switches and access points.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the composite module further includes: a housing, an optical device, and a power supply device;

[0022] The first end of the housing has a first socket, and the second end of the housing has a second socket;

[0023] The RJ-45 interface of the composite connector serves as the first electrical connector, and the optical connector of the composite connector serves as the first optical connector.

[0024] The optical device includes: a photoelectric conversion device and a second optical connector; the power supply device includes a power supply line and a second electrical connector.

[0025] The photoelectric conversion device and the power supply line are both located in the housing, the composite connector is located at the first socket, and the second optical connector and the second electrical connector are both located at the second socket;

[0026] The two ends of the photoelectric conversion device are respectively connected to the optical connector of the composite connector and the second optical connector;

[0027] The two ends of the power supply line are respectively connected to the RJ-45 interface of the composite connector and the second electrical connector.

[0028] Both the second optical connector and the second electrical connector are located at the second socket. A composite connector integrating an RJ-45 interface and an optical connector is located at the first socket. The second socket can be used to insert the composite module into the device, while the first socket can be used to insert the composite module into the composite cable. This composite module integrates PoE power supply and photoelectric conversion functions. Therefore, the front panel of the device being plugged into, such as a switch or access point (AP), only needs to have an interface for inserting the composite module, which helps save on the panel size of switches and APs and promotes miniaturization of switches and APs.

[0029] In some possible implementations, at least part of the power supply line and the photoelectric conversion device are integrated into one unit.

[0030] For example, the photoelectric conversion device includes: a processing board and an optoelectronic device connected to the processing board.

[0031] The power supply line includes: a flexible circuit board and a rigid circuit board that are interconnected, and the rigid circuit board and the processing board are integrated into one unit.

[0032] In another aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a composite cable assembly, the composite cable assembly comprising: a composite cable and a composite connector connected to the end of the composite cable;

[0033] The composite connector includes an RJ-45 connector and an optical connector, wherein the optical connector is located at the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector;

[0034] The first surface of the RJ-45 connector is the surface where the elastic buckle of the RJ-45 connector is located.

[0035] The optical connector is located at the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector. The physical dimensions and installation position of the optical connector must meet the following conditions: the presence of the optical connector will not affect its normal insertion into the standard RJ-45 interface. The physical structure of the RJ-45 connector has not changed compared to existing technologies; only a new optical connector is defined on its surface. Therefore, the RJ-45 connector is compatible with standard network cable interfaces in the art, making it suitable not only for connection to the composite module of this application to allow simultaneous transmission of optical and electrical signals to the composite module, but also for connection to standard network cable interfaces in the art, thus improving its compatibility and broadening its applicability.

[0036] In some possible implementations, the number of optical connectors is one, located on either side of the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector. This optical connector serves as both a transmitter and a receiver, suitable for bidirectional transmission over a single fiber.

[0037] In some possible implementations, the number of optical connectors is two, located on opposite sides of the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector. One of the two optical connectors serves as the transmitting end, and the other as the receiving end, suitable for bidirectional transmission over two fibers.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the optical connector is detachably connected to the RJ-45 connector.

[0039] For example, the optical connector includes: an optical fiber connector portion and a connecting portion; the optical fiber connector portion is connected to the connecting portion, and the connecting portion is configured to snap into an RJ-45 connector such that the optical fiber connector portion can be located at the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector. The first surface of the RJ-45 connector is the surface where the resilient latch of the RJ-45 connector is located.

[0040] In another aspect, embodiments of this application provide an optical connector, the optical connector comprising: an optical fiber connector portion and a connecting portion connected to the optical fiber connector portion;

[0041] The connector is configured to snap into an RJ-45 connector such that the fiber optic connector is located at the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector.

[0042] The first surface of the RJ-45 connector is the surface where the elastic buckle of the RJ-45 connector is located.

[0043] The optical connector provided in this application embodiment can be snapped onto an RJ-45 connector, thereby facilitating the acquisition of an optoelectronic composite connector capable of simultaneous optoelectronic transmission.

[0044] In some possible implementations, the connecting part includes: a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment;

[0045] The fiber optic connector, the first connecting segment, and the second connecting segment are sequentially and vertically connected and cooperate to form a slot, which engages with the side of the RJ-45 connector.

[0046] By tightly fitting the slot onto the side of the RJ-45 connector, a snap-fit ​​connection between the connector and the RJ-45 connector can be achieved.

[0047] For example, the second surface of the RJ-45 connector has a groove, and the second surface is the surface opposite to the first surface;

[0048] The connection part further includes: a snap-fit ​​segment, one end of which is perpendicularly connected to the end of the second connection segment away from the first connection segment, and the snap-fit ​​segment extends in a direction close to the fiber optic connector.

[0049] The snap-fit ​​section snaps into the groove.

[0050] In some possible implementations, the connector is elastic, which not only helps to increase the snap-fit ​​strength, but also simplifies the installation process of the connector on the RJ-45 connector. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an improved RJ-45 interface into a composite connector provided in this application;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a composite connector for an improved RJ-45 interface provided in this application;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an RJ-45 interface provided in this application;

[0054] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of a composite module provided in this application;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the housing of a composite module provided in this application;

[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the composite module corresponding to the composite connector provided in this application when it has two optical connectors;

[0057] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the composite module provided in this application when it has an optical connector;

[0058] Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of a composite module provided in this application;

[0059] Figure 9 This is a partial structural diagram of another composite module provided in this application;

[0060] Figure 10 This is a partial structural diagram of another composite module provided in this application;

[0061] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between an optical device and a power supply device provided in this application;

[0062] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the optical device and the power supply device of a composite module provided in this application;

[0063] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated structure of the optical device and power supply device of a composite module provided in this application;

[0064] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the second electrical connector and the second optical connector in a composite module provided in this application;

[0065] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the second electrical connector and the second optical connector in another composite module provided in this application;

[0066] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the second electrical connector and the second optical connector in another composite module provided in this application;

[0067] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the second electrical connector and the second optical connector in a further composite module provided in this application;

[0068] Figure 18 This is a partial structural diagram of the integrated second electrical connector and second optical connector of a composite module provided in this application;

[0069] Figure 19 This is a structural schematic diagram of a composite cable assembly provided in this application;

[0070] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of another composite cable assembly provided in this application;

[0071] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation process of a composite connector on an RJ-45 connector provided in this application;

[0072] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a composite connector provided in this application;

[0073] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation process of an optical connector on an RJ-45 connector, as provided in this application.

[0074] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical connector provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The RJ-45 interface is a common network cable interface, typically installed in devices such as computers or hubs. Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 Examples of a traditional RJ-45 interface structure are shown in the attached figures. Figure 1As shown, the RJ-45 interface 11 includes: an interface housing 111 and a connection terminal 112. The interface housing 111 has a network cable socket 113, which is compatible with the RJ-45 connector. The connection terminal 112 is located inside the network cable socket 113. Thus, when the RJ-45 connector is inserted into the RJ-45 interface 11, the electrical contacts on the RJ-45 connector make electrical contact with the connection terminal 112, thereby realizing data communication between the network cable and the device.

[0076] As attached Figure 1 As shown, the side of the interface housing 111 opposite to the connection terminal 112 can be a filling structure (i.e., as part of the interface housing 111), and the location of this filling structure is called the filling position 11a.

[0077] As attached Figure 2 As shown, an indicator light can also be mounted on the side of the interface housing 111 opposite to the connection terminal 112. The location of this indicator light is referred to as the indicator light mounting position 11b.

[0078] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a composite connector is provided, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 Or attach Figure 2 As shown, the composite connector 1 includes an RJ-45 interface 11 and an optical connector 12; the optical connector 12 is located on the RJ-45 interface 11 and is configured not to interfere with the mating of the RJ-45 interface 11 and the RJ-45 connector.

[0079] The composite connector 1 provided in this application innovatively assembles an optical connector 12 on the RJ-45 interface 11, thus integrating the optical connector and the electrical connector together. This composite connector 1 not only has photoelectric signal transmission capabilities but also boasts the advantage of miniaturization, meeting the miniaturization needs of switches and access points. Furthermore, the optical connector 12 is configured not to interfere with the compatibility between the RJ-45 interface 11 and the RJ-45 connector; that is, it will not affect the normal insertion of the standard RJ-45 connector and the RJ-45 interface 11. Therefore, this application embodiment obtains the composite connector 1 by defining an optical interface on a traditional electrical interface, which not only improves the compatibility of the composite connector 1 but also simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0080] Regarding the installation position of the optical connector 12 on the RJ-45 interface 11, as mentioned above, the presence of the optical connector 12 must not affect the compatibility and plugging of the RJ-45 interface 11 and the RJ-45 connector. In other words, the optical connector 12 will not occupy the internal space of the network cable port 113 of the RJ-45 interface 11.

[0081] In some possible implementations, an optical connector mounting position is provided on the side of the interface housing 111 of the RJ-45 interface 11 opposite to the connection terminal 112, so that the optical connector 12 is disposed in the optical connector mounting position.

[0082] For example, if the side of the interface housing 111 where the connection terminal 112 is located is defined as the bottom side, then the optical connector mounting position is located on the top side of the interface housing 111. Because the top side of the interface housing 111 generally has more spare space, this spare space can either be filled as part of the housing itself or used for other functions, such as mounting the aforementioned indicator light. In this embodiment, the optical connector mounting position is formed within this spare space, which not only does not affect the shape and size of the RJ-45 interface 11, but also fully utilizes the spare space on the RJ-45 interface 11.

[0083] For example, the optical connector mounting position occupies the original filling position 11a or the original indicator light mounting position 11b of the interface housing 111. Thus, as shown in the attached... Figure 1 As shown, the optical connector 12 is located at the original filling position 11a on the RJ-45 interface 11. Alternatively, as shown in the attached diagram... Figure 2 As shown, the optical connector 12 is located at the original indicator light mounting position 11b on the RJ-45 interface 11.

[0084] The original filling position 11a on the interface housing 21 refers to the filling part inside the interface housing 111 that was originally used as the housing itself. By hollowing out this filling position 11a, a fiber optic connector mounting position can be formed.

[0085] For example, when the optical connector 12 is installed at the optical connector mounting position, the end face of the connection end of the optical connector 12 can be located at a specific position inside the interface housing 111. That is, the end face of the optical connector 12 is not flush with the end face of the interface housing 111, but is located inside it, so as to ensure that the composite connector of this application embodiment can be compatible with the standard RJ-45 connector.

[0086] The original indicator light mounting position 11b on the interface housing 111 refers to the original position inside the interface housing 111 used to mount the indicator light; that is, the optical connector mounting position replaces the indicator light mounting position. By removing the indicator light from this mounting position 11b, an empty space is created.

[0087] For example, when the optical connector 12 is installed at the optical connector mounting position, the end face of the connection end of the optical connector 12 can be located at a specific position inside the interface housing 111. That is, the end face of the optical connector 12 is not flush with the end face of the interface housing 111, but is located inside it, so as to ensure that the composite connector of this application embodiment can be compatible with the standard RJ-45 connector.

[0088] As can be seen, the composite connector involved in this application embodiment adds an optical connector mounting position without occupying the socket space of the RJ-45 interface 11, so that the composite connector 1 can simultaneously carry an electrical connector and an optical connector. That is, it can not only receive and transmit electrical signals, but also receive and transmit optical signals, and is also compatible with standard RJ-45 connectors.

[0089] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 3 As shown, in the composite connector 1, there is one optical connector 12, which is suitable for single-fiber bidirectional transmission. The optical connector 12 serves as both a transmitter and a receiver.

[0090] The optical connector 12 is located at any end of the interface housing 111 on the side opposite to the connection terminal 112, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the left or right end, for example, the optical connector 12 occupies either one of the indicator light mounting positions 11b.

[0091] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 1 As shown, in the composite connector 1, there are two optical connectors 12, which is suitable for dual-fiber bidirectional transmission. One optical connector 12 is used as the transmitting end, and the other optical connector 12 is used as the receiving end.

[0092] The optical connector 12 is located at both ends on the side of the interface housing 111 opposite to the connection terminal 112, such as Figure 1 As shown, the left and right ends, for example, have two optical connectors 12 occupying two indicator light mounting positions 11b respectively.

[0093] Appendix Figure 3 The example provided illustrates the structure of an optical connector 12, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 3 As shown, the optical connector 12 includes: an optical fiber ferrule 121 and an optical fiber 122, wherein the optical fiber ferrule 121 is located on the RJ-45 interface 11; the optical fiber ferrule 121 has an optical fiber jack, and the optical fiber 122 is located inside the optical fiber jack.

[0094] The fiber optic ferrule 121 is a fiber optic mounting base that can accommodate the fiber optic cable 122. The fiber optic ferrule 121 is adapted to the structure of the optical connector mounting position. For example, if the optical connector mounting position has a rectangular cavity structure, the fiber optic ferrule 121 is also rectangular block-shaped.

[0095] The fiber ferrule 121 of the optical connector 12 can be fixed to the optical connector mounting position by means of snap-fit, adhesive bonding, key connection, etc. Taking the snap-fit ​​method as an example, the optical connector mounting position can have a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall. Furthermore, the optical connector mounting position also has a rear wall, which is connected to one end of the top wall, bottom wall, and side wall. In this way, the cavity formed by the top wall, bottom wall, side wall, and rear wall can be used to accommodate the fiber ferrule 121. In this example, the fiber ferrule 121 is fitted into the cavity to achieve snap-fit.

[0096] As an example, to improve the installation stability of the fiber optic ferrule 121 inside the optical connector mounting position, a first limiting structure can be provided on the inner wall of the optical connector mounting position, and correspondingly, a second limiting structure can be provided on the outer wall of the fiber optic ferrule 121. The first and second limiting structures cooperate with each other, preventing the fiber optic ferrule 121 from moving up, down, left, or right. For example, one of the first and second limiting structures is a boss, and the other is a limiting groove adapted to the boss. Furthermore, both the first and second limiting structures extend along the insertion and removal direction of the fiber optic ferrule 121 inside the optical connector mounting position to facilitate the installation and removal of the fiber optic ferrule 121.

[0097] The front end of the optical connector mounting position has an open inlet. This open inlet serves two purposes: firstly, it prevents interference when external connectors enter the RJ-45 interface 11; secondly, it exposes the optical connector 12. A through-hole is provided on the rear wall of the optical connector mounting position to allow the optical fiber to pass through, facilitating the connection of the optical connector 12 with external optoelectronic devices.

[0098] As another example, there are no walls on the optical connector mounting position for limiting or blocking, and the space where the optical connector mounting position is located is open. In this example, the optical connector 12 can be installed in the optical connector mounting position using fasteners such as screws or clips.

[0099] The composite connector provided in this application embodiment can be prepared by the following method:

[0100] Provides an RJ-45 interface 11.

[0101] An optical connector mounting position is arranged on the RJ-45 interface 11, and the optical connector 12 is installed in the optical connector mounting position to obtain the composite connector.

[0102] As described above, in some examples, the arrangement of the optical connector mounting position on the RJ-45 interface 11 includes: processing the original filling position 11a or the original indicator light mounting position 11b on the RJ-45 interface 11 to obtain the optical connector mounting position.

[0103] On the other hand, this application embodiment also provides a composite module, which includes the composite connector 1 described above in this application embodiment, so that the composite module can meet the miniaturization development of switches and access points.

[0104] The composite module provided in this application embodiment can also be called an optoelectronic composite module. This composite module can be used to convert optical signals into electrical signals and to implement Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE is a technology that enables devices such as IP (Internet Protocol) phones, AP (access point) devices, and network cameras to transmit data signals while simultaneously supplying them with power.

[0105] The composite module provided in this application embodiment can be a module for converting optical signals into electrical signals, a module for converting electrical signals into optical signals, or a module that can convert both optical signals into electrical signals and electrical signals into optical signals.

[0106] One possible application scenario for this composite module is its use in the connection between switches and access points (APs). The composite module is plugged into the front panel of both the switch and the AP. The composite module plugged into the switch and the composite module plugged into the AP are connected by a composite cable, thereby realizing the connection between the switch and the AP.

[0107] Composite cables are cables that are covered with optical fibers and electrical cables, such as copper wires. The optical fibers are used to transmit optical signals, and the copper wires are used to transmit electrical energy.

[0108] When this composite module is used in the connection between a switch and an access point (AP), it can be used with optical communication equipment such as switches and APs, or with a composite cable. The optical communication equipment's front panel has a port for inserting the composite module. This port has an optical interface that connects to the composite module's optical connector, and also an electrical interface that connects to the composite module's electrical connector. Similarly, the composite cable's connector has an optical fiber connector that connects to the composite module's optical connector, and a power connector that connects to the composite module's electrical connector.

[0109] In one embodiment, the composite module includes a device for realizing photoelectric conversion and a device for realizing PoE function. The optical connector and the electrical connector are integrated into a socket, so that the panel of the optical communication device that cooperates with the composite module only needs to be provided with a port for inserting the composite module. The port has an electrical interface and an optical interface, which can save the panel size of the optical communication device and is conducive to the miniaturization of the device.

[0110] In terms of the type of composite module, according to its function, the composite module can be any one of the following: optical receiving composite module, optical transmitting composite module, optical transceiver composite module, and optical forwarding composite module.

[0111] Based on pluggability, the composite module can be either a hot-swappable composite module or a non-hot-swappable composite module.

[0112] According to the packaging type, the composite module can be any one of the following: SFP (small form-factor pluggable) composite module, GPIB (giga bitrate interface converter) composite module, and XFP (10 gigabit small form factor pluggable) composite module.

[0113] This embodiment does not specifically limit the type of the composite module. The following will describe in detail the specific structure of the composite module that realizes the photoelectric conversion function and the PoE power supply function.

[0114] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 4 As shown, the composite module also includes: a housing 2, an optical device 3, and a power supply device 4. The housing 2 has a second socket 22 at both its first and second ends; the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1 serves as the first electrical connector, and the optical connector 12 of the composite connector 1 serves as the first optical connector; the optical device 3 includes a photoelectric conversion device 31 and a second optical connector 32; the power supply device 4 includes a power supply line 41 and the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1; the photoelectric conversion device 31 and the power supply line 41 are both located within the housing 2; the composite connector 1 is located at the first socket 11; the second optical connector 32 and the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1 are both located at the second socket 22; the two ends of the photoelectric conversion device 31 are respectively connected to the optical connector 12 and the second optical connector 32 of the composite connector 1; the two ends of the power supply line 41 are respectively connected to the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1.

[0115] Among them, the shell 2 serves as the protective outer shell of the composite module, which is used to protect the internal components of the composite module and plays a role in protection, dustproofing and waterproofing.

[0116] As attached Figure 5 As shown, the housing 2 has a first socket 21 at its first end along its length and a second socket 22 at its second end. The first socket 21 can be used as a socket for inserting the composite cable, and the second socket 22 can be used as a socket for inserting the composite module into the device.

[0117] The composite connector 1 is located at the first socket 21. It cannot be ruled out that in some implementations, the outer shell of the composite connector 1 can also be used as part of the outer shell 1. In this case, the network cable socket 113 of the composite connector 1 can be used as the first socket 21.

[0118] The network cable port 113 of the composite connector 1 is used to receive an external connector, which refers to an optoelectronic composite connector on the device or composite cable that is compatible with the composite connector 1 when the composite module is inserted into the device or the composite cable. For example, the external connector may be located at the end of the composite cable, or it may be located on the device. In application, the external connector can enter the network cable port 113, where the port 113 effectively functions as a socket. Within this interface, the electrical connector on the external connector is connected to the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1, i.e., the first electric guitar adapter, and the optical connector on the external connector is connected to the optical connector 12 of the composite connector 1.

[0119] In this embodiment, the photoelectric conversion device 31 of the optical device 3 and the power supply line 41 of the power supply device 4 are both located in the housing 2. The housing 2 has a first socket 21 and a second socket 22 to facilitate the insertion of the composite cable and the insertion of the device.

[0120] The two ends of the photoelectric conversion device 31 are connected to the second optical connector 32 and the optical connector 12 of the composite connector 1, respectively, and the two ends of the power supply line 41 are connected to the second electrical connector 42 and the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1, respectively.

[0121] The second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 are both located at the second socket 22. The composite connector 1, which integrates an RJ-45 interface 11 and an optical connector 12, is located at the first socket 21. The second socket 22 can be used as the socket for inserting the composite module into the device, and the first socket 21 can be used as the socket for inserting the composite module into the composite cable. This composite module integrates PoE power supply and photoelectric conversion functions. Therefore, the panels of the devices being plugged into, such as switches and access points, only need to be equipped with interfaces for inserting this composite module, which helps to save the panel size of switches and access points and promotes the miniaturization of switches and access points.

[0122] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 6 As shown, the composite module provided in this embodiment is a dual-fiber bidirectional composite module. Accordingly, there are two optical connectors 12, one as the transmitting end and the other as the receiving end.

[0123] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 7As shown, the composite module provided in this embodiment is a single-fiber bidirectional composite module. Accordingly, the number of optical connectors 12 is one, which serves as both a transmitter and a receiver.

[0124] This embodiment does not limit whether the composite module is a dual-fiber bidirectional module or a single-fiber bidirectional module; the accompanying drawings illustrate a dual-fiber bidirectional module.

[0125] Optical device 3, also known as optoelectronic device, is a device used to convert optical signals into electrical signals. As an example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the optical device 3 includes a photoelectric conversion device 31 and a second optical connector 32. The first end of the photoelectric conversion device 31 is connected to the second optical connector 32, and the second end of the photoelectric conversion device 31 is connected to the optical connector 12. The connection between the optical connector and the photoelectric conversion device 31 can include physical connection and electrical connection.

[0126] Among them, the photoelectric conversion device 31 is the component required to realize the photoelectric conversion function, such as laser, detector, amplifier, clock data recovery and processing board, etc.

[0127] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 8 and appendix Figure 9 As shown, the photoelectric conversion device 31 includes a processing board 31a and a photoelectronic device 31b. The optical connector 12, the photoelectronic device 31b, the processing board 31a, and the second optical connector 32 of the composite connector 1 are connected in sequence to realize the optical signal path and perform photoelectric conversion.

[0128] The processing board 31a is capable of receiving and processing optical signals. Thus, the optical connector 12, optoelectronic device 31b, processing board 31a, and second optical connector 32 are connected in sequence to form a complete optical signal path.

[0129] To simplify the internal structure of the composite module, the processing board 31a can also be configured to receive and process electrical signals. In other words, the processing board 31a also functions as the power supply line 41. Optical and electrical signals are implemented using a single processing board 31a, thereby enabling the processing and transmission of photoelectric signals.

[0130] For example, the above-mentioned ability of the processing board 31a to simultaneously receive and process optical and electrical signals can be achieved by the following method: the ribbon cable of the processing board 31a includes a first ribbon cable portion and a second ribbon cable portion, the two ends of the first ribbon cable portion are respectively connected to the optical connector 12 and the second optical connector 32 of the composite connector 1, and the two ends of the second ribbon cable portion are respectively electrically connected to the RJ-45 interface 11 and the second electrical connector 42 of the composite connector 1, so as to transmit electrical signals and power.

[0131] For the connection between the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1 and the power supply line 41, for example, at least part of the power supply line 41 and the optoelectronic conversion device 31 are integrated into one unit, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 10 As shown, the power supply line 41 includes a flexible circuit board 41a and a rigid circuit board 41b that are interconnected, so that the rigid circuit board 41b of the power supply line 41 and the processing board 31a of the photoelectric conversion device 31 are integrated into one unit.

[0132] In application, the connection terminal 112 of the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1 extends out from the rear end face of the interface housing 111 until it is connected to one end of the flexible circuit board of the power supply line 41. The other end of the flexible circuit board of the power supply line 41 is connected to one end of the rigid circuit board of the power supply line 41, and the other end of the rigid circuit board of the power supply line 41 is connected to the second electrical connector 42, thus realizing a complete electrical signal path.

[0133] The connection between the optical connector 12 and the photoelectric conversion device 31 is as shown in the attached figure. Figure 9 As shown, the optical connector 12 is connected to the optoelectronic device 31b of the optoelectronic conversion device 31 through its optical fiber. The optoelectronic device 31b is also connected to one end of the processing board 31a of the optoelectronic conversion device 31. Meanwhile, the other end of the processing board 31a of the optoelectronic conversion device 31 is connected to the second optical connector 32, thus realizing a complete optical path.

[0134] Power supply device 4 is used to implement PoE power supply. Power supply device 4 includes the components required for this composite module to implement the PoE power supply function, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the power supply device 4 includes a power supply line 41 and a second electrical connector 42 located at one end of the power supply line 41. The second electrical connector 42 can be used to connect to the plugged-in device.

[0135] In one example, the power supply line 41 can be a cable covered with copper wire, a flexible circuit board, or a rigid circuit board, etc.

[0136] As attached Figure 10 As shown, the power supply line 41 employs a combination of a flexible circuit board 41a and a rigid circuit board 41b. The first part of the power supply line 41 uses the flexible circuit board 41a, and the second part uses the rigid circuit board 41b, which is integrated onto the processing board 31a. The second cabling portion of the processing board 31a of the photoelectric conversion device 31 can also receive and process electrical signals. In this implementation, by connecting the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1 to one end of the flexible circuit board 41a of the power supply line 41, and by connecting the second electrical connector 42 to one end of the processing board 31a integrated with the rigid circuit board 41b, a complete electrical path can be achieved.

[0137] The following will describe the positional relationship between the photoelectric conversion device 31 of the optical device 3 and the power supply line 41 of the power supply device 4, as well as the specific implementation structure of the power supply line 41.

[0138] The photoelectric conversion device 31 and the power supply line 41 are stacked. For example, the photoelectric conversion device 31 of the optical device 3 is located on one layer, and the power supply line 41 of the power supply device 4 is located on one layer, with these two layers stacked one on top of the other. Exemplarily, the photoelectric conversion device 31 is close to the bottom inner wall of the housing 2, and the power supply line 41 is close to the top inner wall of the housing 2. This positional relationship can save internal space of the composite module.

[0139] In some examples, such as the attached Figure 11 As shown, the processing board 31a and power supply line 41 of the photoelectric conversion device 31 are stacked vertically in the housing 2. The second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 can be stacked vertically in the second socket 22. The second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 can also be integrated together, etc. This embodiment does not limit this. The positional relationship between the second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 will be described in detail below.

[0140] In some examples, at least a portion of the power supply line 41 and the photoelectric conversion device 31 are integrated into one unit, including: (1) integrating a portion of the power supply line 41 with the photoelectric conversion device 31, i.e., the second row of the processing board 31a of the photoelectric conversion device 31 serves as the aforementioned portion of the power supply line 41, and (2) integrating all the power supply lines 41 with the photoelectric conversion device 31.

[0141] In case (1), the power supply line 41 includes a flexible circuit board and a rigid circuit board that are interconnected. The rigid circuit board of the power supply line 41 and the photoelectric conversion device 31 are integrated into one unit. For example, the circuit board 31a of the photoelectric conversion device 31 includes a first ribbon cable portion and a second ribbon cable portion. The first ribbon cable portion is used for photoelectric conversion, and the second ribbon cable portion is used for electrical signal and power transmission. The second ribbon cable portion is the rigid circuit board of the power supply line 41.

[0142] For case (2), such as Figure 12 As shown, the power supply line 41 and the photoelectric conversion device 31 are integrated into one unit. The integration of the two can obtain the photoelectric composite device 30. The photoelectric composite device 30 may include a circuit board 301. The first part of the wiring 301, the first part of the wiring 301a, is electrically connected to the second optical connector 32 and the optical connector 12 of the composite connector 1 to form a photoelectric path. The second part of the wiring 301, the second part of the wiring 301b, is electrically connected to the second electrical connector 42 and the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1 to form a power path.

[0143] The power supply line 41 and the photoelectric conversion device 31 are integrated into one unit, while the second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 can still remain independent of each other, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the power supply line 41 and the photoelectric conversion device 31 are integrated into one unit, but the second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 are stacked on top of each other in the second socket 22.

[0144] The power supply line 41 and the photoelectric conversion device 31 are integrated into one unit, and the second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 are also integrated together, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the power supply line 41 and the photoelectric conversion device 31 are integrated into one unit, and the second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 are also integrated into one unit.

[0145] In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 is not specifically limited, as the power supply line 41 and the photoelectric conversion device 31 are integrated into one unit. The positional relationship between the second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 will be described in detail below.

[0146] The above describes the positional relationship between the photoelectric conversion device 31 and the power supply line 41. The following will describe in detail the positional relationship between the second optical connector 32 of the optical device 3 and the second electrical connector 42 of the power supply device 4, as well as the specific implementation structure of the second electrical connector 42.

[0147] In terms of position, the second electrical connector 42 can be located between the second optical connector 32 and the inner wall of the second socket 22 located at the top.

[0148] For example, the second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 are independent of each other and are superimposed in the second socket 22. For example, the second electrical connector 42 can be installed on the inner wall of the top of the second socket 22, and the side of the second optical connector 32 can be installed on the inner wall of the side of the second socket 22.

[0149] In one example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the second electrical connector 42 may include an electrical connector mounting portion 421 and an electrical connector conductive portion 422; the electrical connector mounting portion 421 is fixed to the inner wall of the second socket 22 located at the top, the electrical connector conductive portion 422 and the electrical connector mounting portion 421 are fixed, and the electrical connector conductive portion 422 is electrically connected to the power supply line 41.

[0150] The electrical connector mounting part 421 can be made of plastic or other materials, while the electrical connector conductive part 422 can be made of metal or other materials.

[0151] For example, the electrical connector mounting part 421 has a plate-like structure and is mounted on the top inner wall of the second socket 22. For example, it can be fixed to the top inner wall of the second socket 22 by snap-fit ​​or by adhesive.

[0152] The electrical connector mounting part 421 serves as the carrier for the electrical connector conductive part 422. The electrical connector conductive part 422 can be fixed on the electrical connector mounting part 421, and the electrical connector conductive part 422 is also electrically connected to the power supply line 41. There are various possible positions for fixing the electrical connector conductive part 422 in the electrical connector mounting part 421.

[0153] For example, a fixed position could be, such as Figure 14 As shown, the conductive part 422 of the electrical connector is a metal sheet; the conductive part 422 of the electrical connector is fixed to the outer surface of the electrical connector mounting part 421, and the outer surface of the electrical connector mounting part 421 is a surface parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module.

[0154] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the conductive portion 422 of the electrical connector can adhere to the outer surface of the electrical connector mounting portion 421 facing the second optical connector 32. Alternatively, the conductive portion 422 can also adhere to the outer surface of the sidewall of the electrical connector mounting portion 421. Furthermore, when the outer surface of the sidewall of the electrical connector mounting portion 421 is fixed to the inner surface of the sidewall of the second socket 22, the conductive portion 422 can also adhere to the outer surface of the electrical connector mounting portion 421 facing away from the second electrical connector 42.

[0155] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the conductive part 422 of the electrical connector is a metal rod; the conductive part 422 of the electrical connector is fixed inside the electrical connector mounting part 421 and extends out of the end face of the electrical connector mounting part 421 away from the power supply line 41.

[0156] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, and refer to Figure 16 As shown, the conductive part 422 of the electrical connector penetrates the interior of the electrical connector mounting part 421. One end extends out of the end face of the electrical connector mounting part 421 near the power supply line 41 and is electrically connected to the power supply line 41. The other end extends out of the end face of the electrical connector mounting part 421 away from the power supply line 41 for electrical connection with the plugged-in device.

[0157] In one example, in order to make the electrical connection between the conductive part 422 of the electrical connector and the inserted device more stable, the conductive part 422 of the electrical connector of the metal rod can be a spring pin that can extend and retract along the insertion and removal direction of the composite module.

[0158] For example, such as Figure 17As shown, the conductive part 422 of the electrical connector is a strip-shaped metal spring; the electrical connector mounting part 421 has a mounting groove 423, the mounting groove 423 has a slot on the outer surface of the electrical connector mounting part 421, and the outer surface of the electrical connector mounting part 421 is a surface parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module; the end of the conductive part 422 of the electrical connector is fixed to the groove wall of the mounting groove 423, and the contact part 422a of the conductive part 422 of the electrical connector for electrical connection with the inserted device extends out of the slot.

[0159] The surface parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the composite module can be the outer surface of the electrical connector mounting part 421 facing the second optical connector 32, the outer surface of the side wall of the electrical connector mounting part 421, or the outer surface of the electrical connector mounting part 421 facing away from the second optical connector 32, etc.

[0160] For example, the electrical connector mounting portion 421 has a mounting groove 423, such as Figure 17 As shown, the mounting groove 423 has a notch on its outer surface facing the second optical connector 32. One end of the conductive part 422 of the strip-shaped metal spring's electrical connector can be fixed to the groove wall of the mounting groove 423, while the other end can be suspended in the mounting groove 423, as shown. Figure 17 As shown, the contact portion 422a of the conductive portion 422 of the electrical connector extends out of the slot. The contact portion 422a is a part of the conductive portion 422 used for electrical connection with the inserted device. For example, the contact portion 422a can be a bent portion near the end of the conductive portion 422, or it can be the end of the conductive portion 422. The contact portion 422a extends out of the slot of the mounting groove 423, so that when the composite module is inserted into the device, the contact portion 422a can contact the conductive portion in the inserted device to achieve electrical connection.

[0161] The above describes the situation where the second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 are independent of each other and superimposed in the second socket 22. The second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 can also be integrated together.

[0162] For example, such as Figure 18 As shown, the second electrical connector 42 and the second optical connector 32 are integrated to form a photoelectric composite connector 20. The photoelectric composite connector 20 includes a photoelectric composite connector carrier 201 and a gold finger 202. The gold finger 202 is fixed on the surface of the photoelectric composite carrier 201, and the surface of the photoelectric composite carrier 201 is parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module. The first part of the gold finger 202, the metal piece 202a, is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device 31 to form the second optical connector 32, and the second part of the gold finger 202, the metal piece 202b, is electrically connected to the power supply line 41 to form the second electrical connector 42.

[0163] The gold fingers consist of multiple conductive contacts, which are laid on two opposite surfaces of the carrier.

[0164] In one example, such as Figure 18 As shown, the second electrical connector 42 and the second optical connector 32 are integrated together to form a photoelectric composite connector 20. The photoelectric composite connector 20 includes a photoelectric composite carrier 201 and gold fingers 202. The photoelectric composite carrier 201 has a plate-like structure, for example, it can be a portion of a circuit board near its end. The gold fingers 202 can be located on the surface of the photoelectric composite carrier 201, such as on two opposite surfaces of the photoelectric composite carrier 201. A portion of the metal sheet in the gold fingers 202 can be electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device 31 to form the second optical connector 32, and another portion of the metal sheet in the gold fingers 202 can be electrically connected to the power supply line 41 to form the second electrical connector 42. Exemplarily, as shown... Figure 18 As shown, the first part of the metal sheet 202a in the gold finger 202 is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device 31 to form the second optical connector 32, and the second part of the metal sheet 202b in the gold finger 202 is electrically connected to the power supply line 41 to form the second electrical connector 42.

[0165] By integrating the second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 together, the installation space of the composite module can be saved, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the composite module.

[0166] Based on the above, the composite module not only has optical devices for converting optical signals to electrical signals, but also power supply devices for PoE power supply. In this way, the panels of devices into which the composite module is inserted, such as switches and access points, only need to be provided with an interface for inserting the composite module, without the need to provide a separate interface for PoE power supply, thereby saving panel space on the device.

[0167] The composite module provided in this application embodiment has a power supply device 4 for realizing PoE power supply. In application, the composite module can be used to determine the power consumption level of the optical communication device when the inserted optical communication device is detected as a powered device, and to supply power to the optical communication device according to the power consumption level of the optical communication device.

[0168] In PoE power supply, there are power sourcing equipment (PSE) and power devices (PD). The power sourcing equipment can be PoE switches, etc., and the power devices can be PoE network cameras and access points, etc.

[0169] For example, in one scenario, the composite module is plugged into an interface of a switch, and the composite module is plugged into an interface of an access point (AP). The composite modules on the switch and the AP are connected via a composite cable. The switch is the power supply device, and the AP is the power receiving device. The switch outputs a small voltage to the AP through its port. The processor in the composite module plugged into the switch detects that the AP is a power receiving device. After enabling PoE power supply, it can report back to the switch that the AP is a power receiving device. Then, the switch increases the voltage supplied to the AP, allowing the processor in the composite module plugged into the switch to detect the AP's power consumption level. Subsequently, the processor in the composite module plugged into the switch determines the power supply voltage corresponding to the AP's power consumption level based on a pre-stored correspondence between power consumption levels and supply voltages, and feeds back the required power supply voltage to the switch, so that the switch can stably supply power to the AP according to the aforementioned power supply voltage.

[0170] In one example, the power supply device 4 in the composite module can be used not only to transmit electrical energy, but also to transmit some data signals, which may include signals for adjusting the optical power of the optical device and signals indicating that the composite module is malfunctioning.

[0171] For example, the transmitter of optical device 3 can send an optical signal to the access point (AP), and the AP can send a feedback signal to optical device 3. The feedback signal carries the power of the received optical signal. The feedback signal sent by the AP to optical device 3 can be transmitted to the processor in the power supply device 4 through the copper wire in the composite cable and the power supply line 41 in the power supply device 4. This allows the processor to adjust the power of the optical signal sent by optical device 3 to the AP next time based on the power of the transmitted optical signal and the power of the optical signal in the feedback signal, so as to send an optical signal of appropriate power to the AP.

[0172] For example, when the composite module malfunctions, such as when the power of the transmitted optical signal is too low or when it cannot perform photoelectric conversion, an abnormal signal can be sent to the plugged device through the power supply device 4, so that technicians can understand through the device that the composite module has malfunctioned and needs to be replaced.

[0173] As can be seen, the composite module has a power supply device for realizing PoE power supply. This power supply device can not only realize power transmission, but also realize some data signal transmission. The composite module also has a PoE power supply management process.

[0174] This application also provides a method for manufacturing a composite module, which is the composite module described above. The method may include the following steps:

[0175] A composite connector 1 is provided, the second electrical connector 42 is connected to one end of the power supply line 41, and the RJ-45 interface 11 in the composite connector 1 is connected to the other end of the power supply line 41, thus completing the assembly of the composite connector 1 and the power supply device 4.

[0176] Connect the second optical connector 32 to one end of the photoelectric conversion device 31, and connect the optical connector 12 in the composite connector 1 to the other end of the photoelectric conversion device 31 to complete the assembly of the composite connector 1 and the optical device 3.

[0177] The optical device 3, the power supply device 4, and the composite connector 1 are installed in the housing 2, with the composite connector 1 located at the first socket 21 of the housing 2, and the second optical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 42 both located at the second socket 22 of the housing 2.

[0178] This embodiment does not specifically limit the manufacturing and installation process of the composite module. It can be achieved that the photoelectric conversion device 31 of the optical device 3 and the power supply line 41 of the power supply device 4 are both located in the housing 2, the composite connector 1 is located at the first socket 21 of the housing 2, and the second optical connector 32 of the optical device 3 and the second electrical connector 42 of the power supply device 4 are located at the second socket 22.

[0179] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a composite cable assembly adapted to be connected to the composite module of embodiments of this application.

[0180] As attached Figure 19 or Figure 20 As shown, the composite cable assembly includes: a composite cable 5 and a composite connector 6 connected to the end of the composite cable 5;

[0181] The composite connector 6 includes an RJ-45 connector 61 and an optical connector 62, with the optical connector 62 located at the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector 61; the first surface of the RJ-45 connector 61 is the surface where the elastic snap of the RJ-45 connector 61 is located.

[0182] The composite cable 5 includes a sheath layer, and an optical fiber 52 and a cable 53 located inside the sheath layer 51; wherein one end of the cable 53 is connected to an RJ-45 connector 61, and one end of the optical fiber 52 is connected to an optical connector 62.

[0183] In some examples, the RJ-45 connector 61 is also used to adapt to the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1; the optical connector 62 is also used to adapt to the optical connector 12 of the composite connector 1.

[0184] RJ-45 connector 61, also known as crystal head, is a network cable connector that can be inserted into a device port in a fixed direction and prevents the crystal head itself from falling out of the device port.

[0185] For example, the RJ-45 connector 61 includes a plug body 6011 and a metal contact 6012, the metal contact 6012 being located at the front end of the plug body 6011 and connected to the cable 53.

[0186] The first surface of the plug body 6011 has a resilient latch, which is angled and has one end connected to the first surface of the RJ-45 connector 61, while the other end extends away from the first surface of the RJ-45 connector 61 to prevent the RJ-45 connector 61 from slipping out of the RJ-45 interface 11. The front end of the plug body 6011 refers to the end that first enters the network cable interface. The metal contact 6012 is not only located on the second surface of the plug body 6011 opposite to the first surface, but can also be exposed on the end face of the front end of the plug body 6011.

[0187] The optical connector 62 is located at the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector 61. The physical dimensions and installation position of the optical connector 62 must meet the following conditions: the presence of the optical connector 62 will not affect its normal insertion into the standard RJ-45 interface. The physical structure of the RJ-45 connector 61 has not changed compared to the prior art; only the new optical connector 62 is defined on its surface. Therefore, the RJ-45 connector 61 is compatible with standard network cable interfaces in the art, making it suitable not only for connection with the composite module of this application to allow simultaneous transmission of optical and electrical signals to the composite module, but also for connection with standard network cable interfaces in the art, thus improving its compatibility and broadening its applicability.

[0188] In the composite cable assembly provided in this application embodiment, the RJ-45 connector 61 is configured to be adapted and plugged into the RJ-45 interface 11 in the composite module described above. When the RJ-45 connector 61 is inserted into the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite module, the RJ-45 connector 61 can be adapted and connected to the RJ-45 interface 11 of the composite connector 1, and at the same time, the optical connector 62 can be adapted and connected to the optical connector 12 of the composite connector 1, thereby realizing the transmission of photoelectric signals and power.

[0189] In addition, since the optical connector 62 is located at the rear end of the first surface of the plug body 6011, the RJ-45 connector 61 and the optical connector 62 in the composite connector 6 are relatively independent, which facilitates on-site wiring and preparation.

[0190] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 19 As shown, there is one optical connector 62, which is located on either side of the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector 61. This optical connector 62 serves as both a transmitter and a receiver, and is suitable for bidirectional transmission over a single fiber.

[0191] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 20 As shown, there are two optical connectors 62, located on opposite sides of the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector 61. One of the two optical connectors 62 serves as the transmitting end, and the other as the receiving end, suitable for bidirectional transmission over two fibers.

[0192] The optical connector 62 can be fixed to the RJ-45 connector 61 in various ways, such as a non-removable fixing method or a detachable fixing method. In this embodiment, the optical connector 62 is detachably connected to the RJ-45 connector 61, which makes it easier to disassemble and maintain the optical connector 62.

[0193] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 21 As shown, the optical connector 62 includes: an optical fiber connector portion 621 and a connecting portion 622; the optical fiber connector portion 621 is connected to the connecting portion 622, and the connecting portion 622 is configured to snap into the RJ-45 connector 61, such that the optical fiber connector portion 621 can be located at the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector 61. The first surface of the RJ-45 connector 61 is the surface where the elastic latch of the RJ-45 connector is located.

[0194] In this embodiment, the structure of the optical fiber connector 621 can be referred to the structure of the optical connector 12 of the composite connector 1 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0195] The detachable connection methods between the connector 622 and the RJ-45 connector 61 include, but are not limited to, the following: snap-fit, hook-and-loop fastening, magnetic connection, screw connection, etc.

[0196] For example, in this embodiment of the application, the connecting part 622 is snapped into the RJ-45 connector 61, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 21 As shown, the connecting part 622 includes: a first connecting segment 6221 and a second connecting segment 6222; the fiber optic connector part 621, the first connecting segment 6221 and the second connecting segment 6222 are sequentially and vertically connected and cooperate to form a slot 6223; the slot 6223 is engaged with the side of the RJ-45 connector 61.

[0197] Specifically, one end of the first connecting segment 6221 is perpendicularly connected to one end of the fiber optic connector 621, and the other end of the first connecting segment 6221 is perpendicularly connected to one end of the second connecting segment 6222. The fiber optic connector 621 and the second connecting segment 6222 extend in the same direction, thus forming a rectangular slot 6223 that matches the side shape of the RJ-45 connector 61.

[0198] By tightly fitting the slot 6223 onto the side of the RJ-45 connector 61, the connection between the connecting part 622 and the RJ-45 connector 61 can be achieved.

[0199] Furthermore, the first surface of the RJ-45 connector 61 has a groove 611; the connection portion 622 further includes a snap-fit ​​segment 6224, one end of which is perpendicularly connected to the free end of the second connection segment 6222, and the snap-fit ​​segment 6224 extends in a direction close to the fiber optic connector portion 621, and the snap-fit ​​segment 6224 snaps into the groove 611.

[0200] For example, as shown in the attached Figure 22 As shown, the snap-fit ​​segment 6224 includes: a snap-fit ​​segment body 62241 and a snap-fit ​​connector 62242 connected to the free end of the snap-fit ​​segment body 62241. The snap-fit ​​connector 62242 and the snap-fit ​​segment body 62241 form an angle, for example, the angle range is 60°-90°. In this way, the snap-fit ​​connector 62242 can enter the groove 611 to realize the snap-fit ​​between the snap-fit ​​segment 6224 and the groove 611.

[0201] To improve the snap-fit ​​strength and simplify the installation process of the connector 622 on the RJ-45 connector 61, the connector 622 can be made flexible. For example, the connector 622 can be made of a high-strength, rigid, elastic plastic material.

[0202] Regarding the groove 611 on the first surface of the RJ-45 connector 61, currently, some standard crystal heads also have the same groove at the corresponding position, and this groove can be used directly as groove 611. Therefore, crystal heads with grooves can be used as RJ-45 connectors 61 of composite cable assemblies, which helps to simplify the manufacturing process of composite cable assemblies.

[0203] For the composite cable assembly, both ends of the composite cable 5 are connected to composite connectors 6. The two ends of the optical fiber 52 of the composite cable 5 are respectively connected to the optical connectors 62 of the two composite connectors 6, and the two ends of the cable 53 of the composite cable 5 are respectively connected to the RJ-45 connectors 61 of the two composite connectors 6.

[0204] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide an optical connector, as shown in the attached... Figure 23 As shown, the optical connector 7 includes: an optical fiber connector 71 and a connecting part 72 connected to the optical fiber connector 71;

[0205] The connector 72 is configured to snap into the RJ-45 connector 8, such that the fiber optic connector 71 is located at the rear end of the first surface 81 of the RJ-45 connector 8.

[0206] The first surface 81 of the RJ-45 connector 8 is the surface where the elastic clip of the RJ-45 connector is located.

[0207] The optical connector 7 provided in this application embodiment can be snapped onto the RJ-45 connector 8, thereby facilitating the acquisition of an optoelectronic composite connector capable of simultaneous optoelectronic transmission.

[0208] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 23 As shown, the connecting part 72 includes: a first connecting segment 721 and a second connecting segment 722;

[0209] The fiber optic connector 71, the first connecting section 721, and the second connecting section 722 are connected vertically in sequence and cooperate to form a slot 723, which is engaged with the side of the RJ-45 connector 8.

[0210] Specifically, one end of the first connecting segment 721 is perpendicularly connected to one end of the fiber optic connector 71, and the other end of the first connecting segment 721 is perpendicularly connected to one end of the second connecting segment 722. The fiber optic connector 71 and the second connecting segment 722 extend in the same direction, thus forming a rectangular slot 723 that matches the side shape of the RJ-45 connector 61.

[0211] By tightly fitting the slot 723 onto the side of the RJ-45 connector 8, a snap-fit ​​connection between the connecting part 72 and the RJ-45 connector 8 can be achieved.

[0212] In some possible implementations, the second surface 82 of the RJ-45 connector 8 has a groove 83, and the second surface 82 is the surface opposite to the first surface 81; the connection portion 72 further includes: a snap-fit ​​segment 724, one end of which is perpendicularly connected to the end of the second connection segment 722 away from the first connection segment 721, and the snap-fit ​​segment 724 extends in a direction close to the fiber optic connector portion 71; the snap-fit ​​segment 724 snaps into the groove 83.

[0213] In some possible implementations, the connecting part 72 is flexible.

[0214] For example, as shown in the attached Figure 24 As shown, the snap-fit ​​segment 724 includes: a snap-fit ​​segment body 7241 and a snap-fit ​​connector 7242 connected to the free end of the snap-fit ​​segment body 7241. The snap-fit ​​connector 7242 and the snap-fit ​​segment body 7241 form an angle, for example, the angle range is 60°-90°. In this way, the snap-fit ​​connector 7242 can enter the groove 83 to realize the snap-fit ​​between the snap-fit ​​segment 724 and the groove 83.

[0215] To improve the snap-fit ​​strength and simplify the installation process of the connector 72 on the RJ-45 connector 8, the connector 72 can be made flexible. For example, the connector 72 can be made of a high-strength, rigid, elastic plastic material.

[0216] Regarding the groove 83 on the first surface of the RJ-45 connector 8, currently, some standard crystal heads also have the same groove at the corresponding position, and the groove can be directly used as groove 83, which helps to simplify the manufacturing process of composite cable assemblies.

[0217] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A photoelectric composite module, characterized in that, The optoelectronic composite module includes: a composite connector (1), a housing (2), an optical device (3), and a power supply device (4). The composite connector (1) includes: an RJ-45 interface (11) and an optical connector (12). The optical connector (12) is located on the RJ-45 interface (11), and the optical connector (12) is configured not to interfere with the adaptation of the RJ-45 interface (11) and the RJ-45 connector; The first end of the housing (2) has a first socket (21), and the second end of the housing (2) has a second socket (22). The RJ-45 interface (11) of the composite connector (1) serves as the first electrical connector, and the optical connector (12) of the composite connector (1) serves as the first optical connector. The optical device (3) includes: a photoelectric conversion device (31) and a second optical connector (32); the power supply device (4) includes a power supply line (41) and a second electrical connector (42). The photoelectric conversion device (31) and the power supply line (41) are both located in the housing (2), and at least part of the power supply line (41) and the photoelectric conversion device (31) are integrated into one unit. The composite connector (1) is located at the first socket (21), and the second optical connector (32) and the second electrical connector (42) are both located at the second socket (22). The two ends of the photoelectric conversion device (31) are respectively connected to the optical connector (12) of the composite connector (1) and the second optical connector (32); The two ends of the power supply line (41) are respectively connected to the RJ-45 interface (11) of the composite connector (1) and the second electrical connector (42).

2. The optoelectronic composite module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical connector (12) is located at the original filling position (11a) or the original indicator light installation position (11b) on the RJ-45 interface (11).

3. The optoelectronic composite module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of optical connectors (12) is one.

4. The optoelectronic composite module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of optical connectors (12) is two.

5. The optoelectronic composite module according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The optical connector (12) includes: an optical fiber ferrule (121) and an optical fiber (122); The fiber optic ferrule (121) is located on the RJ-45 interface (11); The fiber optic ferrule (121) has a fiber optic socket, and the fiber optic cable (122) is located inside the fiber optic socket.

6. The optoelectronic composite module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photoelectric conversion device (31) includes: a processing board (31a) and a photoelectronic device (31b) connected to the processing board (31a). The power supply line (41) includes: a flexible circuit board (41a) and a rigid circuit board (41b) connected to each other, wherein the rigid circuit board (41b) and the processing board (31a) are integrated into one unit.

7. A composite cable assembly, characterized in that, The composite cable assembly is used to connect to the optoelectronic composite module according to any one of claims 1-6, and the composite cable assembly includes: a composite cable (5) and a composite connector (6) connected to the end of the composite cable (5). The composite connector (6) includes an RJ-45 connector (61) and an optical connector (62), wherein the optical connector (62) is located at the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector (61); The first surface of the RJ-45 connector (61) is the surface where the elastic buckle of the RJ-45 connector (61) is located; The RJ-45 connector (61) is used to be adapted and connected to the RJ-45 interface (11) of the composite connector (1) in the optoelectronic composite module; the optical connector (62) is used to be adapted and connected to the optical connector (12) of the composite connector (1). The optical connector (62) includes: an optical fiber connector (621) and a connecting part (622) connected to the optical fiber connector (621). The connecting part (622) includes: a first connecting segment (6221), a second connecting segment (6222), and a snap-fit ​​segment (6224). The fiber optic connector (621), the first connecting segment (6221), and the second connecting segment (6222) are sequentially and vertically connected and cooperate to form a slot (6223). One end of the snap-fit ​​segment (6224) is vertically connected to the free end of the second connecting segment (6222), and the snap-fit ​​segment (6224) extends in a direction close to the fiber optic connector (621). The second surface of the RJ-45 connector (61) has a groove (611), and the snap-fit ​​section (6224) snaps into the groove (611), wherein the second surface is the surface opposite to the first surface.

8. The composite cable assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of optical connectors (62) is one, and the optical connector (62) is located on either side of the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector (61).

9. The composite cable assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of optical connectors (62) is two, and the two optical connectors (62) are located on opposite sides of the rear end of the first surface of the RJ-45 connector (61).

10. The composite cable assembly according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The connecting part (622) is elastic.

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