Optical conversion modules and their optical module adapter systems

Abstract

This invention discloses a conversion optical module and its optical module adapter system. The conversion optical module includes: a lower shell with a locking hole; an optical cage mounted on the lower shell, with a first spring on its side for mounting a four-channel miniature pluggable QSFP optical module; one end of the first spring is integrally formed with the optical cage, the other end of the first spring abuts against a limiting member of the QSFP optical module, and the inner side of the first spring abuts against an unlocking structure of the QSFP optical module; and a locking member detachably connected to the locking hole, wherein, when the locking member is connected to the locking hole, it abuts against the outer side of the first spring. According to the solution provided by the embodiment of this invention, by the locking member pressing against the outer side of the first spring, when the unlocking structure drives the first spring to move outward, it is pressed against by the locking member, thereby restricting the movement of the first spring and making the locking between the conversion optical module and the QSFP optical module more secure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to, but is not limited to, the field of optical fiber communication equipment technology, and particularly to a conversion optical module and its optical module switching system. Background Technology

[0002] With the gradual deployment of 5G networks and the network upgrades of early data centers, the demand for optical modules in network equipment is increasing. Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) optical modules offer advantages over earlier Centum Form-factor Pluggable (CFP) modules, including smaller size, higher port utilization, and lower power consumption. Therefore, to address the low port utilization of CFP optical modules, the need for converting CFP optical modules to QSFP optical modules has emerged. In existing technologies, the conversion optical module uses the CFP form factor, suitable for connecting CFP optical module devices. A QSFP optical module can be inserted inside the conversion optical module, thus achieving the conversion from CFP to QSFP optical modules.

[0003] Existing QSFP optical modules use their own unlocking mechanism to connect and disconnect from conversion optical modules. During the installation of QSFP optical modules and conversion optical modules, accidental unlocking can easily occur. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is an overview of the subject matter described in detail herein. This overview is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] This invention provides a conversion optical module and its optical module adapter system, which enables a more stable locking between the conversion optical module and the QSFP optical module.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a conversion optical module, the conversion optical module comprising:

[0007] The lower housing is provided with a locking hole;

[0008] An optical cage is installed on the lower shell. A first spring is provided on the side of the optical cage. The optical cage is used to install a four-channel small pluggable QSFP optical module. One end of the first spring is integrally formed with the optical cage, and the other end of the first spring abuts against the limiting member of the QSFP optical module. The inner side of the first spring abuts against the unlocking structure of the QSFP optical module.

[0009] A locking member is detachably connected to the locking hole, wherein, when the locking member is connected to the locking hole, the locking member abuts against the outside of the first spring.

[0010] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide an optical module switching system, comprising:

[0011] The conversion optical module as described in the first aspect embodiment;

[0012] The QSFP optical module is installed in the optical cage.

[0013] This invention includes a conversion optical module and its conversion system. The conversion optical module includes: a lower housing with a locking hole; an optical cage mounted on the lower housing, a first spring on the side of the optical cage for mounting a four-channel miniature pluggable QSFP optical module, one end of the first spring being integrally formed with the optical cage, the other end of the first spring abutting against a limiting member of the QSFP optical module, and the inner side of the first spring abutting against an unlocking structure of the QSFP optical module; and a locking member detachably connected to the locking hole. When the locking member is connected to the locking hole, it abuts against the outer side of the first spring, locking the first spring to the QSFP optical module mounted in the optical cage. According to the solution provided by this invention, by the locking member pressing against the outer side of the first spring, the unlocking structure drives the first spring to move outward, which is then pressed against by the locking member, thus restricting the movement of the first spring and making the locking between the conversion optical module and the QSFP optical module more secure.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the technical solutions of the present invention, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the structure of a conversion optical module provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a front view of a conversion optical module provided in an embodiment of the present invention with the slot and locking hole aligned.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a conversion optical module provided in an embodiment of the present invention with the slot and locking hole aligned.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view at point A;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a front view of the optical conversion module provided in one embodiment of the present invention in the state where the limiting post and the stop block are in contact;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a conversion optical module provided in an embodiment of the present invention in the state of contact between the limiting post and the block;

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged view at point B;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a slider provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the pull ring structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a locking member provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the lower shell provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a sliding member installed on the lower shell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the overall assembly of a conversion optical module provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the lower side of the upper shell provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second reed provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second spring being installed on the upper shell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] Lower shell 110; Locking hole 111; Unlocking groove 112; Limiting boss 113; Opening 114; Rotating shaft boss 115; Second guide groove 116; Limiting groove 117; Second fastening hole 118; Light cage 120; First spring 121; Locking member 130; Locking head 131; Locking part 132; Locking cap 133; Sliding member 140; Groove 141; Limiting groove 142; Clearance groove 143 First guide groove 144; limiting post 145; sliding contact 146; pull ring 150; hinge hole 151; guide post 152; stop block 153; pull rod 154; rotating shaft 160; upper shell 170; positioning boss 171; first fastening hole 172; positioning post 173; fastener 180; second spring 190; through hole 191; crimping spring 192; positioning hole 193; PCBA 200. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, embodiments of the invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Those skilled in the art can adjust the specific orientation description according to the actual placement of the device and element according to this invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, the use of "first" and "second" is for the purpose of distinguishing technical features only, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated or the order of the technical features indicated.

[0037] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0038] This invention provides a conversion optical module and its optical module adapter system. By using a locking member to press against the outer side of the first spring, the locking member presses against the first spring when the unlocking structure drives it to move outward, thereby restricting the movement of the first spring and making the locking between the conversion optical module and the QSFP optical module more secure.

[0039] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the structure of a conversion optical module provided in one embodiment of the present invention; the present invention provides a conversion optical module, including:

[0041] The lower shell 110 is provided with a locking hole 111;

[0042] An optical cage 120 is mounted on the lower housing 110. A first spring 121 is provided on the side of the optical cage 120. The optical cage 120 is used to install a QSFP optical module (not shown in the figure). One end of the first spring 121 is integrally formed with the optical cage 120, and the other end of the first spring 121 abuts against the limiting member (not shown in the figure) of the QSFP optical module. The inner side of the first spring 121 abuts against the unlocking structure (not shown in the figure) of the QSFP optical module.

[0043] The locking member 130 is detachably connected to the locking hole 111, wherein, when the locking member 130 is connected to the locking hole 111, the locking member 130 abuts against the outside of the first spring 121.

[0044] Understandably, since the locking member 130 is detachably connected to the locking hole 111 of the lower housing 110, when the locking member 130 is connected to the locking hole 111, the locking member 130 and the unlocking structure abut against the two sides of the first spring 121 respectively. This causes the first spring 121 to be pushed outward by the unlocking structure, which is then blocked by the locking member 130, thus restricting the movement of the first spring 121 and preventing the QSFP optical module from unlocking. When it is necessary to unlock the QSFP optical module, the locking member 130 must first be removed from the locking hole 111, and then the first spring 121 is pushed up by the unlocking structure, causing the limiting member of the QSFP optical module to disengage from the first spring 121, thereby allowing the QSFP optical module to be detached from the optical cage 120. The conversion optical module provided according to the embodiments of this application enables a more stable locking between the conversion optical module and the QSFP optical module, effectively preventing accidental activation of the unlocking structure.

[0045] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, a first spring 121 is provided on each side of the optical cage 120. The optical cage 120 is a structure well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be limited here.

[0046] It should be noted that the specific structure and installation position of the limiting component and unlocking structure of the QSFP optical module are well known to those skilled in the art, and this application will not impose any restrictions here.

[0047] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific structure of the locking member 130, and it can be as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the locking member 130 is provided with a locking cap 133, a locking part 132, and a locking head 131. When the locking part 132 of the locking member 130 passes through the locking hole 111, the locking head 131 abuts against the outside of the first spring 121. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific style of the locking cap 133. It can be a cross-shaped groove style. Those skilled in the art can select it according to the actual situation. The locking cap 133 of the locking member 130 can be rotated by a screwdriver or other installation tools so that the locking part 132 passes through the locking hole 111 or the locking part 132 is pulled out of the locking hole 111.

[0048] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 11 , Figure 2 This is a left view of a conversion optical module provided in an embodiment of the present invention with the slot and locking hole aligned. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a conversion optical module provided in an embodiment of the present invention with the slot and locking hole aligned. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged diagram at point A. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the slider 140 provided in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the lower shell 110 provided in one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of this application, the lower shell 110 is further provided with an unlocking groove 112, a limiting boss 113 and an opening 114, and the optical conversion module further includes:

[0049] The slider 140 is slidably connected to the unlocking groove 112. The slider 140 is provided with a groove 141 and a limiting groove 142. When the limiting groove 142 abuts against the limiting boss 113 on the side away from the opening 114, the groove 141 is aligned with the locking hole 111.

[0050] It is understandable that, since the slider 140 is slidably connected to the unlocking groove 112 of the lower shell 110, the slider 140 is provided with a limiting groove 142, and the lower shell 110 is provided with a limiting boss 113. The length of the limiting groove 142 is greater than that of the limiting boss 113, and the limiting boss 113 is embedded in the limiting groove 142, as shown in references 2 to 3. Figure 4 When the limiting groove 142 abuts against the limiting boss 113 on the side away from the opening 114 of the lower shell 110, the groove 141 is aligned with the locking hole 111, as follows: Figure 2As shown, in this state, the locking member 130 is located in the slot 141. Those skilled in the art will understand that removing the locking member 130 from the slot 141 causes the first spring 121 to lose pressure from the locking member 130. Then, the unlocking structure of the QSFP optical module pushes the first spring 121 up, causing the limiting member of the QSFP optical module to disengage from the first spring 121, thereby unlocking the QSFP optical module. In one embodiment, referring to… Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 5 This is a left view of the optical conversion module provided in one embodiment of the present invention in the state where the limiting post and the stop block are in contact. Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the optical conversion module provided in one embodiment of the present invention in the state where the limiting post and the stop block are in contact. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 In the enlarged schematic diagram at point B, when the limiting groove 142 abuts against the limiting boss 113 on the side near the opening 114 of the lower shell 110, the locking member 130 is connected to the locking hole 111 and abuts against the first spring 121, and the groove 141 is not aligned with the locking hole 111, and the sliding member 140 blocks the locking hole 111.

[0051] It is understandable that, since the length of the limiting groove 142 is greater than the length of the limiting boss 113, and the limiting boss 113 is embedded in the limiting groove 142, the slider 140 can slide within a fixed stroke in the unlocking groove 112; and, when the optical cage 120 and the QSFP optical module are locked together, the slot 141 of the slider 140 is not aligned with the locking hole 111.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the pull ring 150 provided in one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of this application, the sliding member 140 is further provided with a relief groove 143 and a first guide groove 144, the lower shell 110 is further provided with a rotating shaft boss 115 and a second guide groove 116, and the optical conversion module further includes:

[0053] Pull ring 150 is provided with hinge hole 151 and guide post 152. Rotary shaft boss 115 protrudes from relief groove 143 (not shown in the figure). Hinge hole 151 is connected to rotating shaft boss 115 through rotating shaft 160. Guide post 152 is connected to first guide groove 144 and second guide groove 116 in sequence, so that pull ring 150 drives slider 140 to slide through guide post 152.

[0054] It is understandable that the guide post 152 of the pull ring 150 slides in the first guide groove 144 and the second guide groove 116, thereby driving the slider 140 to slide in the unlocking groove 112.

[0055] Understandably, when the pull ring 150 is rotating relative to the rotating shaft 160, the slider 140 slides in the unlocking groove 112 by the pulling force of the pull ring 150. Since the rotating shaft boss 115 of the lower shell 110 protrudes from the relief groove 143, the area in which the pull ring 150 rotates around the rotating shaft 160 is restricted in the relief groove 143, thereby enabling the slider 140 to avoid interference from the rotating shaft 160 during the sliding process.

[0056] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 In one embodiment of this application, the sliding member 140 is further provided with a limiting post 145, and the pull ring 150 is provided with a stop block 153. When the limiting groove 142 is in contact with the limiting boss 113 on the side near the opening 114, the limiting post 145 abuts against the stop block 153.

[0057] It is understandable that when the limiting groove 142 is in contact with the limiting boss 113 (not shown in the figure) near the opening 114, the guide post 152 in the pull ring 150 is located at the upper end of the first guide groove 144 of the slider 140. In this state, the abutment between the limiting post 145 and the stop block 153 makes the locking of the optical module more stable. Under natural working conditions such as shaking, vibration, and impact, the stop block 153 of the pull ring 150 and the limiting post 145 on the slider 140 abut against each other, thus restraining each other. The switch will not unlock automatically, thus reducing potential risks from natural factors and effectively ensuring the operational reliability of the optical module. When the pull ring 150 is subjected to external force, the stop 153 passes the limiting post 145, thereby driving the slider 140 to move closer to the opening 114. When the limiting groove 142 is in contact with the limiting boss 113 on the side away from the opening 114, the guide post 152 in the pull ring 150 is located at the lower end of the first guide groove 144 of the slider 140, and the optical module is in the unlocked state.

[0058] refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a slider 140 installed on a lower shell 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slider is provided with a sliding protrusion 146.

[0059] Understandably, the sliding contact 146 provided with the slider 140 can reduce the contact area between the slider 140 and the lower housing 110, thereby reducing the friction between the slider 140 and the lower housing 110, ensuring that the slider 140 moves smoothly and fluidly on the lower housing 110, and reducing the workload when locking or unlocking the conversion optical module.

[0060] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific number of sliding synapses 146, and those skilled in the art can select them according to the actual situation.

[0061] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 In one embodiment of this application, the lower shell 110 is provided with a limiting groove 117, and the optical cage 120 is installed in the limiting groove 117.

[0062] It is understandable that installing the optical cage 120 in the limiting groove 117 of the lower shell 110 can make the assembly of the optical cage 120 and the lower shell 110 more stable.

[0063] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 With the guide post 152 abutting against the bottom of the first guide groove 144, the top of the pull rod 154 of the pull ring 150 is lower than the bottom of the opening 114.

[0064] Understandably, since the QSFP optical module is installed in the optical cage 120, and the optical cage 120 is installed at the opening 114 of the lower shell 110, the conversion optical module is in the unlocked state when the guide post 152 abuts against the bottom of the first guide groove 144. The structure that the top of the pull rod 154 of the pull ring 150 is lower than the bottom of the opening 114 can prevent the conversion optical module from being interfered with by the QSFP optical module during the unlocking process.

[0065] refer to Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 , Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the overall assembly of a conversion optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the lower side of the upper shell 170 provided in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second reed 190 provided in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second spring 190 installed on the upper shell 170 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of this application, the optical conversion module further includes the upper shell 170, the fastener 180, and the second spring 190; the lower side of the upper shell 170 is provided with a positioning boss 171, and the positioning boss 171 is provided with a first fastening hole 172; the second spring 190 is provided with a through hole 191 and a pressing spring 192, the through hole 191 is connected to the first fastening hole 172 through the fastener 180, and the pressing spring 192 abuts against the optical cage 120.

[0066] It is understandable that the second spring 190 is connected to the first fastening hole 172 on the lower side of the upper shell 170 via the fastener 180, as shown in the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 13 When the upper shell 170 and the lower shell 110, which are equipped with the second spring 190, are connected to each other, the optical cage 120 is pressed by the pressing spring 192 of the second spring 190. The elastic force generated by the compression deformation of the pressing spring 192 ensures that the optical cage 120 will not move inside the shell, thereby improving the reliability of the photoelectric interface inside the conversion optical module during operation.

[0067] It should be noted that this application does not limit the assembly position of the first fastening hole 172 on the second spring 190 or the specific number of the first fastening holes 172. Those skilled in the art can select according to the actual situation.

[0068] refer to Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 In one embodiment of this application, the second spring 190 is further provided with a positioning hole 193, and the lower side of the upper shell 170 is further provided with a positioning post 173, which matches the positioning hole 193.

[0069] It is understandable that by assembling the positioning hole 193 and the positioning post 173, the second spring 190 and the upper shell 170 can be accurately and quickly positioned during the actual assembly process, preventing the spring from being misaligned after installation and improving production assembly efficiency.

[0070] It should be noted that this application does not limit the assembly position of the positioning hole 193 on the second spring 190, the installation position of the positioning post 173 on the upper shell 170, or the specific number of the positioning hole 193 and the positioning post 173. Those skilled in the art can select according to the actual situation.

[0071] refer to Figure 1In one embodiment of this application, the optical conversion module further includes a PCBA200. The PCBA200 is installed into the second fastening hole 118 in the lower shell 110 by fasteners 180. It is understood that the PCBA200 is well known to those skilled in the art, and its specific structure and shape can be adjusted according to the actual situation. This application will not impose any restrictions here.

[0072] In addition, this application also provides an optical module switching system, including: a conversion optical module as described in any of the above embodiments; and a QSFP optical module, wherein the QSFP optical module is installed in an optical cage 120.

[0073] It is understood that the optical module conversion system provided in this application can make the locking between the conversion optical module and the QSFP optical module more stable, effectively guarantee the conversion effect of CFP series optical modules to QSFP optical modules, and improve the reliability of the internal optoelectronic interface of the conversion optical module during operation.

[0074] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific model of the QSFP optical module, and those skilled in the art can select it according to the actual situation.

[0075] The above is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A conversion optical module, characterized in that, include: The lower housing is provided with a locking hole; An optical cage is installed on the lower shell. A first spring is provided on the side of the optical cage. The optical cage is used to install a four-channel small pluggable QSFP optical module. One end of the first spring is integrally formed with the optical cage, and the other end of the first spring abuts against the limiting member of the QSFP optical module. The inner side of the first spring abuts against the unlocking structure of the QSFP optical module. A locking member is detachably connected to the locking hole, wherein, when the locking member is connected to the locking hole, the locking member abuts against the outside of the first spring. The lower housing is also provided with an unlocking groove, a limiting boss, and an opening; the optical conversion module further includes: A sliding member is slidably connected to the unlocking groove. The sliding member is provided with a groove and a limiting groove. When the limiting groove abuts against the limiting boss on the side away from the opening, the groove is aligned with the locking hole. The sliding member is further provided with a clearance groove and a first guide groove, the lower shell is further provided with a rotating shaft boss and a second guide groove, and the optical conversion module further includes: A pull ring, wherein the pull ring is provided with a hinge hole and a guide post, the rotating shaft boss protrudes from the relief groove, the hinge hole is connected to the rotating shaft boss through a rotating shaft, and the guide post is sequentially connected to the first guide groove and the second guide groove, so that the pull ring drives the slider to slide through the guide post; The sliding member is also provided with a limiting post, and the pull ring is provided with a stop block. When the limiting groove abuts against the limiting boss on the side near the opening, the limiting post abuts against the stop block. The slider is provided with a sliding protrusion.

2. The optical conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower shell is provided with a limiting groove, and the optical cage is installed in the limiting groove.

3. The optical conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, With the guide post abutting against the bottom of the first guide groove, the top of the pull rod of the pull ring is lower than the bottom of the opening.

4. The optical conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The upper shell has a positioning boss on its lower side, and a first fastening hole is provided inside the positioning boss. fastener; The second spring has a through hole and a crimping spring. The through hole is connected to the first fastening hole through the fastener, and the crimping spring abuts against the optical cage.

5. The optical conversion module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second spring is also provided with a positioning hole, and a positioning post is also provided on the lower side of the upper shell, the positioning post matching the positioning hole.

6. An optical module adapter system, characterized in that, include: The conversion optical module as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; The QSFP optical module is installed in the optical cage.

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