Optical communication assembly and optical transceiver therefor

Abstract

Regarding an optical communication assembly, comprising a cage and an optical transceiver. The optical transceiver is pluggably inserted into the cage, and the optical transceiver comprises a housing, a partition, and a clasp. The partition is provided at the housing. The clasp is movably disposed at the housing and detachably clasped with the cage. The partition is located between the clasp and the cage, so that at least a portion of the clasp is spatially separated from the cage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical communication device, and more particularly to an optical communication assembly comprising an optical transceiver and a cage. Background Technology

[0002] Optical modules, such as optical transceivers, are typically installed in electronic communication equipment in modern high-speed communication networks. To increase system design flexibility and ease of maintenance, optical transceivers are plugged into corresponding cages within the communication equipment to form optical communication components. Various specifications and standards have been proposed to define the electrical-to-mechanical interface between the optical transceiver and its corresponding cage, such as XFP (10 Gigabit Small Form Factor Pluggable) and QSFP (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable) standards for 10 Gigabit communication rates, or other specifications such as QSFP-DD (Dual Density) and QSFP-28, to accommodate different transmission rates.

[0003] Generally, a locking mechanism is provided to securely mount the optical transceiver within a cage. On the other hand, the optical transceiver must include a release mechanism to allow for easy removal from the cage when necessary. In the case of existing optical transceivers inserted into their respective cages, if the locking mechanism is accidentally moved, causing the transceiver to detach from the cage, it is expected that the locking mechanism will be able to re-engage with the cage's slots by being pushed backward by an elastic element. However, spatial interference may exist between the cage and the locking mechanism due to manufacturing tolerances or special structures used for electromagnetic shielding, causing friction between the locking mechanism and the cage. When the elastic energy provided by the elastic element is insufficient to push the locking mechanism back to its normal position, re-engaging between the locking mechanism and the cage may be difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an optical transceiver that helps to solve the problem that the locking mechanism of the optical transceiver cannot be re-locked with the cage after being accidentally moved.

[0005] The optical communication component disclosed in this invention includes a cage and an optical transceiver. The optical transceiver is pluggably disposed within the cage and includes a housing, a separator, and a locking member. The separator is provided in the housing. The locking member is movably disposed in the housing and detachably engages with the cage. The separator is located between the locking member and the cage to spatially separate at least a portion of the locking member from the cage.

[0006] The present invention also discloses an optical transceiver comprising a housing, a separator, and a locking member. The housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing assembled together. The separator is assembled to the upper housing and the lower housing at opposite ends, respectively. The locking member is movably disposed on the housing, and at least a portion of the locking member is located between the housing and the separator.

[0007] The present invention further discloses an optical transceiver comprising a housing, a separator, a locking member, and a riveting member. The separator is provided in the housing. The locking member is movably disposed in the housing, and at least a portion of the locking member is located between the housing and the separator. The riveting member includes a rod passing through the separator and a head located at one end of the rod. The rod is connected to the locking member, the head and the locking member are located on opposite sides of the separator, and the riveting member is movable relative to the separator.

[0008] According to the optical communication component and transceiver disclosed in this invention, the transceiver includes a separator that spatially separates the engaging member from the cage. This prevents the engaging member from contacting the edge of the cage opening or structures formed on the cage, such as electromagnetic shielding structures. When the engaging member is accidentally pulled, the movement of the engaging member is not hindered by any frictional forces generated by the interference fit because the separator is located between the engaging member and the cage. Therefore, the engaging member can be successfully returned to its normal position by being pushed by the elastic member and then re-engaged with the cage.

[0009] Furthermore, in some cases, the engaging element is movably mounted on the separator by being connected to it via a riveting element. The riveting element helps maintain a certain distance between the engaging element and the separator, thereby reducing frictional forces that could impede the movement of the engaging element.

[0010] The above description of the content of this invention and the following description of the embodiments are used to demonstrate and explain the spirit and principle of this invention, and to provide a further explanation of the scope of protection of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of an optical transceiver.

[0013] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of an optical transceiver.

[0014] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an optical transceiver.

[0015] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A side view of an optical transceiver.

[0016] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of an optical communication component according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the optical communication component includes Figure 1 Optical transceiver.

[0017] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an optical transceiver in an engaged state in an optical communication component.

[0018] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an optical transceiver in a released state in an optical communication component.

[0019] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0020] 1a Optical transceiver

[0021] 1b Cage

[0022] 2 Optical communication components

[0023] 10. Shell

[0024] 101 Optical Port

[0025] 102 Ethernet port

[0026] 110 Upper shell

[0027] 111 Side View

[0028] 112 Groove

[0029] 120 Lower shell

[0030] 121 Open Top

[0031] 122 Tank Bottom

[0032] 20-card assembly

[0033] 210 Connecting Arm

[0034] 220 Extending Arm

[0035] 230 pull handle

[0036] 240 Movement Restriction Department

[0037] 30 separators

[0038] 310 Slide

[0039] 40 Riveted parts

[0040] 410 rod

[0041] 420 head

[0042] 50 Electromagnetic shielding structure Detailed Implementation

[0043] The following detailed description of the features and advantages of the present invention in the embodiments is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. Based on the content, scope of protection, and drawings disclosed in this specification, any person skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of the present invention. The following embodiments are further detailed in illustrating the viewpoints of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the optical transceiver. In this embodiment, the optical transceiver 1a may include a housing 10, a locking member 20, and a separator 30. One or more optical communication components, such as an optical transmit submodule (TOSA) and / or an optical receive submodule (ROSA), may be provided within the housing 10.

[0045] Housing 10 may include an upper housing 110 and a lower housing 120 assembled together. Housing 10 may be configured to be housed within a cage (also referred to as an optical socket) for optical communication, as described in detail below. It is worth noting that the inclusion of two parts (upper housing 110 and lower housing 120) in this embodiment is not intended to limit the invention. In some embodiments, the housing of the optical transceiver may be a single device.

[0046] Viewed as a whole, housing 10 may include a side surface 111, and a recess 112 is formed on the side surface 111. The recess 112 may extend along a direction from the optical port 101 of the optical transceiver 1a toward the electrical port 102 of the optical transceiver 1a. The optical port 101 may include a connector for transmitting optical signals, while the electrical port 102 may include wires or contact pads for transmitting electrical signals.

[0047] The engaging member 20 may include a connecting arm 210 and an extension arm 220 connected together. The connecting arm 210 may be disposed on the top surface of the upper shell 110 of the housing 10, and the pull handle 230 may be connected to the connecting arm 210. The extension arm 220 is movably disposed in a groove 112 formed on the side surface 111.

[0048] The housing 10 is provided with a partition 30, and as follows Figure 2 As shown, two separators 30 can be provided on opposite sides of the housing 10. Please refer to the reference. Figures 3 to 5 , Figure 3 for Figure 1A partially enlarged schematic diagram of an optical transceiver. Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the optical transceiver, and Figure 5 for Figure 1 A side view of the optical transceiver. In this embodiment, the separator 30 may be a metal sheet assembled and fixed to the housing 10. More specifically, the opposite ends of the separator 30 may be assembled to the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120, respectively. The separator 30 may be located at the open top end 121 of the groove 112 and spatially separated from the bottom 122 of the groove 112. At least a portion of the extension arm 220 of the engaging member 20 is located between the housing 10 and the separator 30. It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the separator 30 is a device independent of the housing 10, but in other embodiments, the separator 30 may be integrally formed with the housing 10.

[0049] The engaging member 20 is movably disposed on the separator 30. Specifically, the optical transceiver 1a may further include a riveting member 40, which includes a connected rod 410 and a head 420. The rod 410 can pass through the separator 30 and connect to an extension arm 220 of the engaging member 20. The head 420 and the extension arm 220 of the engaging member 20 can be located on opposite sides of the separator 30, respectively. For example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the extension arm 220 of the engaging member 20 is held below the separator 30, the head 420 of the rivet 40 may protrude from the separator 30. The rivet 40 may also move relative to the separator 30. Specifically, a groove 310 may be formed on the side of the separator 30 and recessed toward the extension arm 220 of the engaging member 20. The head 420 of the rivet 40 is slidably disposed within the groove 310. In some embodiments, the engaging member may be disposed on the separator by means of other types of fasteners.

[0050] Furthermore, the engaging member 20 may further include a movement limiting part 240 configured to interact with the housing 10 to control the stroke of the engaging member 20 (i.e. the extent to which the engaging member 20 can move), details of which will be described below.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 6 to 8 , Figure 6 This is an exploded view of an optical communication component according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an optical transceiver in an engaged state within an optical communication component, and Figure 8 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the optical transceiver in a released state in an optical communication component. In this embodiment, the optical communication component 2 may include a cage 1b and the aforementioned optical transceiver 1a. The optical transceiver 1a can be plugged into the cage 1b in a pluggable manner and is in a locked state, such as... Figure 7As shown. The optical transceiver 1a can be pulled out of the cage 1b by pulling the handle 230 and is in a released state, as shown. Figure 8 As shown.

[0052] Cage 1b may include an electromagnetic shielding structure 50 for preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and / or improving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The electromagnetic shielding structure 50 may include finger-shaped spring tabs arranged around an opening in cage 1b through which an optical transceiver 1a can be inserted into cage 1b.

[0053] See Figure 7 The engaging member 20 of the optical transceiver 1a, in the engaged state, engages with the cage 1b. Specifically, the extension arm 220 of the engaging member 20 can hook into a slot formed on the cage 1b, and the separator 30 can physically contact the electromagnetic shielding structure 50. The separator 30 can be located between the extension arm 220 of the engaging member 20 and the electromagnetic shielding structure 50 of the cage 1b, so that at least a portion of the engaging member 20 (i.e., the extension arm 220) is spatially separated from the cage 1b.

[0054] See Figure 8 The engaging member 20 of the optical transceiver 1a, in its released state, is detached from the cage 1b. Specifically, the engaging member 20 can be pulled out and disengaged from the slot on the cage 1b, allowing the optical transceiver 1a to be removed from the cage 1b. Furthermore, when the engaging member 20 is pulled, a portion of it pushes against one or more elastic members (not shown). The elastic members compressed by the engaging member 20 release their elastic energy, causing the engaging member 20 to return to its normal position in the engaged state.

[0055] According to the optical communication component and transceiver disclosed in this invention, the transceiver includes a separator that spatially separates the engaging member from the cage. This prevents the engaging member from contacting the edge of the cage opening or structures formed on the cage, such as electromagnetic shielding structures. When the engaging member is accidentally pulled, the movement of the engaging member is not hindered by any frictional forces generated by the interference fit because the separator is located between the engaging member and the cage. Therefore, the engaging member can be successfully returned to its normal position by being pushed by the elastic member and then re-engaged with the cage.

[0056] Furthermore, in some cases, the engaging element is movably mounted on the separator by being connected to it via a riveting element. The riveting element helps maintain a certain distance between the engaging element and the separator, thereby reducing frictional forces that could impede the movement of the engaging element.

Claims

1. An optical communication component, characterized in that, Include: cage; and An optical transceiver, pluggably mounted inside the cage, comprises: case; A separator is provided in the housing; as well as A locking element is movably disposed in the housing between an engaged state and a released state, wherein the locking element engages with the cage in the engaged state and is detached from the cage in the released state, and wherein the locking element is hooked onto the cage in the engaged state. The separator is located between the engaging member and the cage to separate at least a portion of the engaging member from the cage when the engaging member moves between the engaged state and the released state.

2. The optical communication component as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing of the optical transceiver includes a side with a groove, the engaging member is movably disposed within the groove, and the separator is located at the open top of the groove to be spaced apart from the bottom space of the groove.

3. The optical communication component as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes an upper shell and a lower shell assembled together, and the opposite ends of the separator are respectively assembled with the upper shell and the lower shell.

4. The optical communication component as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cage includes an electromagnetic shielding structure, and the partition is located between the engaging member and the electromagnetic shielding structure.

5. The optical communication component as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The separator is in physical contact with the electromagnetic shielding structure.

6. The optical communication component as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The separator is made of metal.

7. The optical communication component as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The separator is fixed to the housing, and the engaging member is movably disposed on the separator.

8. The optical communication component as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The optical transceiver further includes a riveting member, the rod of which passes through the partition and is connected to the engaging member. The head of the riveting member and the engaging member are located on opposite sides of the partition, and the riveting member is movable relative to the partition.

9. The optical communication component as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The separator has a groove recessed toward the engaging member, and the head of the rivet is slidably disposed within the groove.

10. The optical communication component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The engaging component includes a movement limiter for interacting with the housing to control the stroke of the engaging component.

11. The optical communication component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The engaging component and the separating component are located outside the housing.

12. An optical transceiver, characterized in that, Used to work with and contain: The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing assembled together; A separator, whose opposite ends are respectively assembled with the upper shell and the lower shell; as well as A locking member is movably disposed in the housing between an engaged state and a released state, and at least a portion of the locking member is located between the housing and the separator, wherein the locking member and the separator are located outside the housing; The engaging component is used to engage with the cage in the engaged state and to be removed from the cage in the released state, and the engaging component is used to hook onto the cage in the engaged state.

13. The optical transceiver as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The housing includes a side with a groove, the engaging member is movably disposed within the groove, and the separator is located at the open top of the groove to be spaced apart from the bottom space of the groove.

14. The optical transceiver as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The separator is made of metal.

15. The optical transceiver as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The separator is fixed to the housing, and the engaging member is movably disposed on the separator.

16. An optical transceiver, characterized in that, Used to work with and contain: case; A separator is provided in the housing; A locking member is movably disposed in the housing between an engaged state and a released state, and at least a portion of the locking member is located between the housing and the separator, wherein the locking member and the separator are located outside the housing; as well as A riveting component includes a rod passing through the partition and a head located at one end of the rod, the rod being connected to a locking component, the head and the locking component being located on opposite sides of the partition, and the riveting component being movable relative to the partition. The engaging component is used to engage with the cage in the engaged state and to be removed from the cage in the released state, and the engaging component is used to hook onto the cage in the engaged state.

17. The optical transceiver as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The separator is fixed to the housing and is made of metal.

18. The optical transceiver as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The separator has a groove recessed toward the engaging member, and the head of the rivet is slidably disposed within the groove.

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