Optical module, communication device and PoE device

Abstract

The application discloses an optical module, a communication device and a PoE device, and belongs to the optical communication technical field. The optical module comprises a shell, an optical device and a power supply device; the first end of the shell is provided with a first socket, and the second end of the shell is provided with a second socket; the optical device comprises a first optical connector, an optical-electricity conversion device and a second optical connector which are sequentially connected; the power supply device comprises a first electric connector, a power supply circuit and a second electric connector which are sequentially connected; the optical-electricity conversion device and the power supply circuit are located in the shell, the first optical connector is located in the first socket, the first electric connector is located at the first socket, and the second optical connector and the second electric connector are located in the second socket. By adopting the application, the power connector of the composite cable is electrically connected with the communication device through the optical module, the power connector of the composite cable does not need to be inserted into the communication device, thereby the panel space of the communication device can be saved, and the miniaturization development of the communication device is facilitated.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application has the application number 202180005799.1 and the original application date is April 28, 2021. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to an optical module, communication equipment and PoE device. Background Technology

[0003] Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that transmits both data and power over Ethernet cables. The device providing power is called the power sourcing equipment (PSE), and the device receiving power is called the powered device (PD). Examples of PSEs include switches, and examples of PDs include Internet Protocol (IP) phones, access points (APs), and network cameras.

[0004] The PSE and PD can be connected via a composite cable covered with optical fiber and copper wire. For example, an optical module, referred to as the first optical module, is inserted into the panel of the PSE, and an optical module, referred to as the second optical module, is inserted into the panel of the PD. The PSE and PD are connected via a composite cable between the first optical module and the second optical module.

[0005] To achieve the above connection, each end of the composite cable has a fiber optic connector and a power connector. The panels of the PSE and PD each have an optical port and an electrical port. The optical port has an optical interface for connecting to the fiber optic connector, and the electrical port has an electrical interface for connecting to the power connector.

[0006] In this way, the first optical module is inserted into the optical port of the PSE, the second optical module is inserted into the optical port of the PD, the fiber optic connector at one end of the composite cable is inserted into the first optical module, the power connector is inserted into the electrical port of the PSE, the fiber optic connector at the other end of the composite cable is inserted into the second optical module, and the power connector is inserted into the electrical port of the PD. Thus, the PSE and the PD are connected through the composite cable and the two optical modules.

[0007] The above approach is not conducive to the miniaturization of PoE devices such as switches and access points. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This application provides an optical module, a communication device, and a PoE device, which can overcome the problems in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0009] On the one hand, an optical module is provided, which includes a housing, optical components, and a power supply component;

[0010] The first end of the housing has a first socket, and the second end of the housing has a second socket;

[0011] The optical device includes a first optical connector, a photoelectric conversion device, and a second optical connector connected in sequence; the power supply device includes a first electrical connector, a power supply line, and a second electrical connector connected in sequence.

[0012] The photoelectric conversion device and the power supply line are both located in the housing, and the first optical connector is located in the first socket, the first electrical connector is located in the first socket, and the second optical connector and the second electrical connector are both located in the second socket.

[0013] In one example, the optical module not only has photoelectric conversion capabilities but also a power supply device for PoE power supply. The power supply device does not alter the original structural features of the optical module and does not affect its size. Thus, the power connector of the composite cable is electrically connected to the communication equipment through the optical module, eliminating the need for the composite cable's power connector to be inserted into the communication equipment. This saves panel space in the communication equipment and facilitates its miniaturization.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the power supply line is one of a flexible circuit board, a cable, and a second rigid circuit board.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the power supply line includes cables and a second rigid circuit board.

[0016] For example, the first electrical connector conductive part of the first electrical connector, the cable, the second rigid circuit board, and the second electrical connector conductive part of the second electrical connector are sequentially electrically connected.

[0017] For example, the conductive portion of the second electrical connector is integrated into the second rigid circuit board. Exemplarily, the end of the second rigid circuit board away from the cable extends into the second socket of the housing, and the conductive portion of the second electrical connector is a gold finger located on the surface of the second rigid circuit board.

[0018] The power supply line includes a second rigid circuit board. Components can be mounted on the surface of this second rigid circuit board to reduce the number of components on the first rigid circuit board of the optical device. In other examples, processing chips can be mounted on the surface of the second rigid circuit board to accelerate the processing speed of the optical module. In still other examples, components can be mounted on the surface of the second rigid circuit board for later expansion of the optical module, demonstrating that the second rigid circuit board can prepare for future expansion of the optical module.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the power supply line includes a flexible circuit board and a second rigid circuit board.

[0020] For example, the first electrical connector conductive part of the first electrical connector, the flexible circuit board, the second rigid circuit board, and the second electrical connector conductive part of the second electrical connector are electrically connected in sequence.

[0021] For example, the conductive portion of the second electrical connector is integrated into the second rigid circuit board. Exemplarily, the end of the second rigid circuit board away from the flexible circuit board extends into the second socket of the housing, and the conductive portion of the second electrical connector is a gold finger located on the surface of the second rigid circuit board.

[0022] The power supply line includes a second rigid circuit board, which can prepare for the later expansion of the optical module. Moreover, the gold fingers on the surface of the second rigid circuit board can be used to form the conductive part of the second electrical connector, which can facilitate the processing and manufacturing of power supply devices.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the power supply line includes cables and a flexible circuit board.

[0024] For example, the first conductive part of the first electrical connector, the cable, the flexible circuit board, and the second conductive part of the second electrical connector are sequentially electrically connected. As another example, the first conductive part of the first electrical connector, the flexible circuit board, the cable, and the second conductive part of the second electrical connector are sequentially electrically connected.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the first electrical connector conductive portion of the first electrical connector, the power supply line, and the second electrical connector conductive portion of the second electrical connector are integrally formed.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the power supply line is integrated into the first rigid circuit board of the optical device.

[0027] The power supply lines are integrated into the first rigid circuit board. For example, the power supply lines can be printed on the surface of the first rigid circuit board, so there is no need to add cables or flexible circuit boards inside the housing, which helps to save space inside the housing.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the conductive portion of the second electrical connector is a metal sheet located on the surface of the first rigid circuit board.

[0029] The conductive part of the second electrical connector is located on the surface of the first rigid circuit board. It can be seen that the second socket of the optical module only adds a metal piece to the surface of the first rigid circuit board, so that the second socket is compatible. Therefore, the second socket can be inserted into an optical cage that includes a power connector and also into an optical cage that does not include a power connector.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the conductive portion of the second optical connector of the optical device is a gold finger located on the surface of the first rigid circuit board.

[0031] The conductive part of the second electrical connector is an undefined metal piece in the gold finger.

[0032] The conductive part of the second electrical connector is an undefined metal piece among the gold fingers on the surface of the first rigid circuit board. Therefore, using the undefined metal piece as the conductive part of the second electrical connector does not affect the structure of the second socket, thus the second socket is compatible. The second socket can be inserted into both optical cages that include a power connector and optical cages that do not include a power connector.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the conductive portion of the second optical connector of the optical device is a gold finger located on the surface of the first rigid circuit board.

[0034] The conductive part of the second electrical connector is a metal sheet added around the gold finger.

[0035] If there are no undefined metal pieces in the gold fingers on the surface of the first rigid circuit board, then some metal pieces can be added around the gold fingers as the conductive part of the second electrical connector. This method will still not affect the structure in the second socket, so the second socket is compatible. Therefore, the second socket can be inserted into both optical cages that include power connectors and optical cages that do not include power connectors.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the power supply line is laid on the inner surface of the housing.

[0037] In one example, the power supply lines can be laid on the inner surface of the housing without affecting the layout space of the optical devices within the housing.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the positions of the first optical connector and the first electrical connector are independent of each other;

[0039] The first socket is used for inserting a cable that matches the optical module. The optical module can be any optical module in the standard optical module package type, and the cable can be a composite cable or an optical fiber cable.

[0040] In one example, since the positions of the first optical connector and the first electrical connector are independent of each other, the optical cable without the power connector can also be inserted into the first socket to realize the connection between the optical fiber connector of the optical cable and the first optical connector. Thus, the first socket of the optical module can be used to insert the optical fiber connector of the composite cable and the optical fiber connector of the optical cable. The first socket of the optical module has compatibility, which can expand the application range of the optical module, enhance the application scope, and improve the flexibility of use.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the positions of the second optical connector and the second electrical connector are independent of each other;

[0042] The second socket is used to insert into a communication device that matches the optical module, wherein the optical module is any optical module in the standard optical module package type.

[0043] In one example, since the positions of the second optical connector and the second electrical connector are independent of each other, the second port of the optical module can also be inserted into the optical cage that does not include the power connector, so as to realize the electrical connection between the second optical connector of the optical module and the electrical interface in the optical cage. The second port of the optical module has compatibility, which can expand the application range of the optical module, enhance the application breadth, and improve the flexibility of use.

[0044] On the other hand, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a chassis, a motherboard and a photoelectric conversion component;

[0045] The frame panel has an optical cable socket, and the photoelectric conversion component includes optical devices and power supply devices;

[0046] The motherboard, the optical device, and the power supply device are all located in the chassis, and the optical device and the power supply device are both located on the surface of the motherboard. The positions of the optical connector of the optical device and the electrical connector of the power supply device correspond to the positions of the optical cable socket.

[0047] In one example, the communication device integrates a photoelectric conversion component. When connecting the communication device with other devices, only an optical cable or composite cable needs to be plugged in, without the need for an additional optical module. The connection operation is simple, which can avoid the loss of the optical module and also avoid the situation where the connection cannot be successfully completed due to the incompatibility between the optical module and the communication device.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the optical connector of the optical device and the electrical connector of the power supply device are both located in the optical cable socket, and the positions of the optical connector of the optical device and the electrical connector of the power supply device are independent of each other, so that the optical cable socket is used for cable insertion, and the cable can be either a composite cable or an optical cable.

[0049] In one example, the fiber optic jack of the communication device is compatible, allowing fiber optic cables without power connectors to be inserted into the jack and connected to the optical connectors within the jack to transmit optical signals. This enhances the versatility of the communication device and improves its flexibility of use. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module provided in this application;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module provided in this application;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module provided in this application;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module provided in this application;

[0054] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of an optical module provided in this application;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the housing of an optical module provided in this application;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the optical device structure of an optical module provided in this application;

[0057] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical device of an optical module in the housing provided in this application;

[0058] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the power supply device of an optical module in the housing provided in this application;

[0059] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the position and structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector of an optical module provided in this application;

[0060] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the position and structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector of an optical module provided in this application;

[0061] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the position and structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector of an optical module provided in this application;

[0062] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the position and structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector of an optical module provided in this application;

[0063] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the power supply device of an optical module in the housing provided in this application;

[0064] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the position and structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector of an optical module provided in this application;

[0065] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the position and structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector of an optical module provided in this application;

[0066] Figure 17This is a schematic diagram showing the position and structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector of an optical module provided in this application;

[0067] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram showing the position and structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector of an optical module provided in this application;

[0068] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing the position and structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector of an optical module provided in this application;

[0069] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the central column of an optical module provided in this application;

[0070] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the first end of an optical module provided in this application;

[0071] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector in the central column provided in this application;

[0072] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector of an optical module provided in this application;

[0073] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector in the central column provided in this application;

[0074] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector in the central column provided in this application;

[0075] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector in the central column provided in this application;

[0076] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of a central column provided in this application;

[0077] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first port of an optical module provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 29 This is a structural schematic diagram of a strip guide block and a strip guide groove provided in this application;

[0079] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector in the central column provided in this application;

[0080] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive part of the first electrical connector in the central column provided in this application;

[0081] Figure 32This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connection between the conductive part of the first electrical connector and the power supply line provided in this application;

[0082] Figure 33 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible circuit board power supply line for an optical module provided in this application;

[0083] Figure 34 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply line of an optical module provided in this application, which is a cable.

[0084] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power supply line provided in this application, including a cable and a second rigid circuit board;

[0085] Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power supply line provided in this application, including a flexible circuit board and a second rigid circuit board;

[0086] Figure 37 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module and an optical cage that are combined, as provided in this application;

[0087] Figure 38 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module whose second electrical connector conductive part is a metal sheet, as provided in this application;

[0088] Figure 39 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module whose second electrical connector conductive part is a strip spring, as provided in this application;

[0089] Figure 40 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bar spring provided in this application;

[0090] Figure 41 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module whose second electrical connector has a conductive post as its conductive part, as provided in this application.

[0091] Figure 42 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module whose second electrical connector conductive part is a spring pin, as provided in this application;

[0092] Figure 43 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive part of the second electrical connector in the insertion / removal guide block provided in this application;

[0093] Figure 44 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive part of the second electrical connector in the insertion / removal guide block provided in this application;

[0094] Figure 45 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive part of the second electrical connector in the insertion / removal guide block provided in this application;

[0095] Figure 46 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spring needle provided in this application;

[0096] Figure 47 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive part of the second electrical connector in the insertion / removal guide block provided in this application;

[0097] Figure 48 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spring needle provided in this application;

[0098] Figure 49 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module including a second rigid circuit board in a power supply line provided in this application;

[0099] Figure 50 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module including a second rigid circuit board in a power supply line provided in this application;

[0100] Figure 51 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module provided in this application, in which the conductive part of the second electrical connector is located on the first rigid circuit board;

[0101] Figure 52 This is a schematic diagram of a structure provided in this application in which the conductive part of the second electrical connector is located on the first rigid circuit board;

[0102] Figure 53 This is a schematic diagram of a structure provided in this application in which the conductive part of the second electrical connector is located on the first rigid circuit board;

[0103] Figure 54 This is a schematic diagram of a structure provided in this application in which the conductive part of the second electrical connector is located on the first rigid circuit board;

[0104] Figure 55 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module provided in this application, in which the conductive part of the second electrical connector is located on the first rigid circuit board;

[0105] Figure 56 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between a power supply line and a first rigid circuit board provided in this application;

[0106] Figure 57 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application;

[0107] Figure 58 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a motherboard for a communication device provided in this application.

[0108] Legend

[0109] 1. Housing; 11. First socket; 12. Second socket; 111. Strip guide groove;

[0110] 2. Optical device; 21. First optical connector; 22. Optoelectronic conversion device; 23. Second optical connector;

[0111] 221. First rigid circuit board; 222. Switching device;

[0112] 3. Optical components; 31. First electrical connector; 32. Power supply line; 33. Second electrical connector;

[0113] 311. Conductive part of the first electrical connector; 321. Second rigid circuit board; 322. Cable; 323. Flexible circuit board; 331. Conductive part of the second electrical connector;

[0114] 3111, First bend; 3111a, First segment; 3111b, Second segment; 3111c, Third segment;

[0115] 3112, Second bend; 3112a, Fourth section; 3112b, Fifth section; 3112c, Sixth section;

[0116] 3311, Straight section; 3312, Bend section; 3312a, Bend point; 3313, Needle shaft; 3313a, Groove; 3313b, Protrusion; 3314, Needle tube; 3314a, Through hole; 3314b, Axial strip hole;

[0117] 23-33, Composite electrical connector; 23-33-1, Composite electrical connector carrier; 23-33-2, Composite electrical connector gold finger; 23-33-2a, First part metal sheet; 23-33-2b, Second part metal sheet;

[0118] 4. Insertion / removal guide block; 40. Body; 41. Mounting groove; 42. Slider; 43. First elastic element; 44. Pressing element; 45. Second elastic element; 46. L-shaped rod; 47. U-shaped element;

[0119] 401, Slide; 461, First lever; 462, Second lever;

[0120] 5. Central column; 51. Support plate; 52. Guide limiting plate; 53. Strip guide block;

[0121] 521. First plate; 522. Second plate; 523. Groove;

[0122] 100, Chassis; 200, Mainboard; 300, Photoelectric Conversion Components; 600, Optical Cage. Detailed Implementation

[0123] In some related solutions, communication equipment, such as switches and access points (APs), requires at least two ports on the panel for each fiber optic composite cable. One port serves as an optical port, connecting to the optical fiber in the composite cable via an optical module. The other port serves as an electrical port, used to plug in the power connector for the composite cable. Each fiber optic composite cable occupies a significant amount of panel space, hindering the miniaturization of communication equipment such as switches and APs. Fiber optic composite cables, also known simply as composite cables, are cables covered with both optical fibers and copper wires. The optical fibers are used for transmitting optical signals, while the copper wires are used for transmitting electrical energy. This transmission of electrical energy can also be referred to as power transmission or electrical energy transfer.

[0124] This application provides an optical module comprising an optical device for photoelectric conversion and a power supply device for power transmission. Therefore, this optical module can also be called an optoelectronic composite module, or simply a composite module. Thus, this optical module can be used for both optical signal and electrical signal conversion and for implementing Power over Ethernet (PoE).

[0125] This optical module can be used in the connection between switches and access points (APs). Each switch and AP has an optical module plugged into its panel. The optical modules plugged into the switch and the AP are connected by a composite cable to achieve the connection between the switch and the AP.

[0126] The first end of the optical module is used to insert the composite cable, and the second end of the optical module is used to insert into communication equipment (such as switches and access points).

[0127] The communication device has a port (also called a socket, or the socket of the optical cage) on its panel for inserting the optical module. This port has an electrical interface that connects to the electrical connector of the optical device of the optical module (i.e., the second optical connector mentioned below), and also has an electrical interface that connects to the electrical connector of the power supply device of the optical module (i.e., the second electrical connector mentioned below). This type of communication device can be called an updated communication device.

[0128] Similarly, the end of the composite cable has an optical fiber connector that mates with the optical connector of the optical device of the optical module (i.e., the first optical connector mentioned below), and the end of the composite cable also has a power connector that connects to the electrical connector of the optical module.

[0129] In this way, both optical signals and power can be transmitted between the composite cable and the optical module, and both electrical signals and power can be transmitted between the optical module and the communication equipment.

[0130] As can be seen, the optical module includes a device that realizes photoelectric conversion (i.e., the optical device mentioned below) and a device that realizes PoE (i.e., the power supply device mentioned below), so that the communication device that works with the optical module only needs to have a port on the panel for inserting the optical module. This port has an interface for transmitting electrical signals with the optical device and an interface for transmitting power with the power supply device, which can save the panel size of the communication device and is conducive to the miniaturization of the communication device.

[0131] Of course, because the first end of the optical module for inserting composite cables is compatible, the optical module can be used with composite cables that include a power connector, as well as with conventional optical cables that do not include a power connector. In other words, the first end of the optical module can be used for inserting both composite cables and optical cables.

[0132] Similarly, because the second end of the optical module for insertion into communication devices is compatible, the optical cage of the communication device can also only have an electrical interface connected to the electrical connector of the optical device of the optical module (i.e., the second optical connector mentioned below), without having an electrical interface connected to the electrical connector of the power supply device of the optical module (i.e., the second electrical connector mentioned below). Such a communication device can be called a pre-upgraded communication device, and the optical module in this embodiment can also be used with such a pre-upgraded communication device. Therefore, the second end of the optical module can be inserted into both communication devices with a power connector in the optical cage and communication devices without a power connector in the optical cage.

[0133] The following points need to be noted:

[0134] The optical module described in this embodiment can be any one of an optical receiving optical module, an optical transmitting optical module, an integrated optical transceiver optical module, and an optical-to-light conversion module;

[0135] The optical module described in this embodiment can be either a hot-swappable optical module or a non-hot-swappable optical module;

[0136] The optical module described in this embodiment can be any of the standard package types, such as a small form pluggable (SFP) optical module, a quad small form factor pluggable-double density (QSFP-DD) optical module, a C form factor pluggable (CFP) optical module, a gigabit interface converter (GBIC) optical module, a 10G small form pluggable (XFP) optical module, and so on.

[0137] For example, the optical module can be as follows: Figure 1 The image shows an optical module, which is an SFP optical module. For example, this optical module could also be as follows: Figure 2 The image shows an optical module, which is an SFP optical module. Figure 1 The SFP optical module shown is Figure 2 The difference between the SFP optical modules shown lies in the structural form of the handle strip. For example, this optical module could also be as follows: Figure 3 The image shows an optical module, which is a QSFP-DD optical module. For example, this optical module could also be as follows: Figure 4 The image shows an optical module, which is a CFP2 optical module, wherein the CFP2 optical module is half the size of a CFP optical module.

[0138] In this embodiment, the specific type of the optical module is not specifically limited; the optical module can be packaged according to any standard packaging format. For ease of explanation, it can be described as follows: Figure 1 The example shown is an SFP-packaged optical module; other types of optical modules are similar and will not be described in detail. The following section will describe in detail the specific structures of the devices that implement the photoelectric conversion function and the devices that implement the PoE power supply function of this optical module.

[0139] like Figure 5 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the optical module, which includes a housing 1, an optical device 2, and a power supply device 3.

[0140] The housing 1 serves as the protective casing for the optical module, protecting the internal components and providing dust and water resistance. The optical component 2 is used to perform photoelectric conversion. The power supply component 3 is used to provide PoE power.

[0141] To better understand this optical module, the main structure and relative positional relationship of the housing 1, optical device 2, and power supply device 3 are briefly introduced below.

[0142] (1) For the housing 1 of the optical module.

[0143] like Figure 6 As shown, the outline shape of the optical module can be a cuboid box structure, and correspondingly, the shape of the housing 1 can also be a cuboid box structure. As an example, the housing 1 can be a cuboid box structure open at both ends along its length, with one opening serving as a first insertion port 11 and the other as a second insertion port 12. In another example, the housing 1 can include a top cover and a base, which are fixed together to form the housing 1. For example, the top cover can have a dome-like structure covering the base; or, for example, the top cover can be plate-like, and the base can be an open box shape, with the top cover fitting over the base. In this embodiment, the specific structure of the top cover and base is not limited, as long as the top cover and base are fixed together to form an open box structure at both ends.

[0144] The first port 11 of the housing 1 (located at the first end of the housing 1) is used for inserting the composite cable to achieve fiber optic connection between the optical module and the composite cable. The second port 12 of the housing 1 (located at the second end of the housing 1) is used for insertion into the optical cage of the communication equipment to achieve electrical connection between the optical module and the communication equipment.

[0145] (2) For optical device 2.

[0146] Optical device 2 can also be called optoelectronic device, such as Figure 7 As shown, the optical device 2 may include a first optical connector 21, a photoelectric conversion device 22, and a second optical connector 23. One end of the photoelectric conversion device 22 is connected to the first optical connector 21, and the other end is connected to the second optical connector 23. The connection between the first optical connector 21 or the second optical connector 23 and the photoelectric conversion device 22 may include a physical connection and an electrical connection.

[0147] Among them, the first optical connector 21 is an optical fiber connector used to mate with the optical fiber connector of the composite cable to realize optical signal transmission, and the second optical connector 23 is an electrical connector used to make an electrical connection with the electrical interface in the optical cage of the communication equipment to realize electrical signal transmission.

[0148] To distinguish it from the two electrical connectors of the power supply device 3, the electrical connector at the second end of the optical module is referred to as the second optical connector 23 in the text. However, the second optical connector 23 is actually an electrical connector, not an optical fiber connector.

[0149] like Figure 7As shown, the photoelectric conversion device 22 includes a first rigid circuit board 221 and a conversion device 222. The conversion device 222 includes components required to realize the photoelectric conversion function, such as lasers, detectors, amplifiers, clock data recovery devices, driver chips, and signal processors. One end of the first rigid circuit board 221 is connected to the conversion device 222, and the surface of the other end of the first rigid circuit board 221 has gold fingers that form the conductive portion of the second optical connector 23. The end of the conversion device 222 away from the first rigid circuit board 221 is connected to the first optical connector 21 to transmit the converted optical signal to the composite cable through the first optical connector 21.

[0150] The assembly relationship between optical device 2 and housing 1 can be as follows: Figure 8 As shown, both the first rigid circuit board 221 and the converter 222 of the photoelectric conversion device 22 are located in the housing 1, and the end of the first rigid circuit board 221 away from the converter 222 is located in the second socket 12, such that the gold fingers on the surface of the end of the first rigid circuit board 221 away from the converter 222 are located in the second socket 12. Thus, the second optical connector 23 is located in the second socket 12. The first optical connector 21 connected to the converter 222 is located in the first socket 11 of the housing 1, as can be seen in [reference]. Figure 1 As shown.

[0151] The optical module can be a dual-fiber bidirectional optical module, such as... Figure 7 As shown, there are two first optical connectors 21, one serving as the transmitter and the other as the receiver. Figure 7 The connection structure between the optical device 2 and the circuit board is not shown. The optical module can also be a single-fiber bidirectional optical module, and correspondingly, the number of the first optical connector 21 is one, which serves as both a transmitter and a receiver. In this embodiment, it is not limited to whether the optical module is a dual-fiber bidirectional module or a single-fiber bidirectional module; the attached example uses a dual-fiber bidirectional module as an example.

[0152] (3) For power supply device 3.

[0153] Power supply device 3 is used to implement power transmission in Power over Ethernet. See Figure 5 As shown, the power supply device 3 includes a first electrical connector 31, a power supply line 32, and a second electrical connector 33. One end of the power supply line 32 is connected to the first electrical connector 31, and the other end is connected to the second electrical connector 33.

[0154] Among them, the first electrical connector 31 and the second electrical connector 33 are both electrical connectors. The first electrical connector 31 is electrically connected to the power connector of the composite cable, and the second electrical connector 33 is electrically connected to the power connector in the optical cage of the communication equipment.

[0155] The assembly relationship between the power supply device 3 and the housing 1 can be as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the power supply line 32 is located in the housing 1, and the first electrical connector 31 is located at the first socket 11, while the second electrical connector 33 is located in the second socket 12. For example, regarding the first electrical connector 31 being located at the first socket 11, see... Figure 1 As shown, the first electrical connector 31 can be located in the first socket 11, or, for example, the first electrical connector 31 can also be located around the first socket 11, which will be explained in detail below.

[0156] After the power supply device 3 is installed in the housing 1, the first electrical connector 31 does not affect the structural features of the first socket 11 at the first end of the optical module. Thus, although the power supply device 3 is added to the optical module, the first socket 11 at the first end of the housing 1 can still be used for optical cable insertion. Similarly, the second electrical connector 33 does not affect the structural features of the second socket 12 at the second end of the optical module. Thus, the second socket 12 at the second end of the housing 1 can still be inserted into the optical cage excluding the power connector.

[0157] In this way, both ends of the optical module are compatible. Thus, even if the optical cable does not include the power connector, it can still be inserted into the first port 11 of the optical module and mate with the first optical connector 21 in the first port 11. Even if the optical cage does not include the power connector, the second port 12 of the optical module can still be inserted into the optical cage and electrically connected to the electrical connector in the optical cage.

[0158] As can be seen from the above, the optical module integrates a power supply device 3. Therefore, after the optical module is inserted into the communication equipment, it can achieve both fiber optic connection and power transmission. Thus, the panel of the communication equipment into which the optical module is inserted only needs to have a port that matches the optical module, without the need to set up an additional power port for power transmission. This can save the panel size of the communication equipment and is conducive to the miniaturization of communication equipment.

[0159] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified below, the fiber optic connectors of the composite cable or optical cable are all fiber optic connectors that match the first optical connector 21 of the optical module, so that the fiber optic connectors of the composite cable or optical cable can be mated with the first optical connector 21. Similarly, the electrical interfaces of the optical cage of the communication equipment are all electrical interfaces that match the second optical connector 23 of the optical module (the second optical connector 23 is an electrical connector), so that the first optical connector 21 can be inserted into the electrical interface of the optical cage to realize the transmission of electrical signals.

[0160] Since this application adds a power supply device 3 to a conventional optical module (also known as a traditional optical module), the structure of the first electrical connector 31, the power supply line 32 and the second electrical connector 33 of the power supply device 3 will be described in turn, as well as their respective positions in the housing 1.

[0161] (a) The first electrical connector 31 of the power supply device 3.

[0162] To achieve compatibility of the first socket 11, the positions of the first electrical connector 31 and the first optical connector 21 are independent of each other, so that the first electrical connector 31 will not affect the first optical connector 21.

[0163] Therefore, the position distribution of the first electrical connector 31 can be as follows.

[0164] The conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector 31 is exposed on the housing 1 and located at any position at the first end of the housing 1. The positions of the first optical connector 21 and the first electrical connector 31 are independent of each other so that the first socket 11 is compatible.

[0165] (1) As Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the first electrical connector conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector 31 is fixed to the central column 5 of the optical module.

[0166] The features of the center post 5 will be described in detail below when discussing the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector 31. Both the center post 5 and the first optical connector 21 are located in the first socket 11, for example, as... Figure 10 As shown, there are two first optical connectors 21. The optical module is a dual optical connector optical module. The central column 5 and the two first optical connectors 21 are both located in the first socket 11. The central column 5 is located between the two first optical connectors 21. The central column 5 divides the first socket 11 into two sub-sockets.

[0167] The scheme in which the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is fixed to the central column 5 can include the following possible situations:

[0168] like Figure 10 As shown, the end of the conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector is located on the outer end face of the central post 5. For example, the end of the conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector is flush with the outer end face of the central post 5. Another example, such as... Figure 10 As shown in (b), the outer end face of the central column 5 has a groove, the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is located in the groove, and the outer end face of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is lower than the outer end face of the central column 5.

[0169] For example, the length of the central column 5 is less than the standard length, such as... Figure 10As shown in (a), the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is a columnar structure, with its end extending out of the outer end face of the middle column 5. The sum of the length of the part of the conductive part 311 extending out of the middle column 5 and the length of the middle column 5 is less than or equal to the standard length. The standard length is the length of the middle column 5 when the optical module is packaged according to the standard packaging type, which is also the length of the middle column of the conventional optical module excluding the power supply device 3.

[0170] In this way, although the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector extends out of the outer end face of the central column 5, the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector will not block the insertion of the optical cable (excluding the power connector) into the first socket 11. This ensures that when the optical fiber connector of the optical cable is inserted, the optical fiber connector will not be unable to mate with the first optical connector 21 because it touches the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector first, thereby making the first socket 11 compatible.

[0171] like Figure 11 As shown, the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is located on the inner wall surface of the central column 5. For example, as... Figure 11 As shown in (a) and (b), the conductive parts 311 of the two first electrical connectors are both located on the same inner wall surface of the central column 5. For example, as shown in (a) and (b)... Figure 11 As shown in (c), a first electrical connector conductive part 311 is located on one inner wall surface of the central column 5, and another first electrical connector conductive part 311 is located on the other inner wall surface of the central column 5.

[0172] The outer surface of the conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector may be higher than the inner wall surface of the central column 5, or it may be lower than the inner wall surface of the central column 5, for example... Figure 11 As shown in (c), the inner wall of the central column 5 has a groove, and the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is located in the groove, so that the outer surface of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is lower than the inner wall surface of the central column 5. The outer surface of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector can also be flush with the inner wall surface of the central column 5. This application does not limit this, as long as it can satisfy the requirement that the optical cable without the power connector can be inserted into the first socket 11 and connected to the first optical connector 21.

[0173] (2) Figures 12 to 14 and Figure 17 As shown, the first electrical connector conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector 31 is fixed to the end face of the first end of the housing 1.

[0174] The outer surface of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector can be flush with the outer end face of the first end of the housing 1, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the outer surface of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector may also protrude from the outer end face of the first end of the housing 1, such as... Figure 13As shown, the outer surface of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector may also be recessed into the outer end face of the first end of the housing 1. In the case where the outer surface of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is recessed into the outer end face of the first end of the housing 1, the outer end face of the first end of the housing 1 has a groove, and the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is located in the groove. For example, the end of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is lower than the opening of the groove.

[0175] The shape of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector can be cylindrical or rectangular, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0176] In one example, where the conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector is fixed to the end face of the first end of the housing 1, the following possible scenarios may also be included:

[0177] For example, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the conductive portions 311 of the two first electrical connectors can be located on the outer end face of the same side wall of the first socket 11. For example, the conductive portions 311 of the two first electrical connectors are located on the outer end face of the left or right side wall of the first socket 11, or on the outer end face of the top or bottom wall of the first socket 11. For another example, such as... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the conductive portions 311 of the two first electrical connectors can be located on the outer end faces of different side walls of the first socket 11. For example, one conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector is located on the outer end face of the left side wall, and the other conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector is located on the outer end face of the right side wall.

[0178] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is located at the outer edge of the first end of the housing 1. The outer edge of the first end of the housing 1 has a boss structure, and the connection between the boss structure and the outer edge of the first end of the housing 1 has a groove. The conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is located in the groove.

[0179] (3) Figure 15 As shown, the first electrical connector conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector 31 is located on the inner wall of the first socket 11.

[0180] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown in (a), (b), and (c), the conductive portions 311 of the two first electrical connectors are both located on the same inner wall of the first socket 11. For example, as shown in... Figure 15 As shown in (d), one conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is located on one inner wall of the first socket 11, and the other conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is located on the other inner wall of the first socket 11. For example, the central post 5 is located in the first socket 11, dividing the first socket 11 into two sub-sockets, left and right. Figure 15As shown in (d), a first electrical connector conductive part 311 is located on the inner wall of a sub-socket, and another first electrical connector conductive part 311 is located on the inner wall of another sub-socket.

[0181] The outer surface of the conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector may be higher than the inner wall of the first socket 11. Alternatively, the outer surface of the conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector may be lower than the inner wall of the first socket 11, for example... Figure 15 As shown in (c), the inner wall of the central column 5 has a groove, and the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is located in the groove, such that the outer surface of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is lower than the inner wall surface of the first socket 11. The outer surface of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector can also be flush with the inner wall of the first socket 11. This application does not limit this, as long as it can satisfy the requirement that the optical cable excluding the power connector can be inserted into the first socket 11 and mated with the first optical connector 21.

[0182] (4) Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the first electrical connector conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector 31 is located on the outer wall of the housing 1 near the first socket 11, wherein the outer wall can be the outer surface of the top wall, the outer surface of the bottom wall, or the outer surface of the side wall.

[0183] like Figure 16 As shown, the outer wall of the housing 1 near the first socket 11 may have a groove, and the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector may be located in the groove.

[0184] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown in (a), (b) and (c), and Figure 17 As shown, the conductive portions 311 of the two first electrical connectors are both located on the same outer wall. For example, as shown... Figure 16 As shown in (d), a first electrical connector conductive part 311 is located on one outer wall, and another first electrical connector conductive part 311 is located on another outer wall.

[0185] The aforementioned position of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector can be applied to optical modules with dual optical connectors or optical modules with single optical connectors. Although the illustration uses an optical module with dual optical connectors as an example, it is not intended to be limiting and can also be applied to optical modules with single optical connectors.

[0186] In addition, for optical modules with a single optical connector, the position of its first electrical connector 31 can also be distributed as follows: (e.g.) Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, there is one first optical connector 21; the first optical connector 21 is located on the first side of the central column 5 of the optical module, and the first electrical connector 31 is located on the second side of the central column 5, with the first and second sides of the central column 5 being opposite to each other.

[0187] In one example, such as Figure 18 As shown, the first electrical connector 31 can be in the form of a column and is located on the second side of the central column 5. The first electrical connector 31 includes a column body and a first electrical connector conductive part 311, and the first electrical connector conductive part 311 is located on the surface of the column body.

[0188] In another example, such as Figure 19 As shown, the conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector can be located on the second side of the central column 5 and on the outer end face of the first end of the housing 1. For example, the conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector protrudes from the outer end face of the first end of the housing 1. Alternatively, the conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector may be recessed into the outer end face of the first end of the housing 1. The shape of the conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector can be a rectangular column or a cylindrical shape, etc. The two conductive portions 311 of the first electrical connector can be arranged vertically or horizontally.

[0189] The above describes the positional distribution and specific shape of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector. Regardless of how the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is distributed or what its specific shape is, once the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is disposed in or around the first socket 11, it can ensure that the positions of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector and the first optical connector 21 are independent of each other, and the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector will not affect the connection between the optical fiber connector of the optical cable and the first optical connector 21.

[0190] Thus, when a composite cable, including a power connector that matches the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector, is inserted into the first socket 11, the fiber optic connector of the composite cable mates with the first optical connector 21 in the first socket 11 to achieve optical signal transmission, and the power connector of the composite cable is electrically connected to the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector to achieve power transmission.

[0191] For optical cables that do not include a power connector, the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector does not block the insertion of the optical fiber connector of the optical cable, allowing the optical fiber connector of the optical cable to connect with the first optical connector 21 and realize the transmission of optical signals.

[0192] As can be seen, the first end of the optical module has both a first optical connector 21 and a first electrical connector 31. Therefore, there is no need to set a power interface for the power connector of the composite cable to be inserted on the panel of the communication equipment (such as switches and APs) to which the optical module is plugged. This can save the panel size of the communication equipment and is conducive to the miniaturization of communication equipment.

[0193] Moreover, the first port 11 at the first end of the optical module can be used to insert both composite cables including a power connector that matches the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector and optical cables that do not include a power connector. This makes the first port 11 of the optical module compatible, expands the application scenarios of the optical module, improves the flexibility of the optical module, and makes it easy to make cables on site.

[0194] The above describes the location distribution of the first electrical connector 31. Several structural forms of the first electrical connector 31 will be introduced below.

[0195] One type is where the first electrical connector 31's conductive portion 311 includes a bending strip, for example, two bending strips, as detailed below.

[0196] The first electrical connector 31 and the first optical connector 21 are located independently within the first socket 11 to ensure compatibility, allowing insertion of any cable compatible with the package type of the optical module. Thus, composite cables including power connectors can be inserted into the first socket 11, and optical cables without power connectors can also be inserted into the first socket 11. Specifically, the composite cable including a power connector has a power connector at its end that matches the first electrical connector 31; the optical cable without a power connector has no power connector at its end, only an optical fiber connector.

[0197] As described above, the optical module includes a central column 5, such as... Figure 20 The diagram shown is a schematic of the central column 5. Figure 21 As shown, the central column 5 is located in the first socket 11. On the one hand, it supports the first optical connector 21, and on the other hand, it serves as a guide and limiter, allowing the fiber optic connector of the composite cable to be accurately inserted into the first socket 11 and connected with the first optical connector 21 in the first socket 11 to realize the transmission of optical signals.

[0198] The central column 5 is a structure that is included in all standard packaged optical modules. Therefore, for optical modules that do not include the power supply device 3, the central column 5 is also installed in the first socket 11.

[0199] like Figure 20 As shown, the central column 5 includes a support plate 51 and a guide limiting plate 52, with the end of the guide limiting plate 52 along its length direction connected to the surface of the support plate 51. Figure 21As shown, the central column 5 is located in the housing 1 near the first end, the support plate 51 is close to the interior of the housing 1, and the guide limiting plate 52 is close to the exterior of the housing 1. Thus, the support plate 51 and the side wall of the housing 1 form the first socket 11, while the guide limiting plate 52 divides the first socket 11 into two sub-sockets. For a dual-optical-connector optical module, there are two first optical connectors 21. One first optical connector 21 is located on one side of the guide limiting plate 52, and the other first optical connector 21 is located on the other side of the guide limiting plate 52. Both first optical connectors 21 are located on the support plate 51, which supports the two first optical connectors 21 in the first socket 11.

[0200] Among them, the support plate 51 is horizontal in the shell 1, and can also be called a crossbeam.

[0201] To achieve compatibility with the first socket 11, correspondingly, such as Figure 22 As shown, the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector 31 can be fixed to the central post 5 without affecting the first socket 11. For example, it does not affect the size and position of the first socket 11, thereby making the first socket 11 compatible.

[0202] For example, a portion of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is fixed to the guide limiting plate 52, and another portion is fixed to the support plate 51. The first end of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector can be located on the surface of the guide limiting plate 52 or can extend out of the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52. The second end of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector can be located in the support plate 51 or can extend out of the support plate 51. The first end of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is the end for electrical connection with the power connector of the composite cable, and the second end of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is the end for electrical connection with the power supply line 32.

[0203] In one example, the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector installed in the central column 5 can satisfy the requirement that the current passing through is greater than or equal to the target current value and can meet the safety regulations under the target voltage.

[0204] The target current value can be set according to the actual situation. For example, the target current value can be 2A or a current value of more than 2A. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0205] The target voltage can also be set according to actual conditions; for example, the target voltage could be 48V. Each voltage typically corresponds to a safety regulation range; for example, the safety regulation range for 48V could be 2 mm.

[0206] Since the magnitude of the current passing through the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is related to the voltage applied to the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector and the resistance of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector, and the resistance of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is related to the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive part of the first electrical connector, it is possible to adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector to make it able to pass a current value greater than or equal to the target current value when the supply voltage (e.g., 48V) is known.

[0207] As described above, the conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector includes two bent strips, denoted as the first bent strip 3111 and the second bent strip 3112, respectively. The distance between the first bent strip 3111 and the second bent strip 3112 meets the safety-specified range under the target voltage. For example, if the voltage supplied to the first bent strip 3111 and the second bent strip 3112 is 48V, then the minimum distance between them is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0208] Of the two bends, the first bend 3111 and the second bend 3112 are connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the other is connected to the negative terminal. For example, the first bend 3111 is connected to +48V, and the second bend 3112 is connected to -48V.

[0209] like Figure 23 As shown, a portion of the first bending strip 3111 and a portion of the second bending strip 3112 can be arranged vertically and located in the same vertical plane, and a portion of the first bending strip 3111 and a portion of the second bending strip 3112 can be arranged horizontally and located in the same horizontal plane.

[0210] For example, such as Figure 23 As shown, the first bent strip 3111 includes a first segment 3111a, a second segment 3111b, and a third segment 3111c connected in sequence, and the second bent strip 3112 includes a fourth segment 3112a, a fifth segment 3112b, and a sixth segment 3112c connected in sequence. Figure 23 As shown, the arrangement of the first bending strip 3111 and the second bending strip 3112 in the central column 5 can be such that the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 and the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 are arranged vertically and in the same vertical plane, while the third segment 3111c of the first bending strip 3111 and the sixth segment 3112c of the second bending strip 3112 are arranged horizontally and in the same horizontal plane. The vertical arrangement is as follows: Figure 23 As shown, the arrangement along the z-axis is vertical, and the horizontal arrangement is as follows. Figure 23 As shown, they are arranged left and right along the y-axis.

[0211] The structural features of the first bending strip 3111 and the second bending strip 3112 will be described below.

[0212] (1) For the first bend strip 3111, as follows Figure 23 As shown, one end of the second segment 3111b is connected to the side of the first segment 3111a, and the other end of the second segment 3111b is connected to the side of the third segment 3111c. The first segment 3111a and the third segment 3111c are located on opposite sides of the second segment 3111b, and there is a height difference between the first segment 3111a and the third segment 3111c.

[0213] The first segment 3111a, the second segment 3111b, and the third segment 3111c are integrally formed by bending a metal strip (such as a copper strip).

[0214] like Figure 23 As shown, one end of the second segment 3111b is connected to the side of the first segment 3111a. The connection between the two is a bend. The bend is to cause the first bent strip 3111 to extend downward (e.g., in the negative z-axis direction) so that a height difference is formed between the first segment 3111a and the third segment 3111c. After this bend, the first segment 3111a and the second segment 3111b are not in the same vertical plane. This bend can be called a bend that changes direction.

[0215] like Figure 23 As shown, the other end of the second segment 3111b is connected to the side of the third segment 3111c. The connection between the two is a bend. This bend is to cause the first bend strip 3111 to extend in the negative direction of the y-axis, so that the first segment 3111a and the third segment 3111c are located on opposite sides of the second segment 3111b. For example, the first segment 3111a is located on the first surface of the second segment 3111b, and the third segment 3111c is located on the second surface of the second segment 3111b. After this bend, the second segment 3111b and the third segment 3111c are not in the same vertical plane. This bend can be called a bend that changes direction.

[0216] It is evident that the first bending strip 3111 includes at least two bends that change direction.

[0217] The shape of the first segment 3111a can be as follows: Figure 23 The bending structure shown can be modified to have a horizontal shape for the first segment 3111a. This application does not limit this, as long as the first bending strip 3111 can be installed in the central column 5.

[0218] The connection between the first segment 3111a and the second segment 3111b can be a rounded corner connection, and the connection between the second segment 3111b and the third segment 3111c can also be a rounded corner connection.

[0219] (2) For the second bend strip 3112, as Figure 23As shown, the bend of the second bending strip 3112 matches the bend of the first bending strip 3111.

[0220] The bending of the second bending strip 3112 is mainly to match the bending of the first bending strip 3111, so as to increase the distance between the two and make the minimum distance between them meet the safety regulations (or simply safety regulations).

[0221] For example, one end of the fifth segment 3112b is connected to one end of the fourth segment 3112a, the other end of the fifth segment 3112b is connected to the end of the sixth segment 3112c, and the fourth segment 3112a and the sixth segment 3112c are located on opposite sides of the fifth segment 3112b, and there is a height difference between the fourth segment 3112a and the sixth segment 3112c.

[0222] Among them, the fourth segment 3112a, the fifth segment 3112b and the sixth segment 3112c are integrally formed by bending metal strips (such as copper strips).

[0223] In this context, one end of the fifth segment 3112b is the end along the length direction of the fifth segment 3112b, and similarly, one end of the fourth segment 3112a is also the end along the length direction of the fourth segment 3112a.

[0224] like Figure 23 As shown, there is a height difference between the fourth segment 3112a and the sixth segment 3112c. One end of the fifth segment 3112b is connected to one end of the fourth segment 3112a, and the other end of the fifth segment 3112b is connected to the end of the sixth segment 3112c. Therefore, although there is a bend at the connection between the fourth segment 3112a and the fifth segment 3112b, the fourth segment 3112a and the fifth segment 3112b are located in the same vertical plane, so this bend is a bend without changing direction. Similarly, although there is a bend at the connection between the fifth segment 3112b and the sixth segment 3112c, the fifth segment 3112b and the sixth segment 3112c are located in the same vertical plane, so this bend is a bend without changing direction. It can be seen that the fourth segment 3112a, the fifth segment 3112b, and the sixth segment 3112c of the second bent strip 3112 are all located in the same vertical plane.

[0225] In one example, the first segment 3111a of the first bend strip 3111 and the fourth segment 3112a of the second bend strip 3112 are used for electrical connection with the power connector of the composite cable. The third segment 3111c of the first bend strip 3111 and the sixth segment 3112c of the second bend strip 3112 are used for electrical connection with the power supply line 32.

[0226] Among them, the third segment 3111c of the first bending strip 3111 and the sixth segment 3112c of the second bending strip 3112 are both the connecting parts of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector near the power supply line 32.

[0227] The shapes of the third segment 3111c of the first bending strip 3111 and the sixth segment 3112c of the second bending strip 3112 are both matched with the power supply line 32.

[0228] For example, if the power supply line 32 is a flexible circuit board, then the third segment 3111c of the first bending strip 3111 and the sixth segment 3112c of the second bending strip 3112 can both be as follows: Figure 23 The diagram shows a sheet-like structure, with the third segment 3111c and the sixth segment 3112c both soldered to the surface of the flexible circuit board.

[0229] For example, if the power supply line 32 is a cable, then the third segment 3111c of the first bending strip 3111 and the sixth segment 3112c of the second bending strip 3112 can both have a ring-shaped structure so that the end of the power supply line 32 can be fixed in the ring-shaped structure.

[0230] The above describes the structural features of the first bending strip 3111 and the second bending strip 3112 of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector. The installation relationship of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector in the central column 5 will be described below.

[0231] The installation relationship of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector in the central column 5 can be as described above, where the central column 5 includes a support plate 51 and a guide limiting plate 52, as shown above. Figure 22 As shown, a portion of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is fixed in the guide limiting plate 52, and a portion is fixed in the support plate 51. The conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector protrudes from the guide limiting plate 52 to facilitate connection with the power connector of the composite cable, and protrudes from the support plate 51 to facilitate connection with the power supply line 32. For example, the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 and the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 both protrude from the guide limiting plate 52, and the third segment 3111c of the first bending strip 3111 and the sixth segment 3112c of the second bending strip 3112 both protrude from the support plate 51.

[0232] There are multiple ways in which the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 and the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 are exposed from the guide limiting plate 52.

[0233] For example, one approach could be, such as Figure 22As shown, the guide limiting plate 52 includes a first plate 521 and a second plate 522. The height of the first plate 521 is less than the height of the second plate 522. The first plate 521 is located at one end of the second plate 522, and the end of the second plate 522 away from the first plate 521 is located on the surface of the support plate 51. A portion of the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 is located on the upper surface of the first plate 521, and another portion is located in the second plate 522. A portion of the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 is located on the lower surface of the first plate 521, and another portion is located in the second plate 522.

[0234] The first plate 521 is used to mate with the socket of the power connector of the composite cable, so the first plate 521 can also be called the first electrical connector connection part, and its material can be insulating materials such as plastic parts. The second plate 522 is mainly used to fix the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector, so the second plate 522 can also be called the first electrical connector mounting part, and its material can be insulating materials such as plastic parts.

[0235] In one example, the connection between the first plate 521 and the second plate 522 can be achieved in various ways. For instance, the connection between the first plate 521 and the second plate 522 can be achieved by adhesive or screws, or the ends of the first plate 521 and the ends of the second plate 522 can be fixedly connected by adhesive or screws. Alternatively, the first plate 521 and the second plate 522 can be integrally formed, such as... Figure 22 As shown, the first plate 521 and the second plate 522 are two parts of a single plate. The height of the first plate 521 is less than the height of the second plate 522. This is because the top and bottom of the second plate 522 are used to be fixedly connected to the top and bottom of the first socket 11, respectively, and its height matches the height of the first socket 11. The first plate 521, however, is used to connect to the power connector of the composite cable, and its height matches the power connector of the composite cable. Therefore, the heights of the first plate 521 and the second plate 522 do not have to be equal. In this embodiment, the heights of the first plate 521 and the second plate 522 are not limited; those skilled in the art can choose flexibly according to actual conditions.

[0236] Thus, if a composite cable is inserted into the first socket 11, the first plate 521 can enter the socket of the composite cable's power connector, so that the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 on the upper surface of the first plate 521 and the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 on the lower surface of the first plate 521 are electrically connected to the conductive part in the socket of the power connector. If an optical cable without a power connector is inserted into the first socket 11, since the outer end of the first plate 521 is actually the outer end of the central post 5, it will not affect the insertion of the optical cable into the first socket 11. Furthermore, although the first electrical connector conductive part 311 is installed in the central post 5, it will not affect the insertion of the optical cable into the first socket 11, thus ensuring the compatibility of the first socket 11.

[0237] For example, another way in which the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 and the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 both protrude from the guide limiting plate 52 could be, as follows: Figure 24 As shown, the end of the guide limiting plate 52 away from the support plate 51 has a groove 523; the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 is located on the upper groove wall of the groove 523, and the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 is located on the lower groove wall of the groove 523.

[0238] The groove 523 can also be referred to as a hollow structure. The groove 523 can be shaped as follows: Figure 24 The cylindrical through hole shown can also be a round through hole, or a cross-shaped through hole, etc. The specific structure of the groove 523 is not limited in this embodiment.

[0239] In this way, the plug of the power connector of the composite cable inserted into the first socket 11 can enter the groove 523, so that the first bending strip 3111 on the upper groove wall of the groove 523 and the second bending strip 3112 on the lower groove wall of the groove 523 are electrically connected to the conductive part on the surface of the plug of the power connector of the composite cable. The optical cable inserted into the first socket 11 does not include the power connector. Since the end of the groove 523 is actually the outer end of the central post 5, it does not affect the insertion of the optical cable into the first socket 11. Furthermore, although the first bending strip 3111 and the second bending strip 3112 of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector are installed in the central post 5, it does not affect the insertion of the optical cable into the first socket 11, thus ensuring the compatibility of the first socket 11.

[0240] For example, such as Figure 25As shown, another way in which the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 and the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 both protrude from the guide limiting plate 52 is that the ends of the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 and the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 both form contact points on the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52.

[0241] For example, another way in which the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 and the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 both protrude from the guide limiting plate 52 could be, as follows: Figure 26 As shown, the ends of the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 and the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 both extend beyond the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52. In this design, to ensure compatibility with the first socket 11, the sum of the length of the portion of the first segment 3111a of the first bending strip 3111 extending beyond the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 and the length of the central post 5 is less than or equal to the standard length of the central post 5. Similarly, the sum of the length of the portion of the fourth segment 3112a of the second bending strip 3112 extending beyond the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 and the length of the central post 5 is less than or equal to the standard length of the central post 5. The standard length of the central post 5 refers to the length of the central post 5 when the optical module is packaged using a standard encapsulation type.

[0242] In order to assemble the central column 5, which has the first electrical connector conductive part 311 fixed inside, into the housing 1, accordingly, as Figure 27 As shown, the end of the central column 5 along the height direction has a strip-shaped guide block 53, as... Figure 28 As shown, the inner wall of the first socket 11 has a strip guide groove 111; the strip guide block 53 matches the strip guide groove 111, and the strip guide block 53 is located in the strip guide groove 111.

[0243] For example, such as Figure 27 As shown, the guide limiting plate 52 of the central column 5 has strip-shaped guide blocks 53 at its top and bottom relative to each other, such as... Figure 28 As shown, the top and bottom walls opposite the first insertion port 11 both have strip-shaped guide grooves 111; see back Figure 1 As shown, the strip guide block 53 at the top of the guide limiting plate 52 is located in the strip guide groove 111 on the top wall of the housing 1, and the strip guide block 53 at the bottom of the guide limiting plate 52 is located in the strip guide groove 111 on the bottom wall of the housing 1.

[0244] Among them, such as Figure 27 As shown, the strip guide block 53 can be a strip-shaped protrusion structure, correspondingly, as... Figure 28As shown, the strip guide groove 111 can be a strip groove structure. The strip guide block 53 and the strip guide groove 111 are adapted to each other. For example, the size of the strip guide block 53 matches the size of the strip guide groove 111, and the position of the strip guide block 53 corresponds to the position of the strip guide groove 111.

[0245] Thus, during the installation of the central column 5 with the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector fixed in the housing 1, the strip guide block 53 of the guide limiting plate 52 slides in the corresponding strip guide groove 111 until the strip guide block 53 is limited in the strip guide groove 111 and can no longer slide. When the strip guide block 53 stops sliding in the strip guide groove 111, the central column 5 with the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector fixed is installed in the housing 1.

[0246] In one example, to allow the strip guide block 53 to slide in the strip guide groove 111, correspondingly, as Figure 29 As shown in (a), the width of the strip guide block 53 gradually increases from the first end a to the second end b. The first end a of the strip guide block 53 is the end facing the outside of the housing 1, and the second end b of the strip guide block 53 is the end facing the inside of the housing 1.

[0247] For example, the width of the strip guide groove 111 is adapted to the width of the strip guide block 53. For instance, one possible scenario is as follows: Figure 29 As shown in (b), the width of the strip guide groove 111 gradually increases from the first end a to the second end b. The first end a of the strip guide groove 111 faces outward from the housing 1, and the second end b faces inward from the housing 1. Alternatively, the width of the strip guide groove 111 can be greater than the minimum width of the strip guide block 53 but less than its maximum width. That is, the width of the strip guide groove 111 is greater than the width of the first end a of the strip guide block 53 but less than the width of the second end b. In this way, the strip guide block 53 will not slide out of the strip guide groove 111 during its sliding motion, and it can be contained within the strip guide groove 111. This allows the central column 5 to be stably installed in the housing 1.

[0248] The above is an introduction to the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector, which includes a bending strip. The conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector can also be a spring pin or a conductive post, as detailed below.

[0249] like Figure 30As shown, the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector can be a spring pin, also known as a pogo pin, or a conductive post. In this embodiment, the specific structure of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is not limited. The following examples illustrate the first electrical connector conductive part 311 as a spring pin and as a conductive post.

[0250] like Figure 30 As shown, the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is a spring needle. The spring needle mainly includes a needle shaft, a needle tube, and an internal spring. The needle shaft can slide and extend within the needle tube under the action of the spring.

[0251] The spring pin is fixed to the central column 5. For example, a part of the spring pin is fixed to the guide limiting plate 52 of the central column 5, and another part is fixed to the support plate 51. Figure 30 The pin shaft of the spring pin extends out of the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 to facilitate electrical connection with the power connector of the composite cable inserted in the first socket 11. The end of the spring pin away from the pin shaft extends out of the guide limiting plate 52 to facilitate electrical connection with the power supply line 32.

[0252] The positional relationship between the end of the spring pin shaft and the outer end face of the central post 5 is related to the length of the central post 5. When the optical module is packaged according to the standard packaging type, the length of the central post 5 is the standard length. With the standard length of the central post 5, when the fiber optic connector of the optical cable is inserted into the first socket 11, the central post 5 will not obstruct the connection between the fiber optic connector and the first optical connector 21, thus ensuring compatibility of the first socket 11. If the length of the central post 5 is less than the standard length, the central post 5 will also not obstruct the connection between the fiber optic connector and the first optical connector 21 when the fiber optic connector of the optical cable is inserted into the first socket 11. However, if the length of the central post 5 is greater than the standard length, the central post 5 will obstruct the connection between the fiber optic connector and the first optical connector 21 when the fiber optic connector of the optical cable is inserted into the first socket 11. Specifically, the fiber optic connector cannot connect with the first optical connector 21 in the first socket 11.

[0253] Based on the principle of compatibility between the length of the central post 5 and the first socket 11, the positional relationship between the end of the needle shaft of the spring needle and the outer end face of the central post 5 is as follows:

[0254] (1) The length of the middle column 5 is the standard length.

[0255] Since the length of the central post 5 is a standard length and the needle tube is not telescopic, the needle tube of the spring needle is located within the central post 5. For example, the end of the needle tube of the spring needle is flush with the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5, or the needle tube of the spring needle is completely located within the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5.

[0256] For the spring pin's shaft, since the shaft is telescopic, it only needs to ensure that when a composite cable is inserted into the first socket 11, the end of the spring pin's shaft is flush with the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5. When no composite cable is inserted into the first socket 11, the spring pin's shaft can protrude from the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5, or it can be flush with the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5. To ensure good conductivity, when the composite cable connector is inserted into the first socket 11, the conductive part of the composite cable's power connector can tightly engage with the spring pin's shaft. Correspondingly, when no composite cable connector is inserted into the first socket 11, the spring pin's shaft can protrude from the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5, and when a composite cable is inserted into the first socket 11, the end of the spring pin's shaft is flush with the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5.

[0257] (2) The length of the middle column 5 is less than the standard length.

[0258] For the needle tube of the spring needle, since the length of the central post 5 is less than the standard length, the needle tube of the spring needle is completely located within the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5. Alternatively, the end of the needle tube of the spring needle can be flush with the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5, or the end of the needle tube of the spring needle can slightly protrude from the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5. However, in the case where the end of the needle tube of the spring needle slightly protrudes from the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5, the sum of the length of the protruding part of the needle tube and the length of the central post 5 is less than or equal to the standard length, so as to avoid obstructing the connection between the optical fiber connector of the optical cable and the first optical connector.

[0259] For the spring pin's shaft, when no composite cable is inserted into the first socket 11, the end of the spring pin's shaft protrudes beyond the outer end face of the central post 5, and the sum of the length of the protruding portion of the shaft and the length of the central post 5 is greater than the standard length. When a composite cable is inserted into the first socket 11, the end of the spring pin's shaft protrudes beyond the outer end face of the central post 5, and the sum of the length of the protruding portion of the shaft and the length of the central post 5 is less than or equal to the standard length. In this way, when the composite cable is inserted into the first socket 11, it satisfies both the requirement that the pin shaft does not obstruct the connection between the fiber optic connector and the first optical connector, and the requirement that the power connector of the composite cable make tight contact with the pin shaft, ensuring good conductivity. Alternatively, when no composite cable is inserted into the first socket 11, the end of the spring needle shaft protrudes from the outer end face of the central post 5, and the sum of the length of the protruding part of the needle shaft and the length of the central post 5 is less than or equal to the standard length; when a composite cable is inserted into the first socket 11, the end of the spring needle shaft protrudes from the outer end face of the central post 5, and the sum of the length of the protruding part of the needle shaft and the length of the central post 5 is also less than or equal to the standard length.

[0260] The above describes the case where the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is a spring pin. The specific structure of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector can also be a conductive post.

[0261] The conductive pillar can be a cylindrical structure, a square pillar structure, or a pillar structure of other shapes. This embodiment does not limit the type of pillar.

[0262] Based on the principle of compatibility between the length of the central post 5 and the first socket 11, the positional relationship between the end of the conductive post and the outer end face of the central post 5 is as follows:

[0263] (1) The length of the middle column 5 is the standard length.

[0264] like Figure 31 As shown, the end of the conductive post is flush with the outer end face of the central post 5. For example, the end of the conductive post is flush with the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52 of the central post 5. Thus, conductive contacts are formed on the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52. When the composite cable is inserted into the first socket 11, the conductive part of the power connector of the composite cable contacts the contacts on the outer end face of the guide limiting plate 52. When an optical cable without a power connector is inserted into the first socket 11, since the length of the central post 5 is standard, the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector of the conductive post is located within the central post 5, and the end of the conductive post is flush with the outer end face of the central post 5. Therefore, the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector of the conductive post does not affect the position of the central post 5 or the space it occupies in the housing 1. Therefore, an optical cable without a power connector can still be inserted into the first socket 11 of the optical module and mate with the first optical connector 21 in the first socket 11.

[0265] (2) The length of the middle column 5 is less than the standard length.

[0266] In one example, the end of the conductive post protrudes beyond the outer end face of the central post 5, and the sum of the length of the protruding portion of the conductive post and the length of the central post 5 is less than or equal to the standard length. Thus, when the composite cable is inserted into the first socket 11, the conductive portion of the power connector of the composite cable contacts the end of the conductive post. However, when an optical cable without a power connector is inserted into the first socket 11, since the sum of the length of the protruding portion of the conductive post and the length of the central post 5 is less than or equal to the standard length, the portion of the conductive portion protruding from the central post 5 will not obstruct the connection between the optical fiber connector and the first optical connector. Therefore, an optical cable without a power connector can still be inserted into the first socket 11 of the optical module and connect with the first optical connector 21 in the first socket 11.

[0267] The above describes the specific structure of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector 31, which consists of a spring pin and a conductive post. In this embodiment, the specific structure of the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is not limited. As long as the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is fixed in the central post 5 of the optical module, the optical cable excluding the power connector can still be inserted into the first socket 11, so that the first socket 11 has compatibility.

[0268] As described above, the end of the first electrical connector 311 located inside the housing 1 is electrically connected to the power supply line 32. To achieve this electrical connection, the end of the first electrical connector 311 located inside the housing 1 can extend out of the central post 5 to be electrically connected to the power supply line 32. For example, as... Figure 32 As shown, in a design where the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is a spring pin and the power supply line 32 is a flexible circuit board, the pin of the spring pin, away from the pin axis, extends out of the central post 5 and passes through the pads of the flexible circuit board. The pin of the spring pin, away from the pin axis, is soldered to the flexible circuit board to achieve an electrical connection between the spring pin and the flexible circuit board. Alternatively, in a design where the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector is a spring pin and the power supply line 32 is a cable, the cable can be wound around the pin of the spring pin, away from the pin axis, to achieve an electrical connection between the spring pin and the cable.

[0269] To assemble the central column 5, which has the conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector fixed inside, into the housing 1, the end of the central column 5 along the height direction may also have a strip-shaped guide block 53, and the inner wall of the first socket 11 has a strip-shaped guide groove 111; the strip-shaped guide block 53 and the strip-shaped guide groove 111 are matched, and the strip-shaped guide block 53 is located in the strip-shaped guide groove 111. The specific structure of the strip-shaped guide block 53 and the strip-shaped guide groove 111 can be referred to the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0270] (ii) Power supply line 32 for power supply device 3.

[0271] In one example, such as Figure 33 As shown, the power supply line 32 can be a flexible circuit board (i.e., a flexible printed circuit board). One end of the flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the first electrical connector conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector 31, and the other end of the flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the second electrical connector conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33.

[0272] In another example, such as Figure 34 As shown, the power supply line 32 can be a cable (that is, a cable covered with copper wire), one end of the cable is electrically connected to the first electrical connector conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector 31, and the other end of the cable is electrically connected to the second electrical connector conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33.

[0273] In another example, the power supply line 32 can be a second rigid circuit board, one end of which is electrically connected to the first electrical connector conductive part 311 of the first electrical connector 31, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the second electrical connector conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33.

[0274] In another example, where the power supply line 32 is a second rigid circuit board, the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33 can be located on the surface of the second rigid circuit board. For example, the power supply line 32 can be a second rigid circuit board, one end of which is electrically connected to the first electrical connector conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector 31, and the other end of which extends into the second socket 12. The surface of the portion of the second rigid circuit board located in the second socket 12 can have gold fingers, which form the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33.

[0275] In other examples, such as Figure 35 As shown, the power supply line 32 may include a second rigid circuit board 321 and a cable 322. One end of the second rigid circuit board 321 is electrically connected to the cable 322, and the other end of the second rigid circuit board 321 is electrically connected to the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33. Alternatively, the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33 may be integrated into the surface of the second rigid circuit board 321. For example, one end of the second rigid circuit board 321 may be electrically connected to the cable 322, and the other end of the second rigid circuit board 321 may extend into the second socket 12. The surface of the portion of the second rigid circuit board 321 located in the second socket 12 may have gold fingers, which form the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33. The end of the cable 322 away from the second rigid circuit board 321 is electrically connected to the first electrical connector conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector 31.

[0276] In other examples, such as Figure 36As shown, the power supply line 32 includes a second rigid circuit board 321 and a flexible circuit board 323. One end of the second rigid circuit board 321 is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 323, and the other end of the second rigid circuit board 321 is electrically connected to the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33. Alternatively, the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33 is integrated into the surface of the second rigid circuit board 321. For example, one end of the second rigid circuit board 321 is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 323, and the other end of the second rigid circuit board 321 extends into the second socket 12. The surface of the portion of the second rigid circuit board 321 located in the second socket 12 may have gold fingers, which form the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33. The end of the flexible circuit board 323 away from the second rigid circuit board 321 is electrically connected to the first electrical connector conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector 31.

[0277] In other examples, the power supply line 32 may also include a cable 322 and a flexible circuit board 323. For example, the first electrical connector conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector 31, the cable 322, the flexible circuit board 323, and the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33 are electrically connected in sequence. Yet another example is that the first electrical connector conductive portion 311 of the first electrical connector 31, the flexible circuit board 323, the cable 322, and the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33 are electrically connected in sequence.

[0278] In other examples, the power supply line 32 can also be integrated into the first rigid circuit board 221 of the optical device 2. For example, the power supply line 32 can also be a ribbon cable printed on the surface of the first rigid circuit board 221 of the optical device 2. Then, the first electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the first electrical connector 31 and the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33 can be electrically connected through the first rigid circuit board 221. For example, the first electrical connector conductive portion 331 is connected to one end of the first rigid circuit board 221, and the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 is connected to the other end of the first rigid circuit board 221.

[0279] In a design where the power supply line 32 is integrated into the first rigid circuit board 221, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector can also be integrated into the first rigid circuit board 221. For example, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is a metal sheet located on the surface of the first rigid circuit board 221.

[0280] In the embodiment where the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is a metal sheet located on the surface of the first rigid circuit board 221, such as Figure 51 As shown, the second optical connector 23 of the optical device 2 is a gold finger located on the surface of the first rigid circuit board 221. Therefore, as... Figure 51As shown, the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector can be an undefined metal piece in the gold finger; an undefined metal piece is a metal piece in the gold finger that is not used. As another example, such as... Figure 52 and Figure 53 As shown, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is a newly added metal sheet around the gold finger, wherein, Figure 52 and Figure 53 The part number 23-33 indicates a composite electrical connector including a second optical connector 23 and a second electrical connector 33.

[0281] In the embodiment where the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is a metal sheet located on the surface of the first rigid circuit board 221, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector can be a metal sheet added around the gold finger, such as... Figure 52 As shown, the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector is located at the end of the gold finger along its length. Alternatively, as... Figure 53 As shown, the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector is located on the side of the gold finger along its length. In this embodiment, the positional arrangement of the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33 relative to the conductive portion of the second optical connector 23 is not limited.

[0282] In another example, the first electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the first electrical connector 31, the power supply line 32, and the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33 are integrally formed. For example, the first electrical connector conductive portion 331, the power supply line 32, and the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 can be formed by processing a metal conductor. The portion of the metal conductor near the first end can form the first electrical connector conductive portion 311, the portion of the metal conductor near the second end can form the second electrical connector conductive portion 331, and the other portions of the metal conductor can form the power supply line 32. In this way, the first electrical connector conductive portion 311, the power supply line 32, and the second electrical connector conductive portion 331 are all formed by processing a metal conductor.

[0283] In this embodiment, the specific implementation of the power supply line 32 is not limited. In the actual processing of the optical module, it can be flexibly selected according to the actual situation.

[0284] In order not to affect the layout space of the optical device 2 in the housing 1, correspondingly, such as Figure 33 and Figure 34 As shown, the power supply line 32 can be laid on the inner surface of the housing 1.

[0285] For example, such as Figure 33 As shown, the power supply line 32 is a flexible circuit board, which can be laid on the inner surface of the housing 1. For example, as... Figure 34As shown, the power supply line 32 is a cable, which can be laid on the inner surface of the housing 1. Alternatively, the power supply line 32 may include a cable and a flexible circuit board, both of which can be located on the inner surface of the housing 1. Or, the power supply line 32 may include a cable and a second rigid circuit board, or it may include a flexible circuit board and a second rigid circuit board. In this case, the cable or flexible circuit board can be laid on the inner surface of the housing 1, while the second rigid circuit board can be suspended within the housing 1. This allows components to be mounted on the surface of the second rigid circuit board. For example, components for data signal transmission can be mounted on the power supply line 32, and other components can be mounted, such as those for receiving and judging feedback information in the optical module. This will be discussed in detail below when describing the function of the power supply device 32.

[0286] In the scheme where the power supply line 32 is the second rigid circuit board, the second rigid circuit board can be located side by side with the first rigid circuit board 221 of the optical device 2 in the housing 1.

[0287] The above describes the specific form of the power supply line 32 and its position inside the housing 1. Regardless of how or where the power supply line 32 is arranged inside the housing 1, it will not affect the layout space of the optical device 2 in the housing 1.

[0288] (iii) The second electrical connector 33 of the power supply device 3.

[0289] In one implementation of the second electrical connector 33, the positions of the second electrical connector 33 and the second optical connector 23 are independent. In another implementation of the second electrical connector 33, the second electrical connector 33 and the second optical connector 23 are integrated together, but their conductive parts are independent. The two implementations will be described in turn below.

[0290] (1) The positions of the second optical connector 23 and the second electrical connector 33 located in the second socket 12 of the housing 1 are independent of each other, so as to achieve compatibility of the second end of the optical module. In other words, the second end of the optical module is compatible, or the second socket 12 of the optical module is compatible.

[0291] like Figure 37 As shown, the optical module includes a plug-in guide block 4, which is located in the second socket 12; the second electrical connector 33 includes a second electrical connector conductive portion 331, as shown in the figure. Figure 38 As shown, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is fixed to the insertion guide block 4; the second end of the housing 1 can be inserted into a communication device that matches the optical module, which is any optical module in the standard optical module packaging type.

[0292] The insertion guide block 4 is a structure included in all standard packaged optical modules. Therefore, even optical modules that do not include the power supply device 3 still include the insertion guide block 4. When the optical module is inserted into the optical cage of the communication equipment, as... Figure 37 As shown, the insertion guide block 4 of the optical module first contacts the optical cage 600. As the optical module continues to be inserted into the optical cage 600, the second optical connector 23 enters the electrical interface of the optical cage 600 under the guidance of the insertion guide block 4. Figure 37 The '23' indicates the electrical interface corresponding to the second optical connector 23. During the insertion of the optical module into the optical cage, the insertion guide block 4 can also bear a certain force to reduce the force on the second optical connector 23, thus protecting the first rigid circuit board 221 where the second optical connector 23 is located and reducing the force exerted by the optical cage on the first rigid circuit board 221.

[0293] The conductive part of the second electrical connector 33, that is, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33, is fixed to the insertion guide block 4, so that the second end of the housing 1 can be inserted into any communication device that matches the packaging type of the optical module, and the second end of the optical module has compatibility.

[0294] Among them, the insertion guide block 4 serves as the mounting part of the second electrical connector 33 and is the carrier of the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector. It can also be called the mounting part of the second electrical connector. The insertion guide block 4 can be made of insulating materials such as plastic parts.

[0295] like Figure 37 As shown, the insertion guide block 4 has a plate-like structure and is installed on the inner wall of the second socket 12 at the top (or bottom). For example, it can be fixed to the inner wall of the second socket 12 at the top by snap-fit, or it can be fixed to the inner wall of the second socket 12 at the top by adhesive.

[0296] The insertion guide block 4 serves as the carrier of the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector. The conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector can be fixed on the insertion guide block 4, and the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is also electrically connected to the power supply line 32. There are various positions for fixing the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector on the insertion guide block 4.

[0297] For example, a fixed position could be, such as Figure 38 As shown, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is a strip-shaped metal sheet; the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is fixed to the outer surface of the insertion guide block 4 opposite to the position of the second optical connector 23, the outer surface of the insertion guide block 4 is a surface parallel to the insertion direction of the optical module, and the strip-shaped direction of the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is parallel to the insertion direction of the optical module.

[0298] For example, such as Figure 38As shown, the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector can adhere to the outer surface of the insertion guide block 4 facing the second optical connector 23. Alternatively, the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector can also adhere to the outer surface of the sidewall of the insertion guide block 4. Furthermore, when the outer surface of the sidewall of the insertion guide block 4 is fixed to the inner surface of the sidewall of the second socket 12, the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector can also adhere to the outer surface of the insertion guide block 4 opposite to the second optical connector 23.

[0299] For example, such as Figure 39 As shown, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is a strip-shaped metal spring, which can also be called a strip-shaped spring. Its structure can be referred to as... Figure 40 As shown, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector of the strip spring includes a straight part 3311 and a bent part 3312.

[0300] like Figure 39 As shown, the insertion / removal guide block 4 has a mounting groove 41. The mounting groove 41 has a notch on the outer surface of the insertion / removal guide block 4. The outer surface of the insertion / removal guide block 4 can be any surface parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the optical module. Specifically, the surface parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the optical module can be the outer surface of the insertion / removal guide block 4 facing the second optical connector 23, the outer surface of the sidewall of the insertion / removal guide block 4, or the outer surface of the insertion / removal guide block 4 facing away from the second optical connector 23, etc. This embodiment does not limit this; the outer surface facing the second optical connector 23 can be used as an example.

[0301] like Figure 40 And refer to Figure 39 As shown, the straight portion 3311 of the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector of the strip spring is located in the insertion guide block 4, and the bent portion 3312 of the strip spring is located in the mounting groove 41. For example, the bent portion 3312 is suspended in the mounting groove 41, and the bend 3312a of the bent portion 3312 extends out of the groove opening of the mounting groove 41. The bend 3312a of the bent portion 3312 is used for electrical connection with the contact part of the inserted device. In this way, when the optical module is inserted into the device, the bend 3312a can contact the conductive part in the inserted device to achieve electrical connection.

[0302] For example, such as Figure 41 As shown, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is a metal rod; the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is fixed inside the insertion guide block 4 and extends out of the end face of the insertion guide block 4 away from the power supply line 32.

[0303] For example, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector penetrates the interior of the insertion guide block 4, with one end extending out of the end face of the insertion guide block 4 near the power supply line 32 and electrically connected to the power supply line 32, and the other end extending out of the end face of the insertion guide block 4 away from the power supply line 32 for electrical connection to the inserted device.

[0304] In one example, to ensure a more stable electrical connection between the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector and the inserted device, correspondingly, such as Figure 42 As shown, the metal rod can be a spring pin, also known as a pogo pin, whose pin shaft can extend and retract along the insertion / removal direction of the optical module.

[0305] Since the spring pin extends from the end of the insertion / removal guide block 4, and the end used for electrical connection with the communication equipment is exposed in the housing 1, to prevent damage to the spring pin when the optical module falls, accordingly, such as Figure 43 As shown, the insertion guide block 4 includes a body 40 and a protective element; the protective element and the body 40 are fixedly connected, and the protective element is configured such that when the optical module is inserted into the communication device, the protective element can make the pin shaft of the spring pin make tight contact with the contact of the communication device, and when the optical module is not inserted into the communication device, the protective element can protect the pin shaft of the spring pin.

[0306] The specific implementation structure of the protective component includes various types. For example, one structure of the protective component is shown in [reference needed]. Figure 43 As shown, the protective component includes a slider 42 and a first elastic element 43, the elastic force of the first elastic element 43 being less than the elastic force of the spring pin; the end of the body 40 has a groove 401, both the slider 42 and the first elastic element 43 are located in the groove 401, and the first elastic element 43 is connected between the bottom of the groove 401 and the slider 42; a portion of the spring pin is fixed in the body 40, and another portion is located in the slider 42, the slider 42 can slide relative to the body 41 and the spring pin, and the sliding direction is parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the optical module, as can be seen in [reference]. Figure 44 As shown in (a) and (b) in the figure.

[0307] The first elastic element 43 can be any component with elasticity, such as a spring. In this way, the slider 42 can extend out of the groove 401 without leaving the groove 401 under the elasticity of the first elastic element 43, and can also retract into the groove 401.

[0308] Thus, when the optical module is inserted into the communication device, the slider 42 retracts into the groove 401 under the push of the communication device. Since the spring of the spring pin is greater than the elasticity of the first elastic element 43, the pin shaft of the spring pin makes tight contact with the contact point of the communication device. When the optical module is not inserted into the communication device, the slider 42 extends out of the groove 401 under the elastic force of the first elastic element 43 to surround the spring pin and protect the pin shaft.

[0309] Another structure for the protective component can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 45 As shown, the protective component includes a pressing member 44, a second elastic member 45, and an L-shaped rod 46. (As...) Figure 46 As shown in (a) and (b), the needle shaft 3313 of the spring needle has a groove 3313a, and the tube wall of the needle tube 3314 of the spring needle has a through hole 3314a. When the groove 3313a of the needle shaft 3313 and the through hole 3314a of the needle tube 3314 are positioned opposite each other, the needle shaft 3313 is received in the needle tube 3314.

[0310] like Figure 45 As shown, part of the pressing member 44 is located outside the body 40, and the other part is located inside the body 40. The spring needle, the second elastic member 45 and the L-shaped rod 46 are all located inside the body 40. The pressing member 44, the second elastic member 45 and the first rod 461 of the L-shaped rod 46 are connected in sequence. The position of the second rod 462 of the L-shaped rod 46 is opposite to the position of the through hole 3314a of the needle tube 3314.

[0311] The pressing component 44 is retractable relative to the main body 40, and the retraction direction is perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction of the optical module. Correspondingly, as... Figure 45 As shown, the pressing element 44 is located on the side of the body 40.

[0312] Thus, when the optical module is inserted into the optical cage of the communication equipment, the inner wall of the optical cage's socket applies a force to the pressing member 44, keeping the pressing member 44 in a pressed state. When the optical module is pulled out of the optical cage of the communication equipment, the inner wall of the optical cage's socket no longer applies a force to the pressing member 44, and the pressing member 44, under the action of the second elastic member 45, returns to its natural state and is no longer in a pressed state.

[0313] The pressing member 44 can have any structure that facilitates its insertion into the optical cage, for example, Figure 45 As shown, the pressing member 44 has a wedge-shaped structure, including an inclined surface. When the optical module is inserted into the communication device, the inclined surface of the pressing member 44 first enters the optical cage. Alternatively, the pressing member 44 can also have a spherical structure, with the portion of the pressing member 44 extending beyond the body 40 being a spherical structure. However, this embodiment does not limit the specific implementation structure of the pressing member 44.

[0314] Thus, when the optical module is inserted into the communication device, the pressing member 44 is in a pressed state, and the end of the second rod 462 of the L-shaped rod 46 is located outside the needle tube 3314 so that the needle shaft 3313 is in close contact with the contact of the communication device; while when the optical module is not inserted into the communication device and the needle shaft 3313 is retracted in the needle tube 3314, the end of the second rod 462 of the L-shaped rod 46 is located in the groove 3313a of the needle shaft 3313 so that the needle shaft 3313 remains retracted in the needle tube 3314.

[0315] Another structure for the protective component can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 47 As shown, the protective components include a pressing element 44 and a U-shaped element 47. (As...) Figure 48 As shown in (a) and (b), the needle tube 3314 of the spring needle has an axial strip hole 3314b, and the needle shaft 3313 of the spring needle has a protrusion 3313b, which is located in the axial strip hole 3314b.

[0316] like Figure 47 As shown, part of the pressing member 44 is located outside the body 40, and the other part is located inside the body 40. The spring needle and the U-shaped member 47 are both located inside the body 40, and the first end of the U-shaped member 47 is located at the pressing member 44, and the second end of the U-shaped member 47 is located at the protrusion 3321b of the needle shaft 3313.

[0317] The pressing component 44 is retractable relative to the main body 40, and the retraction direction is parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the optical module. Correspondingly, as... Figure 47 As shown, the pressing element 44 is located at the end of the body 40.

[0318] Thus, when the optical module is inserted into the optical cage of the communication equipment, the optical cage applies a force to the pressing member 44, causing the pressing member 44 to be in a pressed state. When the pressing member 44 is in the pressed state, the U-shaped member 47 can push the pin shaft 3313 of the spring pin, causing the pin shaft 3313 to make tight contact with the connector in the optical cage. When the optical module is pulled out of the optical cage of the communication equipment, the optical cage no longer applies a force to the pressing member 44. The spring inside the spring pin pulls the pin shaft 3313 back, and the protrusion 3321b of the pin shaft 3313 pushes the U-shaped member 47 to move, causing the pressing member 44 to return to its natural state and no longer be in the pressed state.

[0319] As can be seen, when the optical module is inserted into the communication device, the pressing member 44 is in the pressing state, and the needle shaft 3313 extends out of the needle tube 3314 under the push of the U-shaped rod 47 to make close contact with the contact of the communication device. When the optical module is not inserted into the communication device, the pressing member 44 is in the unpressed state, and the needle shaft 3313 retracts into the needle tube 3314.

[0320] In the above scheme, the positions of the second electrical connector 32 and the second optical connector 23 are independent of each other, and the optical module includes a rigid circuit board, namely the first rigid circuit board 221 of the optical device 2. In the scheme where the optical module includes two rigid circuit boards, the positions of the second electrical connector 32 and the second optical connector 23 can also be made independent. One of the two rigid circuit boards is the rigid circuit board of the optical device 2, denoted as the first rigid circuit board 221, and the other is the rigid circuit board of the power supply device 3, denoted as the second rigid circuit board 321. See the following for specific schemes.

[0321] For example, such as Figure 49 and Figure 50 As shown, the power supply device 3 also includes a second rigid circuit board 321. For example, the power supply line 32 of the power supply device 3 includes the second rigid circuit board 321. The first end of the second rigid circuit board 321 is located in the second socket 12. The second electrical connector conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33 is a gold finger located on the surface of the second rigid circuit board 321.

[0322] like Figure 50 As shown, the second rigid circuit board 321 and the first rigid circuit board 221 of the optical device 2 are located parallel to each other in the housing 1. The first end of the second rigid circuit board 321 extends into the second socket 12. The surface of the part of the second rigid circuit board 321 located in the second socket 12 has gold fingers, which can serve as the second electrical connector conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33.

[0323] In one example, the second rigid circuit board not only has ribbon cables for electrically connecting the first electrical connector 31 and the second electrical connector 33, but can also mount components to reduce the number of components on the first rigid circuit board 221 of the optical device 2. In other examples, a processing chip can be mounted on the surface of the second rigid circuit board 321 to accelerate the processing speed of the optical module.

[0324] The electrical connection between the second electrical connector 33 and the first electrical connector 31 can be such that the power supply line 32 includes not only the second rigid circuit board 321, but also... Figure 49 As shown, it also includes a flexible circuit board 323, and the first electrical connector 31, the flexible circuit board 323, and the second rigid circuit board 321 are electrically connected in sequence. The flexible circuit board 323 can also be replaced by a cable.

[0325] In one example, the second rigid circuit board 321 is relatively close to the inner wall of the housing 1. Therefore, the second socket 12 at the second end of the optical module is compatible and can be inserted into an optical cage that does not include a power connector.

[0326] The above describes how the compatibility of the second port 12 of the optical module is achieved by making the positions of the second electrical connector 33 and the second optical connector 23 independent. Similarly, compatibility of the second port 12 of the optical module can also be achieved by making the positions of the conductive parts of the second electrical connector 33 and the conductive parts of the second optical connector 23 independent. See below for specific solutions.

[0327] (2) The second electrical connector 33 and the second optical connector 23 are integrated together, but their conductive parts are independent of each other, which can also achieve compatibility of the second socket 12.

[0328] The conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33 is a metal sheet located on the surface of the first rigid circuit board 221.

[0329] For example, as described above, such as Figure 51 As shown, the second optical connector 23 of the optical device 2 is a gold finger located on the surface of the first rigid circuit board 221. Therefore, as... Figure 51 As shown, the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector can be an undefined metal piece in the gold finger, wherein the undefined metal piece is an unused metal piece in the gold finger. As another example, such as... Figure 52 and Figure 53 As shown, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is a newly added metal sheet around the gold finger, wherein, Figure 52 and Figure 53 The part number 23-33 indicates a composite electrical connector including a second optical connector 23 and a second electrical connector 33.

[0330] As for the case where the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33 is a metal piece added around the gold finger, such as Figure 52 As shown, the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector is located at the end of the gold finger along its length. Alternatively, as... Figure 53 As shown, the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector is located on the side of the gold finger along its length. In this embodiment, the positional arrangement of the conductive portion 331 of the second electrical connector 33 relative to the conductive portion of the second optical connector 23 is not limited.

[0331] Regardless of whether the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33 is an undefined metal piece in the gold finger or a newly added metal piece around the gold finger, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33 is located on the surface of the first rigid circuit board 221 and in the second socket 12.

[0332] The first rigid circuit board 221 includes two surfaces that are positioned opposite each other. The second electrical connector conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33 is located on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the first rigid circuit board 221.

[0333] The first surface and the second surface are a top surface and a bottom surface of a rigid circuit board.

[0334] For example, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is located on the first surface of the first rigid circuit board 221; for another example, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is located on the second surface of the first rigid circuit board 221; for yet another example, a portion of the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is located on the first surface of the first rigid circuit board 221, and another portion of the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector is located on the second surface of the first rigid circuit board 221.

[0335] Furthermore, regardless of whether the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33 is an undefined metal piece in the gold finger or a newly added metal piece around the gold finger, the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector 33 and the conductive part of the second optical connector 23 are integrated on the surface of the first rigid circuit board 221 and located in the second socket 12.

[0336] Therefore, the portion of the rigid circuit board 221 of the optical module located in the second socket 12 can be designated as composite electrical connectors 23-33, such as... Figure 54 As shown, the second optical connector 23 and the second electrical connector 33 form a composite electrical connector 23-33; the composite electrical connector 23-33 includes a composite electrical connector carrier 23-33-1 and a composite electrical connector gold finger 23-33-2. The composite electrical connector gold finger 23-33-2 is fixed on the surface of the composite electrical connector carrier 23-33-1, and the surface of the composite electrical connector carrier 23-33-1 is parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the optical module; the first part of the metal piece 23-33-2a in the composite electrical connector gold finger 23-33-2 is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device 22 to form the second optical connector 23, and the second part of the metal piece 23-33-2b in the composite electrical connector gold finger 23-33-2 is electrically connected to the power supply line 32 to form the second electrical connector 33.

[0337] The second part, metal sheet 23-33-2b, can be the undefined metal sheet or a newly added metal sheet as described above.

[0338] The composite electrical connector carrier 23-33-1 is also a part of the first rigid circuit board 221 located in the second socket 12. The composite electrical connector gold fingers 23-33-2 are composed of multiple conductive contact pieces (also called metal pieces), which are laid on the two opposite surfaces of the composite electrical connector carrier 23-33-1.

[0339] This integration of the second optical connector 23 and the second electrical connector 33 saves installation space for the optical module and is conducive to the miniaturization of the optical module.

[0340] Furthermore, integrating the second optical connector 23 and the second electrical connector 33 together enables the compatibility of the second end of the optical module, allowing the second end of the optical module to be inserted not only into the optical cage of the updated communication equipment, but also into the optical cage of the updated communication equipment.

[0341] The updated communication equipment refers to a device whose optical cage contains a power connector that is electrically connected to the second electrical connector 33, while the unupdated communication equipment refers to a device whose optical cage does not contain a power connector that is electrically connected to the second electrical connector 33.

[0342] As described above, the electrical connection between the first electrical connector 31 and the second electrical connector 33 is achieved through the power supply line 32 and the first rigid circuit board 221, wherein, as Figure 55 As shown, the power supply line 32 can be a flexible circuit board. Therefore, as... Figure 56 As shown, the end of the flexible circuit board away from the first electrical connector 31 can be soldered to the surface of the first rigid circuit board 221 to achieve a ribbon cable electrical connection between the flexible circuit board and the first rigid circuit board 221, while the end of the ribbon cable of the first rigid circuit board 221 away from the flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector located on the first rigid circuit board 221.

[0343] In another example, the power supply line 32 can also be a cable. In this case, the end of the cable away from the first electrical connector 31 can be connected to the ribbon cable of the first rigid circuit board 221 to achieve electrical connection between the cable and the ribbon cable of the first rigid circuit board 221. The end of the ribbon cable of the first rigid circuit board 221 away from the flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the conductive part 331 of the second electrical connector located on the first rigid circuit board 221.

[0344] In this case, regardless of whether the power supply line 32 of the power supply device 3 is a cable or a flexible circuit board, it can be laid on the inner surface of the housing 1.

[0345] (iv) When the power supply device 3 of the optical module is used as a power transmission channel, its application scenarios can be as follows.

[0346] Among them, the power supply device 3 is mainly used to transmit electrical energy, serving as a power channel for power transmission.

[0347] Therefore, this optical module not only has optical devices for converting optical signals to electrical signals, but also power supply devices for PoE power supply. This means that devices into which the optical module is inserted, such as switches and access points, only need to have an interface on their front panel for inserting the optical module, eliminating the need for a separate interface for PoE power supply, thus saving panel space on the equipment.

[0348] As described above, the optical module has a power supply device 3 for realizing PoE power supply. In application, the optical module can be used to determine the power consumption level of the communication device when the inserted communication device is detected as a powered device, and to supply power to the communication device according to the power consumption level of the communication device.

[0349] In PoE power supply, there are power supply equipment (PSE) and power receiving equipment (PD). The power supply equipment can be a PoE switch, etc., and the power receiving equipment can be a PoE network camera and access point, etc.

[0350] For example, in one scenario, the optical module is plugged into an interface of a switch, and the optical module is plugged into an interface of an access point (AP). The optical 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 optical module plugged into the switch detects that the AP is a power receiving device. After confirming that PoE power supply is supported, it can report this to the switch. The switch then increases the voltage supplied to the AP, allowing the processor in the optical module to detect the AP's power consumption level. Subsequently, the processor in the optical module 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, enabling the switch to stably supply power to the AP according to the specified voltage.

[0351] The power supply device 3 in the optical module can be used not only to transmit electrical energy, but also to transmit some data signals.

[0352] In some examples, the data signals transmitted in the power supply device 3 may include at least one of the following: signals for adjusting the optical power of the optical device, signals for adjusting the signal-to-noise ratio of the optical fiber channel, signals for adjusting the S-parameters of the optical fiber channel, and signals indicating that the optical module is malfunctioning.

[0353] Since power supply device 3 can transmit data signals, it can also serve as a feedback channel. The feedback channel is a channel through which the receiving end can transmit some information back to the transmitting end after receiving the signal.

[0354] Power supply device 3 serves as the return channel. Therefore, when the optical module at the receiving end receives the optical signal transmitted by the optical module at the transmitting end, it can generate first feedback information based on the optical signal and modulate this first feedback information onto power supply device 3. This first feedback information instructs the optical module at the transmitting end to adjust the parameters of optical device 2. For example, the first feedback information may include at least one of the following: information for adjusting the optical power of optical device 2; information for adjusting the signal-to-noise ratio of the optical fiber channel; and information for adjusting the S-parameters of the optical fiber channel. The S-parameters, also known as scattering parameters, are an important parameter in microwave transmission.

[0355] Therefore, for the optical module at the transmitting end, when the power supply device 3 receives the second feedback information sent by the optical module at the receiving end, the parameters of the optical device 2 are adjusted according to the second feedback information.

[0356] The second feedback information also includes at least one of the following: information for adjusting the optical power of the optical device 2, information for adjusting the signal-to-noise ratio of the optical fiber channel, and information for adjusting the S-parameters of the optical fiber channel.

[0357] If the optical module at the transmitting end and the optical module at the receiving end are an interactive pair of optical modules, then the content carried by the first feedback information and the second feedback information is equal. The following example will illustrate this using an interactive pair of optical modules.

[0358] For example, when a switch sends an optical signal to an access point (AP), the optical module plugged into the switch panel is the transmitter, and the optical module plugged into the AP panel is the receiver. The transmitting optical module sends the optical signal to the receiving optical module through the fiber optic channel. When the receiving optical module receives the optical signal sent by the transmitting optical module, it generates feedback information (i.e., the first feedback information mentioned above) based on the optical signal and modulates the feedback information onto the power supply device 3. The power supply device 3 then transmits the feedback information to the copper wire of the composite cable through the first electrical connector 31.

[0359] The feedback information is transmitted to the optical module at the transmitting end via copper wire, and then transmitted to the power supply device 3 of the optical module at the transmitting end via the first electrical connector 31. The power supply device 3 of the optical module at the transmitting end sends the feedback information to the processor. The processor parses and obtains the feedback information (i.e., the second feedback information mentioned above). Then, the processor in the optical module at the transmitting end adjusts the parameters of the optical device 2 according to the received feedback information.

[0360] As an example, the feedback information mentioned above includes a power value. After the transmitting optical module obtains the power value received by the receiving optical module, it compares it with a pre-stored power threshold required by the receiving optical module. If the received power value is greater than the power threshold, the power value of subsequent optical signals transmitted to the receiving optical module can be reduced until the received power value is close to the pre-stored power threshold, at which point the adjustment of the power value of the transmitted optical signal to the receiving optical module stops. In this way, the transmitting optical module can dynamically adjust the power value of the transmitted optical signal based on the feedback information carrying the power value sent by the receiving optical module, achieving the effect of reducing power consumption and saving energy.

[0361] As another example, the feedback information mentioned above includes the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or S-parameters. After the transmitting optical module obtains the SNR of the fiber optic channel transmitted by the receiving optical module, if the SNR is high, the transmitting optical module does not need to adjust its parameters. However, if the SNR is low, the transmitting optical module can improve the SNR by increasing the transmission power, or by adjusting the number of taps and their coefficients.

[0362] In this way, power supply device 3 acts as a return channel, enabling the optical module at the transmitting end to acquire some data from the optical fiber channel, providing a basis for transmitting the optimal optical signal. Furthermore, if the quality of the transmitted optical signal is high, it will also provide some protection for the optical module, helping to extend its lifespan.

[0363] For example, when the optical 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 3, so that technicians can understand through the device that the optical module has malfunctioned and needs to be replaced.

[0364] As can be seen, the optical module has a power supply device for PoE power supply. This power supply device can not only transmit electrical energy, but also transmit some data signals.

[0365] Transmitting the aforementioned data signal via power supply device 3 has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0366] (1) Since the power of the transmitted data signal is much smaller than that of the power transmission, it is essentially submerged in the power signal in the spectrum. Thus, even if it is intercepted by an eavesdropper, the eavesdropper is likely to treat it as noise. Therefore, by transmitting data signals through the power supply device 3, these data signals are difficult to intercept, which can improve the security of data signal transmission.

[0367] (2) Data signals are transmitted through power supply device 3. Compared with transmitting these data signals in the optical fiber channel, it is obvious that the optical fiber channel is not occupied and the transmission rate of optical signals in the optical fiber channel will not be affected.

[0368] Based on the above, the optical module has at least the following effects:

[0369] This optical module not only has photoelectric conversion capabilities but also includes a power supply device for PoE power delivery. Furthermore, the power supply device does not alter the original structural features of the optical module and does not affect its size. Thus, the power connector of the composite cable is electrically connected to the communication equipment via the optical module, eliminating the need for the composite cable's power connector to be inserted into the communication equipment. This saves panel space in the communication equipment and facilitates its miniaturization.

[0370] The first electrical connector 31 at the first end of the optical module does not change the original structural features of the optical module, so that the first end of the optical module is compatible and can be used for both composite cables and optical cables. The application scenarios of this optical module are wide.

[0371] The second electrical connector 33 at the second end of the optical module does not alter the original structural features of the optical module, ensuring compatibility. It can be inserted into both the updated and unupdated optical cages, making the optical module suitable for a wide range of applications. The updated optical cage is one that matches the package type of the optical module and includes a power connector compatible with the second electrical connector. Conversely, the updated optical cage is one that matches the package type of the optical module but does not include a power connector compatible with the second electrical connector. The optical cage is an interface component of communication equipment.

[0372] This application also provides a communication device, which can be any device in the field of optical communication, such as a switch or an access point.

[0373] like Figure 57 And refer to Figure 58 As shown, the communication device includes a chassis 100, a motherboard 200, and a photoelectric conversion component 300; Figure 57 As shown, the panel of the chassis 100 has an optical cable jack 101, such as Figure 58 The photoelectric conversion component 300 shown includes the optical device 2 and the power supply device 3 described above; the motherboard 200, the optical device 2 and the power supply device 3 are all located in the frame 100, and the optical device 2 and the power supply device 3 are both located on the surface of the motherboard 200. The positions of the optical connector of the optical device 2 and the electrical connector of the power supply device 3 are opposite to the position of the optical cable socket 101.

[0374] The optical connector of optical device 2 is used to mate with the fiber optic connector of the composite cable to achieve optical signal transmission. The electrical connector of power supply device 3 is used to electrically connect with the power connector of the composite cable to achieve PoE power transmission.

[0375] In one example, the photoelectric conversion component 300 performs photoelectric conversion through the optical device 2 and PoE power supply through the power supply device 3. Since the communication device needs to be connected to the composite cable, the panel of the chassis 100 has an optical cable socket 101. The positions of the optical connector of the optical device 2 and the electrical connector of the power supply device 3 are opposite to the positions of the optical cable socket 101. For example, the optical connector of the optical device 2 is located in the optical cable socket 101, and the electrical connector of the power supply device 3 is also located in the optical cable socket 101.

[0376] In one example, the communication device can be used with a composite cable, which can be inserted into an optical cable socket 101. The fiber optic connector of the composite cable is mated with the optical connector of the optical device 2 in the optical cable socket 101 to achieve optical signal transmission. The power connector of the composite cable is electrically connected to the electrical connector in the optical cable socket 101 to achieve power transmission.

[0377] In another example, the optical cable socket 101 is compatible, allowing the communication device to also be used with optical cables. The optical fiber connector of the optical cable can be inserted into the optical cable socket 101 and connected to the optical connector of the optical device 2 to achieve optical signal transmission.

[0378] As can be seen, the optical cable socket 101 of this communication device can be matched with both composite cables and optical cables, which has compatibility, wide application scenarios, and high flexibility of use. This communication device is also easy to install on site.

[0379] The structural features for achieving compatibility in communication equipment can be as follows:

[0380] The optical cable socket 101 has a compatible implementation method, as described above, and the first socket 11 of the optical module has a compatible implementation method.

[0381] For example, the optical connector of the optical device 2 and the electrical connector of the power supply device 3 are both located in the optical cable socket 101, and the positions of the optical connector of the optical device 2 and the electrical connector of the power supply device 3 are independent of each other, so that the optical cable socket 101 can be used for the insertion of composite cables and optical cables.

[0382] In one example, the optical device 2 is located on the surface of the motherboard 200. The optical connector of the optical device 2 is typically supported by a central post 5, which also serves as a guide and limiter for insertion and removal. The conductive part of the electrical connector of the power supply device 3 can be fixed in the central post 5 without affecting the structural features of the optical connector of the optical device 2. This enables the optical cable socket 101 of the communication equipment to have compatibility. Regarding the fixing relationship between the conductive part of the electrical connector of the power supply device 3 and the central post 5, and the specific structural form of the conductive part of the electrical connector, please refer to the above description of the fixing relationship between the first electrical connector conductive part 311 of the power supply device 3 and the central post 5, and the specific structural form of the first electrical connector conductive part 311, which will not be repeated here.

[0383] The optical cable socket 101 of the communication device is compatible, allowing optical cables to be inserted into the optical cable socket 101 and connected to the optical connector in the optical cable socket 101 to achieve optical signal transmission. Composite cables can also be inserted into the optical cable socket 101, with the fiber optic connector of the composite cable connecting to the optical connector in the optical cable socket 101 to achieve optical signal transmission. The power connector of the composite cable is electrically connected to the electrical connector in the optical cable socket 101 to achieve power transmission.

[0384] The communication device integrates a photoelectric conversion component 300. When connecting the communication device with other devices, only an optical cable or composite cable needs to be plugged in. There is no need to plug in an additional optical module. The connection operation is simple, which can avoid the loss of the optical module and also avoid the situation where the connection cannot be successfully completed due to the incompatibility between the optical module and the communication device.

[0385] This embodiment also provides a Power over Ethernet (PoE) device, which includes the aforementioned optical module. As described above, the optical module of the PoE device not only has photoelectric conversion functionality but also a power supply device for PoE power supply. Furthermore, the power supply device does not alter the original structural features of the optical module and does not affect its size. In this way, the power connector of the composite cable is electrically connected to the PoE device through the optical module. The power connector of the composite cable does not need to be inserted into the PoE device, thereby saving panel space and making the structure of the PoE device more compact, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of PoE devices.

[0386] The above description is only one embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An optical module, characterized in that, The optical module includes a housing (1), an optical device (2), and a power supply device (3). The first end of the housing (1) has a first socket (11), and the second end of the housing (1) has a second socket (12). The optical device (2) includes a first optical connector (21), a photoelectric conversion device (22), and a second optical connector (23) connected in sequence. The power supply device (3) includes a first electrical connector (31), a power supply line (32), and a second electrical connector (33) connected in sequence. The photoelectric conversion device (22) and the power supply line (32) are both located in the housing (1), and the first optical connector (21) is located in the first socket (11), the first electrical connector (31) is located in the first socket (11), and the second optical connector (23) and the second electrical connector (33) are both located in the second socket (12); The first socket (11) is used for inserting a composite cable that is compatible with the optical module; The optical module includes a guide limiting plate (52), which is located in the first socket (11). The guide limiting plate (52) includes a first plate body (521) for insertion with the power connector of the composite cable. There is a gap between the upper surface of the first plate body (521) and the upper wall of the first socket (11), and a gap between the lower surface of the first plate body (521) and the lower wall of the first socket (11). The portions of the conductive parts (311) of the two first electrical connectors (31) near the ends are located on the upper and lower surfaces of the first plate body (521), respectively.

2. The optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply line (32) is one of a flexible circuit board, a cable, and a second rigid circuit board.

3. The optical module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The power supply line (32) is laid on the inner surface of the housing (1).

4. The optical module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The positions of the first optical connector (21) and the first electrical connector (31) are independent of each other; The optical module can be any optical module in the standard optical module packaging type.

5. The optical module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The positions of the second optical connector (23) and the second electrical connector (33) are independent of each other; The second socket (12) is used to insert into a communication device that matches the optical module, wherein the optical module is any optical module in the standard optical module package type.

6. A Power over Ethernet (PoE) device, characterized in that, The PoE device includes the optical module as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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