An optoelectronic hybrid connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The application relates to an optical and electrical mixed connector and a connector assembly, the optical and electrical mixed connector comprising an optical module composed of an optical shell and an optical contact, an electrical module composed of an electrical shell and an electrical contact, a connecting shell for connecting the optical shell and the electrical shell, and a tail shell for tail wire outlet, wherein the electrical module and the optical module are spaced apart, so that an electrical connector matched with the electrical module and an optical connector matched with the optical module are independent of each other. The optical and electrical mixed connector is connected with the optical connection and the electrical connection simultaneously, only needs to be operated once, and is convenient to maintain. Compared with the current connector which needs to change the optical module interface, the optical and electrical mixed connector can realize the optical module without changing by adjusting the position of the electrical connector, can satisfy the synchronous connection of the optical and electrical connection, the optical module structure does not need to be changed, and the cost is lower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of connector technology, specifically relating to an optoelectronic hybrid connector and connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, SFP optical modules and device power supplies use two separate connectors. The SFP connects to the DLC connector, while the device power connector socket connects to an RJ45 or DC connector. Because the optical connector and electrical connector are two separate connectors, they need to be plugged in and unplugged twice. Having two connectors also occupies a significant amount of space, which is not conducive to high-density layout.

[0003] The interfaces of existing SFP optical modules are not compatible with those of existing optoelectronic hybrid connectors. Modification of the SFP optical module interface is required to make it compatible with the optoelectronic hybrid connector. However, modifying the SFP optical module interface hinders the use of existing optical modules and significantly increases the overall cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a novel optoelectronic hybrid connector that not only enables the integrated assembly of optical and electrical modules and allows for one-time optoelectronic insertion and removal, but also adapts to the interfaces of existing SFP optical modules.

[0005] The objective of this invention and the technical problem it solves are achieved by the following technical solution. According to this invention, a hybrid optoelectronic connector includes an optical module composed of an optical housing 1 and optical contacts, an electrical module composed of an electrical housing 2 and electrical contacts, a connecting housing 3 connecting the optical housing 1 and the electrical housing 2, and a tail housing 5 for tail cable output. The electrical module and the optical module are spaced apart, such that the electrical connector 102 adapted to the electrical module and the optical connector 103 adapted to the optical module are independent of each other.

[0006] The objectives of this invention and the technical problems it addresses can be further achieved by the following technical measures.

[0007] The aforementioned optoelectronic hybrid connector is characterized in that: the connecting housing 3 has upper and lower cavities, wherein the lower cavity forms the electrical housing 2, and the optical housing 1 is detachably connected to the upper cavity.

[0008] In the aforementioned optoelectronic hybrid connector, the upper cavity of the connecting housing 3 is symmetrically provided with spring arms 31, the inner side of which is provided with a protrusion 311, and the outer wall of the optical housing 1 is provided with a groove 11 that cooperates with and limits the protrusion 311.

[0009] In the aforementioned optoelectronic hybrid connector, both the electrical contact 6 and the electrical housing 2 are stepped, gradually rising from front to back. The rear of the electrical housing 2 is open, allowing the electrical contact 2 to be inserted from its rear. The rear of the electrical housing 2 can also be detachably connected to a rear electrical housing 4, which can axially stop and limit the electrical contact 6.

[0010] The aforementioned optoelectronic hybrid connector includes an electrical housing 2 comprising a lower cavity 22 at the front end and an upper cavity 23 at the rear end, with the upper cavity 23 and the lower cavity 22 having open tails and communicating through a slot 21 at the bottom of the upper cavity; the tail of the electrical housing 2 can also be detachably connected to an electrical rear housing 4, which includes an upper receiving cavity 42 for inserting the upper cavity 23 and a lower stop surface 43 for blocking and limiting the electrical housing 2, and the stop surface 43 is also provided with a stop part 41 for entering the lower cavity 22 and axially blocking and limiting the electrical contacts.

[0011] The aforementioned optoelectronic hybrid connector also includes a positioning protrusion 44 on the stop surface 41. The positioning protrusion 44 cooperates with the positioning groove 24 on the housing 2 to guide the stop 41 and the lower cavity 23 when they are docked.

[0012] The aforementioned optoelectronic hybrid connector also includes a locking structure 106 on the optical housing 1 for locking with the adapter optical connector 103.

[0013] The objective of this invention and the technical problem it solves are achieved by the following technical solution. A connector assembly according to this invention includes the aforementioned optoelectronic hybrid connector 101, an optical connector 103 adapted to the optical module of the optoelectronic hybrid connector, and an electrical connector 102 adapted to the electrical module of the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101. The optical connector 103 and the electrical connector 102 are spaced apart and can simultaneously be adapted to and plugged into the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101.

[0014] The objectives of this invention and the technical problems it addresses can be further achieved by the following technical measures.

[0015] In the aforementioned connector assembly, the optical connector 103 and the electrical connector 102 are respectively fixed on both sides of the same printed circuit board 104.

[0016] In the aforementioned connector assembly, the electrical module of the electrical connector 102 and the optoelectronic hybrid connector 102 can float along the arrangement direction of the optical module and the electrical module and / or the mating direction when mated.

[0017] In the aforementioned connector assembly, the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 and the electrical connector 102 are connected and floated through a plate contact.

[0018] The aforementioned connector assembly, wherein the electrical connector 102 includes a housing 1021 and a contact 1022 that are forcibly engaged by barbs, and the barbs on the contact 1022 for forcibly engaging with the housing 1021 are a double barb structure distributed along the axial direction of the contact 1022.

[0019] In the aforementioned connector assembly, the housing 1021 and the printed circuit board 104 are connected and fixed by at least two stud posts 10211, and the housing is also provided with fixing plates 10212 on both sides for welding and fixing to the printed circuit board 104.

[0020] In the aforementioned connector assembly, the front end of the housing is divided into different cavities by at least one groove 10213, and each cavity is provided with a contact element; the front end of the electrical housing of the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 has a corresponding groove, and the panel 106 is provided with small holes for the corresponding parts of the front end of the electrical module of the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 divided by the groove to pass through.

[0021] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has significant advantages and beneficial effects. Through the above technical solution, this invention achieves considerable technological advancement and practicality, and has broad industrial application value, possessing at least the following advantages:

[0022] This invention provides a hybrid optoelectronic connector where the electrical module extends below the optical module, allowing for the independent operation of the optical and electrical interfaces. The electrical housing and optical housing are fixed together via a connecting housing to form a hybrid optoelectronic connector, enabling simultaneous optical and electrical connections.

[0023] Compared to separate optoelectronic connectors, the optoelectronic hybrid connector of this invention allows for simultaneous optical and electrical connections, requiring only one operation and simplifying maintenance. Furthermore, compared to current connectors that require modification of the optical module interface, this optoelectronic hybrid connector achieves simultaneous optical and electrical connections without altering the optical module itself, by adjusting the electrical connection position, thus reducing costs.

[0024] This invention provides a connector assembly that enables simultaneous adaptation and conduction of a hybrid optoelectronic connector, an optical connector, and an electrical connector. While ensuring reliable power and optical signal connections, the connector assembly leverages the relatively small height of the electrical housing and contacts in the hybrid optoelectronic connector, compared to the relatively larger height of the electrical connector's housing and contacts. This allows the electrical housing to move vertically within the electrical connector during mating, resulting in a larger tolerance for the vertical center-to-center distance between the electrical and optical connections. When the electrical and optical connectors are fixed on opposite sides of the same printed circuit board, it is compatible with PCBs of varying thicknesses. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partially exploded view of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the mating of the optical housing and the connecting housing of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical rear housing structure of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optoelectronic hybrid connector housing of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is another schematic view of the connection housing of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the proposed mating state of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention in the mating state;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention and the device panel during insertion;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the mating of the optoelectronic hybrid connector and the electrical connector of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of an electrical socket adapted to the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optoelectronic hybrid connector adapter socket of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Another viewpoint diagram;

[0040] Figure 16 This is a partially exploded view of the power socket for the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention.

[0041] [Explanation of Key Component Symbols]

[0042] 101: Optoelectronic Mixed Component Connector

[0043] 102: Electrical connector

[0044] 103: Optical Connector

[0045] 104: Printed Circuit Board

[0046] 105: Equipment Panel

[0047] 1: Light housing

[0048] 2: Battery casing

[0049] 3: Connecting the housing

[0050] 4: Electrical casing

[0051] 5: Tail cover

[0052] 6: Electrical contacts Detailed Implementation

[0053] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation, structure, features and effects of the optoelectronic hybrid connector proposed according to the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0054] Please see Figure 1-5 This is a schematic diagram of the various structural components of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention. The optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 includes an optical housing 1 and an electrical housing 2, which are spaced apart at the front end and extend axially. The optical housing 1 and its internal optical contacts form an optical module, and the electrical housing 2 and its internal electrical contacts form an electrical module. Since the optical module and the electrical module are spaced apart and independent of each other, the connectors adapted to the optoelectronic hybrid connector can be independent electrical connectors 102 and optical connectors 103. That is, the optical module and the electrical module of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention are adapted and mated with one optical connector 103 and one electrical connector 102, respectively. In other words, the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention can achieve mating with optical connectors and / or electrical connectors, and can be selected for use alone with optical connectors or electrical connectors, or simultaneously with optical connectors and electrical connectors, as needed.

[0055] In this embodiment, the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 includes a connecting housing 3 for connecting the optical housing 1 and the electrical housing 2 together. The connecting housing 3 has upper and lower cavities, wherein the optical housing 1 passes through the upper cavity of the connecting housing 3 and is fixedly fitted to the connecting housing 3. Preferably, the upper cavity and the optical housing 1 are assembled and fixed through a concave-convex structure. Specifically, the upper cavity of the connecting housing 3 has spring arms 31 on both sides, and the inner side of the spring arms has a protrusion 311. The protrusion 311 can cooperate with the groove 11 on the outer wall of the optical housing 1 to realize a detachable connection between the optical housing and the connecting housing.

[0056] The electrical housing 2 is connected and fixed to the lower cavity of the connecting housing 3. In this embodiment, the electrical housing 2 is a lower structure of the connecting housing 3, but it is not limited to this.

[0057] In this embodiment, the connecting housing 3 is a duplex structure. The lower layer of the duplex structure has an integrally formed electrical housing 2, and the upper layer has two symmetrical cavities with spring arms 31. Each spring arm has a protrusion 311. There are two optical housings 1. Each optical housing 1 has an optical contact inside. Each optical housing 1 has a groove 11 on both sides that matches the protrusion. The optical housing 1 can be detachably assembled onto the connecting housing 3 through the cooperation of the grooves 11 and the protrusions 311 on both sides.

[0058] The tail of the connecting housing 3 is also provided with a tail sleeve 5. The upper layer of the tail sleeve 5 is provided with several through holes for the optical cable to pass through, and the lower layer is provided with holes that are adapted to the tail of the electrical housing 2.

[0059] The electrical housing 2 contains two electrical contacts, and also includes a stop structure to limit the electrical contacts from moving forward or backward. Preferably, the electrical contacts are plate-type contacts with a large contact area with the compatible plate-type contact, which can accommodate the floating of the electrical module of the optoelectronic hybrid connector in the mating direction when it is mated with the compatible electrical connector 102. That is, when the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 is used in conjunction with the electrical connector 102, the contact length tolerance of the electrical module portion in the mating direction is large.

[0060] In this embodiment, to reduce the size of the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 while meeting the spacing requirements between the front optical contact and the electrical contact 6, the electrical contact 6 and the housing adapted to it have a stepped structure along their extension direction. This includes a front end 61 on a lower plane, a rear end 62 on a higher plane, and a step 63 connecting the front end 61 and the rear end 62. This stepped structure causes the front end of the electrical contact and its housing to be away from the optical contact and housing, while the rear end is close to them. To facilitate the assembly of the stepped electrical contact 6, the electrical housing 2 also has a stepped shape that is lower at the front and higher at the rear, adapted to the electrical contact 6, and its rear end is open. The bottom has a slot 21 through which the step 63 of the power supply contact 6 and the front end 61 pass into the contact fixing cavity. The rear end of the electrical housing 2 can also be detachably connected to a rear electrical housing 4, which has a stop portion 41 for axially stopping and limiting the step 63 of the electrical contact 6.

[0061] The rear housing 4 includes an upper receiving cavity 42 and a lower stopping surface 43, wherein the stopping part 41 is located on the stopping surface 43. The tail end face of the electrical housing 2 is a stepped surface that rises from front to back, wherein the stopping part 41 can be inserted into the lower cavity 22 at the lower front end of the stepped surface that is adapted to the electrical contact 6, thereby stopping and limiting the lower part of the rear end face of the step 63 of the electrical contact 6; the upper cavity 23 at the upper rear end of the stepped surface that is adapted to the rear end 62 of the electrical contact 6 can be inserted into the receiving cavity 42 of the rear housing 4. When the two are assembled in place, the stopping surface 43 stops and limits the lower end face of the front end of the tail of the electrical housing 2. Preferably, the stop surface 43 is further provided with at least two positioning protrusions 44, and the tail of the electrical housing 2 is provided with a positioning groove 24 adapted to the positioning protrusions 44. The axial extension length of the positioning protrusions 44 is much greater than the axial extension length of the stop 41. When the electrical housing 4 and the rear electrical housing 2 are assembled, the positioning protrusions 44 first engage with the positioning groove 24, which guides the engagement between the stop 41 and the lower cavity 22. In this embodiment, the electrical housing 2 and the rear electrical housing 4 are detachably connected through a concave-convex structure. The outer side of the upper cavity 23 is provided with a boss 25, and the rear electrical housing 4 is provided with a matching groove 45. The tail of the rear electrical housing 4 is also formed with a cable through hole 46 for the cable to pass through.

[0062] In this embodiment of the invention, the optical housing 1 of the optoelectronic hybrid connector is further provided with a locking mechanism 106 for engaging and locking with the adapter optical connector, thereby enabling the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 to be locked with both the optical connector 103 and the electrical connector 102 simultaneously.

[0063] Please see Figure 6-13The present invention also provides a connector assembly including the above-mentioned optoelectronic hybrid connector. The connector assembly includes an optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 and an optical connector 103 and an electrical connector 102 fixed on both sides of a printed circuit board 104. The optical module at the front end of the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 is adapted to be inserted into the optical connector 103, and the electrical module is also adapted to be inserted into the electrical connector 102. In this embodiment, the contacts of the electrical module and the electrical connector 102 are both sheet contacts, with one end of the contact portion being a protrusion formed on the cantilever, and the other end of the contact portion being a contact sheet perpendicular to the printed circuit board 104 when inserted. Both have a large contact tolerance in both the insertion direction and the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (perpendicular to the printed circuit board 104), that is, the electrical module can move up and down relative to the electrical connector 102 when inserted to meet the requirements of different printed circuit board thicknesses. That is, when the thickness of the printed circuit board 104 increases, the electrical module of the optoelectronic hybrid connector moves upward relative to the electrical connector 102 fixed on the printed circuit board 104. At this time, the two can still maintain contact and conduction when the optical module is inserted into place. Similarly, when the thickness of the printed circuit board 104 decreases, the electrical module of the optoelectronic hybrid connector moves downward relative to the electrical connector 102 fixed on the printed circuit board 104, and maintains conduction when the optical module and the optical connector are inserted into place.

[0064] Meanwhile, since the electrical module and electrical connector 102 of the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 also have a long contact tolerance in the mating direction, the mating surface position of the optical connector 103 fixed on the other side of the printed circuit board 104 can float along the axial direction. That is, its position on the printed circuit board 104 can move back and forth, and the locking surface position of its locking with the optoelectronic hybrid connector can be changed. This makes the contact conduction position of the electrical connector and electrical module different when the optoelectronic hybrid connector and the optical connector 103 are locked, thereby reducing the accuracy requirements of the fixed position of the connectors on both sides of the printed circuit board 104.

[0065] In this embodiment, the electrical contact of the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101 is a cantilevered plate contact with a contact protrusion formed on the cantilever. The contact portion of the contact in the electrical connector 102 is a planar plate contact with a relatively long extension length in the mating direction to meet the insertion length fluctuation requirements during mating. The planar contact portion is also relatively wide in the perpendicular mating direction to meet the needs of printed circuit boards of different thicknesses. When fixed on printed circuit boards of different thicknesses, the different positions of the width of the contact of the electrical connector 102 make contact with the protrusion on the cantilever of the electrical contact of the optoelectronic hybrid connector 101.

[0066] In this embodiment, the electrical connector 102 of the present invention includes a housing 1021 and a contact 1022. The contact 1022 and the housing 1021 are fitted together by barbs, and the contact 1022 employs a double barb structure 1023 to achieve a strong fit with the housing 1021, ensuring the consistency of the contact assembly position within the housing 1021. The contact 1022 has at least two solder feet 1024 at its tail, each solder foot being bent on both sides and then soldered onto the printed circuit board 104. The consistency of the contact 1022's assembly position further ensures the flatness of the soldering surface of the solder feet, ensuring the reliability of surface mount soldering. Surface mount soldering does not affect the installation and fixation of the optical module on the other side of the PCB.

[0067] The housing 1021 is provided with at least two plum blossom-shaped posts 10211 at the bottom. The printed circuit board 104 is provided with openings that cooperate with the plum blossom-shaped posts 10211 to fix the electrical connector 102 on the printed circuit board. When the housing 1021 is fixedly positioned with the printed circuit board, the soldering pins of the electrical connector are directly opposite the soldering area of ​​the printed circuit board.

[0068] Preferably, the housing 1021 is further provided with fixing pieces 10212 on both sides for welding and fixing to the printed circuit board 104 and strengthening the connection between the housing 1021 and the printed circuit board 104. The setting of the fixing pieces 10212 makes the electrical connector and the optoelectronic hybrid connector more secure when they are mated, and prevents them from lifting.

[0069] In this embodiment, the front end of the housing 1021 is provided with a groove 10213, which divides the front end of the housing into two cavities along the contact distribution direction. Each cavity includes at least one side contact. In this embodiment, each cavity includes one side contact. The front end of the electrical housing of the corresponding optoelectronic hybrid connector is also divided into two parts, each part of which is adapted to and inserted into the corresponding part of the front end of the electrical connector 102. Thus, when the electrical connector 102 located inside the panel 105 and the optoelectronic hybrid connector located outside the panel are adapted to and inserted, there are two small holes in the panel 105 through which the front end of the electrical housing of the optoelectronic hybrid connector passes. Compared with the size of the hole required when the groove 10213 is removed, the groove 10213 of the present invention reduces the size of the opening on the panel 105 while meeting the connector insertion requirements, further enhancing the integrity of the panel 105, thereby enhancing its shielding effect and meeting the electromagnetic shielding requirements of the entire device. In other embodiments of the present invention, the number of the contact 1022 is three or more, and the corresponding groove 10213 is two or more, so that the front end of the housing 1021 forms three or more cavities, each cavity is equipped with a contact, and the front end of the electrical housing of the corresponding optoelectronic hybrid connector is also divided into three or more spaced parts, so that the panel 105 is also provided with three or more small holes at the position corresponding to the electrical housing.

[0070] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, characterized in that: The device includes a hybrid optoelectronic connector, an optical connector adapted to the optical module of the hybrid optoelectronic connector, and an electrical connector adapted to the electrical module of the hybrid optoelectronic connector. The optical connector and the electrical connector are spaced apart and can be simultaneously plugged and unplugged into the hybrid optoelectronic connector. The hybrid optoelectronic connector includes an optical module composed of an optical housing and optical contacts, an electrical module composed of an electrical housing and electrical contacts, a connecting housing for connecting the optical housing and the electrical housing, and a tail sleeve for sealing the tail of the connecting housing and for cable exit. There is a gap between the electrical module and the optical module, so that the electrical connector adapted to the electrical module and the optical connector adapted to the optical module are independent of each other. The connecting housing has upper and lower cavities, wherein the lower cavity forms an electrical housing, and the optical housing is detachably connected to the upper cavity; The upper cavity of the connecting housing is symmetrically provided with spring arms, and the inner side of the spring arm is provided with a protrusion. The outer wall of the housing is provided with a groove that cooperates with and limits the protrusion. The electrical contact is a sheet contact, and both it and the electrical housing are stepped, gradually rising from front to back. The rear of the electrical housing is open so that the electrical contact can be inserted from its rear. The electrical housing includes a lower cavity at the front end and an upper cavity at the rear end, with the upper and lower cavities open at their tails and connected by a slot at the bottom of the upper cavity; the rear end of the electrical housing can also be detachably connected to a rear electrical housing, which includes an upper receiving cavity for the upper cavity to be inserted into and a lower stop surface that stops and limits the electrical housing. The stop surface is also provided with a stop part for entering the lower cavity and axially stopping and limiting the electrical contact. The stop surface is also provided with a positioning protrusion, which cooperates with the positioning groove on the battery housing to guide the stop part and the lower cavity when they are docked. The optical connector and the electrical connector are respectively fixed on both sides of the same printed circuit board; The electrical modules of the electrical connector and the optoelectronic hybrid connector can float along the arrangement direction of the optical modules and the insertion direction during mating.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical housing is also provided with a locking structure for locking with the compatible optical connector.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector includes a housing and a contact element that are forcibly fitted together by barbs, and the barbs on the contact element for forcibly fitting together with the housing are a double barb structure distributed along the axial direction of the contact element.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The housing and the printed circuit board are connected and fixed by at least two stud posts, and the housing is also provided with fixing plates on both sides for welding and fixing to the printed circuit board.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The front end of the housing is divided into different cavities by at least one groove, and each cavity is provided with a contact element; the front end of the electrical housing of the optoelectronic hybrid connector has a corresponding groove, and the device panel is provided with small holes for the corresponding parts of the front end of the optoelectronic hybrid connector electrical module to pass through by the grooves.

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