Optical module comprising detachable pull handle and release mechanism thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an optical module comprising a detachable pull handle and a release mechanism thereof. The optical module is used for being inserted into a cage in a pluggable mode. The optical module includes a housing and a release mechanism. The release mechanism comprises a fastener and a pull handle. The buckle piece is movably arranged on the shell and used for being detachably clamped on the cage, and the pull handle is rotatably arranged on the buckle piece. The fastener is provided with a mounting groove, and the mounting groove comprises a mounting section and a tapered opening which are connected. The width of the tapering opening is reduced from the mounting section, and the pull handle is detachably arranged on the mounting section through the tapering opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light module and a release mechanism thereof, in particular to a light module comprising a release mechanism and the release mechanism thereof. Background Art

[0002] Optical modules can transmit and / or receive optical signals for applications such as, but not limited to, data centers, cable TV, and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH). Using optical modules for transmission can provide higher transmission rates and signal bandwidth over longer distances. To promote global compatibility of optical internet products and reduce maintenance burdens, organizations such as the Multi-Source Agreement (MSA), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) have developed several form factors suitable for different signal transmission rates. These form factors include, but are not limited to, XFP, SFP, QSFP (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable), QSFP-DD (Double Density), OSFP (Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable), CPO (Co-Packaged Optics), and OSFP-XD (Octal Small Form Factor eXtraDense Pluggable).

[0003] Existing optical modules face challenges such as optical efficiency (power), space management, thermal management, insertion loss, and manufacturing yield. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an optical module and a release mechanism thereof, which are helpful to solve the problems of existing optical modules.

[0005] The optical module disclosed in the present invention is designed to be pluggable and removable in a cage. The optical module includes a housing and a release mechanism. The release mechanism includes a latch and a handle. The latch is movably mounted on the housing and is removably secured to the cage, and the handle is rotatably mounted on the latch. The latch has a mounting slot comprising a connected mounting section and a tapered opening. The width of the tapered opening decreases from the mounting section, and the handle is removably mounted on the mounting section through the tapered opening.

[0006] The present invention also discloses a release mechanism for the optical module, comprising a latch and a handle. The latch is removably secured to the cage. The handle is detachably and rotatably mounted on the latch. The latch has a mounting slot comprising a connected mounting section and a tapered opening, the width of the tapered opening decreasing from the mounting section. The handle is detachably mounted on the mounting section through the tapered opening.

[0007] The present invention also discloses an optical module for pluggable insertion into a cage. The optical module includes a housing and a release mechanism. The release mechanism includes a latch and a handle. The latch is movably mounted on the housing and is removably secured to the cage, and the handle is rotatably mounted on the latch. The handle has a groove, and the latch has a mounting slot. The mounting slot is located within the groove and includes a connected mounting section and a tapered opening. The width of the tapered opening decreases from the mounting section, and the handle is removably mounted on the mounting section via the tapered opening.

[0008] The optical module and its release mechanism disclosed in the present invention utilize a handle that is detachably and rotatably attached to a latch, making the latch and handle independent components. If the handle becomes dirty or damaged, it can be replaced without replacing the latch, thereby reducing repair costs and simplifying maintenance of the release mechanism. Furthermore, the handle can be rotated and lifted to avoid obstruction, facilitating insertion and removal of optical fibers or patch cables from the optical port of the housing.

[0009] The above description of the content of the present invention and the following description of the embodiments are intended to demonstrate and explain the spirit and principles of the present invention, and to provide further explanation for the protection scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded diagram of an optical module and a cage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded diagram of the optical module.

[0012] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the optical module.

[0013] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partial side view of an optical module.

[0014] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Exploded diagram of the optical module.

[0015] Figure 6 for Figure 1A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the pull handle of the optical module in a horizontal state.

[0016] Figure 7 for Figure 6 FIG2 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional diagram of a fastening member of an optical module at a fastening position.

[0017] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A side view schematic diagram of the latch of the optical module in the released position.

[0018] Figure 9 for Figure 6 FIG2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional diagram of a latch of an optical module in a released position.

[0019] Figure 10 for Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the handle of the optical module in a raised state.

[0020] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a partial side view of an optical module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0022] 1,1a: Optical module

[0023] 10: Shell

[0024] 100: Optical interface

[0025] 110: Head

[0026] 120: Installation Department

[0027] 2: Cage

[0028] 20,20a: Release mechanism

[0029] 21: Flexible arm

[0030] 210,210a: snap fastener

[0031] 211: snap arm

[0032] 211a: Buckle part

[0033] 2111: Incline

[0034] 212: Elastic end

[0035] 220: handle

[0036] 221: Main body

[0037] 221a: Groove

[0038] 2211: Groove wall

[0039] 222: Shaft

[0040] 230: Elastic parts

[0041] 240: Installation slot

[0042] 241: Installation section

[0043] 242: tapered opening

[0044] 242a: tapering section

[0045] 242b: Expansion

[0046] 250: Installation slot

[0047] 251: Installation section

[0048] 252: tapered opening

[0049] A: Minimum width

[0050] B: radial dimension

[0051] D: Release direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The following detailed description of the features and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following embodiments. This description is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand the technical content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. Furthermore, based on the disclosure, claims, and figures of this specification, one of ordinary skill in the art can readily understand the relevant objectives and advantages of the present invention. The following examples further illustrate the concepts of the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0053] Generally speaking, an optical module is provided with a release mechanism so that when the optical module is inserted into the cage, it can be fixed to the cage via the release mechanism and will not come loose, and when necessary, the release mechanism can be used to release the fixation between the optical module and the cage so that the optical module can be pulled out. The existing release mechanism provides a pull handle for easy operation by the user, and the pull handle is formed on the fastener used to fix to the cage through an injection molding process. Because the pull handle is fixed relative to the fastener, when it is necessary to insert or remove the optical fiber or jumper into or out of the optical interface of the optical module, the pull handle may hinder the user's operation of the optical fiber or jumper. In addition, the exposed pull handle is frequently touched or hit and is easily dirty or damaged. However, when the pull handle is replaced, the entire release mechanism must be replaced, resulting in the problem of excessively high maintenance costs for the existing release mechanism.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an optical module is configured to be pluggable and removable in a cage. The optical module includes a housing and a release mechanism. The release mechanism includes a latch and a handle. The latch is movably mounted on the housing and is configured to removably secure the module to the cage. The handle is rotatably mounted on the latch. The latch has a mounting slot comprising a connected mounting section and a tapered opening, the width of the tapered opening decreasing from the mounting section. The handle is removably mounted on the mounting section via the tapered opening.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the release mechanism of the optical module includes a latch and a handle. The latch is removably secured to the cage. The handle is detachably and rotatably mounted on the latch. The latch has a mounting slot comprising a connected mounting section and a tapered opening, the width of the tapered opening decreasing from the mounting section. The handle is detachably mounted on the mounting section through the tapered opening.

[0056] Part or all of the technical features disclosed in one or more embodiments of the present invention may be configured in combination to achieve corresponding effects.

[0057] The terms "coupled" or "coupled" refer to any connection, link, or similar relationship, and "optical coupling" or "optical coupling" refers to a relationship in which light is transferred (implanted) from one object to another. Unless otherwise specified, objects that are "coupled" or "coupled" to each other need not be directly connected to each other and may be separated by intermediate objects.

[0058] The term "substantially" is used herein generally to refer to a degree of accuracy within an acceptable margin of error, where the acceptable margin of error accounts for and reflects minor real-world variations due to material composition, material imperfections, and / or limitations / peculiarities in the manufacturing process. Such variations can therefore be described as achieving the stated property to a substantial degree, but not necessarily to the fullest extent.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 1 . Figure 1 This is an exploded diagram of an optical module and cage according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, optical module 1 is pluggable and can be inserted into cage 2. Optical module 1 can be understood as an optical transceiver, and cage 2 can be understood as the metal cage mounted on the motherboard of an Ethernet device.

[0060] The optical module 1 may include a housing 10 and a release mechanism 20. The housing 10 may be a metal housing. The housing 10 may be understood as an airtight housing or a non-airtight housing for encapsulating a laser diode. The housing 10 may include a connected head 110 and an insertion portion 120. The insertion portion 120 is configured to be inserted into the cage 2. The head 110 may be provided with an optical interface 100. The optical interface 100 may accommodate optical coupling components such as optical fiber connectors or active optical cables (AOCs). In addition, the housing 10 may be a single housing, or the housing 10 may be a multi-part housing including an upper shell and a lower shell. The housing 10 may accommodate a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and optical communication components arranged on the PCB assembly. The optical communication components may include, for example, but not limited to, at least one of a transmitting optical sub-assembly (TOSA) and a receiving optical sub-assembly (ROSA).

[0061] The release mechanism 20 may include a latch 210 and a handle 220. The latch 210 may include a latch arm 211, and the latch arm 211 may be movably disposed on the outer side of the housing 10. The latch 210 of this embodiment may include two latch arms 211 located on opposite sides of the housing 10, but the specific structure and shape of the latch 210 are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the latch 210 may include a single latch arm 211. The latch arm 211 of the latch 210 may include a latch portion 211a corresponding to the slot of the cage 2. The latch 210 may move relative to the housing 10 so that the latch portion 211a and the slot of the cage 2 are interlocked and fixed. The handle 220 may be disposed on the latch 210.

[0062] The handle 220 is detachably mounted on the fastener 210. Figures 2 to 5 ,in Figure 2 for Figure 1 The exploded diagram of the optical module is as follows: Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the optical module. Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial side view of an optical module is provided, and Figure 5 for Figure 4 In order to make the present invention easier to understand, Figure 4 and Figure 5 A portion of the handle 220 is omitted from the drawing.

[0063] The release mechanism 20 may further include elastic members 230 whose number corresponds to the number of the latch arms 211. The elastic members 230 are disposed on the housing 10 and normally press the latch member 210.

[0064] The latch 210 of the release mechanism 20 may have a mounting slot 240. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the mounting slot 240 may include a connected mounting section 241 and a tapered opening 242. The width of the tapered opening 242 may decrease from the mounting section 241. The handle 220 may be detachably mounted on the mounting section 241 via the tapered opening 242. When the handle 220 is mounted on the mounting section 241, the tapered opening 242 may limit the range of motion of the handle 220, thereby preventing it from falling off.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the handle 220 is rotatably disposed on the buckle 210. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the handle 220 may include a main body 221 and a rotating shaft 222 connected to the main body 221. The axis of the rotating shaft 222 may be substantially perpendicular to the release direction D of the latch 210. The rotating shaft 222 may be rotatably disposed in the mounting section 241 via a tapered opening 242. Furthermore, the main body 221 of the handle 220 may have a groove 221a, and the mounting groove 240 of the latch 210 may be located within the groove 221a. Furthermore, both the rotating shaft 222 and the mounting groove 240 may be located within the groove 221a. The groove 221a, which accommodates the rotating shaft 222 and the latch 210, helps reduce the lateral thickness of the handle 220. Furthermore, the groove 221a also covers the rotating shaft 222 and at least a portion of the mounting groove 240, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the optical module 1.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the size of the tapered opening 242 is variable. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, at least a portion of the latch 210 may have elasticity that allows the width of the tapered opening 242 to be increased. More specifically, the latch 210 may further include an elastic end portion 212 connected to the latch arm 211. The latch arm 211 is movably disposed on the housing 10, and a mounting slot 240 may be formed between the latch arm 211 and the elastic end portion 212. The elastic end portion 212 can be opened by a user or by being pressed against the shaft 222 of the handle 220, thereby increasing the minimum width A of the tapered opening 242. When the minimum width A is greater than or equal to the radial dimension B of the shaft 222 (which can be understood herein as the diameter of the shaft 222), the shaft 222 can be positioned in the mounting section 241 through the tapered opening 242. When the shaft 222 is pressed into the mounting section 241 , the minimum width A of the tapered opening 242 can rebound, so that the minimum width A is smaller than the radial dimension B of the shaft 222 , ensuring that the shaft 222 is confined within the mounting slot 240 .

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the tapered opening 242 may first decrease and then increase. Figure 5 As shown, the tapered opening 242 may include a connected tapered section 242a and an expanded section 242b, with the tapered section 242a positioned between the mounting section 241 and the expanded section 242b. The width of the tapered section 242a may decrease from the mounting section 241, while the width of the expanded section 242b may increase from the tapered section 242a. Furthermore, along the path from the mounting section 241 to the expanded section 242b, the width of the tapered section 242a may decrease to a minimum width A, while the width of the expanded section 242b may increase from the minimum width A. The handle 220 may be removably attached to the mounting section 241, sequentially via the expanded section 242b and the tapered section 242a. The presence of the expanded section 242b facilitates the ease of attaching the handle 220 to the latch 210.

[0068] Figure 5 The edges of the tapered section 242a and the expanding section 242b are shown as linear, so that the width of the tapered section 242a continuously decreases from the mounting section 241, and the width of the expanding section 242b continuously increases from the tapered section 242a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the tapered section and the expanding section may have nonlinear edges, such as serrated edges, so that the width of the tapered section periodically decreases from the mounting section, and the width of the expanding section periodically increases from the tapered section.

[0069] In optical modules with a form factor such as, but not limited to, QSFP, QSFP-DD, or OSFP, to ensure both the elasticity and structural strength of the elastic end 212, both the minimum width A of the tapered opening 242 and the radial dimension B of the shaft 222 may be limited to a certain extent. Specifically, the difference between the minimum width A of the tapered opening 242 and the radial dimension B of the shaft 222 (herein understood as the diameter of the shaft 222) may be greater than 0 mm. More specifically, the following condition may be satisfied: 0 mm ≤ |AB|. This ensures that the shaft 222 is retained within the mounting section 241 and is not easily dislodged. Furthermore, when the difference between the minimum width A and the radial dimension B of the shaft 222 is less than 30% of the radial dimension B of the shaft 222, easy installation of the shaft 222 in the pull handle 220 is ensured. Furthermore, the minimum width A of the tapered opening 242 and the radial dimension B of the shaft 222 may also satisfy the following condition: 0.24 mm ≤ |AB| ≤ 0.44 mm. In addition to preventing the shaft 222 from falling off, the appropriate elasticity of the elastic end 212 facilitates the size adjustment of the tapered opening 242, and the overall structural strength of the elastic end 212 helps prevent the handle 220 from falling off due to accidental pulling of the elastic end 212. The above-listed values ​​are merely exemplary and can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0070] The following describes how to assemble the handle 220 to the buckle 210. Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the buckle 210 can be inserted into the groove 221a of the handle 220. Figure 4 As shown, the handle 220 or the latch 210 is appropriately moved to allow the rotating shaft 222 of the latch 210 to enter the mounting groove 240. The rotating shaft 222 is disposed in the mounting section 241 through the tapered opening 242. By designing that the handle 220 is detachably and rotatably disposed on the latch 210, the latch 210 and the handle 220 are independent components. When the handle 220 is dirty or damaged, only the handle 220 can be replaced without replacing the latch 210 together, thereby helping to reduce the maintenance cost of the release mechanism 20 and simplifying the maintenance process of the release mechanism 20. In order to reduce maintenance costs, the handle 220 can be made of plastic material. In order to obtain sufficient elasticity and service life, the latch 210 can be made of metal material.

[0071] The handle 220 can be rotated and lifted to avoid the handle 220 interfering with the operation, thereby facilitating the insertion of the optical fiber connector into the optical interface 100 of the housing 10 or the removal of the optical fiber connector from the optical interface 100. Figure 6 and Figure 10 ,in Figure 6 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the optical module with the handle in a horizontal state, and Figure 10 for Figure 6A three-dimensional diagram of the optical module with its handle raised. Figure 6 As shown, when the handle 220 is in a horizontal position, it protects the optical coupling components (e.g., optical fiber connectors, not shown) from dust. Furthermore, the horizontal handle 220 can be pulled to remove the optical module 1 from the cage 2. For example, a user can grasp the main body 221 of the handle 220 and pull it in a release direction D. In this embodiment, the groove wall 2211 of the groove 221a can abut against the latch 210, thereby maintaining the handle 220 in a horizontal position.

[0072] The handle 220 can be rotated relative to the latch 210 by a certain angle (eg, 90 degrees) to move from a horizontal state to a raised state. Figure 10 As shown, when the handle 220 is in the raised position, the optical fiber connector can be inserted into or removed from the optical port 100 of the housing 10. In this embodiment, the main body 221 can be supported by the latch 210, so that the handle 220 can remain in the raised position, thereby eliminating the need to manually support the handle 220 or external force during the installation or removal of the optical fiber connector.

[0073] Please refer to Figures 7 to 9 . Figure 7 for Figure 6 A partially enlarged cross-sectional diagram of the optical module's snap-in piece at the snap-in position, Figure 8 for Figure 6 A side view of the optical module's latch in the released position, and Figure 9 for Figure 6 FIG2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional diagram of a latch of an optical module in a released position.

[0074] The latching member 210 can move relative to the housing 10 along the release direction D to have a latching position (see Figure 7 ) and the release position (see Figure 9 ).like Figure 7 As shown, the elastic member 230 pushes against the locking member 210, so that the locking member 210 can be maintained at the locking position, and the locking portion 211a is firmly locked to the cage 2. In this way, the optical module 1 can be reliably inserted into the cage 2.

[0075] like Figure 1 、 Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the user can pull the handle 220 to move the latch 210 relative to the housing 10 in a release direction D. The latch portion 211a pushes against the flexible arm 21 of the cage 2, causing the latch portion 211a to slide along its inclined surface 2111. The latch portion 211a bends the flexible arm 21, allowing the latch 210 to move to the release position. Further pulling the handle 220 in the release direction D allows the insertion portion 120 of the housing 10 to be removed from the cage 2.

[0076] In addition, when the locking member 210 is located at the release position, it compresses the elastic member 230. When the user releases the handle 220, the elastic potential energy stored in the elastic member 230 drives the locking member 210 to return to the locking position.

[0077] In addition, Figure 4 In the figure, the mounting slot 240 of the latch 210 includes a tapered opening 242 with its opening direction facing directly downward in the figure, but the specific structure and shape of the latch 210 are not limited to this aspect. Figure 11 FIG2 is a partial side view of a light module according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the light module 1a may include a release mechanism 20a, and the release mechanism 20a may include a latch 210a and a handle 220. For a detailed description of the handle 220, please refer to the corresponding FIG2 Figures 1 to 5 The above content is not repeated here.

[0078] The latch 210a may have a mounting slot 250, which may include a connected mounting section 251 and a tapered opening 252. The tapered opening 252 may be oriented toward the upper left of the drawing. The handle 220 may be removably mounted on the mounting section 251 via the tapered opening 252. In other embodiments, the tapered opening 252 may be oriented in any direction as viewed in the drawing.

Claims

1. An optical module for pluggable insertion into a cage, characterized in that: The optical module includes: a housing; and A release mechanism comprising: a fastener, movably disposed on the housing and used for being detachably fastened to the cage; and a handle rotatably disposed on the buckle; The fastener has a mounting slot including a connected mounting section and a tapered opening. The width of the tapered opening decreases from the mounting section, and the handle is detachably disposed on the mounting section via the tapered opening.

2. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein At least a portion of the latch has elasticity that allows the width of the tapered opening to increase.

3. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: The buckle component comprises a buckle arm and an elastic end portion which are connected to each other. The buckle arm is movably arranged on the shell, and the mounting slot is formed between the buckle arm and the elastic end portion.

4. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: The tapered opening includes a connected tapered section and an expanded section, the tapered section is located between the mounting section and the expanded section, the width of the tapered section decreases from the mounting section, the width of the expanded section increases from the tapered section, and the handle is detachably disposed on the mounting section via the expanded section and the tapered section in sequence.

5. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: The handle includes a main body and a rotating shaft connected to the main body, and the rotating shaft is rotatably arranged on the installation section through the tapered opening.

6. The optical module according to claim 5, characterized in that The main body of the handle has a groove, and the rotating shaft and the mounting groove of the buckle are both located in the groove. The handle can rotate relative to the buckle and be in a horizontal state or a raised state. A groove wall of the groove abuts against the buckle to keep the handle in the horizontal state, and the main body bears against the buckle to keep the handle in the raised state.

7. A release mechanism for an optical module, characterized in that: Include: a fastener for detachably fastening to a cage; and a handle detachably and rotatably mounted on the buckle; The fastener has a mounting slot including a connected mounting section and a tapered opening. The width of the tapered opening decreases from the mounting section, and the handle is detachably disposed on the mounting section via the tapered opening.

8. The release mechanism of the optical module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The buckle component comprises a buckle arm and an elastic end portion which are connected to each other. The buckle arm is used for being detachably buckled on the cage, and the mounting slot is formed between the buckle arm and the elastic end portion.

9. The release mechanism of the optical module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The tapered opening includes a connected tapered section and an expanded section, the tapered section is located between the mounting section and the expanded section, the width of the tapered section decreases from the mounting section, the width of the expanded section increases from the tapered section, and the handle is detachably disposed on the mounting section via the expanded section and the tapered section in sequence.

10. An optical module for pluggable insertion into a cage, characterized in that: The optical module includes: a housing; and A release mechanism comprising: a fastener, movably disposed on the housing and used for being detachably fastened to the cage; and a handle rotatably disposed on the buckle; The handle has a groove, the latch has an installation groove, the installation groove is located in the groove, the installation groove includes a connected installation section and a tapered opening, the width of the tapered opening decreases from the installation section, and the handle is detachably arranged on the installation section through the tapered opening.

11. The optical module according to claim 10, wherein: At least a portion of the latch has elasticity that allows the width of the tapered opening to increase.

12. The optical module according to claim 10, wherein: The buckle component comprises a buckle arm and an elastic end portion which are connected to each other. The buckle arm is used for being detachably buckled on the cage, and the mounting slot is formed between the buckle arm and the elastic end portion.

13. The optical module according to claim 10, wherein: The tapered opening includes a connected tapered section and an expanded section, the tapered section is located between the mounting section and the expanded section, the width of the tapered section decreases from the mounting section, the width of the expanded section increases from the tapered section, and the handle is detachably disposed on the mounting section via the expanded section and the tapered section in sequence.

14. The optical module according to claim 10, wherein: The handle includes a main body and a rotating shaft connected to the main body. The rotating shaft and the mounting groove are both located in the groove, and the rotating shaft is rotatably arranged on the mounting section through the tapered opening.

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