A light source module for use in ELSFP optical modules

Abstract

This invention discloses a light source module for use in ELSFP optical modules, including a main body and a connector limited to the end of the main body. The connector is detachably located inside the main body and is used to mate with a connector module. The connector has a cavity opened along the insertion direction and a slot recessed along a direction perpendicular to the cavity. The slot is located at the end of the connector away from the connector module and communicates with the cavity. The connector also includes a ferrule located in the cavity and a connector tab located in the slot. The ferrule is confined and housed within the cavity by the connector tab. Compared with the prior art, this invention allows for quick assembly and disassembly of the ferrule, making installation convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a light source module for use in ELSFP optical modules, belonging to the field of optical communication technology. Background Technology

[0002] In optical communication systems, ELSFP optical modules are widely used in data centers, communication equipment, and other fields. As one of their core components, the light source module typically includes a ferrule (such as a laser assembly) for emitting optical signals and the corresponding circuit connection structure.

[0003] In traditional light source module designs, although the ferrule is detachable, it usually requires special tools or complex operating procedures and involves multiple auxiliary parts. In the confined space of the module, it is difficult to achieve quick and reliable disassembly and assembly, which affects the efficiency of on-site maintenance and the ease of use of the optical module.

[0004] In view of this, it is indeed necessary to improve the existing light source modules used in ELSFP optical modules to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a light source module for use in ELSFP optical modules, which allows for quick and easy installation and removal of the ferrule.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is:

[0007] A light source module for use in an ELSFP optical module includes a main body and a connector limited to an end of the main body. The connector is detachably located inside the main body and is used to mate with a connector module. The connector has a cavity opened along the insertion direction and a slot recessed along a direction perpendicular to the cavity. The slot is located at the end of the connector away from the connector module and communicates with the cavity. The connector also includes a ferrule located in the cavity and a connector tab located in the slot. The ferrule is confined and housed within the cavity by the connector tab.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the cavity is provided with at least two protrusions that are opposite to each other and extend from each other, and the insert is located between the two protrusions.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the insert includes a connected stop portion and a mating portion, the mating portion being located between the two protrusions, and the stop portion being confined between the protrusions and the insert piece.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the light source module further includes a sealing member connected to the plug and used to block the plug end of the plug, the sealing member having a sealing portion protruding toward the plug and adapted to the shape of the ferrule, the sealing portion being at least partially located within the cavity and having a sealing groove that at least partially accommodates the ferrule.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the blocking portion abuts against the side of the protrusion opposite to the stop portion.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the sealing member is further provided with a positioning part located beside the sealing part, and the plug-in is provided with a corresponding positioning groove, and the positioning part is accommodated and confined within the positioning groove.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the light source module further includes a fixing kit, the fixing kit having a plug-in cavity, the sealing member and the main body being located within the plug-in cavity, so that the sealing member and the plug-in member can be connected.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the insertion cavity includes a first cavity and a second cavity with different diameters, the sealing member is located in both the first cavity and the second cavity, and the main body is located in either the first cavity or the second cavity.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the ferrule is provided with a first threading cavity and a second threading cavity that extend in the same direction and are interconnected. Both the first threading cavity and the second threading cavity are used to thread optical fibers that are electrically connected to the circuit board inside the main body. The cavity diameters of the first threading cavity and the second threading cavity are different.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first threading cavity is disposed at the mating end of the ferrule, the second threading cavity is used to connect the first threading cavity and the main body, and the ferrule is also provided with an opening opened along the extension direction perpendicular to the first threading cavity and the second threading cavity.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the second threading cavity is provided with a lead wire portion facing the opening, the lead wire portion is disposed close to the first threading cavity and has a lead wire groove communicating with the first threading cavity, and the groove diameter of the lead wire groove is adapted to the cavity diameter of the first threading cavity.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the light source module further includes a sleeve located partially within the second threading cavity. The sleeve is spaced apart from the lead wire portion and has a wire passage cavity communicating with the second threading cavity. One end of the sleeve away from the lead wire portion is exposed outside the connector and located inside the main body to form a clamping portion.

[0019] The beneficial technical effects of this invention are as follows: A light source module for an ELSFP optical module has a cavity formed along the insertion direction and a slot recessed perpendicular to the cavity on the connector. The slot is located at the end of the connector away from the connector module and communicates with the cavity. The connector also includes a ferrule located within the cavity and a connector tab located within the slot. The ferrule is confined and housed within the cavity by the connector tab. Thus, during installation, the ferrule can be fixed simply by inserting it into the cavity and then inserting the connector tab into the slot. During disassembly, the ferrule can be removed simply by pulling out the connector tab, making the operation convenient and practical. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a light source module applied to an ELSFP optical module, which conforms to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing component.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing kit.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the light source module after the mounting kit is hidden in the ELSFP optical module.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A structural diagram showing the hidden sealing components and main body components.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the middle connector.

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure after the hidden connector is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of the circle with the middle dashed line.

[0028] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 A structural diagram from another angle. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0030] Please see Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this invention discloses a light source module 100 for use in ELSFP optical modules. The light source module 100 mainly includes a main body 1 and a connector 2.

[0031] The main component 1 is the main structural carrier of the module. It usually contains necessary circuit boards (not shown) and optical component mounting space to realize core functions such as photoelectric signal conversion.

[0032] The connector 2 is fixedly disposed at the end of the main body 1. Specifically, the connector 2 is partially or entirely embedded or engaged within the end opening of the main body 1. The connector 2 is used for optical / electrical docking with a connector module (not shown). In this embodiment, the connector 2 is configured to be detachable from the main body 1 as a whole for easy maintenance or replacement. Preferably, the connector 2 is typically a female optical connector for docking with a male optical connector in the connector module. In other embodiments, it can also be a male optical connector for docking with a female optical connector in the connector module; there is no limitation on this.

[0033] Specifically, the connector 2 has a cavity 21 extending along the insertion direction of the connector module. The cavity 21 is used to receive and position the ferrule 3. In a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the cavity 21, the sidewall of the connector 2 is also recessed to form a slot 22. The slot 22 is preferably located at the end of the connector 2 away from the connector module, i.e., the rear end, and the slot 22 communicates with the cavity 21.

[0034] The insert 3 is housed and positioned within the cavity 21. The connector 4 is a metal spring or rigid sheet structure used for insertion into the slot 22. When the connector 4 is fully inserted into the slot 22, a portion of its structure extends into the cavity 21 and abuts or locks the corresponding part of the insert 3, thereby restricting the insert 3 within the cavity 21 and preventing it from detaching from the rear end of the cavity 21. By pulling out the connector 4, the restriction on the insert 3 can be released, allowing the insert 3 to be removed from the rear end of the cavity 21. Conversely, by first placing the insert 3 into the cavity 21 and then inserting the connector 4, it can be secured. This design enables tool-free, quick assembly and disassembly of the insert 3, greatly improving the convenience of on-site maintenance.

[0035] In this embodiment, the end of the connector 4 that inserts into the slot 22 is provided with a locking part 41, and a corresponding slot 221 is provided inside the slot 22. The locking part 41 engages with the slot 221, so that the connector 4 is tightly connected to the slot 22. Furthermore, when removing the connector, simply push the locking part 41 against the slot 221 to eject the connector 4. This simple operation avoids damage to other components.

[0036] Preferably, at least two sets of opposing protrusions 211 are provided on the inner wall of the cavity 21. These protrusions 211 can extend towards the central axis of the cavity 21. The main body of the ferrule 3 is placed in the space enclosed by these protrusions 211, and the inner surface of the protrusions 211 contacts the outer surface of the ferrule 3, restricting the sway of the ferrule 3 in the horizontal plane and ensuring the alignment of its optical axis.

[0037] In this embodiment, the ferrule 3 includes an integrally formed or fixedly connected retaining portion 31 and a mating portion 32. The mating portion 32 is the front end portion that needs to be precisely optically coupled with the connector module, and it is located between the protrusions 211. The retaining portion 31 is a step, flange, or specific structure with a diameter larger than that of the mating portion 32. When the ferrule 3 is inserted into the cavity 21, the retaining portion 31 is positioned on the rear side of the protrusion 211 (the end away from the connector module). The subsequently inserted connector 4 abuts against the rear side of the retaining portion 31. In this way, the axial position of the ferrule 3 within the cavity 21 is precisely defined: that is, it is located between the protrusion 211 and the connector 4, achieving a stable and reliable fixed relationship.

[0038] In this embodiment, the light source module 100 further includes a sealing member 5. The sealing member 5 is connected to the plug-in member 2 and is used to cover the opening of the cavity 21, serving to prevent dust and foreign objects from entering, and to provide additional structural support.

[0039] The sealing member 5 protrudes towards the side of the connector 2 to form a sealing portion 51. The shape of the sealing portion 51 is designed to adapt to the shape of the rear end of the connector 2 and the rear end of the insert 3. A sealing groove 511 is formed on the sealing portion 51. When the sealing member 5 is installed in place, the sealing groove 511 at least partially accommodates the insert 3 (i.e., the mating portion 32 of the insert 3), thus ensuring its dustproof performance.

[0040] During installation, the front end face of the sealing part 51 abuts against the protrusion 211. That is, at this time, the opposite sides of the protrusion 211 are pressed by the sealing part 51 and the stop part 31, respectively. This design creates a tight fit between the sealing member 5 and the plug member 2.

[0041] To achieve precise positioning and reliable connection between the sealing element 5 and the connector 2, the sealing element 5 may also be provided with a positioning part 52. The positioning part 52 may be a protruding pin, post, or a specific locking structure, located beside the sealing part 51. Correspondingly, a positioning groove 23 is provided on the connector 2. When the sealing element 5 is installed, the positioning part 52 is inserted and contained within the positioning groove 23. This positioning structure effectively prevents the sealing element 5 from rotating or shifting after installation, ensuring alignment between the sealing groove 511 and the insert 3.

[0042] In this embodiment, the light source module 100 further includes a fixing kit 7, which has a plug-in cavity 71. The sealing member 5 and the main body 1 are both located in the plug-in cavity 71, so that the sealing member 5 and the plug-in member 2 are mated in the plug-in cavity 71.

[0043] Preferably, the insertion cavity 71 includes a first cavity 711 and a second cavity 712 with different diameters, the sealing member 5 is located in both the first cavity 711 and the second cavity 712, and the main body 1 is located in either the first cavity 711 or the second cavity 712.

[0044] In this embodiment, the sealing member 5 is a gradually decreasing width structure in the extending direction. The diameter of the first cavity 711 is smaller than the diameter of the second cavity 712, and the diameter of the second cavity 712 is smaller than the width of the wider end of the sealing member 5, so that the wider end of the sealing member 5 is located inside the second cavity 712 and abuts against the outer periphery of the first cavity 711. This prevents the sealing member 5 from falling off.

[0045] The ferrule 3 has an internal channel for threading and managing optical fibers (such as gold wires for powering a laser or flexible printed circuit boards, FPCs). Specifically, the ferrule 3 has a first threading cavity 33 and a second threading cavity 34 that extend in the same direction and are interconnected. After the optical fiber is led out from the circuit board inside the main body 1, it first enters the second threading cavity 34, then enters the first threading cavity 33 through the connection, and finally connects to the front end of the ferrule 3.

[0046] In this embodiment, the diameters of the first threading cavity 33 and the second threading cavity 34 are different. This is because the first threading cavity 33 is a cavity diameter adapted to the optical fiber specification, thus enabling tight assembly of the optical fiber. The second threading cavity 34 is the threading area for threading, therefore requiring a larger space for the threading operation.

[0047] Preferably, the first threading cavity 33 is located at the mating end (front end) of the ferrule 3, and the second threading cavity 34 connects the first threading cavity 33 and the rear space of the ferrule 3, thereby leading to the main body 1. To facilitate fiber optic installation, soldering, or maintenance operations in a confined space, an opening 35 is also provided on the side wall of the ferrule 3. The opening 35 extends perpendicularly to the first threading cavity 33 and the second threading cavity 34, and directly communicates with the second threading cavity 34. Through the opening 35, operators can use tools to manipulate the optical fiber within the cavity.

[0048] Inside the second threading cavity 34, near its connection with the first threading cavity 33, a lead wire portion 341 is provided. The lead wire portion 341 is positioned directly opposite the opening 35. A plurality of lead wire grooves 3411 are formed on the lead wire portion 341, which communicate with the first threading cavity 33, and their groove diameters are designed to fit the cavity diameter of the first threading cavity 33. The function of the lead wire portion 341 is to smoothly guide the optical fiber from the thicker second threading cavity 34 into the thinner first threading cavity 33 in an orderly manner, preventing the optical fiber from being broken or tangled at corners.

[0049] The light source module 100 also includes a sleeve 6. The sleeve 6 is partially disposed within the second threading cavity 34, for example, located behind the lead wire portion 341. A certain distance is maintained between the sleeve 6 and the lead wire portion 341, and the sleeve 6 has a wire-passing cavity 61 inside, which communicates with the second threading cavity 34. The optical fiber led out from the main body 1 can first pass through the wire-passing cavity 61 of the sleeve 6, then enter the main body portion of the second threading cavity 34, and finally be guided by the lead wire portion 341 to the first threading cavity 33. The sleeve 6 serves as primary protection, bundling, and guidance for the optical fiber.

[0050] Furthermore, after the optical fiber passes through the cable passage cavity 61, the second cable passage cavity 34, the lead groove 3411, and the first cable passage cavity 33, adhesive can be dripped into the opening 35 to fix the optical fiber, the ferrule 3, and the sleeve 6 into one unit. Thus, during disassembly, only the sleeve 6 needs to be pulled to simultaneously remove the ferrule 3, which is convenient and avoids damage to these expensive components under other disassembly methods that apply external force, reducing costs. Therefore, the opening 35 also serves as a drip outlet.

[0051] In this embodiment, the end of the sleeve 6 furthest from the lead portion 341 is exposed outside the connector 2 and located inside the main body 1 to form a clamping portion 62. Thus, by clamping the clamping portion 62, the sleeve 6 can be pulled to simultaneously disassemble the optical fiber and the ferrule 3. Compared to the prior art, extending the length of the sleeve 6 to form the clamping portion 62 in this embodiment makes disassembly easier.

[0052] In summary, the light source module 100 of the present invention, applied to an ELSFP optical module, has a cavity 21 formed along the insertion direction and a slot 22 recessed in a direction perpendicular to the cavity 21 on the connector 2. The slot 22 is located at the end of the connector 2 away from the connector module and communicates with the cavity 21. The connector 2 also includes a ferrule 3 located in the cavity 21 and a connector tab 4 located in the slot 22. The ferrule 3 is contained and secured within the cavity 21 by the connector tab 4. Thus, during installation, the ferrule 3 can be fixed by first inserting it into the cavity 21 and then inserting the connector tab 4 into the slot 22. During disassembly, the ferrule 3 can be removed simply by pulling out the connector tab 4, making the operation convenient and practical.

[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light source module for use in ELSFP optical modules, characterized in that, The device includes a main body and a connector limited to an end of the main body. The connector is detachably located inside the main body and is used to mate with a connector module. The connector has a cavity opened along the insertion direction and a slot recessed along a direction perpendicular to the cavity. The slot is located at the end of the connector away from the connector module and communicates with the cavity. The connector also includes a core located in the cavity and a tab located in the slot. The core is confined and received within the cavity by the tab.

2. The light source module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity is provided with at least two protrusions that are opposite to each other and extend from each other, and the insert is located between the two protrusions.

3. The light source module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insert includes a stop portion and a mating portion connected together, the mating portion being located between the two protrusions, and the stop portion being confined between the protrusions and the insert tab.

4. The light source module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The light source module further includes a sealing member connected to the connector and used to seal the connector end. The sealing member has a sealing portion protruding toward the connector and adapted to the shape of the ferrule. The sealing portion is at least partially located within the cavity and has a sealing groove that at least partially accommodates the ferrule.

5. The light source module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The blocking part abuts against the side of the protrusion opposite to the stop part.

6. The light source module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sealing member is further provided with a positioning part located next to the sealing part, and the plug-in is provided with a corresponding positioning groove, and the positioning part is accommodated and confined within the positioning groove.

7. The light source module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The light source module also includes a fixing kit, which has a plug-in cavity. The sealing member and the main body are both located in the plug-in cavity so that the sealing member and the plug-in member can be connected.

8. The light source module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The insertion cavity includes a first cavity and a second cavity with different diameters. The sealing member is located in both the first cavity and the second cavity, and the main body is located in either the first cavity or the second cavity.

9. The light source module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ferrule has a first threading cavity and a second threading cavity that extend in the same direction and are interconnected. Both the first threading cavity and the second threading cavity are used to thread optical fibers that are electrically connected to the circuit board inside the main body. The diameters of the first threading cavity and the second threading cavity are different.

10. The light source module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first threading cavity is disposed at the mating end of the insert, the second threading cavity is used to connect the first threading cavity and the main body, and the insert is also provided with an opening along the extension direction perpendicular to the first threading cavity and the second threading cavity.

11. The light source module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second threading cavity is provided with a lead wire portion facing the opening. The lead wire portion is located close to the first threading cavity and has a lead wire groove that communicates with the first threading cavity. The groove diameter is adapted to the cavity diameter of the first threading cavity.

12. The light source module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The light source module also includes a sleeve located in the second threading cavity. The sleeve is spaced apart from the lead wire portion and has a wire passage cavity that communicates with the second threading cavity. The end of the sleeve away from the lead wire portion is exposed outside the connector and located inside the main body to form a clamping portion.

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