Laser ferrule to fiber ferrule retention clip for pluggable optical transceiver modules

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a laser ferrule-to-fiber ferrule retention clip for a pluggable optical transceiver module. An inter-ferrule retention clip for applying an axial compression force to a laser ferrule and a fiber ferrule of a pluggable optical transceiver module includes a body end configured to hold a strain relief tube of a fiber and abut against the fiber ferrule, a connection portion, a central member connected to the connection portion and configured to hold the laser ferrule and the fiber ferrule, a locking member axially extending from the connection portion and configured to apply a compression force to the laser ferrule, and a side member axially extending from the body end to the connection portion, wherein the side member is convex and configured to i) expand apart the locking member when compressed, and ii) apply an axial compression force to the laser ferrule and the fiber ferrule when uncompressed.

Description

Related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. [63 / 764,131], filed February 27, 2025. The entire disclosure of the above-cited application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to laser assemblies with pluggable optical transceiver modules. Background Technology

[0003] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of this disclosure. The work of the currently named inventors, as described in this background section and in any respect that may not have constituted prior art at the time of application, neither expressly nor impliedly acknowledges that it is prior art to this disclosure.

[0004] Small form factor pluggable optical transceiver modules (SFP modules) are compact transceivers used in data communications and telecommunications networks to transmit data at high speeds (e.g., 10 gigabits per second to 1.6 terabits per second or faster). These SFP transceiver modules can receive and transmit data between network devices (e.g., switches and / or other network devices with SFP ports) via fiber optic cables. For example, a switch may have multiple SFP ports configured to receive corresponding SFP transceiver modules. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A ferrule retaining clip for applying axial compressive force to a laser ferrule and an optical fiber ferrule of a pluggable optical transceiver module is disclosed. The ferrule retaining clip includes: a body end configured to retain a strain relief tube of the optical fiber abutting against the optical fiber ferrule; a plurality of connecting portions; a central member connected to the plurality of connecting portions and configured to retain the laser ferrule and the optical fiber ferrule; a plurality of locking members extending axially from the plurality of connecting portions and configured to apply pressure to the laser ferrule; and a plurality of side members extending axially from the body end to the plurality of connecting portions, wherein the plurality of side members are convex and configured to i) expand and separate the plurality of locking members when compressed, and ii) apply an axial compressive force to the laser ferrule and the optical fiber ferrule when not compressed.

[0006] Among other features, the body end is split and configured to be press-fitted onto the strain relief tube. Among other features, the body end is thicker at its center and decreases in thickness in the radial direction away from the axial centerline of the body end.

[0007] Among other features, the body end includes i) a flat inner surface configured to press against a ring pressed onto the fiber ferrule, and ii) a curved outer surface located on the side of the body end opposite to the flat inner surface.

[0008] In other features, the central member is cylindrical and configured to hold a split sleeve that is pressed against corresponding portions of the laser ferrule and the fiber optic ferrule. In other features, the ferrule retaining clip further includes a plurality of pivoting arms extending from the plurality of connections to the central member. In other features, the central member is suspended between the plurality of connections via the plurality of pivoting arms.

[0009] Among other features, the inner diameter of the central member matches or is larger than the outer diameter of the split sleeve, which is pressed onto the corresponding portions of the laser ferrule and the fiber optic ferrule.

[0010] In other features, the plurality of locking members are configured to press against a laser assembly ferrule located on a portion of the laser ferrule. In other features, the plurality of locking members extend axially away from the plurality of connecting portions from the plurality of side members. In other features, each of the plurality of locking members is L-shaped.

[0011] Among other features, each of the plurality of locking members includes an axially extending inner surface and an angled inner surface, the angled inner surface forming an acute angle with respect to the axially extending inner surface. Among other features, the plurality of locking members includes chamfered end faces that facilitate the expansion, separation, and closing of the plurality of locking members.

[0012] Among other features, each of the locking members includes a curved radially inner surface configured to abut against a laser assembly collar pressed onto the laser ferrule. Among other features, the ferrule retaining clip is formed of injection-molded plastic resin.

[0013] Among other features, an optical transceiver module is disclosed, comprising: an upper housing; a lower housing coupled to the upper housing; a laser package disposed in the lower housing; a laser assembly collar connected to the laser package; a split sleeve; a laser ferrule extending into the laser assembly collar and into the split sleeve; an optical fiber ferrule extending into the split sleeve; and a ferrule retaining clip configured to apply an axial compressive force to the laser ferrule and the optical fiber ferrule. The ferrule retaining clip includes: a body end configured to abut against the optical fiber ferrule; a central member configured to retain the laser ferrule and the optical fiber ferrule; a plurality of locking members configured to apply pressure to the laser ferrule; and a plurality of side members extending axially from the body end, wherein the plurality of side members are convex and configured to expand apart the plurality of locking members upon compression.

[0014] Among other features, the ferrule retaining clip includes a plurality of connecting portions. A central member is connected to the plurality of connecting portions. A plurality of locking members extend axially from the plurality of connecting portions. A plurality of side members extend axially from the body end to the plurality of connecting portions.

[0015] Among other features, a method for installing a ferrule retaining clip is disclosed. The ferrule retaining clip includes a main body, a plurality of side members, a central member, and a plurality of locking members. The method includes: acquiring an optical fiber ferrule with a strain relief tube; acquiring a split sleeve and pressing it onto the optical fiber ferrule; acquiring a laser assembly collar and a laser ferrule; inserting the optical fiber ferrule and the split sleeve into the central member; pressing the main body onto the strain relief tube; controlling a motor via a controller to compress the plurality of side members to cause the plurality of locking members to expand and separate; inserting the laser ferrule into the split sleeve located in the central member; and controlling the motor via the controller to release the plurality of locking members onto the laser assembly collar and axially compress the laser ferrule against the optical fiber ferrule.

[0016] Among other features, compressing the plurality of side members includes moving the main body end axially outward. Among other features, releasing the plurality of locking members includes pressing the plurality of locking members against the laser output flange of the laser assembly collar.

[0017] The further scope of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a pluggable optical transceiver module according to the present disclosure, which includes an exemplary laser ferrule-fiber ferrule retainer (or ferrule-to-F retainer).

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the bottom portion of the pluggable optical transceiver module, showing the inter-ferrule retaining clip.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a top view of the pluggable optical transceiver module, including section line AA.

[0021] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A side sectional view of the pluggable optical transceiver module AA, illustrating the confined area accommodating the inter-ferrule retaining clip, and including detail circle A.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified detail view of the portion specified by detail circle A.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A top view of the bottom portion of the pluggable optical transceiver module, showing the placement of the inter-plug retainer clip, and including detailed circle B.

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified detail view of the portion specified by detail circle B.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a bottom perspective view of the inter-insertion retaining clip.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a top perspective view of the inter-insertion retaining clip.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a view of the fiber end of the ferrule retaining clip.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a top view of the retaining clip between the ferrules, with section line BB.

[0029] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 The side section view of section line BB.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a laser end view of the inter-clamp retainer.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a bottom view of the retaining clip between the ferrules.

[0032] Figure 15This is a perspective view of the compression tool that holds the retaining clip between the ferrules.

[0033] Figure 16 An example method for installing the ferrule retaining clip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0034] Figure 17 This is a functional block diagram of an example communication system including a pluggable optical transceiver module according to the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 18 This is a functional block diagram of an example compression device according to the present disclosure.

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Pluggable optical transceiver modules, such as SFP transceiver modules, quad-channel SFP transceiver modules, QSFP dual-density transceiver modules, and eight-channel SFP transceiver modules, have corresponding size and tolerance requirements set according to multi-source protocols to ensure compatibility with the corresponding industry-standard ports of network devices. For example, some QSFP-DD transceiver modules have mechanical component tolerances for circuit components (e.g., integrated circuits), including height tolerances and clearance tolerances.

[0038] The optical transceiver module may include a laser package for generating a laser beam to transmit optical signals over optical fiber. The laser package may include a beam focusing assembly with a laser output flange and a laser ferrule. The laser ferrule abuts against an optical fiber ferrule. Both the laser ferrule and the optical fiber ferrule may be small-size connectors, with the ferrule having an outer diameter of 1.25 mm. This type of ferrule is commonly referred to as an LC connector (Lucent Connector LC®). The optical path in the laser ferrule must be aligned with the optical path in the optical fiber ferrule; otherwise, the laser signal passing through the optical path will be degraded or lost. Furthermore, the laser ferrule must abut against the optical fiber ferrule. If a gap exists between the laser ferrule and the optical fiber ferrule, the optical signal will be degraded or lost.

[0039] Limited space within optical transceiver modules necessitates compact mechanical solutions to maintain optical signal connections between components. Conventional techniques for connecting laser ferrules and fiber optic ferrules often involve complex assembly methods and are too bulky to fit within the optical transceiver module.

[0040] Examples disclosed herein include inter-ferrule retaining clips with a compact design that are easily assembled onto laser ferrules and fiber ferrules. In one embodiment, the inter-ferrule retaining clip has an integral structure including i) a body end abutting against the fiber ferrule end ring, and ii) convex side members that, when compressed, cause external locking members (or jaws) to rotate outward. As the convex side members are compressed toward each other, the jaws expand and spread apart. As the compressive force on the convex side members decreases and / or is released, the jaws rotate inward. During decompression of the convex side members, the jaws rotate inward against a laser output flange that presses against the laser ferrule, thereby compressing the laser ferrule against the fiber ferrule. In one embodiment, the inter-ferrule retaining clip is formed from a plastic injection-molded resin. The flexural modulus of the plastic material, combined with the closed radial design configuration of the convex side members, provides compressive force through the body end and the jaws after installation. The ferrule retaining clip includes a central member that holds a split sleeve, which maintains concentricity within the ferrule, thereby maintaining channel alignment between the laser ferrule and the fiber optic ferrule.

[0041] Figure 1 A pluggable optical transceiver module 100 is shown, which includes Figure 2 and Figures 4-15 The ferrule retainer clip is shown. The pluggable optical transceiver module 100 also includes an upper housing 102, a lower housing 104, a handle 106, a connector port 108, and a printed circuit board 110. The upper housing 102 extends from behind the connector port 108 to an insertable rear end 112 of the pluggable optical transceiver module 100. The connector port 108 is configured to receive optical fiber. The connector port 108 is configured for receiving and transmitting optical signals. In one embodiment, the pluggable optical transceiver module 100 is configured for optical communication via optical fiber. The printed circuit board 110 includes optical and electrical components. The optical components are used to transmit and receive optical signals with a remote device via the connector port 108. The electrical components are used to transmit and receive electrical signals with, for example, the motherboard of a network device to which the pluggable optical transceiver module 100 is inserted via the printed circuit board 110. The upper housing 102 includes a heat sink 140 embedded, integrally formed, and / or included within the upper housing 102. The radiator 140 includes channels through which air or other suitable fluids flow. In one embodiment, the upper housing 102 and the radiator 140 are a single component.

[0042] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A perspective view of the bottom portion 200 of a pluggable optical transceiver module 100, showing the inter-ferrule retaining clip 202. The bottom portion 200 includes a laser assembly 203, which includes a laser package 204, a beam focusing assembly 206, a laser assembly collar 208, a split sleeve 209, a ring 210 located on an optical fiber ferrule 212, a strain relief tube 214, and an optical fiber 216. The laser ferrule 700 and the optical fiber ferrule 212 are partially located within the split sleeve 209. The assembly is used for optical transmission through an output port 220, which is controlled by a digital signal processor 222. The inter-ferrule retaining clip 202 compresses the laser ferrule 700 against the optical fiber ferrule 212. In one example embodiment, the ferrules 700 and 212 are SFF connectors. In another example embodiment, the ferrules 700 and 212 are LC connectors.

[0043] Figure 3 The pluggable optical transceiver module 100 is shown, including cross-sectional line AA. Figure 3 A top view of the upper housing 102 and the radiator 140 is shown. Figure 4 The pluggable optical transceiver module 100 is shown, illustrating a confined area 400 that accommodates the inter-jack retainer clip 202. Figure 4 The laser package 204 is also shown in the image. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Detailed view of section A in the middle. Figure 5 The distance D1 between the top of the inter-insert retaining clip 202 and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 is shown. In one example embodiment, D1 is 0.31 mm. The height dimension D2 of the confined area 400 is also shown. This is the height limit of the confined area 400 that accommodates the inter-insert retaining clip 202. In one example embodiment, D2 is 3.30 mm. The overall height dimension D3 is shown. In one example embodiment, D3 is 8.50 mm.

[0044] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 The bottom portion 200 of the pluggable optical transceiver module 100 shows the placement position of the inter-plug retainer clip 202. Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A detailed view of section B in the middle. (Example) Figures 6-7The pluggable optical transceiver module 100 shown includes: the laser package 204; the beam focusing assembly 206; the laser assembly collar 208; the laser ferrule 700; the ring 210 located on the fiber optic ferrule 212; the strain relief tube 214; and the optical fiber 216. The laser assembly collar 208 includes a laser output flange 600 and is disposed on a portion of the laser ferrule 700. The laser assembly collar 208 and the laser output flange 600 are annular. The ferrule retaining clip 202 includes a split end 602 that is pushed onto the strain relief tube 214.

[0045] The split sleeve 209 is pressed onto the ferrules 700 and 212 and maintains their alignment, including optical channels 702 and 704 within the ferrules 700 and 212. A portion of the ferrules 700 and 212 is disposed within the central member 808. The split sleeve 209 is axially split to allow expansion when pressed onto the corresponding portions of the ferrules 700 and 212. In one embodiment, the split sleeve 209 and the ferrules 700 and 212 are formed of ceramic. The optical channel 704 passes through the fiber optic ferrule 212 and is aligned with and in contact with the optical fiber 216. The ring 210 is disposed on a portion of the fiber optic ferrule 212.

[0046] exist Figure 7 The dimensions D4, D5, and D6 are shown. D4 is the outer diameter of the laser ferrule 700. D5 is the distance from the outer surface 604 of the laser output flange 600 closest to the laser package 204 to the inner surface 605 of the split end 602. In one example embodiment, D4 is 1.61 mm, D5 is 6.55 mm, and D6 is 1.25 mm.

[0047] Figures 8-9 The insert retainer 202 is shown, comprising the split end 602, side members 800, 802, pivot arms 804, 806, a center member 808, and locking members (or clamps) 810, 812. The split end 602 includes the inner surface 605 and is axially split along its bottom side. The split portion of the split end 602 is designated 814 and is sized to receive... Figure 2 The fiber optic strain relief tube 214. The split end 602 is thicker than the rest of the ferrule retaining clip 202 to provide a durable structure to withstand stresses during the pushing onto the fiber optic strain relief tube 214 and during compression of the side members 800, 802.

[0048] The side members 800 and 802 are convex and configured to compress radially toward each other from a relaxed, uncompressed state to a compressed state. When in the relaxed, uncompressed state, the clamps 810 and 812 are in an unexpanded, separated state. When the side members 800 and 802 are in the compressed state, the clamps 810 and 812 expand and separate, opening wider than when they are in the relaxed, uncompressed state. The clamps 810 and 812 do not contact each other regardless of whether the inter-insertion retaining clip 202 is installed.

[0049] The central component 808 is configured to receive and hold Figure 2 The laser ferrule 700 and the fiber optic ferrule 212. The central member 808 is cylindrical and has an inner diameter that matches or is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the ferrules 700 and 212. The outer diameters of the ferrules 700 and 212 may be the same.

[0050] The side members 800 and 802 extend from the split end 602 to the connecting portions 820 and 822. The side members 800 and 802, the pivot arms 804 and 806, and the clamps 810 and 812 are connected at the connecting portions 820 and 822. These connections allow the clamps 810 and 812 to rotate relative to the pivot arms 804 and 806 as the side members 800 and 802 are compressed and decompressed.

[0051] The clamps 810 and 812 include chamfered end faces 830 and 832, which facilitates the installation of the inter-insertion retaining clip 202 onto the flange 600 when the side members 800 and 802 are compressed toward each other. When the side members 800 and 802 are fully depressurized, the radial inner surfaces 834 and 836 of the clamps 810 and 812 are in full contact. Figure 2 The laser assembly collar 208 has chamfered end faces 830 and 832 forming acute angles relative to the radial outer surface of the laser assembly collar 208. The radial inner surfaces 834 and 836 are curved to match the curvature of the laser assembly collar 208 and abut against and press against the laser assembly collar 208.

[0052] Figure 10 A fiber end view of the ferrule retaining clip 202 is shown, including the split end 602 and side members 800, 802. Figure 10The dimensions D7, D8, D9, and D10 are shown. D7 refers to the total thickness of the inter-insert retaining clip 202. Dimension D8 refers to the thickness of the split end 602. D9 refers to i) the distance between the center of the circular opening 1000 in the split end 602 and ii) the flat top surface 1002, which is both the top surface of the split end 602 and the top surface of the inter-insert retaining clip 202. D10 refers to i) the distance between the center of the circular opening 1000 and ii) the distance between the bottom surface of the split end 602 and the bottom surface 1004 of the inter-insert retaining clip 202. In an example embodiment, D7 is 3.00 mm, D8 is 2.40 mm, D9 is 1.50 mm, and D10 is 0.90 mm.

[0053] Figure 11 A top view of the inter-insert retaining clip 202 is shown, including the split end 602, the side members 800, 802, the pivot arms 804, 806, the center member 808, and the clamps 810, 812. The clamps 810, 812 have an "L"-shaped cross-section, wherein the first portions 1100, 1102 of the clamps 810, 812 extend axially, and the second portions 1104, 1106 of the clamps 810, 812 extend radially and perpendicular to the first portions 1100, 1102. The second portions 1104, 1106 of the clamps 810, 812 have angled inner surfaces 1108, 1110, each angled inner surface 1108, 1110 extending at an acute angle α relative to a corresponding inner surface 1112, 1114 of the first portions 1100, 1102. In one example embodiment, the acute angle α is 75° to 85°. In one embodiment, the acute angle is 80°. The angled inner surfaces 1108, 1110 cause the clamps 810, 812 to provide greater axial compressive force to the outer surface 604 of the laser output flange 600, rather than if the angled inner surfaces 1108, 1110 extended perpendicular to the inner surfaces 1112, 1114.

[0054] The direction in which compressive force can be applied to the side members 800 and 802, and the corresponding movement of the side members 800 and 802, are indicated by arrows 1120 and 1122. When compressive force is applied, the split end 602 moves axially outward as shown by arrow 1124, and the clamps 810 and 812 rotate outward as shown by arrows 1126 and 1128.

[0055] Figure 11Dimensions D11, D12, and D13 are shown. D11 refers to the total width of the clamps 810 and 812. D12 refers to the total width of the side members 800 and 802 and the inter-insert retaining clip 202. D13 refers to the distance between the inner surface 605 and the edges 833 and 835. In an example embodiment, D11 is 4.80 mm, D12 is 7.10 mm, and D13 is 6.55 mm ± 0.03 mm.

[0056] Figure 12 It shows along Figure 11 A side sectional view of section line BB is shown. This sectional view shows the split end 602, the central member 808, and the clamp 812. The clamp 812 has the chamfered surface 832 and a radially inner surface 836. The inter-insert retaining clip 202 has a varying thickness in the vertical direction to accommodate height variations in the area where the inter-insert retaining clip is mounted. As shown, the inter-insert retaining clip 202 has the flat top surface 1002, an angled top surface 1204, an angled bottom surface 1004, and an angled bottom surface 1208. An angle β is shown, which is the angle of the chamfered surface 832 relative to the axially extending surfaces 1210, 1212. In one example embodiment, the angle β is 45°.

[0057] Figure 13 A laser-end view of the inter-insertion retaining clip 202 is shown, illustrating the split end 602, the side members 800, 802, and the clamps 810, 812. The split end 602 has a C-shaped cross-section and, as shown, inner end faces 1300, 1302. A distance D14 is shown, indicating the thickness of each of the clamps 810, 812. In one example embodiment, D14 is 2.27 mm.

[0058] Figure 14 A bottom view of the ferrule retaining clip 202 is shown, including the split end 602, the side members 800, 802, the pivot arms 804, 806, the center member 808, the clamps 810, 812, and the connecting portions 820, 822. The opening portion 814 of the split end 602 is also shown. The inner end faces 1300, 1302 of the split end 602 extend axially from the inner surface 605 to the outer surface 1400. The inner end faces 1300, 1302 are radially outwardly curved as they approach the outer surface 1400.

[0059] The split end 602 is thicker along its axial centerline 1402, and its thickness gradually tapers radially away from the axial centerline 1402. This is because the inner surface 605 is flat, while the outer surface 1400 is curved. The split end 602 is thinner near the side members 800, 802 than near the opening portion 814. The thicker central portion of the split end 602 is pressed into... Figure 2 The structural integrity of the split end 602 was maintained during compression of the strain relief tube 214 and the side members 800 and 802.

[0060] Figure 15 A compression tool 1500 is shown for holding the inter-insert retaining clip 202. The compression tool 1500 is a pair of pliers having handles 1501, 1502, a connecting portion 1504, and compression arms 1506, 1508, and is specifically designed for compressing the inter-insert retaining clip 202. The handles 1501, 1502 move toward each other to compress the side members of the inter-insert retaining clip 202. The compression arms 1506, 1508 have flanges 1510, 1512, configured to hold and compress the side members of the inter-insert retaining clip 202. The compression tool 1500 or other compression tools can be used to install and / or remove the inter-insert retaining clip 202.

[0061] When compression is applied using the compression tool 1500, the clamps of the ferrule retaining clip 202 rotate to a more open position, and the side member extends axially, becoming less convex and more linear in shape to facilitate assembly onto the laser output flange, such as the flange mentioned above. The axial length of the side member thus increases. Upon release of the compression force after assembly, the side member contracts, becoming more convex and less linear in shape. The axial length of the side member thus decreases. This captures the fiber optic ferrule onto the laser ferrule, such as ferrules 700 and 212 described above, with sufficient compression force to maintain proper physical contact between the ferrule and the fiber optic ferrule.

[0062] Figure 16 A method for installing the ferrule retaining clip 202 is shown. Now refer to... Figures 2-3 and Figures 6-16 The following operations can be performed manually using a compression tool, or automatically by a compression device that includes a controller for controlling the motor to perform the following operations. Figure 18 An example compression device is shown. The following operations, and the order in which they are performed, are provided as an example. One or more operations may not be performed, or they may be performed in a different order than shown.

[0063] At 1600, an optical fiber ferrule 212 with a ring 210 and a strain relief tube 214 is obtained. At 1602, a split sleeve 209 is obtained and crimped onto a portion of the optical fiber ferrule 212. At 1603, a laser assembly collar 208 and a laser ferrule 700 are obtained. The laser assembly collar 208 is crimped onto the laser ferrule 700.

[0064] At 1604, the fiber optic ferrule 212 and the split sleeve 209 are inserted into the central member 808 from the end closest to the split end 602.

[0065] At 1606, the split end 602 of the inter-ferrule retaining clip 202 is pushed onto the strain relief tube 214, causing the opening portion 814 to open until the strain relief tube 214 is inserted into the circular opening 1000 of the split end 602. At this time, the ring 210 contacts the inner surface 605, and the split sleeve 209 and the fiber optic ferrule 212 are at least partially disposed within the central member 808.

[0066] At 1608, the side members 800, 802 are compressed to open the clamps 810, 812 and to extend the split end 602 axially away from the central member 808.

[0067] At 1610, the laser ferrule 700 is pressed into a portion of the split sleeve 209 and into the central member 808. The split sleeve 209 is disposed on the portion of the laser ferrule 700. Simultaneously, the laser assembly collar 208 is positioned within the clamps 810 and 812.

[0068] At 1612, the compressive force on the side members 800, 802 is released to close the clamps onto the laser output flange 600 of the laser assembly collar 208. The side members 800, 802 retract, and the split end 602 and clamps 810, 812 compress the ferrules 700, 212 together and hold the ferrules 700, 212 in a compressed state. Once the side members 800, 802 are released, the clamps 810, 812 engage with the laser output flange 600 to secure the laser ferrule 700 to the fiber optic ferrule 212.

[0069] Figure 17A communication system 1700 is illustrated, comprising a first network device 1702 and a second network device 1704. The network devices 1702 and 1704 are network switches, computers, servers, and / or other network devices. In one embodiment, the network devices 1702 and 1704 are network switches, each connected to multiple other network devices. The network devices 1702 and 1704 include respective motherboards 1706 and 1708, each motherboard having one or more respective integrated circuits 1709 and 1711. The integrated circuits 1709 and 1711 include processing circuitry, transceivers, etc., for processing and transmitting data between the network devices 1702 and 1704 and / or other network devices.

[0070] Each of the network devices 1702, 1704 further includes one or more pluggable optical transceiver modules. In the example shown, the network devices 1702, 1704 include respective pluggable optical transceiver modules 1710, 1712, each configured as follows: Figure 1 The pluggable optical transceiver modules 100 are identical or similar. Although each of the network devices 1702, 1704 is shown as having a single port for receiving a single pluggable optical transceiver module, each of the network devices 1702, 1704 may have any number of ports to receive a corresponding number of pluggable optical transceiver modules. The pluggable optical transceiver modules 1710, 1712 are inserted into cages and / or baffles. Two cages 1714, 1716 are shown. In one embodiment, the sides 1718, 1719 of the network devices 1702, 1704 are plates through which the pluggable optical transceiver modules 1710, 1712 and the cages 1714, 1716 extend. In one embodiment, the cages 1714 and 1716 are grounded to provide electromagnetic interference grounding for the pluggable optical transceiver modules 1710 and 1712, preventing electromagnetic interference signals from being emitted from the pluggable optical transceiver modules 1710 and 1712.

[0071] The pluggable optical transceiver modules 1710 and 1712 are configured for optical communication. In one embodiment, one or more optical cables are connected between the pluggable optical transceiver modules 1710 and 1712. The configuration of each of the pluggable optical transceiver modules 1710 and 1712 is similar to or the same as any pluggable optical transceiver module disclosed herein. A cable 1720 is shown connected between the pluggable optical transceiver modules 1710 and 1712. The cable connecting the pluggable optical transceiver modules 1710 and 1712 of the network devices 1702 and 1704 transmits optical data signals between the pluggable optical transceiver modules 1710 and 1712.

[0072] Each disclosed pluggable optical transceiver module 1710, 1712 is an SFP transceiver module, a QSFP transceiver module, a QSFP-DD transceiver module, an OSFP transceiver module, and / or other pluggable optical transceiver modules, and includes... Figure 2-14 The ferrule retainer shown or described is similar or identical to the one described.

[0073] Figure 18 A compression device 1800 is shown, which includes a controller 1802, a memory 1804, a motor 1806, an actuator linkage 1808, and a compression tool 1810. The controller 1802 can control the installation and / or removal of the inter-insertion retaining clip, for example... Figure 2-14 The interlocking retainer 202. The controller 1802 can realize... Figure 16 The operation of the compression tool 1810. The configuration of the compression tool 1810 can be related to... Figure 15 The compression tool 1500 may be the same as or different from the one described above.

[0074] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and the following claims. It should be understood that one or more steps in the method may be performed in a different order without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, although each embodiment described above is described as having certain features, one or more features of any embodiment of this disclosure described may be implemented and / or combined in features of any other embodiment, even if such combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and arrangements between one or more embodiments remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0075] Spatial and functional relationships between components are described using various terms, including “connection,” “joint,” “coupled,” “adjacent,” “closely adjacent,” “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” When the relationship between a first component and a second component is described in the foregoing disclosure, unless explicitly stated as “direct,” the relationship can be a direct relationship where no other intermediate components exist between the first and second components, or it can be an indirect relationship where one or more intermediate components exist between the first and second components. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted as representing logic and using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be interpreted as representing “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0076] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, sides, surfaces, parts, arms, etc., these elements, components, sides, surfaces, parts, arms, etc. should not be limited by these terms unless otherwise stated. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, side, surface, part, arm, etc. from another element, component, side, surface, part, arm, etc. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, numerical terms such as "first," "second," etc., used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, a first element, component, side, surface, part, arm, etc., may be referred to as a second element, component, side, surface, part, arm, etc., without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0077] In this application, the term "module" or "controller" may be replaced by the term "circuit" as defined below. The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); digital, analog, or mixed-signal / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog, or mixed-signal / digital integrated circuits; combinational logic circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); processor circuits that execute code; memory circuits that store code executed by the processor circuits; other suitable hardware components that provide the aforementioned functionality; or combinations of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0078] The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuit may include a wired or wireless interface connected to a local area network, the Internet, a wide area network, or a combination thereof. The functionality of any given module of this disclosure may be distributed across multiple modules connected via interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may achieve load balancing. In a further example, the server module may perform some functions on behalf of the client module.

[0079] The terminology used above can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and / or objects. The term "shared processor circuit" covers a single processor circuit that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor circuit" covers a processor circuit that, in combination with additional processor circuitry, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The reference to multiple processor circuits covers multiple processor circuits on a discrete die, multiple processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or combinations thereof. The term "shared memory circuit" covers a single memory circuit that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory circuit" covers a memory circuit that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules.

[0080] The term memory circuit is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term computer-readable medium does not contain transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through the medium; therefore, the term computer-readable medium can be considered tangible and non-transient. Non-limiting examples of non-transient, tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits, volatile memory circuits, magnetic storage media, and optical storage media.

[0081] In this application, device elements described as having specific attributes or performing specific operations are specifically configured to have those specific attributes and perform those specific operations. Specifically, the description of an element performing an action means that the element is configured to perform the action. The configuration of an element may include programming the element, for example, through encoded instructions on a non-transient, tangible computer-readable medium associated with the element.

[0082] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be partially or fully implemented by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The aforementioned functional blocks, flowchart components, and other elements, as software specifications, can be transformed into computer programs through the routine work of skilled technicians or programmers.

[0083] The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transient, tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include or depend on stored data. The computer program may include: a basic input / output system for interacting with the hardware of a special-purpose computer; device drivers for interacting with specific devices of the special-purpose computer; one or more operating systems; user applications; background services; background applications, etc.

[0084] The computer program may include: descriptive text to be parsed; assembly code; object code generated from source code by a compiler; source code executed by an interpreter; source code compiled and executed by a just-in-time compiler, etc. As an example only, the source code may be written using syntax from various languages.

Claims

1. A ferrule retaining clip, the ferrule retaining clip being used to apply an axial compressive force to the laser ferrule and fiber optic ferrule of a pluggable optical transceiver module, the ferrule retaining clip comprising: The main body end is configured to hold the strain relief tube of the optical fiber against the optical fiber ferrule; Multiple connecting parts; A central component, connected to the plurality of connecting parts and configured to hold the laser ferrule and the fiber optic ferrule; Multiple locking members extend axially from the multiple connecting portions and are configured to apply pressure to the laser ferrule; as well as Multiple side members extend axially from the main body end to the multiple connecting portions, wherein the multiple side members are convex and configured to i) expand and separate the multiple locking members when compressed, and ii) apply an axial compressive force to the laser ferrule and the fiber optic ferrule when not compressed.

2. The inter-insertion retaining clip according to claim 1, wherein the main body end is separate and configured to be pressed onto the strain relief tube.

3. The inter-insertion retainer according to claim 1, wherein the body end is thicker at the center of the body end and the thickness decreases in the radial direction away from the axial centerline of the body end.

4. The ferrule retainer clip according to claim 1, wherein the body end includes i) a flat inner surface configured to press against a ring pressed onto the fiber ferrule, and ii) a curved outer surface located on the side of the body end opposite to the flat inner surface.

5. The inter-ferrule retaining clip according to claim 1, wherein the central member is cylindrical and configured to retain a split sleeve, the split sleeve being pressed onto corresponding portions of the laser ferrule and the fiber optic ferrule.

6. The inter-insertion retaining clip according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pivot arms extending from the plurality of connecting portions to the central member.

7. The inter-insertion retainer according to claim 1, wherein the central member is suspended between the plurality of connecting portions by a plurality of pivot arms.

8. The ferrule retaining clip according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the central member matches or is larger than the outer diameter of the split sleeve, and the split sleeve is pressed onto the corresponding portions of the laser ferrule and the fiber optic ferrule.

9. The ferrule retaining clip of claim 1, wherein the plurality of locking members are configured to press against a laser assembly collar, the laser assembly collar being located on a portion of the laser ferrule.

10. The ferrule retaining clip according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of locking members extend axially away from the plurality of connecting portions from the plurality of side members.

11. The inter-insertion retaining clip according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of locking members is "L" shaped.

12. The inter-insertion retainer of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of locking members includes an axially extending inner surface and an angled inner surface, the angled inner surface forming an acute angle with respect to the axially extending inner surface.

13. The inter-insert retaining clip of claim 1, wherein the plurality of locking members includes chamfered end faces that facilitate the expansion, separation and closing of the plurality of locking members.

14. The ferrule retaining clip of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of locking members includes a curved radial inner surface configured to abut against a laser assembly collar pressed onto the laser ferrule.

15. The inter-insert retaining clip according to claim 1, wherein the inter-insert retaining clip is formed of injection-molded plastic resin.

16. An optical transceiver module, comprising: Upper casing; The lower housing is coupled to the upper housing; A laser package is disposed in the lower housing; A laser assembly collar is connected to the laser package. Split sleeve; A laser ferrule extends into the laser assembly collar and into the split sleeve; An optical fiber ferrule extends into the split sleeve; as well as A ferrule retainer, configured to apply an axial compressive force to the laser ferrule and the fiber optic ferrule, the ferrule retainer comprising: The main body end is configured to abut against the fiber optic ferrule. The central component is configured to hold the laser ferrule and the fiber optic ferrule. Multiple locking members are configured to apply pressure to the laser ferrule, and Multiple side members extend axially from the body end, wherein the multiple side members are convex and configured to cause the multiple locking members to expand and separate when compressed.

17. The optical transceiver module according to claim 16, wherein: The inter-insertion retaining clip includes multiple connecting parts; The central component is connected to the plurality of connecting parts; The plurality of locking members extend axially from the plurality of connecting portions; and The plurality of side members extend axially from the main body end to the plurality of connecting portions.

18. A method for installing a mortise retainer clip, wherein the mortise retainer clip includes a main body end, side members, a center member, and a plurality of locking members, the method comprising: Obtain fiber ferrules with strain relief tubes; Obtain the split sleeve and press the split sleeve onto the optical fiber ferrule; Obtain the laser assembly ferrule and laser ferrule; Insert the fiber optic ferrule and the split sleeve into the central component; The main body end is pressed onto the strain relief tube; The controller controls the motor to compress the side member, causing the plurality of locking members to expand and separate. Insert the laser ferrule into the split sleeve located in the central component; as well as The controller controls the motor to release the plurality of locking members onto the laser assembly collar and axially compress the laser ferrule so that the laser ferrule abuts against the fiber optic ferrule.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein compressing the side member comprises moving the main body end axially outward.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein releasing the plurality of locking members comprises pressing the plurality of locking members onto the laser output flange of the laser assembly collar.

Images