External light source host side optical electrical connector, optical interface piece and connector assembly

Abstract

This invention discloses an external light source host-side optoelectronic connector, an optical interface component, and a connector assembly. The connector housing and the optical interface component, disposed within a cavity I of the connector housing, are described. The optical interface component includes an optical interface housing and an optical pin signal component. The optical interface housing has a cavity II, and the optical pin signal component is disposed at the insertion end of the cavity II. The tail end of the optical pin signal component abuts against a spring-limiting assembly. The spring-limiting assembly is located within the cavity II and is detachably locked to the optical interface housing via a locking structure. This device, by adjusting the structure of the host-side product assembly parts and placing the locking structure in a convenient operating position, enables the optical connector to be unlocked without the aid of tooling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of connector technology, specifically relating to an external light source host-side optoelectronic connector, an optical interface device, and a connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the ever-increasing demand for high-speed, high-capacity optical interconnects in data centers, traditional optical modules are gradually failing to meet the requirements of high bandwidth, low power consumption, and high-density deployment. Co-packaged optics (CPO) technology effectively shortens the electrical interconnect length by co-packaging the optical engine with the switching chip, thereby reducing power consumption and signal loss.

[0003] In CPO systems, the laser is a high-heat-generating component, and co-locating it with the optical engine significantly increases the difficulty of thermal management. To address this, the external laser source (ELSFP) solution is widely adopted, which separates the laser from the optical engine and introduces it into the optical engine through a blind-mating optical connector. This decouples the thermal environment of the laser from that of the optical engine and allows for safe replacement of the laser in case of failure.

[0004] Currently, in order to standardize the production of external laser small form factor pluggable (ELSFP) modules, a "Protocol for External Laser Small Form Factor Pluggable (ELSFP) Implementation" (OIF-ELSFP-02.0) has been developed to standardize the external dimensions and mating dimensions of the connectors used inside the ELSFP module, in order to meet the requirements of ELSFP modules.

[0005] External light source ELSFP module optical connectors are divided into host-side optical connectors and optical module-side optical connectors. During optical path connection, the MT pins on both sides need to be tightly fitted, typically using a spring structure to provide mating support. The optical module-side connector holds the MT pins with clips and has no spring structure. The host-side optical connector adds a spring behind the MT pin, followed by a limiting structure to hold the spring in place. The host-side optical connection without a module-side connection is a single-sided spring connection.

[0006] Therefore, the host-side optical connector has an internal spring structure and a corresponding limiting structure at the tail. To facilitate the replacement of the internal pins of the host-side optical connector, the limiting structure needs to be detachable. In existing products, unlocking the host-side optical connector requires the use of tooling. Currently, the external light source ELSFP host-side optoelectronic connector suffers from insufficient space, resulting in insufficient unlocking space, and tooling is required to unlock it from the inside.

[0007] For externally mounted ELSFP (Elastic Laser System Pluggable Components) optical and electrical interfaces on the host side, they need to be interoperable and detachable. Therefore, there are specific requirements for the external dimensions and mating dimensions of the optical connector. Due to the miniaturization and standardization design, based on the "External Laser Small Pluggable Components (ELSFP) Implementation Protocol" (OIF-ELSFP-02.0), the space reserved for the optical interface on the electrical interface is relatively small. A spring needs to be added inside the optical interface to achieve axial mechanical contact between the MT pins of the host-side optical interface and the socket on the optical module side. Because of the compact overall shape of the host-side optical interface, its internal MT pins also need to be replaceable. This results in insufficient unlocking space for the host-side optoelectronic connector's limiting structure, requiring tooling for unlocking. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems existing in the prior art and to provide an external light source host-side optoelectronic connector, optical interface component and connector assembly. This device adjusts the internal locking structure of the host-side product assembly parts and sets the locking component of the limit seat in a convenient operation position, so as to unlock the optical connector without the aid of tooling.

[0009] One objective of this invention is to provide an external light source host-side optoelectronic connector, comprising a connector housing and an optical interface component disposed within a cavity I of the connector housing. The optical interface component includes an optical interface housing and an optical pin signal component. The optical interface housing is provided with a cavity II, and the optical pin signal component is disposed at the insertion end of the cavity II. The tail end of the optical pin signal component abuts against a spring limiting assembly. The spring limiting assembly is installed within the cavity II, and the optical interface housing and the spring limiting assembly are provided with a cooperating locking structure. The locking structure is used to achieve locking engagement or unlocking disengagement of the spring limiting assembly relative to the optical interface housing.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, it also includes an electrical interface component, which is disposed within the connector housing and located on one side of the optical interface component.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the spring limiting assembly includes a limiting seat and a spring. The head end of the spring abuts against the tail end of the optical pin signal component, and the tail end of the spring abuts against the limiting seat. The limiting seat can lock or unlock with the optical interface housing.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the optical interface housing has claws arranged opposite to each other on both sides. One end of the claw is connected to the housing body, and the other end of the claw extends toward the head end of the housing body. A clamping gap is formed between the claw and the housing body to accommodate the side wall of the connector housing.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, a slot is provided on the outer side wall of the connector housing, and a slot platform is provided on the claw to fit the slot; Alternatively, a card platform may be provided on the outer wall of the connector housing, and the card claw may be provided with a card slot or card hole that is adapted to the card platform.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, a stop push block is provided on the outer wall of the housing body, and the stop push block is used to achieve a stop engagement with the tail end of the connector housing along the insertion direction.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the stop block is provided with anti-slip grooves or anti-slip patterns.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the connector housing is provided with a groove for fitting with the stop push block.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the head end of the optical interface housing is provided with a guide post, which extends along the insertion direction and is used to adapt to the guide groove or guide hole of the connector on the optical module side.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment, a slotted slit I is formed on the side wall of the optical interface housing, and a spring plate I is formed on the side wall between two slotted slits I. The fixed end of the spring plate I is connected to the housing body, and the free end of the spring plate I is used to lock or unlock with the elastic limiting component.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment, the spring plate I has two working states. In the first working state, the spring plate I forms a locking engagement with the limiting seat to lock the limiting seat inside the cavity II. In the second working state, the free end of the spring plate I is tilted to one side under the action of external force to release the locking state of the limiting seat, and the limiting seat can be ejected outward from inside the optical interface housing.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment, the free end of the spring plate I is provided with a finger-clamping part.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment, a limiting protrusion is provided on the mating surface of the free end of the spring plate I, and a stop plate is formed on the part of the limiting seat near the tail end to lock and engage with the limiting protrusion.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment, the spring plate I extends beyond the tail end of the shell body to form a finger buckle portion, and the limiting protrusion is located on the finger buckle portion; the limiting protrusion has a snap-fit ​​inclined surface I facing the tail end and a stop surface I facing the head end. After the limiting seat is snapped into the optical interface shell, the stop surface I and the stop platform form a stop engagement; when unlocking, the limiting seat is unlocked by prying the finger buckle portion, and the limiting seat can pop out from inside the optical interface shell under the action of elastic force.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment, the free end of the spring plate I is provided with a window I, and the tail end of the limiting seat is formed with a locking protrusion I that locks into the window I.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment, the cam I has a mounting bevel II facing the head end and a stop surface II facing the tail end.

[0025] As a preferred embodiment, the limiting seat has a notch on one side of the tail end of the card protrusion I, and a finger buckle gap is formed between the notch and the finger buckle part.

[0026] As a preferred embodiment, a slotted slit II is formed on the side wall of the limiting seat, and a spring plate II is formed between two slotted slits II. The fixed end of the spring plate II is fixedly connected to the limiting seat body; the free end of the spring plate II is locked or unlocked to the optical interface housing.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment, the free end of the spring plate II is provided with a finger pressure part, and the limiting seat is in the locked state of the optical interface housing, with the finger pressure part located outside the optical interface housing.

[0028] As a preferred embodiment, a window II is formed on the side wall of the optical interface housing; a latching protrusion II that cooperates with the window II is provided on the spring plate II.

[0029] As a preferred embodiment, a detachable plug is also included. A window Ⅲ is formed on the side wall of the optical interface housing. A window Ⅳ is provided at the position corresponding to the limiting seat and the window Ⅲ. After the limiting seat is installed in the cavity Ⅱ, the window Ⅲ and the window Ⅳ are aligned to form a complete locking groove. The plug and the locking groove can be locked together or unlocked and separated.

[0030] As a preferred embodiment, the plug includes a thrust portion I and locking portions disposed on both sides of the thrust portion I. After the plug is installed in place, the locking portions cooperate with the locking groove to lock the limiting seat. The thrust portion I and the thrust portion II on the optical interface housing form a stop and push block. After the plug is removed, the locking portions separate from the locking groove to unlock the limiting seat.

[0031] A second objective of this invention is to provide an optical interface device, which is the optical interface device in the external light source host-side optoelectronic connector described in any of the above claims.

[0032] A third objective of this invention is to provide a connector assembly, comprising an external light source host-side optoelectronic connector as described in any of the preceding claims and an optical module-side connector adapted thereto.

[0033] Beneficial effects This solution improves the structure of the optoelectronic connector on the host side by adjusting the component structure. This places the optical interface housing and the locking structure of the limiting seat in a convenient operating position, enabling manual unlocking of the internal components of the optical interface without the need for tooling. It overcomes the limitation of insufficient unlocking space due to the limited space of the host-side optoelectronic connector. During assembly, the male pin and spring are sequentially installed inside the optical interface housing, and then the limiting seat is pushed in. The locking engagement between the limiting seat and the optical interface housing secures the limiting seat within the housing. When unlocking is required, the locking structure is conveniently positioned for manual operation; simply prying it open releases the locking of the limiting seat, causing it to spring outward under the spring force within the optical interface housing. This facilitates the disassembly, repair, and replacement of the internal components of the optical interface. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the insertion state of the connector assembly of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connector assembly of the present invention in a separated state; Figure 3 This is an overall structural diagram of the optoelectronic connector on the host side of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the host-side optoelectronic connector of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a diagram of the pin structure of the electrical interface component in the connector of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the optical module-side connector in this invention; Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the optical interface device in this invention; Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the space reserved at the head end of the high-speed PCB board for the connector assembly to allow for insertion of the connector assembly; Figure 9 This is the first embodiment of the structure of the optical interface housing and the limiting seat in this invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 10 This is the first embodiment of the structure of the optical interface housing and the limiting seat in this invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 11This is the first embodiment of the optical interface housing structure in this invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 12 This is the first embodiment of the limiting seat structure in the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 13 This is the first embodiment of the limiting seat structure in the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 14 This is the second embodiment of the structure of the optical interface housing and the limiting seat in this invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 15 This is the second embodiment of the structure of the optical interface housing and the limiting seat in this invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 16 This is a structural diagram of the second embodiment of the limiting seat in this invention; Figure 17 This is the third embodiment of the structure of the optical interface housing and the limiting seat in this invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 18 This is the third embodiment of the structure of the optical interface housing and the limiting seat in this invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 19 This is a structural diagram of the third embodiment of the optical interface housing and the limiting seat in this invention: disassembled state; Figure 20 This is a structural diagram of the fourth embodiment of the cooperation between the optical interface housing and the limiting seat in this invention; Figure 21 This is a structural diagram of the fourth embodiment of the cooperation between the optical interface housing and the limiting seat in this invention: disassembled state; Marked in the image: 1. Connector housing; 101. Cavity I; 102. Slot; 103. Groove; 2. Optical interface components; 20. Optical interface housing; 201. Cavity II; 202. Slotted seam I; 203. Spring plate I; 2031. Limiting protrusion; 20311. Mounting slope I; 20312. Stop surface I; 2032. Window I; 2033. Finger buckle part; 204. Claw; 2041. Mounting platform; 2042. Mounting gap; 205. Housing body; 206. Stop push block; 2061. Thrust part II; 207. Guide post; 208. Window II; 209. Relief notch; 210. Window III; 21. Optical connector signal component; 211. Male guide pin; 23. Limiting seat; 231. Stop platform; 232. Snap protrusion I; 2321. Snap-fit ​​inclined surface II; 2322. Stop surface II; 233. Spring plate II; 2331. Snap protrusion II; 2332. Finger pressure part; 234. Window IV; 235. Mounting head; 236. Receiving cavity; 237. Groove II; 238. Notch; 239. Limiting seat body; 24. Spring; 25. Plug; 251. Thrust part I; 252. Locking block part; 26. Tail cover; 3. Electrical interface components; 31. Electrical contact component I; 32. Electrical contact component II; 100. Main unit side optoelectronic connector; 200. Optical module side connector; 2010, Optical module housing; 2011, Cavity III; 2021, Module optical interface housing; 2022, Adapter optical pin signal component; 2030, PCB board; 2040, Laser; 2050, Spring; 2060, Pull rod. A. A diagram illustrating the clearance between the 209-position gap and the 2030-position head of the high-speed PCB board. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail through exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that, without further description, elements, structures, and features in one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments.

[0037] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "a," "an," or "the," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this patent application do not express a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" indicate that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects having the same function.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] This embodiment provides an external light source host-side optoelectronic connector, including a connector housing 1, an upper optical interface component 2, and a lower electrical interface component 3. The connector housing 1 has a cavity I 101, wherein the optical interface component 2 and the electrical interface component 3 are stacked and disposed within the connector housing 1. The optical interface component 2 is used to connect to the optical interface of the optical module-side connector 200. The optical interface component 2 includes an optical interface housing 20, an optical pin signal component 21, and a spring limiting assembly disposed within the optical interface housing 20. The optical interface housing 21 has a cavity II 201. In this embodiment, the optical pin signal component 21 is a male MT pin, that is, a male guide pin is provided on the insertion surface of the optical pin signal component 21. The insertion end of the optical pin signal component 21 extends outward from the cavity II 201. The spring limiting assembly is installed in the cavity II 201 and is detachably locked to the optical interface housing 20 through a locking structure. Because the locking mechanism is located in a position that allows for direct manual operation, the internal parts of the optical interface housing 21 can be unlocked, separated, and replaced for maintenance without the need for tooling.

[0040] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, claws 204 are provided on opposite sides of the outer side of the optical interface housing 21. The function of the claws 204 is to clamp the optical interface component 2 onto the connector housing 1, thereby locking the optical interface housing 21 after it is installed into the cavity I101 of the connector housing 1, preventing the optical interface component 2 from coming out of the cavity I101. Specifically, one end of the claw 204 is connected to the housing body 205, and the other end extends towards the head end of the housing body 205, forming a clamping gap 2042 between the claw 204 and the housing body 205 to accommodate the side wall of the connector housing 1. A slot 102 is provided on the outer side wall of the housing body 205, and a clamping platform 2041 with a barbed structure is provided on the claw 204. When the housing body 205 is clamped onto the connector housing 1 and in place, the clamping platform 2041 enters the position of the slot 102, so that the claw 204 is firmly engaged with the tail end of the optical interface housing 21 and will not fall off. It should be noted that a card platform can also be provided on the outer side wall of the housing body 205, and the card claw 204 can be provided with a card hole or card slot that matches the card platform, which can also achieve a firm locking connection between the optical interface housing 20 and the connector housing 1.

[0041] In one embodiment of this solution, a thrust block 206 is provided on the outer wall of the housing body 205. The thrust block 206 is used to stop and cooperate with the tail end of the connector housing 1. Specifically, the tail end of the connector housing 1 is provided with a groove 103 for accommodating and cooperating with the thrust block 206. After the optical interface component 2 is installed in the cavity Ⅰ101 of the connector housing 1, the thrust block 206 enters the groove 103. In addition, the operating surface of the thrust block 206 is formed with anti-slip grooves or anti-slip textures to facilitate manual operation by the operator and provide an anti-slip effect. Preferably, as shown in the figure, the thrust block 206 is a raised square structure with an anti-slip circular groove on the upper side. The anti-slip circular groove facilitates operation, allowing the optical interface component 2 to be inserted and pulled out relative to the connector housing 1 by hand. On the other hand, the thrust block 206 provides axial stop and limitation after the optical interface component 2 and the connector housing 1 are assembled.

[0042] In this embodiment, a guide post 207 is provided at the head end of the optical interface housing 20. The guide post 207 extends from the insertion surface of the optical interface component 2 along the insertion direction and is used to mate with the guide groove or guide hole of the adapted optical module side connector 200 to achieve primary coarse guidance during the insertion process of the adapted connector. As shown in the figure, preferably, the cross-section of the guide post 207 is an L-shaped structure. When the ELSFP optical module side connector 200 mates with the host side optoelectronic connector 100, before the MT pins mate, the guide post 207 performs primary coarse guidance with the guide groove or guide hole of the module optical interface housing 2021 in the ELSFP optical module. In this solution, as shown at point A in the figure, a clearance notch 209 is cut off on the side of the optical interface housing 20 near the insertion end. The clearance notch 209 is used to cooperate with the insertion end side of the high-speed PCB board 2030 of the optical module side connector 200 to avoid interference during insertion.

[0043] In this embodiment, the spring limiting assembly includes a limiting seat 23 and a spring 24. The head end of the spring 24 abuts against the tail end of the optical pin signal component 21, and the tail end of the spring 24 abuts against the head end of the limiting seat 23. Preferably, a receiving cavity 236 that can accommodate the end of the spring 24 can be formed on the end face of the head end of the limiting seat 23. The limiting seat 23 and the optical interface housing 21 are locked together by a locking structure. The tail end of the limiting seat 23 is also provided with an installation head 235, and a tail sleeve 26 is detachably installed on the installation head 235.

[0044] The locking structure between the limiting seat 23 and the optical interface housing 20 is described in detail below.

[0045] A slotted slit I 202 is formed on the side wall of the housing body 205 of the optical interface housing 20. The slotted slit I 202 extends from the middle of the housing body 205 towards the tail end, and a groove is formed at the tail end of the housing body 205. A spring plate I 203 is formed between two adjacent slotted slits I. The fixed end of the spring plate I 203 is connected to the housing body 205, and the free end of the spring plate I 203 is locked with an elastic limiting component located in the cavity II 201. In this solution, by adding a slotted slit I 202 to the bottom of the optical interface housing 20 of the host-side optoelectronic connector 100, it becomes an elastic structure, and a limiting protrusion 2031 is added to the tail end. The limiting protrusion 2031 is a barbed structure to ensure that the limiting seat 23 is compressed by the spring 24 and does not detach from the optical interface housing 20. The limiting seat 23 has a corresponding stop 231, so that the limiting seat 23 cannot retreat after entering the optical interface housing 20.

[0046] Specifically, a limiting protrusion 2031 is provided on the mating surface of the free end of the spring plate I 203, and a stop platform 231 is formed on the portion of the limiting seat 23 near its tail end. The stop platform 231 is located on the outer wall surface of the portion of the limiting seat 23 near its tail end. In its natural state, the limiting protrusion 2031 and the stop platform 231 at the free end of the spring plate I 203 can cooperate to form a stop and position. When unlocking is required, the locking of the limiting seat 23 can be released by prying the free end of the spring plate I 203 outward.

[0047] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the spring plate I 203 extends beyond the tail end of the shell body 205 to form a finger buckle portion 2033. The limiting protrusion 2031 is located on the finger buckle portion 2033. With this design, the finger buckle portion 2033 is in a convenient operation position and can be unlocked without the aid of tooling. The operator can unlock it by prying the finger buckle portion 2033 to one side to make it tilt up. The limiting protrusion 2031 has a locking inclined surface I 20311 facing the tail end and a stop surface I 20312 facing the head end. The locking inclined surface I 20311 facilitates the installation and locking of the limiting seat 23. On the other hand, the inclined surface of the locking inclined surface I 20311 forms a relatively wide finger buckle gap with the limiting seat 23 to facilitate finger buckle operation. The finger buckle gap is located in a convenient operation position, and the operator can unlock it without the aid of tooling. After the limiting seat 23 is installed, the stop surface I 20312 and the stop platform 231 form a stop engagement. When unlocking, the finger buckle part 2033 is pried to unlock the limiting seat 23. Under the action of elasticity, the limiting seat 23 can pop out from inside the optical interface housing 20.

[0048] like Figure 9-13 As shown, the specific assembly and unlocking principle of the optical interface component 2 is as follows: During assembly, the optical pin signal component 21 and the spring 24 are sequentially installed inside the optical interface housing 20. Figure 9The limiting seat 23 is pushed in along direction D, and the barbed structure at the tail of the optical interface housing 20 locks the stop 231 of the limiting seat 23 for limiting. When unlocking is required, the free end of the spring plate I 203 of the optical interface housing 20 needs to be pried outward, so that the barbed structure releases the locking of the limiting seat 23, allowing the limiting seat 23 to pop out of the optical interface housing 20 under the elastic force of the internal spring 24. This solution, through structural improvement, can unlock the limiting seat 23 without the aid of tooling, making operation convenient.

[0049] An electrical interface component 3 is provided in the cavity I101 of the connector housing 1 at the lower position shown in the figure. The electrical interface component 3 includes electrical contact I31 and electrical contact II32, which are used to make electrical connections with the electrical interface of the plug end of the optical module side connector 200, thereby powering the optical engine and realizing photoelectric signal conversion.

[0050] The present invention also provides a connector assembly, including the aforementioned external light source host-side optoelectronic connector 100 and an optical module-side connector 200 adapted thereto.

[0051] The optical module-side connector 200 is conventional prior art in this field and is well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will not be described in detail here; only a simplified illustration of the components is provided. The optical module-side connector 200 includes an optical module housing 2010, with a cavity Ⅲ 2011 inside. A module optical interface housing 2021 and an adapter optical pin signal element 2022 are installed at the insertion port of the cavity Ⅲ 2011. The adapter optical pin signal element 2022 is a female optical MT pin, and its insertion end face has a guide hole. This guide hole is adapted to and inserted into the male guide pin 211 of the host-side optical pin signal element 21 to achieve two-stage precise guided docking. To ensure precise alignment of the MT pin holes, a high-speed PCB board 2030 is provided on one side of the optical module housing 2010. A laser 2040 is located inside the cavity Ⅲ 2011 away from the connector. The laser 2040 is connected to the optical pin signal component 2022 via an optical fiber to emit optical signals. Spring contacts 2050 for locking the optical module side connector 200 are provided on opposite sides of the optical module housing 2010. A pull rod 2060 for easy operation is also provided at the rear end of the optical module housing 2010.

[0052] This invention adjusts the component assembly structure between the limiting seat 23 of the host-side optoelectronic connector and the optical interface housing 20, fixes the internal MT male pin and spring 24, and places the locking structure between the limiting seat 23 and the optical interface housing 20 in an easily accessible exposed position, enabling manual unlocking of the internal components of the optical connector (optical interface component 2) without the use of tooling.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] This embodiment 2 has the same basic structure as embodiment 1, except that the locking structure between the limiting seat 23 and the optical interface housing 21 is different.

[0055] The following combination Figure 14-16 The locking structure between the limiting seat 23 and the optical interface housing 21 is described in detail.

[0056] A slotted slit I202 is formed on the side wall of the housing body 205 of the optical interface housing 20. The direction of the slotted slit I202 is basically consistent along the connector insertion direction, and a slot is formed at the tail end of the housing body 205. A spring plate I203 is formed on the side wall of two adjacent slotted slits I202, so that the fixed end (head end) of the spring plate I203 is connected to the housing body 205, and the free end of the spring plate I203 is locked with the elastic limiting component. Specifically, a window I2032 is provided on the mating surface of the free end of the spring plate I203, and a locking protrusion I232 is formed near the tail end of the limiting seat 23. The locking protrusion I232 is located on the outer wall surface of the limiting seat 23 and is an outwardly protruding barbed structure. After the limiting seat 23 is installed in the optical interface housing 20, the locking protrusion I232 with the barbed structure of the limiting seat 23 can be locked into the window I2032. Once the limiting seat 23 enters the optical interface housing 20, it cannot move backward.

[0057] In this design, the free end of the spring plate I 203 is provided with a window I 2032 and a finger buckle portion 2033. The finger buckle portion 2033 is located on one side of the tail end of the window I 2032. The latching protrusion I 232 has a latching inclined surface II 2321 facing the head end and a stop surface II 2322 facing the tail end. The latching inclined surface II 2321 facilitates the insertion of the limiting seat 23 into the optical interface housing 20 during installation. The limiting seat 23 is located on one side of the tail end of the latching protrusion I 232 and forms an avoidance notch 238. A large finger buckle gap is formed between the avoidance notch 238 and the finger buckle portion 2033. The finger buckle gap is located in an easily accessible exposed position so that the operator can perform the finger buckle unlocking operation without the aid of tooling. Because this embodiment is provided with an avoidance notch 238, the operating space of the finger buckle gap is guaranteed. Therefore, the finger buckle portion 2033 can remain flush with the tail end of the housing body 205 without affecting the ease of operation.

[0058] The specific assembly and unlocking principles are as follows: During assembly, the optical pin signal component 21 and the spring 24 are sequentially installed inside the optical interface housing 20, and then the limiting seat 23 is pushed in. The limiting seat 23 has a barbed protrusion I 232 that engages with the opening I 2032 for locking and limiting. When unlocking is required, the free end of the spring plate I 203 of the optical interface housing 20 needs to be pried outward, so that the spring plate I 203 releases the locking of the limiting seat 23, allowing the limiting seat 23 to pop out of the optical interface housing 20 under the elastic force of the internal spring 24. This solution, through structural improvements, can unlock the limiting seat 23 without the aid of tooling, making operation convenient.

[0059] Example 3

[0060] The basic structure of this embodiment 3 is the same as that of embodiment 1, except that the locking structure between the limiting seat 23 and the optical interface housing 21 is different.

[0061] The following combination Figure 17-19 The locking structure between the limiting seat 23 and the optical interface housing 21 is described in detail.

[0062] A slotted slit II 237 is formed on the side wall of the limiting seat 23, and a spring plate II 233 is formed between the two slotted slits II 237. The fixed end of the spring plate II 233 is fixedly connected to the limiting seat body 239; the free end of the spring plate II 233 is locked or unlocked with the optical interface housing 20.

[0063] A window II 208 is formed on the side wall of the housing body 205 of the optical interface housing 20. The window II 208 is located on both sides of the thrust block 206. A spring plate II 233 is provided on the side wall of the limiting seat 23. The fixed end of the spring plate II 233 is fixedly connected to the limiting seat body 239. The free end of the spring plate II 233 is provided with a hook protrusion II 2331 that cooperates with the window II 208. The spring plate II 233 has slots II 237 on both sides to form an elastic structure. The hook protrusion II 2331 at the free end of the spring plate II 233 locks into the window II 208 on the outer wall of the housing body 205. After the limiting seat 23 is installed in place in the optical interface housing 20, the hook protrusion II 2331 can be locked into the window II 208.

[0064] The free end of the spring plate II 233 is provided with a finger pressure part 2332. After the limiting seat 23 is installed in place, the finger pressure part 2332 is located in the exposed position outside the optical interface housing 20, which makes it convenient for the operator to perform the pressing and unlocking operation without the aid of tooling.

[0065] The specific assembly and unlocking principles are as follows: During assembly, the optical pin signal component 21 and the spring 24 are sequentially installed inside the optical interface housing 20, and then the limiting seat 23 is pushed in. The opening II 208 of the housing body 205 locks the locking protrusion II 2331 for locking. When unlocking is required, the spring plate II 233 of the limiting seat 23 needs to be pressed down, so that the locking protrusion II 2331 with the barbed structure of the limiting seat 23 disengages from the opening II 208 of the housing body 205, thereby causing the limiting seat 23 to pop out of the optical interface housing 20 under the elastic force of the internal spring 24.

[0066] Example 4

[0067] This embodiment 4 has the same basic structure as embodiment 1, except that the locking structure between the limiting seat 23 and the optical interface housing 21 is different.

[0068] The following combination Figure 20-21The locking structure between the limiting seat 23 and the optical interface housing 21 is described in detail.

[0069] A window Ⅲ210 is formed on the side wall of the optical interface housing 20. The window Ⅲ210 can be configured to be an integrally connected window to form a larger window. The limiting seat 23 is provided with a window Ⅳ234, which corresponds to the window Ⅲ210. After the limiting seat 23 is installed in the optical interface housing 20, the window Ⅲ210 and the window Ⅳ234 are in a directly opposite position and form a complete locking groove. The plug 25 locks or unlocks the locking groove. At this time, the limiting seat 23 can be locked by inserting the plug 25 into the locking groove, or unlocked by removing the plug 25 from the locking groove.

[0070] In this embodiment, the plug 25 includes a thrust portion I 251 and a locking block portion 252 with protruding structures on both sides of the thrust portion I 251. After the plug 25 is installed in place, the main body of the plug 25 is located inside the window III 210, and the locking block portion 25 is located inside the window IV 234. The locking block portions 252 on both sides cooperate with the locking groove to lock the limiting seat 23. The thrust portion I 251 and the thrust portion II 2061 on the optical interface housing 20 are attached to form a complete stop and push block 206.

[0071] The specific assembly and unlocking principles are as follows: During assembly, the optical pin signal component 21 and the spring 24 are sequentially installed inside the optical interface housing 20, and then the limiting seat 23 is pushed in. Next, the plug 25 is pressed in from the top of the housing to lock the limiting seat 23. During unlocking, the plug 25 is pulled out from the top, thus unlocking the limiting seat 23, which then pops out of the optical interface housing 20 under the elastic force of the internal spring 24.

[0072] This design incorporates a plug 25 to create a split structure for the optical interface housing 20 of the host-side optoelectronic connector. The plug 25 is located on one side of the optical interface housing 20 and protrudes outwards, facilitating easy disassembly and allowing operators to unlock the device without tooling. A window Ⅲ 210 is added to the optical interface housing 20, and a window Ⅳ 234 is added to the limiting seat 24; these two elements mate to form a complete locking groove that engages with the plug 25. This structural improvement allows for unlocking of the limiting seat 23 without the need for tooling, simplifying the operation.

[0073] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An external light source host-side optoelectronic connector, characterized in that: The device includes a connector housing (1) and an optical interface component (2) disposed in a cavity I (101) of the connector housing (1). The optical interface component (2) includes an optical interface housing (20) and an optical pin signal component (21). The optical interface housing (20) is provided with a cavity II (201). The optical pin signal component (21) is disposed at the insertion end of the cavity II (201). The tail end of the optical pin signal component (21) abuts against a spring limiting assembly. The spring limiting assembly is installed in the cavity II (201). The optical interface housing (20) and the spring limiting assembly are provided with a locking structure. The locking structure is used to realize the locking engagement or unlocking separation of the spring limiting assembly relative to the optical interface housing (20).

2. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an electrical interface (3), which is disposed inside the connector housing (1) and located on one side of the optical interface (2).

3. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring limiting assembly includes a limiting seat (23) and a spring (24). The head end of the spring (24) abuts against the tail end of the optical pin signal component (21), and the tail end of the spring (24) abuts against the limiting seat (23). The limiting seat (23) can lock or unlock with the optical interface housing (20).

4. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical interface housing (20) has claws (204) arranged opposite to each other on both sides. One end of the claw (204) is connected to the housing body (205), and the other end of the claw (204) extends toward the head end of the housing body (205). A clamping gap is formed between the claw (204) and the housing body (205) to accommodate the side wall of the connector housing (1).

5. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connector housing (1) is provided with a slot (102) on its outer side wall, and the claw (204) is provided with a slot (2041) that is adapted to the slot (102). Alternatively, a card platform may be provided on the outer side wall of the connector housing (1), and a card slot or card hole adapted to the card platform may be provided on the card claw (204).

6. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: A stop push block (206) is provided on the outer wall of the shell body (205), and the stop push block (206) is used to stop and cooperate with the tail end of the connector shell (1) in the insertion direction.

7. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The stop block (206) is provided with anti-slip grooves or anti-slip patterns.

8. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connector housing (1) is provided with a groove (103) for fitting with the stop push block (206).

9. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical interface housing (20) is provided with a guide post (207) at its head end. The guide post (207) extends along the insertion direction and is used to adapt to the guide groove or guide hole of the adapter optical module side connector (200).

10. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The optical interface housing (20) has a slotted slit I (202) formed on its side wall. A spring plate I (203) is formed on the side wall between the two slotted slits I (202). The fixed end of the spring plate I (203) is connected to the housing body (205), and the free end of the spring plate I (203) is used to lock or unlock with the elastic limiting component.

11. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: The spring plate I (203) has two working states. In the first working state, the spring plate I (203) and the limiting seat (23) form a locking fit to lock the limiting seat (23) in the cavity II (201). In the second working state, the free end of the spring plate I (203) is tilted to one side under the action of external force to release the locking state of the limiting seat (23), and the limiting seat (23) can be ejected outward from the optical interface housing (20).

12. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The free end of the spring plate I (203) is provided with a finger buckle (2033).

13. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: The free end mating surface of the spring plate I (203) is provided with a limiting protrusion (2031), and the portion of the limiting seat (23) near the tail end is formed with a stop plate (231) that locks with the limiting protrusion (2031).

14. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: The spring plate I (203) extends beyond the tail end of the shell body (205) to form a finger buckle (2033), and the limiting protrusion (2031) is located on the finger buckle (2033). The limiting protrusion (2031) has a snap-fit ​​inclined surface I (20311) facing the tail end and a stop surface I (20312) facing the head end. After the limiting seat (23) is snapped into the optical interface shell (20), the stop surface I (20312) and the stop platform (231) form a stop engagement. When unlocking, the limiting seat (23) is unlocked by prying the finger buckle (2033), and the limiting seat (23) can pop out from inside the optical interface shell (20) under the action of elastic force.

15. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: The free end of the spring plate I (203) is provided with a window I (2032), and the tail end of the limiting seat (23) is formed with a locking protrusion I (232) that locks into the window I (2032).

16. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 15, characterized in that: The cam I (232) has a cam inclined surface II (2321) facing the head end and a stop surface II (2322) facing the tail end.

17. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 16, characterized in that: The limiting seat (23) has a notch (238) formed on one side of the tail end of the card protrusion I (232), and a finger buckle gap is formed between the notch (238) and the finger buckle part (2033).

18. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: A slotted slit II (237) is formed on the side wall of the limiting seat (23), and a spring plate II (233) is formed between the two slotted slits II (237). The fixed end of the spring plate II (233) is fixedly connected to the limiting seat body (239); the free end of the spring plate II (233) is locked or unlocked with the optical interface housing (20).

19. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: The free end of the spring plate II (233) is provided with a finger pressure part (2332), and the limiting seat (23) is in the locked state of the optical interface housing (20), with the finger pressure part (2332) located outside the optical interface housing (20).

20. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 19, characterized in that: A window II (208) is formed on the side wall of the optical interface housing (20); a latching protrusion II (2331) that cooperates with the window II (208) is provided on the spring plate II (233).

21. An external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claims 1-9, characterized in that: It also includes a detachable plug (25), and a window III (210) is formed on the side wall of the optical interface housing (20). A window IV (234) is provided at the position corresponding to the limiting seat (23) and the window III (210). After the limiting seat (23) is installed in the cavity II (201), the window III (210) and the window IV (234) are aligned to form a complete locking groove, and the plug (25) locks or unlocks with the locking groove.

22. The external light source host-side optoelectronic connector according to claim 21, characterized in that: The plug (25) includes a thrust part I (251) and a locking part (252) disposed on both sides of the thrust part I (251). After the plug (25) is installed in place, the locking part (252) cooperates with the locking groove to lock the limiting seat (23). The thrust part I (251) and the thrust part II (2061) on the optical interface housing (20) form a stop push block (206). After the plug (25) is removed, the locking part (252) separates from the locking groove to unlock the limiting seat (23).

23. An optical interface device, characterized in that: It is the optical interface component in the external light source host-side optoelectronic connector as described in any one of claims 1-22.

24. A connector assembly, characterized in that: It includes an external light source host-side optoelectronic connector (100) as described in any one of claims 1-22 and an optical module-side connector (200) adapted thereto.

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