Communication device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of optical communications. Provided is a communication device. The communication device comprises a cabinet, an optical fiber backplane, and a plurality of single boards. The cabinet is provided with a plurality of slots. The optical fiber backplane is provided with a plurality of groups of first optical interfaces. The optical fiber backplane is mounted vertically in the cabinet, and the position of the optical fiber backplane is adjacent to the positions of openings of the slots. Each group of first optical interfaces is opposite to the position of one slot. Each single board is provided with a group of second optical interfaces. Each single board is located in one slot, and the group of second optical interfaces of the single board is connected to the group of first optical interfaces corresponding to the slot. Since the optical fiber backplane is adjacent to the openings of the slots, air entering from the openings flows into the bottoms of the slots without passing through the optical fiber backplane. Therefore, air circulating in the cabinet is not prone to bringing dust to the first optical interfaces of the optical fiber backplane and regions nearby the first optical interfaces, thereby facilitating dust prevention for the first optical interfaces of the optical fiber backplane, and accordingly ensuring the optical communication quality of the communication device.

Description

Communication equipment

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410669152.4, filed on May 27, 2024, entitled “Communication Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] Communication equipment, such as cabinet-type or frame-type communication equipment, structurally includes a cabinet, a backplane (such as a printed circuit board backplane, active cable backplane, and fiber optic backplane), and multiple individual boards. The cabinet has multiple slots, and the backplane is generally located at the back of the cabinet, serving as the bottom of the slots. The individual boards are inserted into the slots, connecting to the backplane when fully inserted. For example, if the connection between the individual board and the fiber optic backplane is optical, then the fiber optic individual board has an optical interface, and the fiber optic backplane also has optical interfaces at the corresponding slot positions. When the individual board is fully inserted into the slot, the optical interface of the individual board mates with the optical interface of the fiber optic backplane to achieve a physical connection of the optical channel.

[0004] When no board is inserted in the slot, the optical interface (the optical interface of the fiber optic backplane) corresponding to the slot (referred to as the idle slot) is exposed. The airflow for heat dissipation of the board can easily bring dust through the backplane, causing a large amount of dust to accumulate on the optical interface of the fiber optic backplane. When dust adheres to the optical coupling surface, it will cause the optical signal quality to be attenuated, resulting in bit errors or even interruption of the optical link. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication device in which the fiber optic backplane is located in a cabinet and its position is adjacent to the slot opening. Therefore, the airflow entering through the slot opening will not pass through the fiber optic backplane as it flows towards the bottom of the slot. Consequently, the airflow is less likely to carry dust to the first optical interface of the fiber optic backplane and its vicinity, which is beneficial for dust prevention of the fiber optic backplane and thus helps to ensure the optical communication quality of the communication device.

[0006] This disclosure provides a communication device, which includes a cabinet, an optical fiber backplane, and multiple single boards;

[0007] The cabinet has multiple slots along the height direction, and the fiber optic backplane has multiple sets of first optical interfaces along the height direction. The fiber optic backplane stands in the cabinet, and the position of the fiber optic backplane is adjacent to the position of the slot opening. Each set of first optical interfaces of the fiber optic backplane corresponds to one slot of the cabinet.

[0008] Each of the plurality of single boards has a set of second optical interfaces, each single board is located in a slot, and the set of second optical interfaces of the single board is connected to a set of first optical interfaces corresponding to the slot.

[0009] In this design, the slot opening serves as the inlet for the heat dissipation airflow (referred to as airflow), and the slot bottom serves as the outlet for the airflow. Thus, an airflow duct is formed between the slot opening and the slot itself.

[0010] In the scheme disclosed herein, the fiber optic backplane of the communication device is located in the cabinet at the location of the slot opening adjacent to the slot, rather than at the bottom of the slot, opposite to the slot opening. Therefore, the airflow flowing between the slot opening and the bottom of the slot flows parallel to the fiber optic backplane instead of passing through it. As a result, the airflow is less likely to carry dust to the first optical interface of the fiber optic backplane and its vicinity, which is beneficial for dust prevention of the first optical interface of the fiber optic backplane and thus helps to ensure good optical communication quality.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the cabinet includes a partition that stands between the plurality of slots and the fiber optic backplane and is parallel to the fiber optic backplane.

[0012] The partition has multiple rotatable baffles along the height direction, and the multiple rotatable baffles are positioned opposite to the multiple slots;

[0013] For any one of the plurality of rotatable baffles, when the single board in the corresponding slot is connected to the optical fiber backplane, it is in the open state; when the corresponding slot is an empty slot, it is in the closed state.

[0014] In the scheme shown in this disclosure, the partition separates the space where multiple slots are located from the space where multiple sets of first optical interfaces are located. As a result, the airflow flows in the empty slots and will not enter the space where the first optical interfaces are located, which is more conducive to the dust prevention of the first optical interfaces.

[0015] Since the fiber optic backplane needs to be connected to the single board inserted in the slot, the partition has an opening and closing function. When the slot is empty, the partition is in the closed state at the corresponding position of the empty slot. When a single board is inserted in the slot and the single board needs to be connected to the fiber optic backplane, the partition is in the open state at the corresponding position of the slot.

[0016] In the scheme disclosed herein, the partition has multiple rotatable baffles along its height, the number of which is the same as the number of slots. The partition is located within the cabinet, and the rotatable baffles are positioned opposite each slot. For any one of the multiple rotatable baffles, when the board in the corresponding slot needs to be connected to the fiber optic backplane, the rotatable baffle is in the open state; when the corresponding slot is empty, the rotatable baffle is in the closed state.

[0017] In this way, the vacant slot and the corresponding set of first optical interfaces are physically separated by a rotatable baffle that is in the closed state, which further prevents the airflow for heat dissipation from bringing dust into the vicinity of the first optical interface, which is beneficial to the dust prevention of the first optical interface of the fiber optic backplane.

[0018] In one possible implementation, each of the plurality of boards has a dustproof frame surrounding the second optical interface, the side of the dustproof frame away from the board body portion having an opening through which the second optical interface is exposed.

[0019] In the scheme disclosed herein, when no board is inserted in the slot, or when a board is inserted in the slot but before it is connected to the corresponding set of first optical interfaces, the slot and the corresponding set of first optical interfaces are isolated by a rotatable baffle in a closed state, achieving physical isolation between the air duct and the first optical interfaces. When a board is inserted in the slot and the second optical interface of the board is connected to the corresponding set of first optical interfaces, the dustproof frame of the board surrounds the set of first optical interfaces, achieving physical isolation between the air duct and the first optical interfaces. Therefore, regardless of whether a board is inserted in the slot, the air duct passing through each slot is isolated from each set of first optical interfaces on the fiber optic backplane, thereby enhancing the dustproof effect of the fiber optic backplane and making the first optical interfaces of the fiber optic backplane less susceptible to dust contamination.

[0020] In one possible implementation, each board is located in a slot and can slide within its slot toward and away from the fiber optic backplane.

[0021] In the scheme disclosed herein, after the board is inserted into the slot and fully seated, a lateral force is applied to the board, causing it to slide towards the fiber optic backplane within the slot, thus connecting the board to the fiber optic backplane. When it is necessary to remove the board from the slot, a reverse force (opposite to the lateral force) is first applied to the board, causing it to slide away from the fiber optic backplane within the slot, thus disconnecting the board from the fiber optic backplane, after which the board is removed from the slot.

[0022] In one possible implementation, each set of first optical interfaces of the fiber optic backplane is slidable in the cabinet toward and away from a corresponding slot.

[0023] In the scheme disclosed herein, after the board is inserted into the slot and fully seated, a lateral force is applied to the corresponding set of first optical interfaces, causing the first optical interfaces to slide closer to the board, thus connecting the board to the fiber optic backplane. When it is necessary to remove the board from the slot, a reverse force is first applied to the corresponding set of first optical interfaces, causing the first optical interfaces to slide away from the board, thus disconnecting the board from the fiber optic backplane, and then the board is removed from the slot.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the fiber optic backplane includes a backplane body and multiple trays, with each set of first optical interfaces arranged on a tray and connected to the backplane body via jumpers.

[0025] The backplate body is fixed in the cabinet, and each tray in the cabinet can slide towards and away from a corresponding slot, wherein the length of the jumper is greater than the maximum sliding stroke of the tray.

[0026] In the scheme shown in this disclosure, each group of first optical interfaces is fixed on a tray, so that each group of first optical interfaces can slide left and right in the cabinet by controlling each tray to slide left and right in the cabinet.

[0027] In one possible implementation, each board has multiple first positioning structures, and the fiber optic backplane has multiple second positioning structures.

[0028] The plurality of first positioning structures and the plurality of second positioning structures are matched one-to-one to guide the connection between the second optical interface of the single board and the first optical interface of the optical fiber backplane.

[0029] In the scheme disclosed herein, as the board slides toward the corresponding set of first optical interfaces, or as the first optical interface slides toward the corresponding board, the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure first cooperate. After the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure are matched one by one, when the board slides to the bottom or when the first optical interface slides to the bottom, the board and the fiber optic backplane can be precisely aligned.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes an electrical connection backplane located in the cabinet, and the electrical connection backplane and the optical fiber backplane are located on the same side of the plurality of slots.

[0031] Each board also has an electrical interface, which and the second optical interface are located on the same side of the board. Each board is located in a slot, and the electrical interface of the board is connected to the electrical connection backplane.

[0032] In the scheme shown in this disclosure, the electrical connection backplane and the fiber optic backplane are located on the same side of the slot. When the single board inserted into the slot is connected to the fiber optic backplane, the single board is also connected to the electrical connection backplane.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes an electrical connection backplane located in the cabinet and at the bottom of the slot.

[0034] Each board also has an electrical interface, the electrical interface and the second optical interface are located on different sides of the board, each board (3) is located in a slot, and the electrical interface of the board is connected to the electrical connection backplane.

[0035] In the scheme shown in this disclosure, the electrical connection backplane is located at the bottom of the slot. When the single board is inserted into the slot and is fully inserted, the single board and the electrical connection backplane complete the electrical connection. Then the single board slides in the slot, or the first optical interface slides in the cabinet to realize the optical connection between the single board and the fiber optic backplane.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a heat dissipation device located in the cabinet and at the bottom of the slot.

[0037] In the scheme shown in this disclosure, the heat dissipation device is arranged near the bottom of the slot in the cabinet. In this way, the slot opening is the air inlet of the cabinet, and the bottom of the slot is the air outlet of the cabinet, so that the cabinet forms an airflow channel between the slot opening and the bottom of the slot. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by the prior art;

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a single board provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 4 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a single board located in a slot and not yet connected to the fiber optic backplane.

[0042] Figure 5 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a single board located in a slot and connected to an optical fiber backplane.

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 7 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a single board located in a slot and not yet connected to the fiber optic backplane.

[0045] Figure 8 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a single board located in a slot and connected to an optical fiber backplane.

[0046] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a partition with multiple rotatable baffles in a closed state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a partition with multiple rotatable baffles in an open state provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single board provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single board provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure before a set of second optical interfaces and a corresponding set of first optical interfaces are connected.

[0051] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single board with a set of second optical interfaces provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure before a rotatable baffle of the partition is rotated open to connect with a corresponding set of first optical interfaces.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Cabinet; 11. Slot; 12. Partition; 121. Rotatable baffle. 2. Fiber optic backplane; 20. Backplane body; 21. First optical interface; 22. Tray; 23. Second positioning structure. 3. Single board; 31. Second optical interface; 32. Dustproof frame; 33. First positioning structure; 34. Electrical interface. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] This embodiment relates to a communication device, specifically a cabinet-type or frame-type optical communication device. As shown in Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the overall architecture of the optical communication device, the communication device includes a cabinet 1, an optical fiber backplane 2, and multiple single boards 3. The cabinet 1 is cabinet-shaped or frame-shaped and has multiple slots 11 along the height direction. The optical fiber backplane 2 is located in the cabinet 1, and the single board 3 is pluggable and pluggable in the slot 11 at the bottom of the slot 11. For example, the single board 3 is inserted through the slot. When it is inserted into the slot, it connects with the optical fiber backplane 2. When the single board 3 is inserted into the slot, the optical interface of the single board 3 is connected to the optical interface of the optical fiber backplane 2.

[0055] Referring to Figure 1, the heat dissipation device of the communication equipment is arranged between the fiber optic backplane 2 and the back of the cabinet 1. The slot of the cabinet 1 is the air inlet of the air duct of the communication equipment, and the back of the cabinet 1 is the air outlet of the air duct. The fiber optic backplane 2 is located on the air duct. As shown by the arrow in Figure 1, the direction of airflow is indicated.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1, when a slot 11 is empty (no board 3 is inserted), the optical interface of the corresponding empty slot on the fiber optic backplane 2 will be exposed, and its optical coupling surface will be contaminated with dust. Furthermore, since the exposed optical interface on the fiber optic backplane 2 is located in an air duct, airflow passing over the exposed optical interface will further carry dust onto its optical coupling surface. Once the optical coupling surface of the optical interface is contaminated, it will cause significant optical signal attenuation during subsequent use, thus affecting the communication quality of the optical link (e.g., causing bit errors) and even leading to optical link communication interruption.

[0057] Furthermore, if a single board 3 is inserted in a slot 11, there is a possibility that airflow may blow dust into the optical interface of the fiber optic backplane, causing contamination of the optical coupling surface. Alternatively, if dust accumulates near the optical interface of the fiber optic backplane, such as on the connector or optical fiber, it can easily enter the optical coupling surface when the single board is removed or inserted again, generating a large amount of dust.

[0058] Therefore, referring to the scheme shown in Figure 1, regardless of whether slot 11 is empty, there is a possibility that dust may contaminate the optical coupling surface of the fiber optic backplane.

[0059] Moreover, as shown in Figure 1, the fiber optic backplane 2 is located deep within the cabinet 1, near the back of the cabinet 1, making it difficult for staff to clean the optical interfaces on the fiber optic backplane 2.

[0060] Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, after a long period of operation, the optical interface of the optical fiber backplane 2 is easily contaminated by dust, which reduces the communication quality of the optical link.

[0061] This embodiment provides a communication device whose air duct does not pass through the optical fiber backplane, thereby reducing the contamination level of the optical interface of the optical fiber backplane and ensuring optical communication quality. Furthermore, the air duct of the communication device is physically isolated from the optical fiber backplane, which further reduces the contamination level of the optical interface of the optical fiber backplane and further ensures optical communication quality.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication device provided in this embodiment. Referring to Figure 2, the communication device also includes a cabinet 1, an optical fiber backplane 2, and multiple single boards 3. The cabinet 1 has multiple slots 11 along the height direction, and the optical fiber backplane 2 has multiple sets of optical interfaces along the height direction (to distinguish them from the optical interfaces of the single boards 3, they are referred to as first optical interfaces 21). Each set of first optical interfaces 21 may include one or more first optical interfaces 21.

[0063] Referring to Figure 2, the fiber optic backplane 2 stands in the cabinet 1, and its position in the cabinet 1 is adjacent to, rather than opposite to, the slot opening of the slot 11. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the fiber optic backplane 2 is located on the left or right side of the cabinet 1, while the slot opening of the slot 11 is located on the front side of the cabinet 1.

[0064] Referring to Figure 2, each set of first optical interfaces 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2 is positioned opposite to a slot 11. That is, the fiber optic backplane 2 is equipped with a set of first optical interfaces 21 at each slot 11 position, so that the single board 3 inserted into the slot 11 can be optically connected to the fiber optic backplane 2.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2, the airflow entering from the slot 11 flows parallel to the fiber optic backplane 2 as it moves towards the bottom of the slot, rather than passing through the fiber optic backplane 2. As a result, the airflow does not easily carry dust to the first optical interface 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2 and its vicinity during its flow between the slot opening and the bottom of the slot. The first optical interface 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2 is not easily affected by dust, thereby reducing the degree of contamination of the first optical interface of the fiber optic backplane.

[0066] In one example, the board 3 is pluggable in the slot 11. For example, the board 3 can be inserted from the opening of the slot 11 toward the bottom of the slot, and the board 3 can also be pulled out of the slot 11.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the single board 3. Referring to Figure 3, one side (denoted as the first side) of the single board 3 has a set of second optical interfaces 31, wherein the first side of the single board 3 is the side adjacent to the panel of the single board 3. Each set of second optical interfaces 31 includes one or more second optical interfaces 31. Generally, the number of second optical interfaces 31 included in a set of second optical interfaces 31 is the same as the number of first optical interfaces 21 included in a set of first optical interfaces 21. Thus, when the single board 3 is inserted into the slot 11 and connected to the fiber optic backplane 2, the set of second optical interfaces 31 of the single board 3 corresponds one-to-one with the set of first optical interfaces 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2.

[0068] Unlike existing technologies where the fiber optic backplane 2 is positioned opposite the slot opening of slot 11 and is located at the bottom of slot 11, allowing the board 3 to connect to the fiber optic backplane 2 upon insertion, in this embodiment, because the position of the fiber optic backplane 2 in the cabinet 1 is adjacent to the position of the slot opening of slot 11 in the cabinet 1, one way to enable the board 3 inserted into slot 11 to be pluggably connected to the fiber optic backplane 2 is to allow the board 3 inserted into slot 11 to slide laterally left and right (refer to Figures 4 and 5) to connect or disconnect the board 3 in slot 11 from the fiber optic backplane 2. Another way is to allow each group of first optical interfaces 21 to slide laterally left and right in the cabinet 1 to connect or disconnect the board 3 in slot 11 from the fiber optic backplane 2. Another approach is to make the side panel of the cabinet 1 away from the fiber optic backplane 2 removable. When plugging and unplugging the single board 3, the side panel of the cabinet 1 needs to be removed so that the single board 3 can be pushed to the fiber optic backplane 2 and connected to the fiber optic backplane 2, or the connection between the single board 3 and the fiber optic backplane 2 can be disconnected.

[0069] For example, as shown in Figure 4 and with reference to Figure 5, each board 3 can slide laterally in the slot 11, and can slide towards the group of first optical interfaces 21 corresponding to the slot 11, or away from the group of first optical interfaces 21 corresponding to the slot 11.

[0070] In one example, the single board 3 can slide laterally in the slot 11 by having a guide rail in each slot 11, the guide rail being perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction of the single board 3, and each single board 3 having a slide rail or slider that cooperates with the guide rail. When the single board 3 is inserted into the slot 11 and is in place, the slide rail or slider of the single board 3 is located in the guide rail of the slot 11, thereby applying a lateral force to the single board 3, which enables the single board 3 to slide laterally in the slot 11.

[0071] In this way, the operator or machine uses the handle of the single board 3 to push the single board 3 into the slot 11 from the opening. After it is inserted into place, a lateral force is applied to the single board 3 towards the fiber optic backplane 2, causing the single board 3 to move closer to the fiber optic backplane 2. When it has moved to the bottom, a set of second optical interfaces 31 of the single board 3 connects one by one with a set of first optical interfaces 21 corresponding to the slot 11. When it is necessary to remove the single board 3 from the slot 11, the operator or machine uses the handle of the single board 3 to first apply a lateral force away from the fiber optic backplane 2. After the second optical interfaces 31 of the single board 3 disengage from the first optical interfaces 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2, the single board 3 can then be pulled out of the slot 11.

[0072] For example, as another example, the single board 3 cannot slide in the slot 11, but each set of first optical interfaces 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2 can slide in the cabinet 1 towards the corresponding slot 11 or away from the corresponding slot 11.

[0073] It should be noted that each group of first optical interfaces 21 slides independently in the cabinet 1 without interfering with each other. For example, when a certain group of first optical interfaces 21 needs to slide, the other groups of first optical interfaces 21 adjacent to it do not need to slide.

[0074] In one example, in order to enable each group of first optical interfaces 21 to slide horizontally left and right, as shown in Figure 6, which is a structural schematic diagram of the communication equipment, the optical fiber backplane 2 includes a backplane body 20 and multiple trays 22. The number of trays 22 is the same as the number of slots 11. The trays 22 and slots 11 are positioned opposite each other. Each group of first optical interfaces 21 is arranged on a tray 22, and each group of first optical interfaces 21 is connected to the backplane body 20 through a jumper fiber. The jumper fiber is an optical fiber located inside the cabinet.

[0075] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the backplane body 20 is fixedly located in the cabinet 1, and each tray 22 can slide towards the corresponding slot 11 or away from the corresponding slot 11, so that a set of first optical interfaces 21 on the tray 22 can be plugged and unplugged into a set of second optical interfaces 31 of the single board 3 in the slot 11 corresponding to the tray 22.

[0076] In order to ensure that the jumper between the first optical interface 21 and the backplane body 20 does not interfere with the sliding of the tray 22, the length of the jumper is greater than the maximum sliding stroke of the tray 22, which is the maximum unidirectional sliding stroke.

[0077] In one example, to facilitate the application of lateral force to each tray 22, each tray 22 may also have a handle strip. Thus, when a single board 3 is inserted into a slot 11 and is in place, the robot or operator holds the handle strip of the corresponding tray 22 and slides it toward the single board 3. When the tray 22 slides to the bottom, a set of second optical interfaces 31 of the single board 3 docks with a set of first optical interfaces 21 arranged on the tray 22.

[0078] It should be noted that each set of first optical interfaces 21 is fixedly connected to the tray 22 so that the first optical interface 21 can slide along the tray 22 and, after sliding to the bottom, can dock with the second optical interface 31 of the single board 3.

[0079] For example, as another example, the single board 3 inserted in slot 11 can slide horizontally left and right in slot 11, and the tray 22 where each set of first optical interfaces 21 is located can also slide horizontally left and right in rack 1. In this way, the first optical interface 21 and the second optical interface 31 are pluggable and detachable, allowing the corresponding tray 22 and / or single board 3 to slide left and right.

[0080] The above describes the optical connection between board 3 and fiber optic backplane 2. Board 3 also has some electrical interfaces, such as power interfaces and control signal interfaces. As shown in Figure 4, the communication equipment also includes an electrical connection backplane 4, which is located in the cabinet 1. Each board 3 has an electrical interface 34 on its side. When board 3 is located in slot 11, the electrical interface 34 of board 3 is electrically connected to the electrical connection backplane 4.

[0081] The electrical connection backplane 4 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) backplane or a cable backplane. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of the electrical connection backplane 4.

[0082] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the electrical connection backplane 4 and the fiber optic backplane 2 are located on the same side of the slot 11. The board 3 not only has a set of second optical interfaces 31, but also an electrical interface 34. The second optical interface 31 and the electrical interface 34 of the board 3 are located on the same side of the board 3. In this way, after the board 3 is inserted into the slot 11, it slides towards the fiber optic backplane 2. When it slides to the bottom, referring to Figure 5, the electrical interface 34 of the board 3 is electrically connected to the electrical connection backplane 4, and the second optical interface 31 of the board 3 is connected to the first optical interface 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2.

[0083] For example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the electrical connection backplate 4 is located at the bottom of the slot 11, and each board 3 has an electrical interface 34. However, the electrical interface 34 and the second optical interface 31 are located on different sides of the board 3. For example, the second optical interface 31 is located on the first side of the board 3, and the electrical interface 34 is located on the second side of the board 3. The first side is adjacent to the panel of the board 3, while the second side is opposite to the panel of the board 3. In this way, when the board 3 is inserted into the slot 11 and is fully inserted, the electrical interface 34 on the second side of the board 3 is electrically connected to the electrical connection backplate 4 at the bottom of the slot.

[0084] It should be noted that in the scheme where the second side of the single board 3 has an electrical interface 34 and the electrical connection backplate 4 is located at the bottom of the slot 11, the single board 3 may not slide laterally in the slot 11, but rather each group of first optical interfaces 21 may slide laterally in the cabinet 1 (see Figures 7 and 8). Alternatively, the single board 3 may slide laterally in the slot 11, but the electrical connection backplate 4, which is electrically connected to the single board 3, also needs to slide along with the single board 3 during the lateral sliding. Or, the electrical connection backplate 4 may not slide laterally with the single board 3, but the electrical interface 34 of the single board 3 is connected to the electrical connection backplate 4 via a jumper cable, and the length of the jumper cable is greater than the maximum single-trip sliding distance of the single board 3. The jumper cable is also the wire located in the cabinet 1.

[0085] In one example, the second optical interface 31 of board 3 and the first optical interface 21 of fiber optic backplane 2 need to be precisely aligned. Accordingly, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, each board 3 has multiple first positioning structures 33 on its first side, and the fiber optic backplane 2 has multiple second positioning structures 23. The first side of board 3 is also the side with the second optical interface 31. The number of first positioning structures 33 and second positioning structures 23 is equal; for example, each board 3 has two first positioning structures 33 on its first side, and the fiber optic backplane 2 has two second positioning structures 23.

[0086] The first positioning structure 33 and the second positioning structure 23 are matched. For example, the first positioning structure 33 can be a columnar structure and the second positioning structure 23 can be a tubular structure. Or, for example, the first positioning structure 33 can be a columnar structure and the second positioning structure 23 can be a groove structure.

[0087] Taking the example of the single board 3 sliding towards the fiber optic backplane 2, after the single board 3 is inserted into the slot 11, it slides towards the fiber optic backplane 2 in the slot 11. During the sliding, the first positioning structure 33 firstly matches the second positioning structure 23 one by one. Then, when multiple first positioning structures 33 match multiple second positioning structures 23 one by one, the second optical interface 31 of the single board 3 and the first optical interface 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2 are connected.

[0088] It should be noted that in the scheme where the optical interface 31 and electrical interface 34 of board 3 are located on the same side of board 3, the positioning structure used for connecting board 3 and electrical connection backplane 4 is the same as the positioning structure used for connecting board 3 and fiber optic backplane 2, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. However, in the scheme where the optical interface 31 and electrical interface 34 of board 3 are located on opposite sides of board 3, the positioning structure used for connecting board 3 and electrical connection backplane 4 is different from the positioning structure used for connecting board 3 and fiber optic backplane 2, as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0089] In one example, when the single board 3 located in slot 11 is connected to the fiber optic backplane 2, the connection between the single board 3 and the fiber optic backplane 2 can be stabilized by a locking structure.

[0090] For example, in a scheme where board 3 slides in slot 11, when board 3 reaches the bottom of slot 11, a locking structure locks board 3 in its current position, ensuring a stable connection between board 3 and fiber optic backplane 2. The locking structure can be arranged within board 3 and slot 11. For instance, board 3 may have a protrusion, and the slot wall of slot 11 may have a groove. When board 3 slides laterally to the bottom, the protrusion engages with the groove in slot 11, thus locking board 3 in its current position.

[0091] The protrusion of the single board 3 can be an elastic protrusion. A button can be provided on the panel of the single board 3. When it is necessary to disconnect the connection between the single board 3 and the fiber optic backplane 2, simply press the button to disengage the protrusion of the single board 3 from the groove of the slot 11. Then, manipulate the single board 3 to slide away from the fiber optic backplane 2. After sliding to the bottom, pull the single board 3 out of the slot 11.

[0092] For example, in a scheme where the tray 22 slides within the cabinet 1, when the tray 22 slides to its final position towards the single board 3, a locking structure locks the tray 22 in its current position, ensuring a stable connection between the single board 3 and the fiber optic backplane 2. The locking structure can be located within both the tray 22 and the cabinet 1. For instance, the tray 22 may have a protrusion, and the corresponding location on the cabinet 1 may have a groove. When the tray 22 slides laterally to its final position, the protrusion engages with the groove in the cabinet 1, thereby locking a set of first optical interfaces 21 on the tray 22 in its current position.

[0093] The protrusion of the tray 22 can be an elastic protrusion. There is a button at the end of the tray 22. When it is necessary to disconnect, simply press the button to make the protrusion of the tray 22 disengage from the groove of the cabinet 1. Then, manipulate the tray 22 to slide away from the single board 3. After it is completely disengaged, the single board 3 can be pulled out from the slot 11.

[0094] It should be noted that in the scheme where the single board 3 can slide laterally in the slot 11, but the first optical interface 21 cannot slide laterally in the cabinet 1, the first optical interface 21 may not be arranged on the tray 22, but directly fixed on the backplane body 20 of the fiber optic backplane 2 (see Figure 2).

[0095] The above describes how the single board 3 inserted into slot 11 is connected to the fiber optic backplane 2. The following section will introduce further dustproof solutions for communication equipment.

[0096] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the communication equipment. Referring to Figure 9, the cabinet 1 includes a partition 12, which is located between multiple slots 11 and the fiber optic backplane 2. The partition 12 is parallel to the fiber optic backplane 2, so the partition 12 can serve as a wall of the multiple slots 11 (such as the left or right wall). In this way, the partition 12 separates the space where the multiple slots 11 are located from the space where the multiple sets of first optical interfaces 21 are located. Therefore, airflow flows in the empty slots and will not enter the space where the first optical interfaces 21 are located, which further helps to prevent dust from entering the first optical interfaces 21.

[0097] Since the fiber optic backplane 2 needs to be connected to the single board 3 in the insertion slot 11, the partition 12 has an opening and closing function. When the slot 11 is an empty slot, the partition 12 is in the closed state at the position corresponding to the empty slot. When the slot 11 is filled with a single board 3 and the single board 3 needs to be connected to the fiber optic backplane 2, the partition 12 is in the open state at the position corresponding to the slot 11.

[0098] For example, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the partition 12 has multiple rotatable baffles 121 along its height direction, wherein the number of rotatable baffles 121 is the same as the number of slots 11, and the partition 12 is located in the cabinet 1, with each rotatable baffle 121 positioned opposite a slot 11. For any one of the multiple rotatable baffles 121, when the single board 3 in the corresponding slot 11 needs to be connected to the fiber optic backplane 2, the rotatable baffle 121 is in the open state (refer to Figure 11), and when the corresponding slot 11 is an empty slot, the rotatable baffle 121 is in the closed state (refer to Figure 10).

[0099] Referring to Figure 11, when the rotatable baffle 121 is in the open state, it is perpendicular to the main body of the partition 12. Referring to Figure 10, when the rotatable baffle 121 is in the closed state, it is parallel to the main body of the partition 12.

[0100] In one example, by default, or in its natural state, the rotatable baffle 121 is in the closed state, as shown in Figure 10. The board 3 is inserted into the slot 11, but before being connected to the fiber optic backplane 2, the corresponding rotatable baffle 121 is in the closed state. As shown in Figure 11, after the board 3 is inserted into the slot 11, the corresponding rotatable baffle 121 is opened by the lateral sliding of the board 3. Alternatively, after the board 3 is inserted into the slot 11, the corresponding rotatable baffle 121 is opened by the lateral sliding of the first set of first optical interfaces 21 corresponding to the board 3.

[0101] In this way, the vacant slot and the corresponding set of first optical interfaces 21 are physically separated by a rotatable baffle 121 in a closed state, which further prevents the airflow for heat dissipation from bringing dust into the vicinity of the first optical interface 21, which is beneficial to the dust prevention of the first optical interface 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2.

[0102] In one example, referring to Figure 12, each board 3 has a dustproof frame 32 on its first side, with an opening on the side of the dustproof frame 32 away from the body of the board 3. A set of second optical interfaces 31 of the board 3 are located in the dustproof frame 32 and exposed through the opening of the dustproof frame 32.

[0103] Referring to Figure 12, the dustproof frame 32 on the first side of the single board 3 surrounds a set of second optical interfaces 31 on the first side of the single board 3. Thus, when the single board 3 is connected to the fiber optic backplane 2, as shown in Figure 14, the first optical interface 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2 is also surrounded by the dustproof frame 32. Furthermore, there is physical isolation between the first optical interface 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2 and the air duct. Therefore, the airflow in the air duct will not enter the first optical interface 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2 while dissipating heat for the single board 3, which further benefits the dustproof protection of the first optical interface 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2.

[0104] Thus, as shown in Figure 9, when no board 3 is inserted in slot 11, or as shown in Figure 13, when a board 3 is inserted in slot 11 but before the board 3 is connected to the corresponding set of first optical interfaces 21, the slot 11 and the corresponding set of first optical interfaces 21 are isolated by a rotatable baffle 121 in a closed state, achieving physical isolation between the air duct and the first optical interfaces 21. However, when a board 3 is inserted in slot 11 and the second optical interface 31 of the board 3 is connected to the corresponding set of first optical interfaces 21, as shown in Figure 14, the dustproof frame 32 of the board 3 surrounds the set of first optical interfaces 21, achieving physical isolation between the air duct and the first optical interfaces 21. It can be seen that regardless of whether the board 3 is inserted in slot 11, the air duct passing through each slot 11 is isolated from each set of first optical interfaces 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2, thereby enhancing the dustproof effect of the fiber optic backplane 2 and making the first optical interfaces 21 of the fiber optic backplane 2 less susceptible to dust contamination.

[0105] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the fiber optic backplane of the communication device is located in the cabinet at the location of the slot opening adjacent to the slot, rather than at the bottom of the slot, opposite to the slot opening. Therefore, the airflow flowing between the slot opening and the bottom of the slot flows parallel to the fiber optic backplane instead of passing through it. As a result, the airflow is less likely to carry dust to the first optical interface of the fiber optic backplane and its vicinity, which is beneficial for dust prevention of the first optical interface of the fiber optic backplane and thus helps to ensure good optical communication quality.

[0106] In addition, the cabinet 1 has a partition 12 that separates the space where multiple slots 11 are located from the space where the fiber optic backplane 2 is located, thus separating the airflow space from the space where the fiber optic backplane 2 is located, which further helps to prevent dust from the fiber optic backplane 2.

[0107] In addition, a set of second optical interfaces 31 of the single board 3 is surrounded by a dustproof frame 32. Thus, when no single board is inserted in the slot, the rotatable baffle 121 of the partition (the rotatable baffle 121 opposite to the slot) is in the closed state, separating the slot from the set of first optical interfaces of the fiber optic backplane by the closed rotatable baffle 121 (see Figure 9), making it difficult for dust to enter the vicinity of this set of first optical interfaces. When a single board is inserted in the slot, the set of first optical interfaces of the fiber optic backplane is surrounded by the dustproof frame of the single board (see Figure 14), making it difficult for airflow to blow dust to the vicinity of this set of first optical interfaces.

[0108] Therefore, regardless of whether the slot is empty, the space where each group of first optical interfaces of the fiber optic backplane is located is always isolated from the airflow space. As a result, the airflow is less likely to bring dust to the first optical interface and its vicinity, thus keeping the optical coupling surface of the first optical interface of the fiber optic backplane clean for a long time, which is beneficial to ensuring the optical communication quality of the communication equipment.

[0109] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure should be understood in their ordinary sense by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "a" or "one," and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising," "including," and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects. "Upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. "A plurality" refers to two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0110] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication equipment includes a cabinet (1), an optical fiber backplane (2), and multiple single boards (3); The cabinet (1) has multiple slots (11) along the height direction, and the fiber optic backplane (2) has multiple sets of first optical interfaces (21) along the height direction. The fiber optic backplane (2) stands in the cabinet (1), and the position of the fiber optic backplane (2) is adjacent to the position of the slot (11). One set of first optical interfaces (21) of the fiber optic backplane (2) corresponds one-to-one with one slot (11) of the cabinet (1). Each of the plurality of single boards (3) has a set of second optical interfaces (31), each single board (3) is located in a slot (11), and the set of second optical interfaces (31) of the single board (3) is connected to a set of first optical interfaces (21) corresponding to the slot (11).

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cabinet (1) includes a partition (12) which stands between the plurality of slots (11) and the fiber optic backplane (2) and is parallel to the fiber optic backplane (2); The partition (12) has a plurality of rotatable baffles (121) along the height direction, and the plurality of rotatable baffles (121) are positioned opposite to the plurality of slots (11); For any one of the plurality of rotatable baffles (121), when the single board (3) in the corresponding slot (11) is connected to the optical fiber backplane (2), it is in the open state; when the corresponding slot (11) is an empty slot, it is in the closed state.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of boards (3) has a dustproof frame (32) surrounding the second optical interface (31), the side of the dustproof frame (32) away from the body of the board (3) having an opening through which the second optical interface (31) is exposed.

4. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each board (3) is located in a slot (11) and can slide in the slot (11) toward and away from the fiber optic backplane (2).

5. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Each set of first optical interfaces (21) of the optical fiber backplane (2) can slide towards and away from a corresponding slot (11) in the cabinet (1).

6. The communication device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fiber optic backplane (2) includes a backplane body (20) and multiple trays (22). Each set of first optical interfaces (21) is arranged on a tray (22) and connected to the backplane body (20) via jumpers. The back panel body (20) is fixed in the cabinet (1). Each tray (22) in the cabinet (1) can slide towards and away from a corresponding slot (11). The length of the jumper is greater than the maximum sliding stroke of the tray (22).

7. The communication device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, Each board (3) has multiple first positioning structures (33), and the fiber optic backplane (2) has multiple second positioning structures (23); The plurality of first positioning structures (33) and the plurality of second positioning structures (23) are matched one by one to guide the connection between the second optical interface (31) of the single board (3) and the first optical interface (21) of the optical fiber backplane (2).

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The communication equipment also includes an electrical connection backplane (4), which is located in the cabinet (1) and the electrical connection backplane (4) and the optical fiber backplane (2) are located on the same side of the plurality of slots (11); Each board (3) also has an electrical interface (34) and the second optical interface (31) are located on the same side of the board (3), each board (3) is located in a slot (11), and the electrical interface (34) of the board (3) is connected to the electrical connection backplane (4).

9. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The communication device also includes an electrical connection backplane (4), which is located in the cabinet (1) and at the bottom of the slot (11); Each board (3) also has an electrical interface (34), the electrical interface (34) and the second optical interface (31) are located on different sides of the board (3), each board (3) is located in a slot (11), and the electrical interface of the board (3) is connected to the electrical connection backplane (4).

10. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The communication equipment also includes a heat dissipation device, which is located in the cabinet (1) and at the bottom of the slot (11).

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