Optical communication assemblies
Abstract
The optical communication subassembly includes one or more optoelectronic devices, one or more optics, and a transceiver optical coupling unit. Each optical element is configured to change the divergence of the emitted light with respect to the divergence of the incident light, being separated from the corresponding optoelectronic device and optically aligned with the corresponding optoelectronic device. ing. The transceiver optical coupling unit has a mating surface configured for mating with a connector optical coupling unit attached to the optical waveguide. The mating direction of the optical optical coupling unit forms an angle with the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit, so that the connector optical coupling unit is fitted when the connector optical coupling unit is mated with the transceiver optical coupling unit. The optical waveguide bends depending on the angle between the mating direction and the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3A

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11 claims: 11 independent, 0 dependent
- 11つ以上の光電子デバイスと、 1つ以上の光学素子であって、それぞれの光学素子が、入射光を受け入れるように構成された入力側、及び出射光を出力するように構成された出力側を有し、それぞれの光学素子が、前記出射光の発散を前記入射光の発散に対して変化させるように構成されており、それぞれの光学素子が、対応する光電子デバイスから離間されると共に、対応する光電子デバイスと光学的に位置合わせされる、光学素子と、 トランシーバー光結合ユニットであって、光導波路に取り付けられたコネクタ光結合ユニットとの嵌合のために構成された嵌合面を有し、前記光学光結合ユニットの嵌合方向が、前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットの前記嵌合面と角度を形成しており、もって、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットが前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットと嵌合するときに、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットの前記嵌合方向と前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットの前記嵌合面との間の前記角度によって、前記光導波路が屈曲するようになっている、トランシーバー光結合ユニットと、 を備える、光通信サブアセンブリ。
- 2コネクタ光結合ユニットを備える光コネクタであって、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットが、複数の導波路と複数の光方向転換素子との間で光を結合するように構成されており、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、コア直径を有する対応する光導波路に光学的に結合され、前記光方向転換素子が、前記光導波路から現れる光を方向付けるように構成されており、もって、前記方向付けられた光が、前記光導波路の前記コア直径を超える直径を有するようになっている、光コネクタと、 複数の光電子デバイスと、 複数の光学素子であって、それぞれの光学素子が、前記光学素子を通過する光の発散を変化させるように構成されており、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、対応する光学素子を介して対応する光電子デバイスに光学的に結合される、光学素子と、 トランシーバー光結合ユニットであって、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットとの嵌合のために、かつ前記コネクタ光結合ユニットと前記複数の光電子デバイスとの間で光を結合するように構成されており、前記光コネクタの嵌合方向が、前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットの嵌合面と角度を形成しており、もって、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットが前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットと嵌合するときに、前記光コネクタの前記嵌合方向と前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットの前記嵌合面との間の前記角度によって、前記複数の光導波路が屈曲するようになっている、トランシーバー光結合ユニットと、 を備える、光通信アセンブリ。
- 3コネクタ光結合ユニットを備える光コネクタであって、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットが、複数の導波路と複数の光方向転換素子との間で光を結合するように構成されており、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、コア直径を有する対応する光導波路に光学的に結合され、前記光方向転換素子が、前記光導波路から現れる光を方向付けるように構成されており、もって、前記方向付けられた光が、前記光導波路の前記コア直径を超える直径を有するようになっている、光コネクタと、 複数の光電子デバイスと、 複数の光学素子であって、それぞれの光学素子が、前記光学素子を通過する光の発散を変化させるように構成されており、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、対応する光学素子を介して対応する光電子デバイスに光学的に結合される、光学素子と、 トランシーバー光結合ユニットであって、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットとの嵌合のために、かつ前記コネクタ光結合ユニットと前記複数の光電子デバイスとの間で光を結合するように構成されており、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットが嵌合面を有し、前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットが対応する嵌合面を有しており、もって、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットと前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットとの間で嵌合が起こるときに、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットの前記嵌合面が最初に前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットの前記嵌合面と線接触を形成した後、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットが回転して前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットと面接触を形成し、前記回転によって前記複数の光導波路が屈曲するようになっている、トランシーバー光結合ユニットと、 を備える、光通信アセンブリ。
- 4コネクタ光結合ユニットを備える光コネクタであって、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットが、複数の導波路と複数の光方向転換素子との間で光を結合するように構成されており、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、コア直径を有する対応する光導波路に光学的に結合され、前記光方向転換素子が、前記光導波路から現れる光を方向付けるように構成されており、もって、前記方向付けられた光が、前記光導波路の前記コア直径を超える直径を有するようになっている、光コネクタと、 複数の光電子デバイスと、 複数の光学素子であって、それぞれの光学素子が、前記光学素子を通過する光の発散を変化させるように構成されており、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、対応する光学素子を介して対応する光電子デバイスに光学的に結合される、光学素子と、 トランシーバー光結合ユニットであって、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットとの嵌合のために、かつ前記コネクタ光結合ユニットと前記複数の光電子デバイスとの間で光を結合するように構成されており、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットが、嵌合縁部のある嵌合面を有し、前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットが、縁取りされた嵌合縁部のある対応する嵌合面を有し、前記コネクタ光結合ユニット及び前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットの前記嵌合面が、嵌合後に、前記光コネクタの嵌合方向に実質的に平行に配置されており、もって、嵌合が起こるときに、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットの前記嵌合縁部が、最初に前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットの前記縁取りされた嵌合縁部との接触を形成するようになっており、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットが前記嵌合方向に沿って動くと、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットが回転して、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットの前記嵌合面と前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットの前記嵌合面との間に面接触を形成し、前記回転によって前記複数の光導波路が屈曲するようになっている、トランシーバー光結合ユニットと、 を備える、光通信アセンブリ。
- 5複数の光方向転換素子を含むコネクタ光結合ユニットであって、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、対応する光導波路に光学的に結合され、前記光方向転換素子が、前記光導波路に進む、又は前記光導波路から進む光を方向付けるように構成されており、もって、前記光導波路に進む、又は前記光導波路から進む光の中央光線が、90度を超える角度θによって方向転換されるようになっている、コネクタ光結合ユニットを備える、光通信サブアセンブリ。
- 6複数の導波路と複数の反射素子との間でそれぞれ、光を結合するように構成されたコネクタ光結合ユニットであって、それぞれの反射素子が、対応する光導波路に光学的に結合され、それぞれの反射素子が、前記対応する光導波路に入力光を反射し、又は前記対応する光導波路から前記入力光を反射するように構成されており、もって、前記対応する光導波路に進む、又は前記対応する光導波路から進む入力光の中央光線が、第1角度θによって方向転換されるようになっており、前記反射素子が、前記入力光の発散を変化させるように更に構成された、コネクタ光結合ユニットと、 複数の屈折素子であって、それぞれの屈折素子が、対応する反射素子に光学的に結合され、それぞれの屈折素子が、前記対応する反射素子に進む、又は前記対応する反射素子から進む光の方向を、第2角度φによって変化させるように構成された、屈折素子と、 を備える、光通信サブアセンブリ。
- 7光通信アセンブリであって、 1つ以上の光電子デバイスと、 1つ以上の光学素子であって、それぞれの光学素子が、対応する光電子デバイスと位置合わせされる、光学素子と、 トランシーバー光結合ユニットと、 1つ以上の光方向転換機構を備えるコネクタ光結合ユニットであって、それぞれの光方向転換機構が、対応する光導波路に光学的に結合されるように配置されており、前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットが、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットと嵌合するように構成されており、それぞれの光方向転換機構が、対応する光学素子を介して対応する光電子デバイスと光学的に位置合わせされるようになっている、コネクタ光結合ユニットと、 前記アセンブリの構成要素の保護を提供するように構成されたカバーであって、前記光通信アセンブリに力を加えて、それぞれの光方向転換機構を前記対応する光電子デバイスと光学的に位置合わせして保つように構成された、カバーと、 を備える、光通信アセンブリ。
- 8光通信アセンブリであって、 第1及び第2のプリント回路基板(PCB)であって、前記第1のPCBが、前記第2のPCBの表面上に配設され、前記第1のPCBが孔を有し、前記第1及び第2のPCBは、前記孔の側部及び前記第2のPCBの表面が窪みを形成するように配置されている、第1及び第2のPCBと、 前記第1のPCB上に配置されており、少なくとも部分的に前記窪みを覆う、トランシーバー光結合ユニットと、 1つ以上の光学素子と、 前記第2のPCB上かつ前記窪み内に配設された1つ以上の光電子デバイスであって、それぞれの光電子デバイスが、対応する光学素子と光学的に位置合わせされる、光電子デバイスと、 1つ以上の光方向転換素子を備えるコネクタ光結合ユニットであって、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、対応する光導波路に光学的に結合されるように配置されており、前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットが、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットと嵌合するように構成されており、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、対応する光学素子を介して対応する光電子デバイスと光学的に位置合わせされるようになっている、コネクタ光結合ユニットと、 前記アセンブリの構成要素の保護を提供するように構成されたカバーであって、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットに力を加えて、それぞれの光方向転換素子を前記対応する光電子デバイスと光学的に位置合わせして保つように構成されたカバーと、 を備える、光通信アセンブリ。
- 9第1及び第2のプリント回路基板(PCB)であって、前記第1のPCBが、前記第2のPCBの表面上に配設され、前記第1のPCBが孔を有し、前記第1及び第2のPCBは、前記孔の側部及び前記第2のPCBの表面が窪みを形成するように配置されている、第1及び第2のPCBと、 前記第1のPCB上に配置されており、少なくとも部分的に前記窪みを覆う、トランシーバー光結合ユニットと、 1つ以上の光学素子と、 前記第2のPCB上かつ前記窪み内に配設された1つ以上の光電子デバイスであって、それぞれの光電子デバイスが、対応する光学素子と光学的に位置合わせされる、光電子デバイスと、 1つ以上の光方向転換素子を備えるコネクタ光結合ユニットであって、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、対応する光導波路に光学的に結合されるように配置されており、前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットが、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットと嵌合するように構成されており、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、対応する光学素子を介して対応する光電子デバイスと光学的に位置合わせされるようになっている、コネクタ光結合ユニットと、 前記コネクタ光結合ユニットに前記コネクタ光結合ユニットの嵌合面に垂直な方向の力を加えて、それぞれの光方向転換素子を前記対応する光電子デバイスと光学的に位置合わせして保つように構成されたクリップと、 を備える、光通信アセンブリ。
- 101つ以上の光電子デバイスと、 1つ以上の光学素子であって、それぞれの光学素子が、対応する光電子デバイスと位置合わせされる、光学素子と、 嵌合面を有するトランシーバー光結合ユニットと、 前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットの前記嵌合面と嵌合するように構成された嵌合面を有するコネクタ光結合ユニットであって、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットが、1つ以上の光方向転換素子を備え、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、対応する光導波路に光学的に結合されるように配置されており、前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットが、前記コネクタ光結合ユニットと嵌合するように構成されており、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、対応する光学素子を介して対応する光電子デバイスと光学的に位置合わせされるようになっている、コネクタ光結合ユニットと、 前記トランシーバー光結合ユニットの平面及び前記コネクタ光結合ユニットの前記嵌合面を通って延びる1つ以上の位置合わせ孔であって、前記位置合わせ孔が、位置合わせピンを受け入れるように構成された、位置合わせ孔と、 を備える、光通信アセンブリ。
- 11PCB上に配設されたフレームと、 前記フレーム内の前記PCB上に配置された1つ以上の光電子デバイスと、 1つ以上の光学素子であって、それぞれの光学素子が、対応する光電子デバイスに光学的に結合され、前記光学素子を通過する光の発散を変化させるように構成された、光学素子と、 光結合ユニットであって、 1つ以上の光方向転換素子を備え、それぞれの光学光方向転換素子が、対応する光導波路に光学的に結合されるように配置されており、前記フレームが、前記光結合ユニットを保持するように構成されており、それぞれの光方向転換素子が、対応する光学素子を介して対応する光電子デバイスと光学的に位置合わせされるようになっている、光結合ユニットと、 を備える、光通信アセンブリ。
Independent claims11
152 paragraphs, as filed
0001This disclosure generally relates to optical and optoelectronic assemblies and subassemblies configured to provide optical communications.
0002Optical communication involves the conversion of light to electricity and electricity to light. Optical and optoelectronic connectors can be used for optical communications in a variety of applications such as telecommunications networks, local area networks, data center links, and internal links for high performance computers. Currently, there is interest in extending optical communications to smaller consumer electronics, such as laptop computers, and even the internal applications of mobile phones. Expanded beam) may be used in connectors for these systems, and this magnifying beam provides an optical connection that is less sensitive to dust and other forms of contamination and can mitigate alignment tolerances. .. Generally, the magnifying beam is a beam having a larger diameter than the core of the associated optical waveguide (usually an optical fiber, eg, a multimode fiber for a multimode communication system). A connector is generally considered to be a magnifying beam connector if there is a magnifying beam at the connection point. The magnifying beam is typically obtained by diverging a light beam from a light source or optical fiber. Often, the divergent beam is processed into a nearly collimated magnifying beam by an optical element, such as a lens or mirror. The focused beam is then accepted by focusing the beam with another lens or mirror.
<p num="0003"> Some embodiments are directed to optical communication subassemblies. An optical communication subassembly includes one or more optoelectronic devices and one or more optical elements. Each optical element has an input side configured to receive incident light and an output side configured to output emitted light so as to change the divergence of the emitted light with respect to the divergence of the incident light. It is configured in. Each optical element is separated from the corresponding optoelectronic device and optically aligned with the corresponding optoelectronic device. The optical communication subassembly further includes a transceiver light coupling unit. The transceiver optical coupling unit has a mating surface configured for mating with a connector optical coupling unit attached to the optical waveguide. The mating direction of the connector optical coupling unit forms an angle with the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit, so that the connector optical coupling unit is fitted when the connector optical coupling unit is mated with the transceiver optical coupling unit. The angle between the mating direction and the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit causes the optical waveguide to bend.</p><p num="0004"> Some embodiments are directed to optical communication assemblies. The optical communication assembly includes an optical connector with a connector optical coupling unit. Connector light coupling units are multiple waveguides and multiple light redirecting elements. It is configured to combine light with element). Each optical diversion element is optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide having a core diameter, and the optical diversion element is configured to direct the light emerging from the optical waveguide, thus being oriented in this direction. The light beam has a diameter that exceeds the core diameter of the optical waveguide. An optical communication assembly includes a plurality of optoelectronic devices configured to provide a conversion between electrical energy and light energy. An optical communication assembly is a plurality of optical elements, each of which is configured to change the divergence of light passing through the optical element, and each optical direction changing element provides a corresponding optical element. Includes an optical element that is optically coupled to the corresponding optoelectronic device via. The transceiver optical coupling unit is configured to couple light to the connector optical coupling unit and between the connector optical coupling unit and a plurality of optoelectronic devices. The mating direction of the optical connector forms an angle with the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit, so that when the connector optical coupling unit mates with the transceiver optical coupling unit, the mating direction of the optical connector and the transceiver The plurality of optical waveguides are bent depending on the angle between the optical coupling unit and the fitting surface.</p><p num="0005"> In some embodiments, the optical communication assembly is an optical connector comprising a connector optical coupling unit such that the connector optical coupling unit couples light between multiple waveguides and multiple optical waveguides. Each optical waveguide is optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide having a core diameter, and the optical waveguide is configured to direct the light emerging from the optical waveguide. Thus, the directed light beam includes an optical connector such that it has a diameter that exceeds the core diameter of the optical waveguide. A plurality of optoelectronic devices are configured to provide a conversion between electrical energy and light energy. An optical communication assembly is a plurality of optical elements, each of which is configured to change the divergence of light passing through the optical element, and each optical direction changing element provides a corresponding optical element. Includes an optical element that is optically coupled to the corresponding optoelectronic device via. The transceiver optical coupling unit is configured to couple light to the connector optical coupling unit and between the connector optical coupling unit and a plurality of optoelectronic devices. When the connector optical coupling unit has a mating surface and the transceiver optical coupling unit has a corresponding mating surface so that mating occurs between the connector optical coupling unit and the transceiver optical coupling unit. The mating surface of the connector optical coupling unit first forms line contact with the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit, and then the connector optical coupling unit rotates to form surface contact with the transceiver optical coupling unit, which causes multiple The optical transceiver is bent.</p><p num="0006"> Some embodiments are directed to an optical communication assembly, which is an optical connector comprising a connector optical coupling unit, wherein the connector optical coupling unit has multiple waveguides and multiple optical waveguides. It is configured to couple light to and from the element, each optical waveguide is optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide having a core diameter, and the optical waveguide is the light that emerges from the optical waveguide. Includes an optical connector that is configured to direct the light beam so that the directed light beam has a diameter that exceeds the core diameter of the optical waveguide. An optical communication assembly includes a plurality of optoelectronic devices and a plurality of optical elements. Each optical element is configured to change the divergence of light passing through the optical element. Each optical direction-changing element is optically coupled to the corresponding optoelectronic device via the corresponding optical element. The transceiver optical coupling unit is configured to couple light to the connector optical coupling unit and between the connector optical coupling unit and a plurality of optoelectronic devices. The connector optical coupling unit has a mating surface with a mating edge, and the transceiver optical coupling unit has a corresponding mating surface with a bordered mating edge. The mating surfaces of the connector optical coupling unit and the transceiver optical coupling unit are arranged substantially parallel to the mating direction of the optical connector after mating, so that when mating occurs, the connector optical coupling unit The mating edge first forms contact with the rimmed mating edge of the transceiver optical coupling unit, and when the connector optical coupling unit moves along the mating direction, the connector optical coupling unit moves. It rotates to form surface contact between the mating surface of the connector optical coupling unit and the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit. This rotation causes the plurality of optical waveguides to bend.</p><p num="0007"> Some embodiments relate to an optical communication subassembly that includes a connector optical coupling unit that includes a plurality of optical redirect elements. Each optical direction-changing element is optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide. The optical direction changing element is configured to direct the light traveling to or from the optical waveguide, so that the central ray of light traveling to or from the optical waveguide is at an angle exceeding 90 degrees. The direction is changed by θ.</p><p num="0008"> Some embodiments relate to optical communication subassemblies, each including a connector optical coupling unit configured to couple light between a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of reflective elements. Each reflective element is optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide. Each reflecting element is configured to reflect the input light to or from the optical waveguide, so that the central ray of the input light traveling to or from the optical waveguide is at the first angle. It is designed to be reflected at θ. Each reflective element is further configured to alter the divergence of input light. Also, an optical communication subassembly is a plurality of refracting elements, each of which is optically coupled to a corresponding reflecting element, and each refracting element advances to or corresponds to the corresponding reflecting element. It also includes a refracting element configured to change the direction of light traveling from the reflecting element by a second angle φ.</p><p num="0009"> An embodiment is an optical communication comprising one or more optoelectronic devices, one or more optical elements, an optical element in which each optical element is aligned with a corresponding optoelectronic device, and a transceiver optical coupling unit. Directed to assembly. The optical communication assembly further includes a connector optical coupling unit with one or more optical turning mechanisms. Each optical direction change mechanism is arranged so as to be optically coupled to the corresponding optical waveguide, and the transceiver optical coupling unit is configured to be fitted with the connector optical coupling unit. The direction change mechanism is adapted to be optically aligned with the corresponding optoelectronic device via the corresponding optical element. The cover is configured to exert force on the optical communication assembly to optically align each optical turning mechanism with the corresponding optoelectronic device.</p><p num="0010"> Some embodiments of optical communication assemblies include first and second printed circuit boards (PCBs). board), the first PCB containing the first and second PCBs disposed on the surface of the second PCB. The first PCB has holes, and the first and second PCBs are arranged so that the sides of the holes and the surface of the second PCB form a depression. The optical communication assembly includes a transceiver optical coupling unit, which is located on a first PCB and at least partially covers the recess. An optical communication assembly includes one or more optical elements and one or more optoelectronic devices disposed on a first PCB and in a recess. Each optoelectronic device is optically aligned with the corresponding optical element. A communication assembly is a connector optical coupling unit that includes one or more optical diversion elements, each optical diversion element being arranged to be optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide, and a transceiver optical. The coupling unit is configured to fit with the connector optical coupling unit so that each optical direction-changing element is optically aligned with the corresponding optical electronic device via the corresponding optical element. Includes connector optical coupling unit. The assembly further includes a cover configured to apply force to the connector optical coupling unit to optically align each optical diversion element with the corresponding optoelectronic device.</p><p num="0011"> In some embodiments, the optical communication assembly is a first and second printed circuit board (PCB), the first PCB being disposed on the surface of the second PCB, the first and second. Includes a second PCB. The first PCB has holes, and the first and second PCBs are arranged so that the sides of the holes and the surface of the second PCB form a depression. The optical communication assembly includes a transceiver optical coupling unit, which is located on a first PCB and at least partially covers the recess. The optical communication assembly further includes one or more optics and one or more optoelectronic devices disposed on the first PCB and in the recess. Each optoelectronic device is optically aligned with the corresponding optical element. Further included is a connector optical coupling unit comprising one or more optical direction-changing elements, the connector light arranged such that each optical direction-changing element is optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide. It is a coupling unit. The transceiver optical coupling unit is configured to be mated with the connector optical coupling unit so that each optical redirect element is optically aligned with the corresponding optoelectronic device via the corresponding optical element. It has become. A clip is included, which applies force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mating surface of the connector optical coupling unit. The clip is configured to optically align and hold each optical turning element with the corresponding optoelectronic device.</p><p num="0012"> An optical communication assembly includes one or more optoelectronic devices and one or more optics, each of which is aligned with a corresponding optoelectronic device. The optical communication assembly further includes a transceiver optical coupling unit having a mating surface and a connector optical coupling unit having a mating surface configured to fit the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit. The connector optical coupling unit includes one or more optical direction-changing elements, and each optical direction-changing element is arranged so as to be optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide. The transceiver optical coupling unit is configured to be mated with the connector optical coupling unit so that each optical redirect element is optically aligned with the corresponding optoelectronic device via the corresponding optical element. It has become. One or more alignment holes extend through the plane of the transceiver optical coupling unit and the mating surface of the connector optical coupling unit. The alignment hole is configured to accept the alignment pin.</p><p num="0013"> Some embodiments of an optical communication assembly include a frame placed on a PCB. One or more optoelectronic devices are located on a PCB within the frame. An optical communication assembly includes one or more optical elements. Each optical element is optically coupled to a corresponding optoelectronic device and is configured to alter the divergence of light passing through the optical element. The assembly is an optical coupling unit comprising one or more optical diversion elements, each optical diversion element being arranged such that it is optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide, and the frame is light. Further optical coupling units are configured to hold coupling units, each optical direction-changing element being optically aligned with a corresponding optical electronic device via a corresponding optical element. Including.</p><p num="0014"> The above overview is not intended to describe each of the disclosed embodiments or all implementations of the present disclosure. An exemplary embodiment will be more specifically illustrated with reference to the drawings and detailed description below.</p>
0015<figref num="1A">FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the features of an optical communication assembly using magnifying beam coupling according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="1B">FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the features of an optical communication assembly using magnifying beam coupling according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="2A">An optical connector comprising a connector optical coupling unit disposed within a housing according to some embodiments is shown.</figref><figref num="2B">The connector optical coupling unit of FIG. 2A without a housing according to some embodiments is shown.</figref><figref num="2C">Illustrations of an optical connector with a housing according to some embodiments are provided.</figref><figref num="2D">Illustrations of an optical connector with a housing according to some embodiments are provided.</figref><figref num="2E">Illustrations of an optical connector with an external body on the housing are provided, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="2F">Illustrations of an optical connector with an external body on the housing are provided, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="2G">Illustrations of an optical connector with an external body on the housing are provided, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="3A">The mating of the transceiver optical coupling unit and the connector optical coupling unit is shown, and according to some embodiments, the connector optical coupling unit moves to bend the optical waveguide.</figref><figref num="3B">The mating of the transceiver optical coupling unit and the connector optical coupling unit is shown, and according to some embodiments, the connector optical coupling unit moves to bend the optical waveguide.</figref><figref num="3C">The mating of the transceiver optical coupling unit and the connector optical coupling unit is shown, and according to some embodiments, the connector optical coupling unit moves to bend the optical waveguide.</figref><figref num="4A">It is a perspective view of a part of a connector optical coupling unit, and this connector optical coupling unit includes a first waveguide alignment member and an optical direction changing element according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="4B">It is a perspective view of a part of a connector optical coupling unit, and this connector optical coupling unit includes a first waveguide alignment member and an optical direction changing element according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="5">It is a notched side view of the connector optical coupling unit, and according to some embodiments, the optical diversion section is configured to divert the central ray of the light beam at an angle of about 90 degrees.</figref><figref num="6">It is a notched side view of the connector optical coupling unit, and according to some embodiments, the optical diversion section is configured to divert the central ray of the light beam at an angle greater than 90 degrees.</figref><figref num="7A">Shown as a part of an optical communication assembly, the optical communication assembly includes a connector optical coupling unit, a transceiver optical coupling unit, an optical element, and a photoelectron component according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="7B">Shown as a part of an optical communication assembly, the optical communication assembly includes a connector optical coupling unit, a transceiver optical coupling unit, an optical element, and a photoelectron component according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="7C">Shown as a part of an optical communication assembly, the optical communication assembly includes a connector optical coupling unit, a transceiver optical coupling unit, an optical element, and a photoelectron component according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="8A">The connector optical coupling unit and the transceiver optical coupling unit are depicted respectively.</figref><figref num="8B">The connector optical coupling unit and the transceiver optical coupling unit are depicted respectively.</figref><figref num="8C">The optical communication assembly including the connector optical coupling unit of FIG. 8A mated with the transceiver optical coupling unit of FIG. 8B is depicted.</figref><figref num="9">An optical communication assembly according to some embodiments is shown.</figref><figref num="10">An optical communication assembly according to some embodiments is shown.</figref><figref num="11">An optical communication assembly including a transceiver optical coupling unit is shown, and according to some embodiments, the transceiver optical coupling unit is disposed on a PCB and mates with a connector optical coupling unit of an optical connector in a right-angled connector configuration. It is configured to do.</figref><figref num="12">An optical communication assembly comprising a transceiver optical coupling unit is shown, and according to some embodiments, the transceiver optical coupling unit is configured to fit into a connector optical coupling unit of an optical connector in a linear connector configuration. ..</figref><figref num="13">An optical communication assembly including a transceiver optical coupling unit is shown, and according to some embodiments, the transceiver optical coupling unit is disposed on a PCB and fitted with a connector optical coupling unit of an optical connector in an angled connector configuration. It is configured to fit.</figref><figref num="14">An optical communication assembly including a transceiver optical coupling unit is shown, and according to some embodiments, the transceiver optical coupling unit is disposed on a PCB and fitted with a connector optical coupling unit of an optical connector in an angled connector configuration. It is configured to fit.</figref><figref num="15">Depicting a simplified side profile of an exemplary optical communication assembly, the optical communication assembly includes, according to various embodiments, a connector optical coupling unit, and a transceiver optical coupling unit, does not include a housing, and also. Shown in mated orientation.</figref><figref num="16">Depicting a simplified side profile of an exemplary optical communication assembly, the optical communication assembly includes, according to various embodiments, a connector optical coupling unit, and a transceiver optical coupling unit, does not include a housing, and also. Shown in mated orientation.</figref><figref num="17A">Depicting a simplified side profile of an exemplary optical communication assembly, the optical communication assembly includes, according to various embodiments, a connector optical coupling unit, and a transceiver optical coupling unit, does not include a housing, and also. Shown in mated orientation.</figref><figref num="17B">Depicting a simplified side profile of an exemplary optical communication assembly, the optical communication assembly includes, according to various embodiments, a connector optical coupling unit, and a transceiver optical coupling unit, does not include a housing, and also. Shown in mated orientation.</figref><figref num="18A">A magnified beam optical communication assembly according to some embodiments is depicted.</figref><figref num="18B">A magnified beam optical communication assembly according to some embodiments is depicted.</figref><figref num="19A">An optical communication assembly according to some embodiments used in conjunction with an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a music storage device, a tablet, or a laptop computer is shown.</figref><figref num="19B">An optical communication assembly according to some embodiments used in conjunction with an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a music storage device, a tablet, or a laptop computer is shown.</figref><figref num="20">It shows another configuration of an optical communication assembly for an electronic device, and according to some embodiments, the electronic device case is used to hold the connector optical coupling unit in a mating position with the optoelectronic device. There is.</figref><figref num="21A">Another configuration of the optical communication assembly placed on the first and second printed circuit boards according to some embodiments is shown.</figref><figref num="21B">Another configuration of the optical communication assembly placed on the first and second printed circuit boards according to some embodiments is shown.</figref><figref num="22A">The mating arrangement of the optical communication assembly 2200 in several configurations is shown.</figref><figref num="22B">The mating arrangement of the optical communication assembly 2200 in several configurations is shown.</figref><figref num="22C">The mating arrangement of the optical communication assembly 2200 in several configurations is shown.</figref><figref num="22D">The mating arrangement of the optical communication assembly 2200 in several configurations is shown.</figref><figref num="23A">A side view and a top view of an alignment frame configured to be mounted on a printed circuit board are shown respectively, and according to some configurations, this alignment frame places a connector optocoupled unit on the printed circuit board. It can be used to align with the mounted optoelectronic device.</figref><figref num="23B">A side view and a top view of an alignment frame configured to be mounted on a printed circuit board are shown respectively, and according to some configurations, this alignment frame places a connector optocoupled unit on the printed circuit board. It can be used to align with the mounted optoelectronic device.</figref><figref num="23C">The side view and the top view of the alignment frame of FIGS. 23A and 23B are shown respectively, and the connector optical coupling unit is inserted in the frame.</figref><figref num="23D">The side view and the top view of the alignment frame of FIGS. 23A and 23B are shown respectively, and the connector optical coupling unit is inserted in the frame.</figref>
0016Each figure is not necessarily at a constant scale. Similar numbers used in the figures indicate similar components. However, it will be understood that the use of numbers to indicate one component in a particular figure does not attempt to limit that component in another figure represented by the same number.
00171A and 1B are block diagrams showing the features of optical communication assemblies that use magnifying beam coupling. The optical communication assembly 100a may be configured to convert light into electricity and / or electricity into light. The optical communication assembly includes a light diversion element 110, a refracting element 120 and an optoelectronic device 130, even if it is a photodetector or light source, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). Good. The optical direction changing element 110 is optically coupled to the photoelectron element 130 via the refracting element 120.
0018For example, light traveling through an optical waveguide (eg, an optical fiber) 101 can be converted to electricity by photodetector 130. The waveguide 101 has a core size, and when the light beam 105 emerging from the waveguide 101 travels along the direction 105a, the light beam 105 diverges to a diameter that exceeds the core size of the waveguide 101. The magnifying light beam 105 travels along the direction 105a and hits the turning element 110. The turning element 110 reflects the magnifying light beam 105 along the direction 125a. The direction changing element 110 may change the divergence of the light beam 105 to collimate the light beam 105, or may change the direction of the light. The light beam 115 emerging from the turning element travels along the direction 125a and hits the refracting element 120. The refracting element 120 changes the divergence of the light beam 115. As shown in FIG. 1A, in a scenario where light is converted to electricity, the optics 120 alters the divergence of the light beam 115 to provide the light beam 125, which is the photoelectron device 130, eg, photodetector. Focus on the vessel. The photodetector 130 converts the focused light beam 125 into electricity, which is transmitted by the electric cable 135.
0019In a scenario where electricity is converted to light, an electrical signal transmitted by the electrical cable 135 activates the light emitting device 130, which emits a light beam 125. The light beam 125 emitted by the optoelectronic device 130 diverges as it travels along direction 125b until it hits the optical element 120. The optical element 120 can change the divergence of the light beam 125 and collimate the light beam 125. The light beam 115 emerges from the optical element 120 and hits the turning element 110. The direction changing element 110 changes the direction of the light beam 115 so that the light beam 115 travels along the direction 105b. The direction changing element 110 changes the divergence of the light beam 115 to give the light beam 105, and the light beam 105 focuses on the optical waveguide 101.
0020FIG. 1B shows several optical communication subassemblies 151, 152, which form part of the optical communication subassembly 100b. As depicted in FIG. 1B, the optical communication assembly includes a connector optical coupling unit 151 and a transceiver optical coupling unit 152. In this example, the connector optical coupling unit 151 includes a turning element 110 and a fitting surface 151a. The transceiver optical coupling unit 152 includes a refracting element 120 and a fitting surface 152a. Various other arrangements of connector optical coupling units and transceiver optical coupling units are possible, for example, in some arrangements the connector optical coupling unit may include redirection and refraction elements, in other arrangements refraction. The device may be mounted on an optoelectronic device.
0021The connector optical coupling unit 151 includes a mating surface 151a, which is configured to mate with the mating surface 152a of the corresponding transceiver optical coupling unit 152. When the connector optical coupling unit is fitted to the transceiver optical coupling unit, the redirection element 110 is optically coupled to the optoelectronic device 130 via the refracting element 120. When the connector and transceiver optical coupling units 151 and 152 are fitted along their mating surfaces 151a and 152a, the light emerging from the waveguide 101 passes through the connector optical coupling unit 151 to the transceiver optical coupling unit 152. It is transmitted to the optoelectronic device 130 via. Alternatively, the light emitted by the optoelectronic device 130 is transmitted to the waveguide 101 via the transceiver optical coupling unit 152 and the connector optical coupling unit 151.
0022FIG. 2A shows a connector optical coupling unit 220 that is disposed within the housing 210 and forms the optical connector 200. The housing 210 has a first mounting area 202. The first mounting area 202 is part of the housing 210, where one or more optical waveguides 204, eg, a plurality of optical waveguides 204 (eg, ribbons of the optical waveguides 204), shown in FIG. 2A are first placed in the housing 210. It contacts and also passes through the via hole 206 into the interior of the housing 210 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A. One or more optical waveguides 204 can be received and permanently attached to the housing 210, in which the optical waveguide 204 contacts the housing 210 within the via hole 206 and over the first waveguide support 209. It passes, but cannot be permanently attached to the first waveguide support 209. The first waveguide support 209 is arranged between the first mounting area 202 and the second mounting area 208. In another embodiment, the first waveguide support 209 directly contacts and supports the connector optical coupling unit 220, but is not permanently attached to the connector optical coupling unit 220. The second mounting area 208 includes a plurality of waveguide alignment members 214. The waveguide alignment member 214 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of optical waveguides 204, which are different from the optical waveguides 204 that are received in the first mounting area 202 and are permanently mounted. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide may be joined to the first mounting area 202 at the via hole 206 and / or to the second mounting area 208 at the alignment member 214. The first mounting area 202 may include a plurality of grooves (not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B), each groove being received by the first mounting area 202 and a plurality of permanently mounted optical waveguides. It is configured to accommodate different optical waveguides. The connector 200 also includes a connector optical coupling unit 220 having a mating surface 221 which, as described above, is a transceiver.
0023The housing 210 is also disposed between the first waveguide support 209 and the first mounting area 202 and can be permanently mounted in the first and second mounting areas 202, 208, but is permanently mounted. It may include a second waveguide support 217 for supporting the optical waveguide, thus the optical waveguide further bends when the connector 200 mates with the mating connector to support the optical waveguide first. Separate from body 209 and / or second support 217. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide permanently mounted in the first and second mounting areas 202, 208 is between the two mounting areas 202, 208 in the mating direction and the light from the connector optical coupling unit 220. It may be bent in a plane formed and defined by the direction of the outlet (output direction) of. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide permanently mounted in the first and second mounting areas 202, 208 is such that the connector optical coupling unit 220 rotates during mating between the two mounting areas 202, 208. It may be bent in a plane perpendicular to the axis. In some embodiments, the optical waveguides permanently mounted in the first and second mounting areas 202, 208 are bent in a bending direction in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the rotation of the optical coupling unit. May be good.
0024The connector optical coupling unit 220 includes a mechanical matting tongs portion 216, a mating surface 221, an interlock mechanism 218, and a second mounting area 208. The tongs 216 may have a tapered width along at least a portion of the length of the tongs and extend outward from the connector optical coupling unit 220. As the connector optical coupling unit 220 moves toward the mating optical coupling unit, the tongs will correct any misalignment between the two optical coupling units, such as lateral displacement, in the corresponding tong recesses of the mating optical coupling unit. Guided by. In some cases, when the connector optical coupling unit 220 moves towards the mating optical coupling unit, the first contact between the connector optical coupling unit 220 and the mating optical coupling unit is the connector optical coupling unit 220. It is between the fitting surface 221 of the tongue portion 216 and the fitting surface of the fitting optical coupling unit. In some cases, when the connector optical coupling unit 220 moves towards the mating optical coupling unit, the first contact between the connector optical coupling unit 220 and the mating optical coupling unit is the connector optical coupling unit 220. This is a line contact between the fitting edge portion 216a of the tongue portion 216 and the fitting surface of the fitting optical coupling unit.
0025The features of the connector optical coupling unit 220 can be more easily seen in FIG. 2B with the housing 210 removed. The second mounting area 208 includes a plurality of V-grooves 214 so that each groove accommodates a different optical waveguide of the plurality of permanently mounted optical waveguides received in the first mounting area 202. It is configured and the optical waveguide is joined to the second mounting area 208 at the groove 214. In some embodiments, the second mounting area 208 is accepted in the first mounting area 202 and can be permanently mounted on a plurality of permanently mounted optical waveguides. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide is attached using an adhesive in the first mounting area 202, the second mounting area 208, or both. When the optical waveguide is an optical fiber, the fiber mounting area may consist of cylindrical holes, into which the fibers are joined. Also, if the waveguide is an optical fiber, the polymer coating of the fibers may be joined to a buffer mounting area 223 adjacent to the area 208 to which the bare fibers are joined, in order to improve the mechanical strength of the assembly.
0026The optical coupling unit 220 is configured to be movable within the housing 210. This facilitates proper alignment of the optical coupling unit 220 with the mating optical coupling unit, as shown in the subsequent drawings.
00272C-2G are perspective views of two connectors similar to the connector shown in FIG. 2A. In the embodiments shown, the two connectors include a first connector 200 (shown as positioned in FIG. 2A) and a first mating connector 200', which is the first mating connector 200'. It is turned upside down with 200 and turned upside down. The two connectors 200, 200'are shown in a mated configuration in FIGS. 2C and 2D. The first connector 200 and the first mating connector 200'are mechanically interlocked with the coupling member 218 shown in FIG. 2B.
00282E to 2G show connectors 200 and 200'arranged in casings 201, 201'. FIG. 2E is a perspective view of the connectors 200 and 200'before fitting, FIG. 2F is a perspective view of the connectors 200 and 200'after fitting, and FIG. 2G is a perspective view of the connectors 200 and 200'after fitting. It is a side view of'. The connector bodies 201, 201'provide a rough alignment of the connectors 200, 200', which allows the optical coupling units 220, 220'to be close enough to absorb the remaining misalignment. There is. Casings 201 and 201'may be configured to maintain a connection between the optical coupling units 220, 220', may provide protection from debris and / or other contaminants, and / or board. , A surface for mounting on a bulkhead or the like may be provided. In addition, the connector bodies 201, 201'may be configured to include a surface that allows a person to grip the casing without damaging the connector.
0029As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, during mating with the mating transceiver optical coupling unit 290, the connector optical coupling unit 220 moves to further bend the optical waveguide 204 at the first additional bend 204a and optical. The waveguide 204 may be separated from the first support 209. When the two mating optical coupling units 220, 290 are further engaged (eg, for mechanical interlocking), the second additional bend 204b causes the optical waveguide 204 to separate from the second support 217. it can. The movement of the optical coupling unit 220 may bring the optical coupling unit 220 into contact with the corresponding mating optical coupling unit.
0030In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A, light from the optical waveguide 204 may exit the connector in the exit direction 281, which exit direction 281 is the mating direction 282 of the connector optical coupling unit 220. Is different. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide bends in a plane formed by the mating direction 282 and the light exit direction 281. In some embodiments, the connector optical coupling unit 220 and / or the mating transceiver optical coupling unit 290 may be in one piece configuration, which means that the optical coupling unit has an internal interface, a joint, and so on. Or it means having no seams. In some cases, the integral structure or configuration can be formed by a single forming step, eg, machining, casting, or molding.
0031In some embodiments, the optical coupling unit may include a light redirect element. For example, when an optical waveguide is used to send light from an optical waveguide to an optoelectronic device, the light that emerges from the waveguide along the first direction enters the optical direction-changing element and is first by the optical-direction-changing element. The direction is changed along a second direction different from the direction, and the optical direction changing element is exited along the second direction. In some embodiments, the optical diversion element may have the same index of refraction greater than 1 between the input side and the output side. The light diversion element may include a plurality of reflective surfaces, such as a plurality of curved reflective surfaces. The optical diversion element may be configured to alter the divergence of light, for example an optical diversion element may collimate light.
00324A and 4B are perspective views of a portion of the connector optical coupling unit 420, which includes a first waveguide alignment member 408 and an optical redirect element 412. The action of the connector optical coupling unit 420 is described in a scenario in which the connector optical coupling unit 420 receives the light emerging from the optical waveguide 404 and diverts the light to an optoelectronic device (not shown). It will be appreciated that the connector optical coupling unit can act in a scenario where the connector optical coupling unit receives the light emitted by the optoelectronic device and diverts the light to the optical waveguide 404. FIG. 4A is a partial perspective view of the optical coupling unit 420 and the optical turning element 412, showing the attachment of some optical fiber 404s to the optical coupling unit 420. The optical waveguide 404 may be aligned within the groove 414, typically the V-groove, and permanently attached to the groove 414. The optical coupling unit 420 includes an array of optical diversion elements 412, one for each optical fiber 404 attached to the optical coupling unit 420. Each optical fiber 404 is positioned so that the light emerging from the optical waveguide can be directed to the first side 422 or surface of the optical direction-changing element 412. In some embodiments, the light diversion section 424 of the light diversion element 412 comprises a reflective surface, a reflective lens, and / or a prism.
0033FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a portion of the connector light coupling unit, with one light directing. element) 412, one first waveguide alignment member, eg V-groove 414, and one optical fiber 404. In this figure, the optical fiber 404 is aligned with the V-groove 414 and may be permanently attached to the V-groove 414. At the attachment point, the fiber cushioning material and protective coating (if any) have been stripped off, allowing only bare fiber optics to be aligned and permanently attached and positioned in the V-groove 414. The optical waveguide 412 includes a first side 422 for receiving input light from the optical waveguide 404, which optical waveguide 404 is disposed and aligned with the first waveguide alignment member 414. The optical direction changing element 412 also includes an optical direction changing unit 424 for receiving light from the first side 422 along the input direction and changing the direction of the light along different turning directions. Further, the optical direction changing element 412 includes a second side 426 that receives the light from the optical direction changing unit 424 of the optical direction changing element 412 and sends the received light as output light along the output direction. In some cases, at least one of the first side 422, the light direction changer 424, and the second side 426 of the optical waveguide 404 is for altering the divergence of light exiting the optical waveguide 404. Includes one or more curved surfaces. In some embodiments, for example, where the curved surface is part of the light diversion section 424, the curved surface may be part of a curved mirror or light reflecting lens. In some embodiments, eg, where the curved surface is part of a second side 426, the curved surface may be a light transmitting lense. In some embodiments, each curved surface may be configured to collimate light from an optical waveguide, corresponding to the curved surface.
0034Each optical waveguide 404 has a first core diameter. The direction-changing element corresponding to each optical waveguide may be configured to change the divergence of light appearing from the optical waveguide, so that the light emitted from the optical waveguide exits the connector optical coupling unit and of the connector optical coupling unit. It propagates along an exit direction different from the mating direction. The emitted light may be a magnifying beam having a second diameter that exceeds the diameter of the first core, due to the interaction of the light with the curved surface of the light diversion device, eg, the light diversion element. To do. In some embodiments, the ratio of second diameter to waveguide core diameter may be at least 2, at least 3.7, or at least 5.
0035FIG. 5 is a notched side view of the connector optical coupling unit 520 according to some embodiments. The light beam 506 emitted from the end 504a of the optical waveguide 504 is coupled to the light direction changing element 512. The optical direction changing element 512 includes an optical direction changing unit 542, and the optical direction changing unit 542 may include a curved light reflecting mirror or lens, or may be a curved light reflecting mirror or lens. The light beam 506 may increase in diameter as it propagates toward the light diversion section 542 until the light beam 506 is redirected by the diversion section 542. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the light direction change unit 542 makes the central ray 506a of the light beam 506 at an angle θ.<sub>1</sub>It is configured to turn only, and this θ<sub>1</sub>Is equal to about 90 degrees. After turning, the light beam 507 propagates along a second direction that is different from the direction of the light beam 506. In some cases, the light diversion element 512 alters the divergence of light passing through the light diversion element 512, so that the divergence of the light beam 506 is different from the divergence of the light beam 507. ing. In some embodiments, the light diversion element 512 may be configured to collimate the light entering the light diversion element 512. The mechanical coupling member 518 includes a fitting surface 518a, which mates with the mating surface of the corresponding transceiver optical coupling unit.
0036FIG. 6 is a notched side view of the connector optical coupling unit 620 according to some embodiments. The light beam 606 emitted from the end 604a of the optical waveguide 604 is coupled to the light direction changing element 612. The optical diversion element 612 includes an optical diversion section 642, which includes a curved photoreflector, lens, and / or prism, or is a curved photoreflector, lens, and / or prism. There may be. The light beam 606 may increase in diameter as it propagates toward the light diversion section 642 until the light beam 606 is redirected by the diversion section 642. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the light direction change unit 642 directs the central ray 606a of the light beam 606 at an angle θ.<sub>2</sub>It is configured to turn only, and this θ<sub>2</sub>Is greater than 90 degrees. After turning, the light beam 607 propagates along a second direction that is different from the direction of the light beam 606. In some cases, the light diversion element 612 alters the divergence of light passing through the light diversion element 612, so that the divergence of the light beam 606 is different from the divergence of the light beam 607. ing. In some embodiments, the light diversion element 612 may be configured to collimate the light entering the light diversion element 612. The mechanical coupling member 618 includes a fitting surface 618a, which mates with the mating surface of the corresponding transceiver optical coupling unit.
0037When the connector optical coupling unit acts as a receiver, after the diversion, the diversion light may travel substantially perpendicular to the input surface of the photodetector. When the connector optical coupling unit acts as a transmitter, the light may travel substantially perpendicular to the output surface of the semiconductor laser prior to turning. In either case, a diversion of light above 90 degrees can direct the optical waveguide downwards towards the surface of the printed circuit board (PCB) containing the optoelectronic device, which unless considered, the PCB. Can interfere with other components above. However, turning above 90 degrees provides more efficient coupling and lower photoloss.
00387A-7C show a portion of an optical communication assembly 700, which includes a connector optical coupling unit 701, a transceiver optical coupling unit 702, and an optoelectronic component 703, which is a PCB 704 (FIG. 7C). (Shown only in) on. In addition, the integrated circuit 705 is also shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, and the integrated circuit 705 is a PCB. It is mounted on the 704 and is electrically coupled, eg wire bonded, to the optoelectronic component 703. As shown in FIG. 7A, for example, the integrated circuit 705 is located to the left of the optoelectronic component 703. In other embodiments, the integrated circuit 705 may be disposed to the right of the optoelectronic component 703. The optoelectronic component 703 may include a photodetector configured to receive light from the optical element 720 of the transceiver optical coupling unit 702, or emit light towards the optical element 720 of the transceiver optical coupling unit 702. A semiconductor laser device configured as described above, such as a VCSEL, may be provided. If the optoelectronic device 703 is a photodetector, the integrated circuit 705 may include a receiver circuit configured to receive an electrical signal from the photodetector. When the optoelectronic device 703 is a light emitting device, the integrated circuit 705 may include a driver circuit configured to transmit an electrical signal to the light emitting device.
0039As shown in FIG. 7A, the transceiver optical coupling unit 702 includes a mechanical coupling member 718, which mechanical coupling member 718 is supported by a PCB 704. The mechanical coupling member 718 includes a fitting surface 718a and a facing surface 718b. The optical element 720 is disposed on the facing surface 718b of the mechanical coupling member 718, and each optical element 720 is optically aligned with the corresponding optoelectronic device 703. The mechanical coupling member 718 supports the optical element 720 so that there is a proper separation between the optoelectronic device 703 and the optoelectronic element 720 and a vertical position between the optoelectronic element 720 and the optoelectronic device 703. There is a match.
0040The fitting surface 718a of the mechanical coupling member 718 is configured to fit with the corresponding fitting surface 719b of the mechanical coupling member 719 of the connector optical coupling unit 701. The connector optical coupling unit 701 includes a V-groove 731 configured to hold a plurality of optical waveguides 723. When the connector optocoupler unit 701 and the transceiver optocoupler unit 702 are mated along their mating surfaces 718a, 719b, the respective optometric element 730s correspond via the corresponding optical element 720. Optically aligned with the optoelectronic device 703.
0041The mechanical support member 718 of the transceiver optical coupling unit 702 includes first and second alignment mechanisms 721 disposed on the fitting surface 718a of the mechanical support member 718. The alignment mechanism has a shape corresponding to the tapered shape of the mechanical support member 719 of the connector optical coupling unit 701. The connector optical coupling unit 701 may also include first and second alignment mechanisms disposed on the mating surface 719b of the mechanical support member 719, but these mechanisms are not shown in FIG. .. If an alignment mechanism is present, the alignment mechanism may have a shape corresponding to the tapered shape of the mechanical support member 718 of the transceiver optical coupling unit 702. The connector optical coupling unit 701 includes an interlock mechanism 713, which is configured to interlock with a compatible interlock mechanism 732 of the transceiver optical coupling unit.
00428A-8C depict the connector optical coupling unit 801 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 802, respectively, and the optical communication assembly 803, which is the connector optical mated with the transceiver optical coupling unit 802. Includes coupling unit 801. FIG. 8C shows an optical and transceiver optical coupling unit, which is fitted with a mechanical support structure interlocked by an interlock mechanism. When the optical and transceiver optical coupling units are fitted, the optical communication assembly 803 allows light to pass through the assembly 803.
0043In some embodiments, when the connector optical coupling unit 801 mates with the transceiver optical coupling unit 802, the transceiver optical coupling unit 802 is substantially stationary and the connector optical coupling unit 801 can rotate at least 0.5 degrees. In some embodiments, the connector optical coupling unit 801 can rotate at least 2.0 degrees when the connector optical coupling unit 801 mates with the transceiver optical coupling unit 802. In some embodiments, the connector optical coupling unit 801 can rotate up to 90 degrees when the connector optical coupling unit 801 mates with the transceiver optical coupling unit 802.
0044In some embodiments, the mating direction of the optical connector, including the connector optical coupling unit 801 forms a bevel with the mating surface 818 of the transceiver optical coupling unit 802. Due to this bevel, the optical fiber attached to the connector optical coupling unit 801 of the optical connector bends as discussed above.
0045FIG. 9 shows an optical communication assembly 900 including an optical connector 910, which includes a body 905, a connector optical coupling unit 901, a transceiver optical coupling unit 902, and an optoelectronic device 903. FIG. 9 also shows an integrated circuit 904 wire-bonded to the optoelectronic device 903. The transceiver optical coupling unit 902, the optoelectronic device 903, and the integrated circuit 904 are PCBs. It is arranged on the 906. The fitting direction 915 of the optical connector 910 is a direction in which the connector body 905 moves to fit the optical and transceiver optical coupling units 901 and 902. The transceiver optical coupling unit 902 has a fitting surface 918 at an angle to the fitting direction 915 of the optical connector 910. The wire 916 is parallel to the mating surface 918. The angle α between the mating direction 915 of the optical connector 910 and the mating surface 918 of the transceiver optical coupling unit 902 is about 5 to about 60 degrees, or about 10 to about 30 degrees, or, for example, about 15 degrees. May be good. When mating occurs between the connector optical coupling unit 901 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 902, the difference between the mating direction 915 of the optical connector and the mating surface 918 of the transceiver optical coupling unit causes the optical waveguide 931 to It bends and moves the optical waveguide 931 away from one or both of the first and second waveguide supports 932, 933.
0046FIG. 10 shows another optical communication assembly 1000 that includes an optical connector 1010, which includes a body 1005, as well as a connector optical coupling unit 1001, a transceiver optical coupling unit 1002, and an optoelectronic device 1003. FIG. 10 also shows an integrated circuit 1004 wire-bonded to the optoelectronic device 1003. Transceiver optical coupling unit 1002, optoelectronic device 1003, and integrated circuit 1004 are PCBs. It is arranged on 1006. The fitting direction 1015 of the optical connector 1010 is a direction in which the connector body 1005 moves to fit the connector and the transceiver optical coupling units 1001 and 1002. The transceiver optical coupling unit 1002 has a mating surface 1018 at an angle to the mating direction 1015 of the optical connector 1010. Line 1016 is parallel to the mating surface 1018. The angle β between the mating direction 1015 of the optical connector 1010 and the mating surface 1018 of the transceiver optical coupling unit 1002 is about 5 to about 25 degrees, or about 10 to about 20 degrees, or, for example, about 15 degrees. May be good. When mating occurs between the connector optical coupling unit 1001 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 1002, the angle between the mating direction 1015 of the optical coupler and the mating surface 1018 of the transceiver optical coupling unit causes the optical waveguide 1031 to It bends and moves the optical waveguide 1031 away from one or both of the first and second waveguide supports 1032, 1033.
0047Some optical communication assemblies described herein may be mounted on a PCB to provide a straight, angled, or right angle PCB connector. FIG. 11 shows an optical communication assembly 1100 that includes a transceiver optical coupling unit 1102, which is located on the PCB 1190 and has a connector optical coupling unit 1101 of the optical connector 1110 and a right angle connector configuration. That is, the fitting direction is configured to fit parallel to the surface of the PCB 1190. FIG. 12 shows an optical communication assembly 1200 that includes a transceiver optical coupling unit 1202, which is located on a daughter PCB 1290a and electrically connected to the PCB 1290. The transceiver optical coupling unit 1202 has a linear connector configuration with the connector optical coupling unit 1201 of the optical connector 1210, that is, the mating direction is PCB. It is configured to fit perpendicular to the surface of the 1290. FIG. 13 shows an optical communication assembly 1300 that includes a transceiver optical coupling unit 1302, which is located on a PCB 1390 and has an angled connector configuration with the connector optical coupling unit 1301 of the optical connector 1310. It is configured to fit in. FIG. 14 shows an optical communication assembly 1400 that includes a transceiver optical coupling unit 1402, which is located on a daughter PCB 1490a and electrically connected to the PCB 1490. The transceiver optical coupling unit 1402 is configured to fit into the connector optical coupling unit 1401 of the optical connector 1410 in an angled connector configuration.
0048FIG. 15 illustrates a simplified side profile of an exemplary optical communication assembly 1500, which includes a connector optical coupling unit 1501 and a transceiver optical coupling unit 1502, without a housing. , Also shown in the fitted orientation. The optoelectronic device 1503 (light emitter in this example) and the integrated circuit 1504 are located on the PCB 1505. The transceiver optical coupling unit 1502 includes a mechanical support member 1518, which has a mating surface 1518a and a facing surface 1518b. The optical element 1520 is disposed on the facing surface 1518b of the mechanical support member 1518 and is optically aligned with the optoelectronic device 1503. The mechanical support member 1518 supports the optical element 1520 so that there is an appropriate separation between the optoelectronic device 1503 and the optoelectronic element 1520, resulting in the connector optical coupling unit 1501 and the optoelectronic device 1503. Optical alignment occurs between and through the optical element 1520. In the configuration shown in FIG. 15, the mating surfaces 1501a and 1518a are PCBs. It is substantially parallel to the surface 1505a of 1505.
0049In the mated configuration, the mating surface 1501a of the connector optical coupling unit 1501 is adjacent to the mating surface 1518a of the transceiver optical coupling unit 1502. In action in the mated configuration, the connector optical coupling unit 1501 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 1502 transmit light between the optoelectronic element 1503 and the optical waveguide 1540.
0050In the example shown in FIG. 15, the optoelectronic device 1503 comprises a light emitting device that emits a divergent light beam 1521a toward the optical element 1520. The optical element 1520 changes the divergence of the light beam and / or collimates the diverging light beam. The light beam 1521b emerging from the optical element 1520 is redirected by the optical direction changing element 1510 of the connector optical coupling unit 1501. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the turning element 1510 diverges and changes the direction of the light beam 1521b so that the central ray of the light beam 1521b deviates by an angle θ of about 90 degrees. .. The optical beam 1521c emerging from the optical diversion element 1510 converges towards the optical waveguide 1540 of the connector optical coupling unit 1501.
0051FIG. 16 depicts a simplified side profile of another exemplary optical communication assembly 1600, which includes a connector optical coupling unit 1601 and a transceiver optical coupling unit 1602 and a housing. Not provided and shown in mated orientation. The optoelectronic device 1603 (light emitter in this example) and the integrated circuit 1604 are located on the PCB 1605. The transceiver optical coupling unit 1602 includes a mechanical support member 1618, which has a fitting surface 1618a and a facing surface 1618b, a fitting edge 1618c, and a base edge 1618d. The mating edge 1618c is the edge of the mating surface 1618a and first hits the connector optical coupling unit 1601 when mating occurs. In the configuration shown in FIG. 16, the mating surface 1618a is angled with respect to the surface 1605a of the PCB 1605 so that the mating surface 1618a is the PCB. It is designed to incline from the base edge 1618d to the fitting edge 1618c toward the surface 1605a of the 1605. In this configuration, the optical waveguide 1640 extends away from the connector optical coupling unit 1601 at an angle towards the PCB surface 1605a.
0052The optical element 1620 is disposed on the facing surface 1618b of the mechanical support member 1618 and is optically aligned with the optoelectronic device 1603. The mechanical support member 1618 supports the optical element 1620 so that there is an appropriate separation between the optoelectronic device 1603 and the optical element 1620, resulting in the orientation of the connector optical coupling unit 1601. Optical alignment occurs between the conversion element 1610 and the optoelectronic device 1603 through the optical element 1620. In the mated configuration, the mating surface 1601a of the connector optical coupling unit 1601 is adjacent to the mating surface 1618a of the transceiver optical coupling unit 1602. In action in the mated configuration, the optical communication assembly 1600, including the connector optical coupling unit 1601 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 1602, transmits light between the optoelectronic element 1603 and the optical waveguide 1640.
0053In the example shown in FIG. 16, the optoelectronic device 1603 comprises a light emitting device, which emits a divergent light beam 1621a and emits light from the optoelectronic device 1603. It emits toward the optical element 1620 substantially perpendicular to face). The optical element 1620 changes the divergence of the light beam 1621a and / or collimates the diverging light beam 1621a. The light beam 1621b emitted from the optical element 1620 is redirected by the optical direction changing element 1610 of the connector optical coupling unit 1601. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the turning element 1610 diverges and redirects the light beam 1621b so that the central ray of the light beam 1621b deviates by an angle θ greater than 90 degrees. .. The optical beam 1621c emerging from the optical direction-changing element 1610 converges toward the input surface of the optical waveguide 1640 of the connector optical coupling unit 1601. As shown in FIG. 16, the optical element 1620 may be disposed in a recess or trench 1618e of the mechanical support structure 1618. Optical element 1620 may have a surface that is perpendicular to the light beam 1621b from the optoelectronic device 1603 but not perpendicular to the mating surface (shown in FIG. 16). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17 below, the optical element 1720 disposed within the recess or trench 1718e includes a surface that is angled with respect to the light beam 1721b, resulting in light beam deflection. May be good.
0054FIG. 17A depicts a simplified side profile of yet another exemplary optical communication assembly 1700, which includes a connector optical coupling unit 1701 and a transceiver optical coupling unit 1702 and a housing. Is not provided and is shown in the fitted orientation. The optoelectronic device 1703 (the light emitter in this example) and the integrated circuit 1704 are located on the PCB 1705. The transceiver optical coupling unit 1702 includes a mechanical support member 1718, which has a fitting surface 1718a and a facing surface 1718b, a fitting edge 1718c, and a base edge 1718d. The mating edge 1718c is the edge of the mating surface 1718a and first hits the connector optical coupling unit 1701 when mating occurs. In the configuration shown in FIG. 17, the mating surface 1718a is angled with respect to the surface 1705a of the PCB 1705 so that the mating surface 1718a is the PCB. It is designed to incline toward the surface 1705a of 1705 from the base edge 1718d to the fitting edge 1718c. In this configuration, the optical waveguide 1740 extends away from the connector optical coupling unit 1701 at an angle towards the PCB surface 1705a.
0055The optical element 1720 is disposed on the facing surface 1718b of the mechanical support member 1718 and is optically aligned with the optoelectronic device 1703. The mechanical support member 1718 supports the optical element 1720 so that there is proper separation and alignment between the optoelectronic device 1703 and the optical element 1720, resulting in a connector optical coupling unit. Optical alignment occurs through the optical element 1720 between the redirection element 1710 of 1701 and the optoelectronic device 1703. In the mated configuration, the mating surface 1701a of the connector optical coupling unit 1701 is adjacent to the mating surface 1718a of the transceiver optical coupling unit 1702. In action in a mated configuration, the optical communication assembly 1700, including the connector optical coupling unit 1701 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 1702, transmits light between the optoelectronic element 1703 and the optical waveguide 1740.
0056In the example shown in FIG. 17A, the optoelectronic device 1703 comprises a light emitting device, which emits a divergent light beam 1721a towards the optical element 1720, substantially perpendicular to the light emitting surface of the optoelectronic device 1703. .. The optical element 1720 is disposed under the recess or trench 1718e of the mechanical support structure 1718. The optical element 1720 includes first and second mechanisms 1720a, 1720b. The first mechanism 1720a, eg, a lens, is configured to alter the divergence of the light beam 1721a and / or collimate the diverging light beam 1721a. The light beam 1721b appearing from the first mechanism 1720a of the optical element 1720 is turned by the second mechanism 1720b of the optical element 1720, for example, a refraction mechanism, for example, a prism by an angle φ. The light beam 1721c emerging from the second mechanism 1720b of the optical element 1720 is directed to the optical direction-changing element 1710 of the connector optical coupling unit 1701, for example, the optical direction-changing element. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the direction changing element 1710 diverges and changes the direction of the light beam 1721c so that the central ray of the light beam 1721c deviates by an angle θ. May be about 90 degrees. The optical beam 1721d emerging from the optical direction-changing element 1710 converges toward the input surface of the optical waveguide 1740 of the connector optical coupling unit 1701. In this example, the central ray of the light beam 1721a is redirected by an angle θ + φ, which may be greater than 90 degrees.
0057In some embodiments, the fiber optic 1750 may exit at a connector with a deviation greater than 90 degrees (θ> 90 degrees) substantially parallel to the PCB 1760, as depicted in FIG. 17B. It brings the benefit of reduced losses. This embodiment includes an appropriate deviation φ of the magnifying beam provided by the optical element 1770.
0058In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 15, 16, 17A, and 17B, and other embodiments described herein, the mechanical support of the transceiver optical coupling unit is an optoelectronic device and / or an integrated circuit. Protection against, or airtight seals may also be provided.
005918A and 18B show another embodiment with magnifying beam light coupling, where the connector optical coupling unit is supported on an optical waveguide, which acts as a spring to act as a spring and the connector optical coupling unit. A fitting force is applied between the fitting optical coupling unit and the fitting optical coupling unit. FIG. 18A shows an optical communication assembly 1800, which includes a transceiver optical coupling unit 1802 and a connector optical coupling unit 1801 attached to an optical waveguide 1840. In Figure 18A, the optical communication assembly 1801 is shown in an unfitted configuration, approaching a fitted configuration. The connector optical coupling assembly 1801 is disposed within a housing 1810, eg, a connector housing, which housing 1810 comprises a first waveguide support 1815, a second waveguide support 1816, and a third waveguide support 1817. Have, these provide a double bend of the optical waveguide 1840. As described above, the optical waveguide is attached to the connector body by the first fiber attachment mechanism 1812, and is attached to the connector optical coupling unit by the second fiber attachment mechanism 1813.
0060Transceiver optical coupling unit 1802 includes support structure 1818, which is disposed on PCB 1805 and has a mating surface 1818a. In addition, an optoelectronic device 1803 and an integrated circuit 1804 are also arranged on the PCB 1805. The transceiver optical coupling unit 1802, the optoelectronic device 1803, and the integrated circuit 1804 are located in the housing 1811, eg, in the receptacle housing.
0061The mating surface 1818a of the transceiver optical coupling unit support structure 1818 and the mating direction indicated by the arrow 1890 of the connector housing 1810 are substantially parallel in this example. The connector optical coupling unit fitting edge 1802a of the transceiver optical coupling unit 1802 is bordered so that when the connector optical coupling unit 1801 mates with the transceiver optical coupling unit 1802, the optical coupling unit 1801 is fitted with a border. It is designed to come into contact with the junction 1802a. As the optical coupling unit 1801 slides along the bordered edge 1802a, the connector optical coupling unit rotates. Connector 1810 is fitted accompaniment further moves along the direction, fitting surface 1801b of the connector optical coupling unit 1801 slides into the fitting position adjacent to the mating face 1818a of the transceiver optical coupling unit 1802.
0062FIG. 18B shows the optical communication assembly 1800 after the connector optical coupling unit 1801 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 1802 have been fitted. In the fitted configuration, the optical waveguide 1840 bends further, lifting the optical waveguide 1840 away from at least the first waveguide support 1815. The bending of the optical waveguide 1840 provides the force to keep the mating surfaces 1801b, 1818a in mating contact.
0063As mentioned above, the optical communication assembly may involve the use of bending fibers that provide spring force, which holds the magnifying beam optical coupling unit in a mating contact. Additional information regarding the optical coupling unit and its components applicable to the embodiments discussed in this disclosure is provided in US Patent Application No. 61 / 710,083, 2012, filed October 5, 2012 by the same owner. No. 61 / 710,077 filed on October 5, 2012, No. 61 / 710,067 filed on October 5, 2012, and No. 61 / 736,703 filed on December 13, 2012. It is described in. Each of these patent applications is incorporated herein by reference.
0064Some embodiments do not have to rely on fiber bending to provide mating force and / or, along with fiber bending, rely on other techniques to couple the connector optical coupling unit into a transceiver optical coupling. It may be fixed by fitting contact with the unit. These embodiments may use connector optical coupling units as described above and as described in the patent application incorporated herein by reference.
006519A and 19B show an optical communication assembly 1900 used with electronic devices such as mobile phones, music storage devices, tablets, or laptop computers. 19A and 19B show the optical communication assembly 1900 in the unfitted and fitted states, respectively. In this example, the cover, housing, or lid 1991, 1992 of the electronic device, when installed, exerts a force on the optical communication assembly 1900 to hold the subassembly of the optical communication assembly 1900 in a mating contact. FIG. 19A shows an unfitted subassembly of an optical communication assembly 1900, which optical communication assembly 1900 includes a connector optical coupling unit 1901 with an optical directing unit (not shown). The connector optical coupling unit 1901 is attached to the optical waveguide 1940. The optical communication assembly 1900 includes a transceiver optical coupling unit 1902, and an optoelectronic device 1903, which optoelectronic device 1903 is in a cavity 1909 formed by a mechanical support structure 1918 and is a PCB. Arranged on 1905. In some embodiments, the mechanical support structure 1918 of the transceiver optical coupling unit 1902 has an optical element (not shown) disposed on it. In some embodiments, the connector optical coupling unit 1901 comprises an optical element, and in yet other embodiments, the optical element is disposed on the optoelectronic device 1903 itself. In all of these embodiments, light can be transmitted between the optical waveguide 1940 and the optoelectronic device 1903 when the connector optical coupling unit 1901 is fitted to the transceiver optical coupling unit 1902. As described above, the optical direction-changing element of the connector optical coupling unit 1900 is optically aligned with the optical waveguide 1940 and the optoelectronic device 1903 through the optical element.
0066Transceiver optical coupling unit 1902 may include an alignment mechanism configured to fit with a matching alignment mechanism of connector optical coupling unit 1901. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the connector optical coupling unit 1901 may include a pin or protrusion 1901a, which pin or protrusion 1901a engages with a matching hole or recess 1902a of the transceiver optical coupling unit 1902. It is configured to fit. It will be appreciated that the connector optical coupling unit may be formed to provide a recess or hole, and the transceiver optical coupling unit may provide a matching pin or protrusion. In some embodiments, the transceiver optical coupling unit itself forms a pin, and the connector optical coupling unit includes a protruding edge that fits onto the transceiver optical coupling unit.
0067FIG. 19B shows the optical communication assembly 1900 after mating. The protrusion fits into the groove to align the optical coupling units 1901 and 1902. The optical coupling units 1901 and 1902 are held in the mating position by the force applied by the device cases 1991 and 1992. The optical communication assembly is pushed between the first and second parts 1991, 1992 of the case and the force is applied substantially perpendicular to the mating surfaces of the connector optical coupling unit 1901 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 1902. Be done. In some configurations, a compliant layer or spring 1990 may be inserted between the case portion 1991 and the connector optical coupling unit 1901 and / or between the case portion 1992 and the PCB 1905.
0068FIG. 20 shows another configuration of an optical communication assembly for an electronic device, where electronic device cases 2091, 2092 are used to hold the connector optical coupling unit 2001 in a mating position with the optoelectronic device 2003. Has been done. In the configuration shown, the connector optical coupling unit 2001 includes an optical element (not shown), or the optical element is disposed on the optoelectronic device 2003. After mating, the optical direction-changing element of the connector optical coupling unit 2001 is optically aligned and held with the optical waveguide 2040 and the optoelectronic device 2003 via the optical element by the force applied through the electronic device cases 2091 and 2092. Will be done. The optoelectronic device 2003 is on the second PCB 2004 (ie, the daughter board) and on the first PCB. It is mounted in hole 2006 in 2005 (ie motherboard). The connector optical coupling unit 2001 is pushed between the first and second parts 2091 and 2092 of the case. In some configurations, a flexible layer or spring 2090 may be inserted between the case portion 2091 and the connector optical coupling unit 2001 and / or between the case portion 2092 and the second PCB 2004.
0069FIG. 21A shows another configuration of the optical communication assembly 2100, which in some respects is similar to the optical communication assembly 2000 of FIG. Like the optical communication assembly 2000, the optical communication assembly 2100 is on the second PCB 2104 and on the first PCB. Includes optoelectronic device 2103 mounted in hole 2116 of 2105. The optical communication assembly 2100 includes a connector optical coupling unit 2101 (also shown in the top view of FIG. 21B) and a transceiver optical coupling unit 2102. In this example, the transceiver optical coupling unit includes a mechanical support structure 2118, which can optionally support optical elements (not shown) disposed on the mechanical support structure 2118. When the connector optical coupling unit 2101 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 2102 are fitted, the optical orientation changing element 2106 of the connector optical coupling unit is optically aligned with the optical electronic device 2103 via an optical element. Light can be transmitted between the optical waveguide 2140 and the optoelectronic device 2103 when the connector optical coupling unit 2101 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 2102 are fitted.
0070In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21A, the connector optical coupling unit 2101 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 2102 are located on the alignment mechanism 2111 (eg, alignment slot) on the connector optical coupling unit 2101 and on the transceiver optical coupling unit 2102. Alignment pins 2112 are aligned in a mating configuration, and the alignment pins 2112 engage the connector optical coupling unit during mating. The connector optical coupling unit 2101 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 2102 are held in a mating configuration by a spring mechanism 2110 that exerts a force on the connector optical coupling unit 2101.
0071Figures 22A-22D show the mating arrangement of the optical communication assembly 2200 in several configurations. The optical communication assembly 2200 includes a connector optical coupling unit 2201, which is attached to an optical waveguide 2240 and configured to fit into a transceiver optical coupling unit 2202. Although the optoelectronic device and PCB are not shown in these figures, in the mating configuration, as described above, the optoelectronic device is an optical diversion element of the connector optical coupling unit 2201 via an optical element (not shown). Optoelectronic devices will be arranged so that they are optically aligned (not shown). The mating configuration allows light to be transmitted between the optical fiber 2240 and the optoelectronic device.
0072The transceiver optical coupling unit 2202 comprises slot 2230, and the connector optical coupling unit 2201 can be inserted along the direction 2221 parallel to the mating surfaces 2201a, 2202a of the optical coupling unit 2201. Slot 2230 includes sides 2231, 2232 and end 2233, which are between the connector optical coupling unit 2201 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 2202 when the connector optical coupling unit 2201 is inserted into slot 2230. Provides coarse optical alignment. Optical coupling units 2201 and 2202 include holes 2201b and 2202b configured to accept matching mating pins 2290, which pins 2290 are fine between the connector optical coupling unit 2201 and the transceiver optical coupling unit 2202. Provides good optical alignment. 22A and 22B show side and top views of the optical communication assembly 2200 before inserting the connector optical coupling unit 2201 into slot 2230 of the transceiver optical coupling unit 2202, respectively. FIG. 22C shows a side view of the optical communication assembly 2200 after inserting the connector optical coupling unit 2201 into the slot of the transceiver optical coupling unit 2202. FIG. 22D shows optical communication after inserting the connector optical coupling unit 2201 into slot 2230 of the transceiver optical coupling unit 2202 and after inserting the fine alignment pin 2290 into the alignment holes 2201b, 2202b. A side view of the assembly 2200 is shown. In some embodiments, the alignment holes may extend substantially perpendicular to the alignment surfaces 2201a, 2202a. In some embodiments, the alignment holes may extend along angles that are not perpendicular to the fitting surfaces 2201a, 2201a.
0073It will be appreciated that an additional embodiment is an optical communication assembly, wherein the connector optical coupling unit comprises a slot that is inserted over or onto the transceiver optical coupling unit. In addition, or instead, the optical communication assembly may be a component of the electronic device, as described above in connection with FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 20, and the fine alignment pins are of the electronic device. It may be placed on a cover or case. While the fine alignment pins placed on the case and inserted into the holes of the optical coupling unit align the optical components to the mating positions, the force exerted by the installation of the electronic device case is spring force. Will be added to the optical communication assembly. In some embodiments, the alignment holes and pins may be tapered. Some embodiments use one or more diamond-shaped alignment holes and pins. For example, in some cases a single diamond-shaped alignment hole and a matching diamond-shaped pin may be used.
007423A and 23B show side and top views of an alignment frame configured to be mounted on a PCB, respectively, in which the alignment frame has a connector optical coupling unit mounted on the PCB and optoelectronics. Can be used to align with the device. The alignment frame 2390 includes one or more mechanisms including a joining tab 2391 for joining the alignment frame 2390 to the PCB; and a spring mechanism 2395 that holds the connector optocoupled unit within the frame 2390; one or more positions. Alignment Mechanism 2392, such as a wedge-shaped alignment mechanism, is configured to provide lateral and / or vertical alignment of a connector optical coupling unit within a frame 2390 that is optically aligned with an optoelectronic device. With the alignment mechanism; with the support tab 2393 that maintains the vertical alignment of the connector optical coupling unit with respect to the optoelectronic device; and the spring latch configured to hold the connector optical coupling unit against the alignment mechanism 2392. ) 2394 and may be included. The spring mechanism 2395 may have a gull wing structure or may have a gull wing structure.
007523C and 23D show side and top views of the optical communication assembly 2300, respectively, which includes the alignment frame 2390 as well as the connector optical coupling unit 2301 within the frame 2390.
0076The embodiments disclosed herein include the following items: Item 1. With 1 or more optoelectronic devices, One or more optics, each of which has an input side configured to receive incident light and an output side configured to output emitted light, each of which has an optical element. , The divergence of the emitted light is configured to change with respect to the divergence of the incident light, each optical element being separated from the corresponding optoelectronic device and optically aligned with the corresponding optoelectronic device. Optical elements and It is a transceiver optical coupling unit and has a fitting surface configured for mating with a connector optical coupling unit attached to an optical waveguide, and the mating direction of the optical optical coupling unit is that of the transceiver optical coupling unit. It forms an angle with the mating surface, so that when the connector optical coupling unit mates with the transceiver optical coupling unit, it is between the mating direction of the connector optical coupling unit and the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit. The transceiver optical coupling unit, in which the optical waveguide bends depending on the angle, An optical communication subassembly.
0077Item 2. Subassembly of item 1 in which the transceiver optical coupling unit has a transceiver unit mating surface that extends in a direction different from the mating direction.
0078Item 3. The subassembly according to any one of items 1 and 2, wherein the connector optical coupling unit is integrated.
0079Item 4. The subassembly according to any one of items 1-3, in which the transceiver optical coupling unit is integrated.
0080Item 5. In the transceiver optical coupling unit, when the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit and the mating surface of the connector optical coupling unit come into contact during mating, the transceiver optical coupling unit exerts a force on the connector optical coupling unit. , The subassembly according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the optical waveguide is configured to bend.
0081Item 6. The subassembly according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the angle between the mating direction of the optical coupling unit and the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit is about 5 to about 60 degrees.
0082Item 7. The subassembly according to any one of items 1-5, wherein the angle between the mating direction of the optical coupling unit and the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit is approximately 10 to approximately 30 degrees.
0083Item 8. The subassembly according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the difference between the mating angle of the optical coupling unit and the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit is approximately 15 degrees.
0084Item 9. The subassembly according to any one of items 1-8, wherein the connector optical coupling unit rotates at least 0.5 degrees when the transceiver optical coupling unit mates with the connector optical coupling unit.
0085Item 10. The subassembly according to any one of items 1-9, wherein the connector optical coupling unit rotates at least twice when the transceiver optical coupling unit mates with the connector optical coupling unit.
0086Item 11. The subassembly according to any one of items 1-10, wherein the connector optical coupling unit rotates more than 5 degrees when the transceiver optical coupling unit mates with the connector optical coupling unit.
0087Item 12. At the time of action, there is transmission of one or both of light and electricity between the transceiver optical coupling unit and the connector optical coupling unit as a result of mating, in any one of items 1-11. Described subassembly.
0088Item 13. A subassembly further comprising an integrated circuit electrically coupled to a plurality of optoelectronic devices, wherein the transceiver optical coupling unit forms an airtight seal for the optoelectronic device and the integrated circuit, items 1-12. The subassembly according to any one of the above.
0089Item 14. The subassembly according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein one or more optics are disposed on the mechanical support of the transceiver optical coupling unit.
0090Item 15. The subassembly according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein one or more optics are respectively disposed in one or more recesses on the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit.
0091Item 16. The subassembly according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein one or more optics are disposed in a trench on the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit.
0092Item 17. The transceiver optical coupling unit includes a mating surface configured to fit the mating surface of the connector optical coupling unit, and the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit is lateral to the connector optical coupling unit. The subassembly according to any one of items 1 to 16, comprising at least one lateral alignment mechanism configured to provide alignment.
0093Item 18. The subassembly according to item 17, wherein at least one lateral alignment mechanism comprises opposing alignment mechanisms disposed on either side of the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit.
0094Item 19. Opposing alignment mechanisms include first and second wedge-shaped protrusions, the first and second wedge-shaped protrusions allow the optical coupling unit to project the first and second alignment protrusions. The subassembly according to item 18, which is arranged to be accepted between the parts.
0095Item 20. The subassembly according to item 17, wherein at least one alignment mechanism comprises an alignment protrusion or alignment trench configured to engage the corresponding alignment mechanism of the connector optical coupling unit.
0096Item 21. A subassembly in which optoelectronic devices are placed on a printed circuit board (PCB). The subassembly according to any one of items 1 to 20, further comprising an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the optoelectronic device, wherein the integrated circuit is located on the PCB.
0097Item 22. The subassembly according to item 21, wherein at least a portion of the optoelectronic device is a surface emitting semiconductor laser and the integrated circuit comprises a driver circuit for the surface emitting semiconductor laser.
0098Item 23. The subassembly according to item 22, wherein the corresponding optics are configured to collimate the light received from the surface emitting semiconductor laser.
0099Item 24. The subassembly according to item 21, wherein at least a portion of the optoelectronic device is a photodetector and the integrated circuit comprises a receiver circuit for the photodetector.
0100Item 25. The subassembly according to item 24, wherein the corresponding optics are configured to focus the light received from the connector optical coupling unit on the photodetector.
0101Item 26. The optoelectronic device is located on a printed circuit board (PCB) with a mounting surface, which mounting surface is not parallel to the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit, any of items 1-25. The subassembly described in one section.
0102Item 27. Optoelectronic devices are located on a printed circuit board (PCB) with a mounting surface, which mounting surface is approximately parallel to the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit, any of items 1-25. Or the subassembly described in one section.
0103Item 28. The subassembly according to any one of items 1-27, wherein the optical element comprises a first mechanism configured to alter the divergence of input light.
010429. The subassembly according to item 28, wherein the optical element comprises a second mechanism configured to change the direction of the input light.
0105Item 30. The subassembly according to item 29, wherein the first mechanism is a lens and the second mechanism is a prism.
0106Item 31. The subassembly according to any one of items 1 to 30, wherein the optics are configured to diverge and direct input light.
0107Item 32. Connector The optical coupling unit is located in the connector housing with the mating direction, The transceiver optical coupling unit has a mechanical support structure, and the fitting surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit is perpendicular or parallel to the fitting direction from the trailing edge of the mechanical support structure to the fitting edge of the mechanical support structure. The subassembly according to any one of claims 1-31, extending along a direction that is not.
0108Item 33. Optoelectronic device mounted on printed circuit board, 32. The subassembly according to item 32, wherein the mating surface of the transceiver support unit extends from the trailing edge to the mating edge towards the surface of the PCB.
0109Item 34. Optoelectronic device mounted on printed circuit board, 32. The subassembly according to item 32, wherein the mating surface of the transceiver support unit extends from the trailing edge to the mating edge away from the surface of the PCB.
0110Item 35. Connector An optical connector with an optical coupling unit, the connector optical coupling unit is configured to couple light between a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical direction changing elements, and each light is coupled. The diversion element is optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide having a core diameter, and the optical diversion element is configured to direct the light emerging from the optical waveguide, thus directing the directed light. With optical connectors, which are designed to have a diameter that exceeds the core diameter of the optical waveguide, With multiple optoelectronic devices A plurality of optical elements, each of which is configured to change the divergence of light passing through the optical element, and each optical direction changing element corresponds to a photoelectron via a corresponding optical element. With the optics optically coupled to the device, A transceiver optical coupling unit that is configured to couple light with a connector optical coupling unit and between a connector optical coupling unit and a plurality of optical electronic devices, and is configured to couple optical connectors. The orientation forms an angle with the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit, so that when the connector optical coupling unit mates with the transceiver optical coupling unit, the mating direction of the optical connector and the fitting of the transceiver optical coupling unit A transceiver optical coupling unit in which multiple optical waveguides are bent depending on the angle between them. An optical communication assembly.
0111Item 36. Optoelectronic devices and transceivers Optical coupling units are mounted on the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) and are located within the housing of the receptacle connector. 35. The assembly of item 35, wherein the optical connector comprises a plug connector configured to fit with a receptacle connector, and the mating direction of the optical connector is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the PCB.
0112Item 37. Optoelectronic devices and transceivers Optical coupling units are mounted on the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) and are located within the housing of the receptacle connector. 35. 36, wherein the optical connector comprises a plug connector configured to fit with a receptacle connector, and the mating direction of the optical connector is substantially parallel to the surface of the PCB. Assembly.
0113Item 38. Optoelectronic devices and transceivers Optical coupling units are mounted on the surface of a printed circuit board and located within the housing of the receptacle connector. The optical connector comprises a plug connector configured to fit with a receptacle connector, the mating direction of the optical connector is angled with respect to the PCB, and this angle is not perpendicular or parallel to the surface of the PCB, item 35. The assembly according to any one of ~ 37.
0114Item 39. Connector An optical connector comprising an optical coupling unit, wherein the connector optical coupling unit is configured to couple light between a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical direction changing elements, and each light is coupled. The diversion element is optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide having a core diameter, and the optical diversion element is configured to direct the light emerging from the optical waveguide, thus directing the directed light. With optical connectors, which are designed to have a diameter that exceeds the core diameter of the optical waveguide, With multiple optoelectronic devices A plurality of optical elements, each of which is configured to change the divergence of light passing through the optical element, and each optical direction changing element corresponds to a photoelectron via a corresponding optical element. With the optics optically coupled to the device, A transceiver optical coupling unit that is configured to couple light with a connector optical coupling unit and between the connector optical coupling unit and a plurality of optical electronic devices. Having a mating surface, the transceiver optical coupling unit has a corresponding mating surface, so that when mating occurs between the connector optical coupling unit and the transceiver optical coupling unit, the connector optical coupling unit After the mating surface first forms line contact with the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit, the connector optical coupling unit rotates to form surface contact with the transceiver optical coupling unit, which causes the plurality of optical waveguides to bend. With the transceiver optical coupling unit, An optical communication assembly.
0115Item 40. Connector An optical connector with an optical coupling unit, the connector optical coupling unit is configured to couple light between a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical direction changing elements, and each light is coupled. The diversion element is optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide having a core diameter, and the optical diversion element is configured to direct the light emerging from the optical waveguide, thus directing the directed light. With optical connectors, which are designed to have a diameter that exceeds the core diameter of the optical waveguide, With multiple optoelectronic devices A plurality of optical elements, each of which is configured to change the divergence of light passing through the optical element, and each optical direction changing element corresponds to a photoelectron via a corresponding optical element. With the optics optically coupled to the device, A transceiver optical coupling unit that is configured to couple light with a connector optical coupling unit and between the connector optical coupling unit and a plurality of optical electronic devices. The transceiver optical coupling unit has a mating surface with a mating edge, and the transceiver optical coupling unit has a corresponding mating surface with a bordered mating edge to fit the connector optical coupling unit and the transceiver optical coupling unit. After mating, the surfaces are arranged substantially parallel to the mating direction of the optical connector, so that when mating occurs, the mating edge of the connector optical coupling unit is first of the transceiver optical coupling unit. It is designed to form contact with the rimmed fitting edge, and when the connector optical coupling unit moves along the mating direction, the connector optical coupling unit rotates with the mating surface of the connector optical coupling unit. A transceiver optical coupling unit, which forms surface contact with the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit, and this rotation causes a plurality of optical waveguides to bend. An optical communication assembly.
0116Item 41. A connector optical coupling unit including a plurality of optical direction changing elements, each optical direction changing element is optically coupled to the corresponding optical waveguide, and the optical direction changing element advances to the optical waveguide, or It is configured to direct the light traveling from the optical waveguide, so that the central ray of light traveling to or from the optical waveguide is redirected by an angle θ of more than 90 degrees. An optical communication subassembly with a connector optical coupling unit.
011742. The subassembly according to claim 41, wherein each light diversion element is further configured to collimate light.
011843. The subassembly according to any one of claims 41 to 42, wherein θ is greater than about 110 degrees.
0119Item 44. Transceiver A transceiver optical coupling unit configured to fit with a connector optical coupling unit, each configured to couple light between a plurality of optical diversion elements and a plurality of optoelectronic devices. The subassembly according to any one of claims 41 to 43, further comprising a transceiver optical coupling unit, wherein the transceiver optical coupling unit comprises a plurality of refracting elements.
0120Item 45. A connector optical coupling unit configured to couple light between a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of reflecting elements, and each reflecting element optically couples to a corresponding optical waveguide. Each of the reflecting elements is configured to reflect the input light to the corresponding optical waveguide or to reflect the input light from the corresponding optical waveguide, thereby advancing to or corresponding to the corresponding optical waveguide. A connector optical coupling unit, in which the central ray of input light traveling from the optical waveguide is redirected by a first angle θ and the reflecting element is further configured to alter the divergence of the input light. A plurality of refracting elements, each of which is optically coupled to a corresponding reflecting element, and each refracting element advances in or out of a corresponding reflecting element. A refracting element configured to change with the second angle φ, An optical communication subassembly.
0121Item 46. Each reflective element has an optical reflective surface, The subassembly according to item 45, wherein each refracting element is an optically refracting surface, wherein the reflecting surface comprises an optically refracting surface that is not parallel to the refracting surface.
0122Item 47. Transceiver A transceiver optical coupling unit configured to fit with a connector optical coupling unit, each configured to couple light between a plurality of optical diversion elements and a plurality of optoelectronic devices. The subassembly according to any one of items 45 to 46, further comprising a transceiver optical coupling unit, wherein the transceiver optical coupling unit comprises a plurality of refracting elements.
0123Item 48. The subassembly according to any one of items 45-47, wherein θ is about 90 degrees.
0124Item 49. The subassembly according to any one of items 45-48, where θ + φ is greater than 90 degrees.
0125Item 50. Optical communication assembly With one or more optoelectronic devices, An optical element that is one or more optical elements, each of which is aligned with a corresponding optoelectronic device. Transceiver optical coupling unit and A connector optical coupling unit comprising one or more optical directing mechanisms, each optical directing mechanism being arranged to be optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide, the transceiver optical coupling unit. A connector light that is configured to fit into a connector optical coupling unit, with each optical direction change mechanism being optically aligned with a corresponding optoelectronic device via a corresponding optical element. With the coupling unit, A cover configured to provide protection for the components of the assembly so that it exerts a force on the optical communication assembly to keep each optical diversion mechanism optically aligned with the corresponding optoelectronic device. With the configured cover, An optical communication assembly.
0126Item 51. Transceiver optical coupling unit includes first alignment mechanism 50. The assembly of item 50, wherein the connector optical coupling unit comprises a second alignment mechanism configured to engage the first alignment mechanism.
0127Item 52. The first alignment mechanism is a dent, 58. The assembly of item 51, wherein the second alignment mechanism is a protrusion configured to fit within the recess.
0128Item 53. The assembly according to any one of items 50-52, wherein the cover comprises alignment pins and the transceiver optical coupling unit and connector optical coupling unit include alignment holes configured to receive the pins.
0129Item 54. The assembly according to any one of items 50-53, wherein the transceiver optical coupling unit fits inside the cavity formed by the connector optical coupling unit for mating with the connector optical coupling unit.
0130Item 55. Any one of items 50-53, wherein the connector optical coupling unit is configured to fit inside the cavity formed by the transceiver optical coupling unit for mating with the transceiver optical coupling unit. The assembly described in.
0131Item 56. The transceiver optical coupling unit has a mating surface, the connector optical coupling unit has a corresponding mating surface parallel to the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit, and the transceiver optical coupling unit of the connector optical coupling unit. 55. The assembly of item 55, wherein the mating direction with and is substantially parallel to the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit and the connector optical coupling unit.
0132Item 57. The transceiver optical coupling unit has a mating surface, the connector optical coupling unit has a corresponding mating surface parallel to the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit, and the transceiver optical coupling unit of the connector optical coupling unit. 55. The assembly of item 55, wherein the mating direction with and is substantially perpendicular to the mating surface of the transceiver optical coupling unit and the connector optical coupling unit.
0133Item 58. The assembly according to any one of items 50-57, wherein the cover is in direct contact with the connector optical coupling unit.
0134Item 59. A tensioning element disposed between the connector optical coupling unit and the cover, further comprising a tensioning element configured to provide spring force to the connector optical coupling unit, item 50. The assembly according to any one of ~ 57.
0135Item 60. The assembly according to item 59, wherein the tension element comprises a spring.
0136Item 61. The assembly according to item 59, wherein the tension element comprises a layer of flexible material.
0137Item 62. The assembly according to any one of items 50-61, wherein one or more optoelectronic devices are located on the PCB.
0138Item 63. The assembly of item 62, wherein the assembly further comprises a processor disposed on a PCB.
0139Item 64. The assembly according to item 63, wherein the assembly is a mobile phone, mobile voice device, tablet computer, or laptop computer.
0140Item 65. Optical communication assembly First and second printed circuit boards (PCBs), the first PCB is disposed on the surface of the second PCB, the first PCB has holes, and the first and second PCBs. The PCBs are arranged so that the sides of the holes and the surface of the second PCB form a depression, with the first and second PCBs, With a transceiver optical coupling unit, which is located on the first PCB and at least partially covers the recess. With one or more optics An optoelectronic device and one or more optoelectronic devices disposed on a second PCB and in a recess, each optoelectronic device optically aligned with a corresponding optical element. A connector optical coupling unit comprising one or more optical diversion elements, each optical diversion element being arranged to be optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide, the transceiver optical coupling unit. A connector light that is configured to fit into a connector optical coupling unit so that each optical direction-changing element is optically aligned with a corresponding optoelectronic device via a corresponding optical element. With the coupling unit, A cover configured to provide protection for the components of the assembly so that a force is applied to the connector optical coupling unit to keep each optical diversion element optically aligned with the corresponding optoelectronic device. With a cover composed of An optical communication assembly.
0141Item 66. In the first and second printed circuit boards (PCBs), the first PCB is disposed on the surface of the second PCB, the first PCB has holes, the first and The second PCB is arranged with the sides of the hole and the surface of the second PCB forming a depression, with the first and second PCBs. With a transceiver optical coupling unit, which is located on the first PCB and at least partially covers the recess. With one or more optics An optoelectronic device and one or more optoelectronic devices disposed on a second PCB and in a recess, each optoelectronic device optically aligned with a corresponding optical element. A connector optical coupling unit comprising one or more optical diversion elements, each optical diversion element being arranged to be optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide, the transceiver optical coupling unit. A connector light that is configured to fit into a connector optical coupling unit so that each optical direction-changing element is optically aligned with a corresponding optoelectronic device via a corresponding optical element. With the coupling unit, With a clip configured to apply a force perpendicular to the mating surface of the connector optical coupling unit to the connector optical coupling unit to optically align and keep each optical direction change element with the corresponding optoelectronic device. , An optical communication assembly.
0142Item 67.1 With more than one optoelectronic device, An optical element that is one or more optical elements, each of which is aligned with a corresponding optoelectronic device. Transceiver optical coupling unit with mating surface and A connector optical coupling unit having a mating surface configured to fit the mating surface of a transceiver optical coupling unit, wherein the connector optical coupling unit includes one or more optical directing elements, each optical. The redirection elements are arranged to be optically coupled to the corresponding optical waveguide, the transceiver optical coupling unit is configured to fit with the connector optical coupling unit, and each optical redirection element A connector optical coupling unit that is optically aligned with the corresponding optoelectronic device via the corresponding optical element. One or more alignment holes extending through the plane of the transceiver optical coupling unit and the mating surface of the connector optical coupling unit, with the alignment holes configured to accept the alignment pins. , An optical communication assembly.
0143Item 68. The assembly according to item 67, wherein the transceiver optical coupling unit forms a slot and the connector optical coupling unit fits inside the slot.
0144Item 69. The assembly according to any one of items 67-68, wherein the pins are inserted in a direction different from the mating direction of the connector optical coupling unit.
0145Item 70. The assembly according to any one of items 67-69, wherein the pins are inserted in a direction parallel to the mating direction of the connector optical coupling unit.
0146Item 71. The assembly according to any one of items 67-69, wherein the pins are inserted in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector optical coupling unit.
0147Item 72. The assembly of item 71, wherein one or more alignment holes extend substantially orthogonally through the mating surfaces of the transceiver optical coupling unit and the connector optical coupling unit.
0148Item 73. Transceiver optical coupling unit forms a slot, connector optical coupling unit fits inside the slot, and the side of the slot is coarse lateral optics between the optical component of the optical connector and the optics. The assembly according to any one of items 67-72, which is configured to provide alignment.
0149Item 74. The assembly of item 73, wherein the alignment pin inserted into the alignment hole provides fine lateral optical alignment between the optical component of the optical connector and the optical element.
0150Item 75. The assembly according to any one of items 67-74, wherein one or more alignment holes are diamond-shaped.
0151Item 76. The assembly according to any one of items 67-75, wherein one or more alignment holes are single diamond-shaped alignment holes.
0152Item 77. The assembly according to any one of items 67-76, wherein the alignment holes are tapered.
0153Item 78. Frames placed on the PCB and With one or more optoelectronic devices located on the PCB in the frame, An optical element that is one or more optical elements, each of which is optically coupled to a corresponding optoelectronic device and configured to change the divergence of light passing through the optical element. It is an optical coupling unit The optical coupling unit comprises one or more optical diversion elements, each optical optical diversion element is arranged such that it is optically coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide, and the frame provides the optical coupling unit. An optical coupling unit, which is configured to hold, and each optical diversion element is optically aligned with the corresponding optical electronic device via the corresponding optical element. An optical communication assembly.
0154Item 79. The frame is With an opening sized to accommodate the optical coupling unit, A tab extending within the frame that supports the optical coupling unit so that each optical element is separated from the corresponding optoelectronic device and is in optical alignment perpendicular to the corresponding optoelectronic device. Tabs and With an end portion configured to provide vertical optical alignment between the optical coupling unit and the optoelectronic device, Facing side surfaces configured to provide lateral optical alignment between the optical coupling unit and the optoelectronic device. 78. The optical communication assembly according to item 78.
0155Item 80. The optical communication assembly according to any one of items 78 to 79, wherein the optical coupling unit includes an optical element.
0156Item 81. The optical communication assembly according to any one of items 78-80, wherein each optical element is mounted on the corresponding optoelectronic device.
0157Item 82. The optical communication assembly according to any one of items 78-81, wherein the frame further comprises a mounting tab configured to mount the frame on a PCB.
0158Item 83. The optical communication assembly according to any one of items 78-82, wherein the frame further comprises a holding mechanism configured to provide vertical spring force to the optical coupling unit.
0159Item 84. The optical communication assembly according to any one of items 76-83, wherein the side of the frame comprises one or more holding mechanisms configured to engage the matching holding mechanism of the optical coupling unit. ..
0160Item 85. The end of the frame comprises one or more alignment mechanisms configured to engage the matching alignment mechanism of the optical coupling unit, and the alignment mechanism is the optical coupling unit and the optoelectronic device. The optical communication assembly according to any one of items 76 to 84, which is configured to provide fine horizontal and vertical optical alignment between.
0161Item 86. The optical communication assembly according to item 83, wherein one or more alignment mechanisms feature a central wedge extending within the frame.
0162Item 87. Optical communication according to item 86, wherein each side of the frame includes a wedge extending into the frame, the side wedge and the center wedge together providing vertical and horizontal alignment. assembly.
0163Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, the specific embodiments shown and described will be described in the present disclosure in various alternative and / or equivalent realizations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that they can be replaced without departing from the scope. The present application is intended to cover any conformance or modification of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.
48 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12 Sheet 13 Sheet 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Sheet 17 Sheet 18 Sheet 19 Sheet 20 Sheet 21 Sheet 22 Sheet 23 Sheet 24 Sheet 25 Sheet 26 Sheet 27 Sheet 28 Sheet 29 Sheet 30 Sheet 31 Sheet 32 Sheet 33 Sheet 34 Sheet 35 Sheet 36 Sheet 37 Sheet 38 Sheet 39 Sheet 40 Sheet 41 Sheet 42 Sheet 43 Sheet 44 Sheet 45 Sheet 46 Sheet 47 Sheet 48
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| US11906793B2 | Cited by | United States of America | – | Applicant | – |
| JP2020101734A | Cited by | Japan | – | Search report | – |
| JP2017506365A | Cited by | Japan | – | Search report | – |
| JP2020008626A | Cited by | Japan | – | Search report | – |
| WO2019230638A1 | Cited by | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | – | International search | – |
| US11256037B2 | Cited by | United States of America | – | Applicant | – |
| JP2022534834A | Cited by | Japan | – | Search report | – |
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| WO2025202814A1 | Cited by | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | – | International search | – |
| US2010135618A1 | Cites | United States of America | A | Search report | – |
| US2010303423A1 | Cites | United States of America | A | Search report | – |
| WO2012097979A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | X | Search report | 1-2 |
17 members in 7 offices
Priority claims3
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61878422 | United States of America | – | |
| 201361878422 | United States of America | P | |
| 2014055461 | United States of America | W |
Members17
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015038941A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| TW201533485A | Taiwan Province of China | A | |
| CN105556363A | China | A | |
| KR20160056914A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| EP3047323A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| US2016231521A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP2016534412AThis record | Japan | A | |
| CN105556363B | China | B | |
| US10162140B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| JP2019032547A | Japan | A | |
| US2019079254A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
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| US10690870B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2020271876A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US10921537B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| JP6832038B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| JP6832038B6 | Japan | B6 |
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Numbers
- Publication
- 2016534412
- Application
- 2016542826
Titles2
- Japanese
- 光通信アセンブリ
- English
- Optical communication assembly
Classification
- CPC, 14
- G02B6/4292
- G02B6/383
- G02B6/3885
- G02B6/4214
- G02B6/425
- G02B6/32
- G02B6/34
- G02B6/4206
- G02B6/423
- G02B6/4245
- G02B6/4246
- G02B6/4251
- G02B6/428
- H04B10/40
- IPC, 3
- G02B6 42
- H01S5 022
- H01L31 0232
Designated states5
- Regional, 4
- Zimbabwe
- Turkmenistan
- Türkiye
- Togo
- National, 1
- United States of America