JP2022139839A - Optical module and light source safety device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an optical module and a light source safety device capable of more surely preventing light from being outputted in a state where an optical connector is not connected.SOLUTION: A light source module 1 includes an optical receptacle 4, a switch 10 to be installed inside the optical receptacle 4, a laser source 9, a control part 20b, a flexible substrate 30 and an enclosure 2. The switch 10 includes a contact part and a conduction part. The conduction part is configured to bring two signal wires into a state conducted to each other when the optical receptacle 4 is engaged with the optical connector, or bring the two signal wires into a state not conducted to each other when the optical receptacle 4 is not engaged with the optical connector. The control part 20b is configured to stop an output of a laser beam when the two signal wires are in a state not conducted to each other, or enable an output of a laser beam when the two signal wires are in a state conducted to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to light modules and light source safety devices.

Patent Document 1 describes a control device for an optical transceiver. A control device for an optical transceiver includes a magnet arranged inside a housing of the optical transceiver, and an MR (Magneto Resistive) sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnet. The magnet and the MR sensor are arranged so as to sandwich the attached optical connector. Therefore, when the optical connector is attached to the optical transceiver, the MR sensor detects the magnetism of the magnet, and based on the detection signal of the MR sensor, the controller controls TOSA (Transmitting Optical Sub-Assembly) and ROSA (Receiving Optical Sub-Assembly). ), the operation as an optical transceiver is started. On the other hand, when the optical connector is not attached to the optical transceiver, the power supply to TOSA and ROSA is stopped because the MR sensor does not detect magnetism.

Patent Literature 2 describes a safety mechanism for a laser device. The safety mechanism of the laser device is composed of the main body of the laser device and the emission unit. A device body of the laser device incorporates a laser light generator, an incident unit, and a controller. The injection unit is provided with a microswitch for detecting whether or not one end of the optical fiber cable is connected. The output unit is provided with a microswitch for detecting whether or not the other end of the optical fiber cable is connected. A microswitch provided in the output unit is connected to the control section of the apparatus body via an electric cable.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,000 describes a fiber optic connector receptacle with switching capability. The fiber optic connector receptacle has a sensing mechanism for the presence or absence of a connector plug in the adapter. The sensing mechanism sends a control signal to the control circuit indicating the status of the adapter. The control circuit sets whether or not to output the laser according to the type of the received control signal. The laser is controlled to be off when no connector plug is present in the adapter and is controlled to be off when a connector plug is present in the adapter.

JP 2009-192823 A Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-66053 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-277683

In the above-described optical module that outputs a laser or the like, it is required to more reliably prevent light from being output when the optical connector is not connected. In particular, in an optical module that handles a high-power laser, it is required to prevent the output light from being directed toward an operator or the like who operates the optical fiber in order to ensure safety.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical module and a light source safety device that can more reliably prevent light from being output when an optical connector is not connected.

A light source module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an optical receptacle that engages with an external optical connector, a sensing unit that is installed inside the optical receptacle and senses an engagement state between the optical connector and the optical receptacle, and a laser beam. a laser light source that generates a laser light source, a controller that controls the laser light source, and a flexible substrate having two mutually non-conducting wires, the sensing unit is movable in the insertion/extraction direction of the optical connector, and the light a contact portion that contacts the tip of the optical connector when the connector is inserted; a conduction portion that is fixed to the contact portion; When the optical receptacle is in an engaged state with the optical connector, the portion contacts the flexible substrate to bring the two wires into a conductive state. The two wirings are separated from the flexible substrate and placed in a non-conducting state with each other, and when the two wirings are in a non-conducting state with each other, the controller stops outputting the laser light and brings the two wirings in a conducting state with each other. to enable output of laser light.

A light source safety device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a light source safety device connected to a control unit that controls laser light output of a laser light source depending on whether an optical receptacle is engaged or disengaged with an external optical connector. A device comprising: a sensing part installed inside an optical receptacle for sensing an engagement state between an optical connector and the optical receptacle; a contact portion with which the tip of the optical connector contacts; a conductive portion fixed to the contact portion; and an elastic portion that presses the contact portion in a direction away from the flexible substrate; When the optical receptacle is in the engaged state with the optical connector, it contacts the flexible substrate to bring the two wirings into conduction with each other, and when the optical receptacle is in the non-engaged state with the optical connector, the repulsive force of the elastic portion separates the two wires from the flexible substrate. The two wires are separated from each other and placed in a non-conducting state.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to more reliably prevent light from being output when the optical connector is not connected.

1 is a perspective view showing a light source module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the light source module viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an optical receptacle, a switch, a circuit board, and a housing of the light source module of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the optical receptacle, switch, circuit board, and housing of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the optical receptacle, switch, and housing of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the optical receptacle, switch and housing of FIG. 5. FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a flexible substrate having two wires, a contact portion of a switch, a conductive portion, and a spring member. 8 is a perspective view showing the insulating part of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the insulating portion viewed from the opposite side of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the spring member of FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the conducting portion of FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the flexible substrate of FIG. 7. FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the switch in a non-conducting state. FIG. 14 is a side view showing the switch in a non-conducting state; FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the switch in a conducting state. FIG. 16 is a side view showing the switch in a conductive state;

[Description of Embodiments of the Present Invention]
First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. A light source module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an optical receptacle that engages with an external optical connector, a sensing unit that is installed inside the optical receptacle and senses an engagement state between the optical connector and the optical receptacle, and a laser. A laser light source that generates light, a control unit that controls the laser light source, and a flexible substrate having two mutually non-conducting wires, wherein the sensing unit is movable in the insertion/removal direction of the optical connector, a contact portion that contacts the tip of the optical connector when the optical connector is inserted; a conducting portion that is fixed to the contact portion; and an elastic portion that presses the contact portion away from the flexible substrate, When the optical receptacle is in an engaged state with the optical connector, the conductive portion contacts the flexible substrate to bring the two wires into a conductive state, and when the optical receptacle is not in an engaged state with the optical connector, the elastic portion is pressed. to separate the two wirings from the flexible substrate and to make them non-conductive. Enables output of laser light when in state.

A light source safety device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a light source connected to a control unit that controls output of laser light from a laser light source depending on whether an optical receptacle is engaged or disengaged with an external optical connector. A safety device, comprising: a sensing part installed inside an optical receptacle for sensing an engagement state between an optical connector and the optical receptacle; includes an abutment portion with which the tip of the optical connector abuts, a conductive portion fixed to the abutment portion, and an elastic portion that presses the abutment portion in a direction away from the flexible substrate; When the receptacle is in an engaged state with the optical connector, the flexible substrate is brought into contact with the flexible substrate to bring the two wires into a conductive state. , the two wires are disconnected from each other.

The light source module and the light source safety device described above include a sensing portion for sensing the state of engagement of the optical connector with the optical receptacle, and a flexible substrate having two wires. The sensing portion includes a contact portion with which the tip of the optical connector contacts, and a conductive portion fixed to the contact portion. The conductive portion is in contact with the flexible substrate when the optical receptacle is engaged with the optical connector to bring the two wires into conduction with each other, and is separated from the flexible substrate when the optical receptacle is not engaged with the optical connector. to bring the two wires into a non-conducting state. Therefore, when the optical receptacle is not engaged with the optical connector, the conducting portion is separated from the flexible substrate to bring the two wires into a non-conducting state, so that light is output when the optical connector is not connected. can be prevented. Further, when the optical receptacle is not in the engaged state with the optical connector, the conductive portion is separated from the flexible substrate by the pressure of the elastic portion, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent the output of light when the optical connector is not connected. can.

The two wires include a first wire having a first terminal portion at an end portion and a second wire having a second terminal portion at an end portion, and the conductive portion includes the first terminal contact portion and the first terminal. a second terminal contact portion electrically connected to the contact portion; when the optical receptacle is in an engaged state with the optical connector, the first terminal portion and the first terminal contact portion are in contact; and the second terminal contact portion are in contact with each other, and when the optical receptacle is not engaged with the optical connector, the first terminal portion and the first terminal contact portion are separated, and the second terminal portion and the second terminal contact portion are separated from each other. may be separated.

The first terminal contact portion and the second terminal contact portion may be displaceable with respect to the contact portion in an engagement direction in which the optical connector is engaged with the optical receptacle.

The conduction part has a beam shape having a fixed part fixed to the abutting part, a first end part and a first tip part, the first end part being fixed to the fixing part, and the first tip part having the first A beam-like member having a first support portion formed with a terminal contact portion, a second end portion and a second tip portion, the second end portion being fixed to the fixing portion and the second tip portion having the second terminal contact. and a second support on which a portion is formed.

The contact portion may have a convex portion that fits into a concave portion formed in the optical receptacle. In this case, by fitting the abutting portion that constitutes the sensing portion into the optical receptacle, it is possible to prevent the sensing portion from coming off.

The laser light source may have a sleeve facing the optical receptacle, and the contact portion may have a hole through which the sleeve is inserted. In this case, the contact portion can be smoothly moved along the side surface of the sleeve.

[Details of the embodiment of the present invention]
Specific examples of optical modules and light source safety devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following examples, but is indicated by the scope of the claims and is intended to include all modifications within a scope equivalent to the scope of the claims. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In addition, the drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated for easy understanding, and the dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those described in the drawings.

A light source module 1 will be described as an example of an optical module. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a light source module 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the light source module 1 viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source module 1 is a light source that supplies light to a processing unit that modulates light. The light source module 1 has, for example, a shape conforming to the QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) 28 standard. The standard here is, for example, the MSA (Multi-Source Agreement), which is one of industry standards. The light source module 1 includes a metal housing 2, a slider 3 movably attached to the housing 2, an optical receptacle 4 positioned at one end of the housing 2, and a pull tab 5 connected to the slider 3. . In the following description, the side of the light source module 1 having the optical receptacle 4 may be referred to as the front side, and the side opposite to the side having the optical receptacle 4 may be referred to as the rear side.

The housing 2 extends in the longitudinal direction D<b>1 of the light source module 1 , the width direction D<b>2 of the light source module 1 , and the height direction D<b>3 of the light source module 1 . The housing 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, when the housing 2 is cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1, the cross section of the housing 2 has a rectangular outer shape. The housing 2 has an optical receptacle 4 at one end. The light source module 1 is inserted into and removed from (inserted into and removed from) a cage provided in the host system along the longitudinal direction D1. A part of the housing 2 is inserted into the cage in the light source module 1, and the optical receptacle 4 and the pull tab 5 are exposed outside the cage. Housing 2 includes an upper housing 7 and a lower housing 8 . A slider 3 is provided on the side surface 7 c of the upper housing 7 . The upper housing 7 and the lower housing 8 are joined together by a plurality of screws with a gasket interposed therebetween, for example. In the following description, the side of the light source module 1 having the upper housing 7 may be referred to as the upper side or the upper side, and the side having the lower housing 8 of the light source module 1 may be referred to as the lower side.

3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the housing 2 of the light source module 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 2 contains a circuit board 20 having a laser light source 9 for generating laser light, a switch 10, and a control section 20b for controlling the output of the laser light from the laser light source 9. and a flexible substrate 30 extending from the control section 20b to the switch 10 are accommodated. The circuit board 20 has an electrical plug 21 at its rear end. When inserting the light source module 1 into the cage of the host system, the light source module 1 is inserted into the opening of the cage from the rear side of the light source module 1, that is, the electrical plug 21 side.

When inserting the light source module 1 into the cage, the electrical plug 21 is inserted into the opening of the cage and fitted with an electrical connector provided deep inside the cage. When the electrical plug 21 is mated with the electrical connector, the light source module 1 cannot proceed further (backward). When the electrical plug 21 fits into the electrical connector, the light source module 1 and the host system are electrically connected to each other. For example, the electric plug 21 and the electric connector each have a power supply terminal and a ground terminal, and are electrically connected to each other so that the light source module 1 receives power necessary for operation from the host system.

Through the electrical plug 21 and the electrical connector, the light source module 1 receives electrical signals from the host system for conversion to optical signals. Further, the light source module 1 converts an optical signal received from the outside into an electric signal and transmits the converted electric signal to the host system via the electric plug 21 and the electric connector. Electrical signals for monitoring or controlling the light source module 1 are also communicated between the light source module 1 and the host system. The electrical plug 21 can be fitted into and removed from the electrical connector while a power supply voltage or an electrical signal is applied to the electrical connector. That is, the light source module 1 is hot pluggable. The light source module 1 receives power supply by being actively inserted into the host system and starts to start up.

As described above, the rear side of the housing 2 is accommodated in the cage by inserting the light source module 1 into the cage. When removing (extracting) the light source module 1 from the cage, the pull-tab 5 is gripped and moved forward. The slider 3 is provided on the side surface 7c of the housing 2 extending along the longitudinal direction D1 from one end of the housing 2 where the optical receptacle 4 is provided. The optical receptacle 4 engages with an external optical connector C (see FIG. 1) along the longitudinal direction D1 to output laser light to the outside. The engagement direction in which the optical receptacle 4 and the optical connector C are engaged coincides with the longitudinal direction D1, for example. The light source module 1 transmits and receives optical signals to and from the outside through the optical connector C. As shown in FIG. The pull tab 5 is a part to be gripped by the user. The pull tab 5 is made of, for example, resin and is made of a flexible material. By holding the pull tab 5 by hand and pulling the pull tab 5 to the opposite side of the cage of the host system, the housing 2 is disengaged from the cage and the light source module 1 can be pulled out of the host system.

The laser light source 9 housed inside the housing 2 is, for example, a semiconductor laser submodule. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the housing 2, the laser light source 9, the switch 10, the circuit board 20 and the flexible board 30. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the light source module 1 includes a light source safety device 100 for preventing unintended output of laser light, and the light source safety device 100 is composed of an optical receptacle 4, a switch 10 and a flexible substrate 30. .

The exemplary laser source 9 comprises a package 9b and a sleeve 9c extending from the package 9b. A plurality of optical components are mounted inside the package 9b. The sleeve 9c is fixed to the optical receptacle 4, and the optical connector C described above is inserted into the sleeve 9c. The package 9b has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the sleeve 9c protrudes cylindrically from the side surface (front surface) of the package 9b.

The circuit board 20 is electrically connected to the laser light source 9 . The control unit 20b of the circuit board 20 is included in a circuit mounted on the circuit board 20, for example. An electrical signal for control is input to the circuit board 20 from the aforementioned host system through the electrical plug 21 . The electrical signal is processed by a circuit mounted on the circuit board 20 and transmitted to the laser light source 9 under the control of the control section 20b. The laser light source 9 controls the output of the light source module 1 with the electrical signal.

A flexible board 30 extends from the circuit board 20 . The flexible substrate 30 has an insulating substrate 32 and two signal wirings (wirings) 31 which are formed on one side of the insulating substrate 32 and are not electrically connected to each other. Each of the two signal wirings 31 is electrically connected to the control section 20b of the circuit board 20 . Further, each signal wiring 31 extends linearly forward from the control section 20b. The two signal wirings 31 are non-conducting when the optical connector C is not engaged with the light source module 1 . However, the two signal wirings 31 are conducted by the switch 10 when the optical connector C is engaged with the light source module 1 .

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the optical receptacle 4, laser light source 9 and switch 10. As shown in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the optical receptacle 4, the laser light source 9 and the switch 10. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the front side of the sleeve 9c of the laser light source 9 is arranged to protrude toward the inside of the optical receptacle 4 from the rear. The sleeve 9c has, for example, a stub 9d that holds the optical fiber F1, and the optical fiber F1 is inserted into the stub 9d. The optical fiber F1 and a semiconductor device (laser diode or the like) mounted on the laser light source 9 are optically coupled by optical alignment. The sleeve 9c is made of stainless steel, for example, and YAG-welded to the package 9b.

7 is an enlarged perspective view of the switch 10, the flexible substrate 30, and the laser light source 9. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, one end 30b of the flexible substrate 30 faces the switch 10. As shown in FIGS. For example, one end portion 30b of the flexible substrate 30 is fixed to the wall portion 2f of the housing 2 while being bent downward. The wall portion 2f is, for example, a wall portion that constitutes the optical receptacle 4, extends in the width direction D2 and the height direction D3, and has a thickness in the longitudinal direction D1.

The switch 10 is arranged inside the optical receptacle 4 . The switch 10 is a sensor that senses the state of engagement between the optical connector C and the optical receptacle 4 . The switch 10 is arranged between the contact portion 11 with which the tip C1 (see FIG. 1) of the optical connector C contacts, the conduction portion 12 fixed to the contact portion 11, and the casing 2 and the contact portion 11. and a spring material 13 that is provided. For example, the contact portion 11 has a plate shape extending in the width direction D2 and the height direction D3, and has a hole 11b penetrating in the longitudinal direction D1. As an example, the contact portion 11 has a rectangular plate shape. A sleeve 9 c of the laser light source 9 is inserted through the hole 11 b of the contact portion 11 . The conducting portion 12 is fixed to, for example, the end surface 11c of the contact portion 11 facing the height direction D3.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the contact portion 11. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the contact portion 11 viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. 8. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the contact portion 11 has an end surface 11c to which the conductive portion 12 is fixed, a connector contact surface 11d to which the tip C1 of the optical connector C contacts, and a connector contact surface 11d which faces in the width direction D2. It has a pair of end faces 11f and an end face 11g facing the opposite side of the end face 11c. The length between the pair of end faces 11f is, for example, 0.02 mm or more smaller than the distance between the pair of inner faces 4c (eg, see FIG. 14) of the optical receptacle 4 facing each end face 11f. Thereby, it is possible to smoothly move the contact portion 11 inside the optical receptacle 4 in the longitudinal direction D1. The hole 11 b has a circular shape, and the inner diameter of the hole 11 b is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve 9 c of the laser light source 9 . As an example, the difference between the inner diameter of the hole 11b and the outer diameter of the sleeve 9c is approximately 0.01 mm. The contact portion 11 is made of plastic, for example.

A connector contact surface 11d of the contact portion 11 is flat, for example. On the opposite side of the contact portion 11 from the connector contact surface 11d, for example, projections 11h positioned at the four corners and an annular projection 11j defining the hole 11b are formed. Two of the four protrusions 11h including the end face 11c are each provided with a conductor locking portion 11k into which a portion of the conducting portion 12 is inserted to fix the conducting portion 12. As shown in FIG.

The conductor locking portion 11k has, for example, a groove shape. As an example, the conductor locking portion 11k includes a first groove portion 11m obliquely extending from the end face 11c, and a second groove portion 11p bent in the height direction D3 from the end portion of the first groove portion 11m opposite to the end face 11c. I'm in. Further, the contact portion 11 has a convex portion 11q that protrudes in the width direction D2 on the end surface 11c. The contact portion 11 has a pair of protrusions 11q, and the pair of protrusions 11q are arranged side by side along the width direction D2. The contact portion 11 is fixed to the optical receptacle 4 by fitting each convex portion 11q into the concave portion 4b of the optical receptacle 4 (see FIG. 14, for example).

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the spring member 13. FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the spring material 13 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The spring member 13 is made of metal, for example. The spring member 13 is held while being wound around the outer peripheral surface 11r of the annular convex portion 11j of the contact portion 11 . For example, one end 13b of the spring member 13 contacts the contact portion 11, and the other end 13c of the spring member 13 contacts the wall portion 2f of the housing 2 (see FIG. 5).

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the conducting portion 12. FIG. The conductive portion 12 is made of metal, for example, a copper alloy. The conductive portion 12 may contain at least one of phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, and titanium copper. For the conductive portion 12, it is preferable to use a material having a 0.2% proof stress of 200 MPa or more, for example. Hard gold plating or palladium gold plating may be applied as the surface treatment of the conducting portion 12 .

The conductive portion 12 includes a pair of attachment portions 12b fixed to the contact portion 11, a connection portion 12c connecting the pair of attachment portions 12b to each other and extending in the width direction D2, and a pair of attachment portions 12b. and a pair of support portions 12d extending toward the center of the conductive portion 12 in the width direction D2. The mounting portion 12b is a portion to be locked by the conductor locking portion 11k of the contact portion 11, and has a shape following the conductor locking portion 11k. The mounting portion 12b has a bent plate shape. The mounting portion 12b includes, for example, a first plate-like portion 12h inserted into the second groove portion 11p of the contact portion 11, a second plate-like portion 12j inserted into the first groove portion 11m of the contact portion 11, and an end face. and a third plate-shaped portion 12f provided along 11c. As an example, the second plate-shaped portion 12j is bent at 45° with respect to the third plate-shaped portion 12f, and the first plate-shaped portion 12h is bent at 45° with respect to the second plate-shaped portion 12j. The conducting portion 12 is fixed to the contact portion 11 by a pair of mounting portions 12b. The pair of mounting portions 12b is an example of a fixing portion.

The connecting portion 12c has a plate shape extending along the width direction D2 between the pair of mounting portions 12b. For example, the connecting portion 12c has a rectangular plate shape. The support portion 12d is a beam-shaped member having a distal end and a distal end. A first plate portion 12k extending from the attachment portion 12b (third plate-like portion 12f) along the connection portion 12c, and extending obliquely from the first plate portion 12k rearward in the longitudinal direction D1 with respect to the first plate portion 12k. It includes a second plate portion 12m and a third plate portion 12q extending from the second plate portion 12m along the connecting portion 12c. The first plate portion 12k is continuous with the mounting portion 12b (the third plate-like portion 12f). A terminal contact portion 12p that contacts the terminal portion 31b is formed on the rear surface of the third plate portion 12q. The terminal contact portion 12p may be formed so as to protrude rearward. Each of the pair of support portions 12d is separated from the connection portion 12c. A slit 12g extending along the width direction D2 is formed between each support portion 12d and the connection portion 12c. The terminal contact portion 12 p is a portion electrically connected to each of the two signal wirings 31 of the flexible substrate 30 .

The support portion 12d is deformable in the longitudinal direction D1 with respect to the attachment portion 12b (the third plate-like portion 12f). In a state where no external force is applied, the terminal contact portion 12p protrudes rearward by a distance L from the rear surface 12fA of the third plate-shaped portion 12f. The conducting portion 12 is made of a conductive member. The pair of terminal contact portions 12p are electrically connected to each other by forming the conducting portion 12 from a conductive material. The support portion 12d is a so-called cantilever beam whose one end is fixed with the attachment portion 12b (third plate-like portion 12f) side as a fixed end. Therefore, the support portion 12d is elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction D1. The terminal contact portion 12p can be displaced in the longitudinal direction D1 by the support portion 12d. When the optical receptacle 4 is engaged with the optical connector C, the terminal contact portion 12p contacts the terminal portion 31b while the support portion 12d is elastically deformed. The elastic deformation of the support portion 12d allows the support portion 12d to press the terminal contact portion 12p against the terminal portion 31b with a sufficient load when the terminal contact portion 12p contacts the terminal portion 31b. Further, even if the optical connector C is pushed backward (the innermost part) once and then moved slightly forward, the support part 12d contacts the terminal contact part 12p in an elastically deformed state. It can be pressed against the terminal portion 31b.

In this embodiment, the conductive portion 12 is formed of a conductive member, but may be formed of an insulating member as long as the pair of terminal contact portions 12p are electrically connected. For example, the conductive portion 12 may be made of an insulating member, the pair of terminal contact portions 12p may be made of a conductive member, and the pair of terminal contact portions 12p may be connected to each other by a conductive member such as wiring. Moreover, the shape of the conducting portion 12 is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the first plate-like portion 12h and the second plate-like portion 12j may be omitted if the conducting portion 12 can be fixed to the end surface 11c. Alternatively, the support portion 12d may be extended from the second plate-like portion 12j without the third plate-like portion 12f.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the flexible substrate 30. FIG. As described above, the flexible substrate 30 includes the insulating substrate 32 and the two signal wirings 31 formed on one side of the insulating substrate 32 and made non-conductive with each other. The two signal wirings 31 and the insulating substrate 32 extend linearly along the longitudinal direction D1. One end portion 30b of the flexible substrate 30 located on the switch 10 side is bent downward. The signal wiring 31 is made of copper, for example. The signal wiring 31 may be subjected to hard gold plating or palladium gold plating as surface treatment. The insulating substrate 32 is made of, for example, an insulating base material. As an example, the material of the insulating substrate 32 is polyimide.

The one end portion 30b has a sheet shape extending in the width direction D2 and the height direction D3. A hole 30c through which the sleeve 9c of the laser light source 9 is inserted is formed in the one end 30b. The hole 30c has, for example, a circular shape, and the inner diameter of the hole 30c is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve 9c. A front end portion of the signal wiring 31 serves as a terminal portion 31 b that contacts the conductive portion 12 . Each terminal portion 31b is expanded in a circular shape at one end portion 30b of the flexible substrate 30, for example. The rear end of the signal wiring 31 serves as a connecting portion 31a electrically connected to the control portion 20b of the circuit board 20 described above. An insulating film may be formed on the signal wiring 31 of the flexible substrate 30, except for the connection portion 31a and the terminal portion 31b, so as not to conduct the signal wiring 31 when in contact with other members.

Next, operations of the light source module 1 and the light source safety device 100 will be described. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the optical receptacle 4, the laser light source 9, the switch 10, and the flexible substrate 30 when the optical connector C is not engaged with the optical receptacle 4. FIG. FIG. 14 is a side view of the switch 10 and the flexible board 30 when the optical connector C is not engaged with the optical receptacle 4. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the conducting portion 12 of the switch 10 is separated from the terminal portion 31b of the flexible substrate 30 by the repulsive force of the spring member 13 when the optical connector C is not engaged with the optical receptacle 4. is doing. That is, since the spring member 13 urges forward the abutting portion 11 to which the conducting portion 12 is fixed, the supporting portion 12d (terminal contact portion 12p) of the conducting portion 12 is separated from the terminal portion 31b of the flexible substrate 30. It is considered to be in a state of When the supporting portion 12d is separated from the terminal portion 31b, the two signal wirings 31 are in a non-conducting state. When the two signal wirings 31 are in a non-conducting state, the controller 20b stops the laser light source 9 from outputting laser light. Therefore, when the optical receptacle 4 is not engaged with the optical connector C, no laser light is emitted. Note that the spring member 13 is an example of an elastic portion.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the optical receptacle 4, the laser light source 9, the switch 10, and the flexible substrate 30 in a state where the optical connector C is engaged with the optical receptacle 4. FIG. FIG. 16 is a plan view of the switch 10 and the flexible substrate 30 in a state where the optical connector C is engaged with the optical receptacle 4. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the optical connector C is engaged with the optical receptacle 4, the ferrule C2 of the optical connector C enters the sleeve 9c of the light source module 1, and the stub 9d inside the sleeve 9c The optical fiber F2 of the ferrule C2 contacts the optical fiber F1. Then, the tip C1 of the optical connector C pushes the contact portion 11 against the biasing force of the spring member 13, so that the support portion 12d (the terminal contact portion 12p) of the conductive portion 12 contacts the terminal portion 31b of the flexible substrate 30. Contact. When the support portion 12d comes into contact with the terminal portion 31b, the two signal wirings 31 are brought into conduction with each other. When the two signal wirings 31 are electrically connected to each other, the controller 20b enables the laser light source 9 to output laser light. Therefore, when the optical receptacle 4 is engaged with the optical connector C, laser light is emitted.

Next, effects obtained from the light source module 1 and the light source safety device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. The light source module 1 and the light source safety device 100 comprise a switch 10 for sensing the engagement state of the optical connector C with the optical receptacle 4 and a flexible substrate 30 having two signal wires 31 . The switch 10 includes an abutting portion 11 with which the tip C1 of the optical connector C abuts, a conducting portion 12 fixed to the abutting portion 11, and a spring member 13. As shown in FIG. When the optical receptacle 4 is engaged with the optical connector C, the conductive portion 12 contacts the flexible substrate 30 to bring the two signal wirings 31 into conduction with each other, and the optical receptacle 4 is engaged with the optical connector C. The two signal wirings 31 are separated from the flexible substrate 30 when they are not in contact with each other. Therefore, when the optical receptacle 4 is not engaged with the optical connector C, the conducting portion 12 is separated from the flexible substrate 30 to bring the two signal wirings 31 into a non-conducting state, so that the optical connector C is not connected. It is possible to prevent light from being output in a state where there is no light. Further, when the optical receptacle 4 is not engaged with the optical connector C, the conducting portion 12 is separated from the flexible substrate 30 by the repulsive force of the spring member 13, so that the output of light is reduced when the optical connector C is not connected. This can be prevented more reliably.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the two signal wirings 31 are a first signal wiring 31 having a first terminal portion 31b at its end and a second signal wiring 31 having a second terminal portion 31b at its end. The conductive portion 12 has a first terminal contact portion 12p and a second terminal contact portion 12p electrically connected to the first terminal contact portion 12p, and serves as an optical receptacle. 4 is engaged with the optical connector C, the first terminal portion 31b and the first terminal contact portion 12p are in contact, and the second terminal portion 31b and the second terminal contact portion 12p are in contact. , when the optical receptacle 4 is not engaged with the optical connector C, the first terminal portion 31b and the first terminal contact portion 12p are separated, and the second terminal portion 31b and the second terminal contact portion 12p are separated from each other. may be separated.

The first terminal contact portion 12p and the second terminal contact portion 12p may be displaceable with respect to the contact portion 11 in the engaging direction in which the optical connector C is engaged with the optical receptacle 4 .

The conductive portion 12 has a beam shape having an attachment portion 12b fixed to the contact portion 11, a first end portion, and a first tip portion, the first end portion being fixed to the attachment portion 12b, A first support portion 12d having a first terminal contact portion 12p formed at a first tip portion, a second end portion, and a beam shape having a second tip portion, the second end portion being A second support portion 12d fixed to the attachment portion 12b and having a second terminal contact portion 12p formed at a second tip portion may be provided.

As described above, the conductive portion 12 has a pair of support portions 12d that come into contact with the flexible substrate 30, and each of the pair of support portions 12d is elastic in the longitudinal direction D1 in which the optical connector C engages with the optical receptacle 4. It may be deformable. By the way, when the optical connector C is engaged with the optical receptacle 4, depending on the configuration of the optical connector C, it may move slightly forward after being pushed backward (the innermost part) once. Even in such a case, the two signal wirings 31 can be maintained in a conducting state in the engaged state of the optical connector C by elastically deforming the supporting portion 12d in the longitudinal direction D1.

The contact portion 11 may have a convex portion 11 q that fits into the concave portion 4 b formed in the optical receptacle 4 . In this case, by fitting the abutting portion 11 constituting the switch 10 into the optical receptacle 4, the switch 10 can be prevented from coming off.

The laser light source 9 may have a sleeve 9c, and the contact portion 11 may have a hole 11b through which the sleeve 9c is inserted. In this case, the contact portion 11 can be smoothly moved along the longitudinal direction D1 along the side surface of the sleeve 9c.

The embodiments of the optical module and the light source safety device according to the present disclosure have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, it is easily recognized by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be modified and modified in various ways within the scope of the claims. For example, the shape, size, number, material and layout of each part of the optical module and light source safety device can be changed as appropriate.

For example, in the above embodiments, the spring material 13, which is a coil spring, has been described. However, the spring material may be a spring other than the coil spring, and the type of spring material is not particularly limited. Further, the spring material 13 may be replaced with another elastic member such as rubber instead of the spring material. In the above-described embodiment, the conductive portion 12 fixed to the end surface 11c of the contact portion 11 facing the height direction D3 (upward) and the flexible substrate 30 extending in the longitudinal direction D1 above the laser light source 9 are illustrated. did. However, the position of the contact portion to which the conductive portion is fixed and the position of the flexible substrate are not particularly limited.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the conductive portion 12 is fixed to the groove-shaped conductor locking portion 11k of the contact portion 11 has been described. However, the shape and mode of the fixing structure of the conductive portion to the contact portion are not particularly limited. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the convex portion 11q that fits into the concave portion 4b formed in the optical receptacle 4 has been described. However, the contact portion may be a contact portion that does not have the convex portion 11q, and the shape of the contact portion can be changed as appropriate.

Moreover, the light source safety device according to the present disclosure is not limited to being applied to light source modules. For example, the light source safety device according to the present disclosure may be applied to optical transceivers. That is, an optical transceiver may be adopted as the optical module according to the present disclosure. By applying the light source safety device according to the present disclosure to the optical transceiver, it is possible to more reliably prevent light from being output when the optical connector is not connected to the receptacle of the optical transceiver.

Reference Signs List 1 Light source module 2 Housing 2f Wall portion 3 Slider 4 Optical receptacle 4b Recess 4c Inner surface 5 Pull tab 7 Upper housing 7c Side surface 8 Lower housing 9 Laser light source 9b Package 9c Sleeve 9d Stub 10 Switch 11 Contact portion 11b Hole 11c End surface 11d Connector contact surface 11f End surface 11g End surface 11h Projection 11j Annular projection 11k Conductor locking portion 11m First groove 11p Second groove portion 11q Convex portion 11r Outer peripheral surface 12 Conducting portion 12b Mounting portion (fixing portion)
12c... Connection part 12d... Support part (first support part, second support part)
12f Third plate portion 12fA Surface 12g Slit 12h First plate portion 12j Second plate portion 12k First plate portion 12m Second plate portion 12p Terminal contact portion (first terminal contact portion , second terminal contact part)
12q Third plate portion 13 Spring member 13b One end 13c Other end 20 Circuit board 20b Control portion 21 Electric plug 30 Flexible substrate 30b One end 30c Hole 31 Signal wiring (wiring)
31a... Connection portion 31b... Terminal portion (first terminal portion, second terminal portion)
32... Insulating substrate 100... Light source safety device C... Optical connector C1... Tip C2... Ferrule D1... Longitudinal direction D2... Width direction D3... Height direction F1, F2... Optical fiber

Claims (7)

an optical receptacle that engages an external optical connector;
a sensing unit installed inside the optical receptacle for sensing an engagement state between the optical connector and the optical receptacle;
a laser light source that generates laser light;
a control unit that controls the laser light source;
a flexible substrate having two wires that are non-conducting to each other;
with
The sensing unit is
a contact portion that is movable in the insertion/removal direction of the optical connector and contacts the tip of the optical connector when the optical connector is inserted;
a conductive portion fixed to the contact portion;
an elastic portion that presses the contact portion in a direction away from the flexible substrate;
with
The conductive portion is
when the optical receptacle is in the engaged state with the optical connector, the two wires are brought into conduction by contacting the flexible substrate;
when the optical receptacle is not in the engaged state with the optical connector, the two wires are separated from the flexible substrate by the pressure of the elastic portion to bring the two wires into a non-conducting state;
The control unit
stopping the output of the laser light when the two wires are in a non-conducting state with each other;
enabling output of the laser light when the two wires are in a conductive state with each other;
optical module. The two wires include a first wire having a first terminal portion at an end portion and a second wire having a second terminal portion at an end portion,
The conductive portion has a first terminal contact portion and a second terminal contact portion electrically connected to the first terminal contact portion,
when the optical receptacle is in the engaged state with the optical connector, the first terminal portion and the first terminal contact portion are in contact, and the second terminal portion and the second terminal contact portion are in contact;
When the optical receptacle is not in the engaged state with the optical connector, the first terminal portion and the first terminal contact portion are separated, and the second terminal portion and the second terminal contact portion are separated,
The optical module according to claim 1. The first terminal contact portion and the second terminal contact portion are displaceable with respect to the contact portion in an engagement direction in which the optical connector is engaged with the optical receptacle.
3. The optical module according to claim 2. The conductive portion is
a fixing portion fixed to the contact portion;
A beam-shaped first support portion having a first end portion and a first tip portion, wherein the first end portion is fixed to the fixing portion, and the first terminal contact portion is formed at the first tip portion. When,
A beam-shaped second support portion having a second end portion and a second tip portion, wherein the second end portion is fixed to the fixing portion, and the second terminal contact portion is formed at the second tip portion. and having
4. The optical module according to claim 3. The contact portion has a convex portion that fits into a concave portion formed in the optical receptacle,
The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 4. the laser light source has a sleeve facing the optical receptacle;
The contact portion has a hole through which the sleeve is inserted,
The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A light source safety device connected to a control unit for controlling laser light output from a laser light source according to whether an optical receptacle is engaged or disengaged with an external optical connector,
a sensing unit installed inside the optical receptacle for sensing an engagement state between the optical connector and the optical receptacle;
a flexible substrate having two non-conducting wirings;
with
The sensing portion includes a contact portion with which the tip of the optical connector contacts, a conductive portion fixed to the contact portion, and an elastic portion that presses the contact portion away from the flexible substrate. prepared,
The conductive portion is
when the optical receptacle is in the engaged state with the optical connector, the two wires are brought into conduction by contacting the flexible substrate;
When the optical receptacle is in the non-engaged state with the optical connector, the repulsive force of the elastic portion separates the optical receptacle from the flexible substrate to bring the two wires into a non-conductive state.
Light source safety device.

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