Optical module

Abstract

An optical module has plural optical units each having an optical communication device that performs conversion between an electrical signal and an optical signal, and a socket that the optical communication device is fitted in. The optical units are aligned and detachably connected to each other by a part of the socket in contact with the socket of the adjacent optical unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of an optical module according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows an external perspective view of the optical module shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from its back;

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of an optical unit constituting part of the optical module according to the exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 4 shows the state where adjacent optical units are detachably connected.

Claims

1. An optical module comprising: a plurality of optical units each having an optical communication device that performs conversion between an electrical signal and an optical signal and a socket that the optical communication device is fitted in,the optical units being aligned and detachably connected to each other by a portion of the socket in contact with the socket of the adjacent optical unit.

2. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein the socket has an interference prevention wall that extends toward the front of the optical module in the direction parallel to an optical axis of an optical signal operated by the optical communication device, and prevents interference in the optical signal operated by the optical communication device of the adjacent optical unit.

3. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein the optical communication device includes a head that performs conversion between an electrical signal and an optical signal, and two metallic leads that extend from the head and transmits the electrical signal, the optical unit has an electrode that is attached to the socket and is in contact with one of the two leads, anda plurality of the electrodes are aligned corresponding to the aligned optical units and the adjacent electrodes are partially and detachably connected to each other.