Connection assembly of computer and port replicator

• US 6,206,578 B1
• Filed: 06/15/1999
• Issued: 03/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Kim, Il, Shin, Seong-sik, Shin, Hyun-kuk
• Primary Examiner(s): NGO, HUNG NHAT
• Application Number:
  US09/332,946
• Time in Patent Office: 651 Days
• Field of Search: 385/53, 385/54, 385/76, 385/134
• US Class Current: 385/54
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3885 Multicore or multichannel optical connectors, i.e. one single ferrule containing more than one fibre, e.g. ribbon type optical ribbon cable G02B6/4403, G02B6/448
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/389 characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4292 the light guide being disconnectable from the opto-electronic element, e.g. mutually self aligning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations

Abstract

A connection assembly of a computer and a port replicator for distributing a plurality of signals generated from the computer to each of a plurality of peripheral devices. The connection assembly includes a first optical connecter installed at the computer for transmitting input signals using light, a second optical connecter installed at the port replicator to correspond to the first optical connecter for transmitting input signals using light, and a portion for coupling the first and second optical connecters to communicate with each other. Thus, since the first and second light-receiving/emitting units are disposed to be separated a predetermined distance from each other and exchange information signals, the reliability with respect to connection can be maintained when the port replicator is repeatedly connected and disconnected to and from the computer. Also, EMI can be reduced by replacing the pin and pin holder with the first and second light-receiving/emitting units. Further, the replacement of the pin and pin holder with the optical connecter, which is smaller in volume and lighter, makes the entire connection assembly lightweight.

Claims

1. A connection assembly of a computer and a port replicator which distributes a plurality of signals generated from said computer to each of a plurality of peripheral devices, said connection assembly comprising:

a first optical connecter installed at said computer for transmitting input signals using light;

a second optical connecter installed at said port replicator to correspond to said first optical connecter for transmitting input signals using light; and

means for coupling said first and second optical connecters to communicate with each other.

2. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for coupling comprises:

a first holder formed at a rear surface of said computer and having a first light-receiving/emitting unit installed therein; and

a second holder formed at one surface of said port replicator and having a second light-receiving/emitting unit installed therein, wherein said first and second holders are coupled to each other so that said first and second light-receiving/emitting units are installed to face each other and to be separated a predetermined distance from each other.

3. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for coupling comprises:

an optical fiber bundle having each end thereof installed to face said first and second light-receiving/emitting units and transmitting light emitted from said first and second light-emitting arrays to said second and first light-receiving arrays, respectively;

a first coupler which couples one end of said optical fiber bundle to face said first light-receiving/emitting unit; and

a second coupler which couples the other end of said optical fiber bundle to face said second light-receiving/emitting unit.

4. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first optical connecter comprises:

a first signal processing unit for processing input information signals and driving signals; and

a first light-receiving/emitting unit including a first light-emitting array for selectively emitting light according to the driving signals output from said first signal processing unit, and a first light-receiving array for receiving the light transmitted from said port replicator and performing photoelectric conversion.

5. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second optical connecter comprises:

a second signal processing unit installed in said port replicator for processing input information signals and driving signals; and

a second light-receiving/emitting unit including a second light-emitting array for selectively emitting light toward said first light-receiving array according to the driving signals output from said second signal processing unit, and a second light-receiving array for receiving the light emitted from said first light-emitting array and performing photoelectric conversion.

6. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first and or second light-emitting array are vertical cavity surface emitting laser arrays.

7. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein said means for coupling comprises:

a first holder formed at a rear surface of said computer and having said first light-receiving/emitting unit installed therein; and

a second holder formed at one surface of said port replicator and having said second light-receiving/emitting unit installed therein, wherein said first and second holders are coupled to each other so that said first and second light-receiving/emitting units are installed to face each other and to be separated a predetermined distance from each other.

8. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein said means for coupling comprises:

an optical fiber bundle having each end thereof installed to face said first and second light-receiving/emitting units and transmitting each of lights emitted from said first and second light-emitting arrays to said second and first light-receiving arrays, respectively;

a first coupler which couples one end of said optical fiber bundle to face said first light-receiving/emitting unit; and

a second coupler which couples the other end of said optical fiber bundle to face said second light-receiving/emitting unit.