A double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool and a manufacturing process thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool and a manufacturing process thereof, relates to the technical field of double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing, and can effectively fix upper and lower templates of the double-layer optical fiber array and improve the production efficiency of the double-layer optical fiber array. The double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool comprises a base, a double-layer optical fiber array and a fixing assembly. The fixing assembly comprises a stop block, a baffle, a positioning needle, a first push plate, a second push plate, a first jack and a second jack. The widths of the upper and lower templates are different, the first push plate abuts against the lower clamping plate, the second push plate abuts against the upper clamping plate, the position of the two clamping plates is precisely controlled, and the production efficiency of the double-layer optical fiber array is improved. The horizontal distance adjustment is changed into rotary jack adjustment through the first jack and the second jack, the distance adjustment precision is higher, the relative position of the two clamping plates is finely adjusted, and the production efficiency is further improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing, in particular to a double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool and a manufacturing process thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Optical fiber arrays are usually applied to planar lightwave circuits, arrayed waveguide gratings, active / passive arrayed fiber devices, microelectromechanical systems, multi-channel optical modules, etc. Among them, optical fiber arrays are one of the important components of planar lightwave circuit splitters (PLC Splitter), which can greatly reduce the loss of optical waveguide devices and optical coupling alignment.

[0003] Double-layer optical fiber arrays are widely used as a common optical fiber device, but in the production process of double-layer optical fiber arrays, because the positions of the optical fibers need to be staggered, the V-shaped groove positions and the template widths of the upper and lower templates are different, so the optical fiber templates cannot be effectively fixed. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims to at least solve one of the problems in the prior art, and provides a double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool and a manufacturing process thereof, which can effectively fix the upper and lower templates of the double-layer optical fiber array and improve the production efficiency of the double-layer optical fiber array.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, a double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool is provided, comprising a base, a double-layer optical fiber array arranged on the base, and a fixing assembly arranged on the base, wherein the double-layer optical fiber array is arranged in the fixing assembly, and the fixing assembly fixes the double-layer optical fiber array on the base.

[0006] According to the double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool of the first aspect of the present application, the double-layer optical fiber array comprises an upper clamping plate, a lower clamping plate, a partition plate, and a plurality of optical fibers, a plurality of V-shaped grooves are arranged on the upper clamping plate and the lower clamping plate, the partition plate is arranged between the upper clamping plate and the lower clamping plate, and the plurality of optical fibers are arranged in the V-shaped grooves.

[0007] According to the double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool of the first aspect of the present application, the fixing assembly comprises: a stop block arranged on the base and located at one side of the base; a stop plate arranged on the base, the stop plate being located at one side of the base and opposite to the stop block; a positioning needle inserted on the base and located between the stop block and the stop plate; a first push plate sleeved on the positioning needle, one side of the first push plate abutting against the lower clamping plate; a second push plate sleeved on the positioning needle and located on the first push plate, one side of the second push plate abutting against the upper clamping plate; a first jack screw threaded on the stop plate, the first jack screw being capable of pushing the first push plate to abut the lower clamping plate against the stop block; and a second jack screw threaded on the stop plate, the second jack screw being capable of pushing the second push plate to abut the upper clamping plate against the stop block.

[0008] According to the double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool of the first aspect of the present application, the positioning needles are at least two groups, and the first push plate and the second push plate are simultaneously sleeved on the at least two groups of positioning needles.

[0009] According to the double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool of the first aspect of the present application, the positioning needle is provided with a first guide ring and a second guide ring, the first push plate is provided with a first guide groove, the second push plate is provided with a second guide groove, the first guide ring is accommodated in the first guide groove and can freely slide along the first guide groove, and the second guide ring is accommodated in the second guide groove and can freely slide along the second guide groove.

[0010] According to the double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool of the first aspect of the present application, the first push plate is provided with a first mounting hole, the first mounting hole is in communication with the first guide groove, the diameter of the first mounting hole is greater than or equal to the diameter of the first guide ring, the second push plate is provided with a second mounting hole, the second mounting hole is in communication with the second guide groove, and the diameter of the second mounting hole is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second guide ring.

[0011] According to the double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool of the first aspect of the present application, an avoiding groove is arranged at the included angle between the stop block and the base.

[0012] According to the double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing tool of the first aspect of the present application, a fixing hole is arranged on the base, and the fixing hole is at least two.

[0013] According to the second aspect of the present application, a double-layer optical fiber array manufacturing process is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0014] Manufacturing of the upper-layer optical fiber array: first, assembling the upper clamping plate, the partition plate and the optical fibers;

[0015] Dispensing: The assembled upper-layer fiber array is cured by dispensing adhesive.

[0016] Lower fiber array fixing: The lower clamping plate is clamped and fixed by the first push plate and the first top screw.

[0017] Lower layer fiber array assembly: Place the fiber into the V-groove of the lower clamp;

[0018] Upper and lower assembly: The upper fiber array and the partition are pressed together onto the assembled lower fiber array, so that the partition presses down on the lower fiber array. Then, the second push plate is pushed by the second top screw to finely adjust the position of the upper clamping plate so that the positions of the upper and lower clamping plates meet the requirements of the drawing.

[0019] Curing: Apply adhesive to all components of the double-layer fiber array and cure them.

[0020] According to the second aspect of the present invention, a process for manufacturing a double-layer fiber array further includes a tooling preparation step, in which the push plate and the top wire are placed in a predetermined position before assembling the double-layer fiber array to check for any fitting problems.

[0021] This invention has at least the following beneficial effects: A fixture for fabricating a double-layer fiber optic array includes a base, a double-layer fiber optic array, and a fixing component. The double-layer fiber optic array is mounted on the base, and the fixing component is also mounted on the base. The double-layer fiber optic array is housed within the fixing component, which secures the double-layer fiber optic array to the base. The fixing component includes a stop block, a baffle plate, a positioning pin, a first push plate, a second push plate, a first set screw, and a second set screw. The upper and lower templates have different widths. The first push plate abuts against the lower clamping plate, and the second push plate abuts against the upper clamping plate, thereby achieving precise control of the position of the two clamping plates and improving the production efficiency of the double-layer fiber optic array. Furthermore, the horizontal distance adjustment can be changed to a rotary set screw via the first and second set screws, resulting in higher precision in distance adjustment and facilitating fine-tuning of the relative positions of the two clamping plates, further improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments;

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Stepped sectional view of section AA.

[0027] Base 10, clearance groove 11, fixing hole 12;

[0028] Double-layer fiber array 20, upper clamping plate 21, lower clamping plate 22, partition 23, fiber 24;

[0029] Fixed component 30, stop block 31, baffle 32, positioning pin 33, first guide ring 331, second guide ring 332, first push plate 34, first guide groove 341, first mounting hole 342, second push plate 35, second guide groove 351, second mounting hole 352, first set screw 36, second set screw 37. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This section will describe in detail specific embodiments of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and overall technical solution of the present invention, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0033] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to a first aspect of the present invention, a fixture for fabricating a dual-layer fiber optic array includes a base 10, a dual-layer fiber optic array 20, and a fixing component 30. The dual-layer fiber optic array 20 is disposed on the base 10, the fixing component 30 is disposed on the base 10, the dual-layer fiber optic array 20 is disposed in the fixing component 30, and the fixing component 30 fixes the dual-layer fiber optic array 20 to the base 10.

[0035] ReferenceFigures 1 to 4 The dual-layer fiber array 20 includes an upper clamping plate 21, a lower clamping plate 22, a partition plate 23, and a plurality of optical fibers 24. The upper clamping plate 21 and the lower clamping plate 22 have a plurality of V-shaped grooves 211. The partition plate 23 is disposed between the upper clamping plate 21 and the lower clamping plate 22. The plurality of optical fibers 24 are accommodated in the V-shaped grooves 211.

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The fixing assembly 30 includes a stop block 31, a baffle plate 32, a positioning pin 33, a first push plate 34, a second push plate 35, a first set screw 36, and a second set screw 37. The stop block 31 is mounted on the base 10 and located on one side of the base 10. The baffle plate 32 is mounted on the base 10. The baffle plate 32 is located on one side of the base 10 and opposite to the stop block 31. The positioning pin 33 is inserted into the base 10 and located between the stop block 31 and the baffle plate 32. The first push plate 34 is sleeved on the positioning pin 33. One side of the first push plate 34 abuts against the lower clamping plate 22. The second push plate 35 is sleeved on the positioning pin 33 and located on the first push plate 34. One side of the second push plate 35 abuts against the upper clamping plate 21. The first set screw 36 is screwed onto the baffle plate 32. The first set screw 36 can push the first push plate 34 to press the lower clamping plate 22 against the stop block 31. The second set screw 37 is screwed onto the baffle plate 32. The second set screw 37 can push the second push plate 35 to press the upper clamping plate 21 against the stop block 31.

[0037] Understandably, the upper clamping plate 21 and the lower clamping plate 22 have different widths. The first push plate 34 abuts against the lower clamping plate 22, and the second push plate 35 abuts against the upper clamping plate 21, thereby achieving precise control of the position of the two clamping plates. By using the first set screw 36 and the second set screw 37, the horizontal distance adjustment is changed to a rotary set screw, which makes the distance adjustment more accurate and facilitates fine-tuning of the relative position of the two clamping plates.

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 4 There are at least two sets of positioning pins 33. The first push plate 34 and the second push plate 35 are simultaneously fitted onto at least two sets of positioning pins 33.

[0039] Understandably, the two sets of positioning pins 33 can effectively prevent the push plates from deflecting when the set screw pushes the two push plates, which could lead to insecure fixing or adjustment deviations.

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The positioning pin 33 has a first guide ring 331 and a second guide ring 332. The first push plate 34 has a first guide groove 341. The second push plate 35 has a second guide groove 351. The first guide ring 331 is housed in the first guide groove 341 and can slide freely along the first guide groove 341. The second guide ring 332 is housed in the second guide groove 351 and can slide freely along the second guide groove 351.

[0041] It is worth noting that the first guide groove 341, in conjunction with the first guide ring 331, can provide guidance for the movement of the first push plate 34, and the second guide groove 351, in conjunction with the second guide ring 332, can provide guidance for the movement of the second push plate 35.

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The first push plate 34 has a first mounting hole 342. The first mounting hole 342 communicates with the first guide groove 341. The diameter of the first mounting hole 342 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the first guide ring 331. The second push plate 35 has a second mounting hole 352. The second mounting hole 352 communicates with the second guide groove 351. The diameter of the second mounting hole 352 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second guide ring 332.

[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 4 An avoidance groove 11 is provided at the angle between the stop block 31 and the base 10.

[0044] It is worth noting that if the right angle of the first push plate 34 is opposite to the angle between the stop block 31 and the base 10, extremely high machining precision is required to avoid interference. The clearance groove 11 can prevent the two corners from being opposite, reduce the precision requirements of the tooling, and reduce the manufacturing cost of the tooling.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The base 10 has fixing holes 12, and there are at least two fixing holes 12.

[0046] It is worth noting that the base 10 can be fixed by using at least two fixing holes 12 with fasteners, which facilitates the fabrication of the double-layer fiber array 20.

[0047] In a second aspect of the present invention, a fabrication process for a double-layer fiber array utilizes a fabrication fixture for a double-layer fiber array based on the first aspect of the present invention, comprising the following steps:

[0048] Fabrication of the upper fiber array: First, assemble the upper clamping plate 21, the partition plate 23, and the optical fiber 24;

[0049] Dispensing: The assembled upper-layer fiber array is cured by dispensing adhesive.

[0050] Lower fiber array fixation: The lower clamping plate 22 is clamped and fixed by the first push plate 34 and the first top screw 36.

[0051] Lower layer fiber array assembly: Place fiber 24 into the V-groove 211 of the lower clamping plate 22;

[0052] Upper and lower assembly: The upper fiber array and the partition 23 are pressed together on the assembled lower fiber array, so that the partition 23 presses down on the lower fiber array. Then, the second push plate 35 is pushed by the second top screw 37 to finely adjust the position of the upper clamping plate 21 so that the positions of the upper clamping plate 21 and the lower clamping plate 22 meet the requirements of the drawing.

[0053] Curing: Apply adhesive to all components of the double-layer fiber array and cure them.

[0054] As a further improvement to the above solution, a dual-layer fiber array manufacturing process also includes a tooling preparation step. Before assembling the dual-layer fiber array, the push plate and the top wire are placed in the predetermined position to check for any fitting problems.

[0055] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tooling for fabricating a double-layer fiber optic array, characterized in that, include: Base; A dual-layer fiber optic array is mounted on the base. as well as A fixing component is disposed on the base, the double-layer fiber array is disposed in the fixing component, and the fixing component fixes the double-layer fiber array on the base; The dual-layer fiber array includes an upper clamping plate, a lower clamping plate, a partition plate, and a plurality of optical fibers. The upper clamping plate and the lower clamping plate are provided with a plurality of V-shaped grooves. The partition plate is disposed between the upper clamping plate and the lower clamping plate, and the plurality of optical fibers are accommodated in the V-shaped grooves. The fixing component includes: A stop block is disposed on the base and located on one side of the base; A baffle is disposed on the base, the baffle being located on one side of the base and opposite to the stop block; A positioning pin is inserted into the base and located between the stop block and the baffle; The first push plate is sleeved on the positioning pin, and one side of the first push plate abuts against the lower clamping plate; The second push plate is sleeved on the positioning pin and located on the first push plate, with one side of the second push plate abutting against the upper clamping plate; The first set screw is screwed onto the baffle plate, and the first set screw can push the first push plate to push the lower clamping plate against the stop block; The second set screw is screwed onto the baffle plate, and the second set screw can push the second push plate to push the upper clamping plate against the stop block.

2. The tooling for fabricating a double-layer fiber optic array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning pins are in at least two sets, and the first push plate and the second push plate are simultaneously sleeved on at least two sets of the positioning pins.

3. A fabrication fixture for a double-layer fiber optic array according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The positioning pin has a first guide ring and a second guide ring. The first push plate has a first guide groove, and the second push plate has a second guide groove. The first guide ring is housed in the first guide groove and can slide freely along the first guide groove. The second guide ring is housed in the second guide groove and can slide freely along the second guide groove.

4. The tooling for fabricating a double-layer fiber optic array according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first push plate has a first mounting hole that communicates with the first guide groove. The diameter of the first mounting hole is greater than or equal to the diameter of the first guide ring. The second push plate has a second mounting hole that communicates with the second guide groove. The diameter of the second mounting hole is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second guide ring.

5. A fabrication fixture for a double-layer fiber optic array according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, An avoidance groove is provided at the angle between the stop and the base.

6. The tooling for fabricating a double-layer fiber optic array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base has fixing holes, and there are at least two fixing holes.

7. A fabrication process for a double-layer fiber optic array utilizes the fabrication fixture for a double-layer fiber optic array as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Fabrication of the upper fiber optic array: First, assemble the upper clamping plate, partition, and optical fibers; Dispensing: The assembled upper-layer fiber array is cured by dispensing adhesive. Lower fiber array fixing: The lower clamping plate is clamped and fixed by the first push plate and the first set screw; Lower layer fiber array assembly: Place the fiber into the V-groove of the lower clamp; Upper and lower assembly: The upper fiber array and the partition are pressed together onto the assembled lower fiber array, so that the partition presses down on the lower fiber array. Then, the second push plate is pushed by the second top screw to finely adjust the position of the upper clamping plate so that the positions of the upper and lower clamping plates meet the requirements of the drawing. Curing: Apply adhesive to all components of the double-layer fiber array and cure them.

8. The fabrication process for a double-layer fiber optic array according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes tooling preparation steps, where the push plate and top wire are placed in the predetermined positions before assembling the double-layer fiber array to check for any fitting problems.

Images