A structure and method for improving the assembly accuracy of free space isolators in optical modules

By designing the improved optical module structure and using the combined design of the thimble assembly and spring, the problems of low assembly accuracy and poor stability of the free space isolator are solved, achieving higher assembly accuracy and product reliability.

CN119126304BActive Publication Date: 2025-03-04ACCELIGHT TECH (WUHAN) INC
View PDF 2 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411600210.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-11
Publication Date
2025-03-04
Estimated Expiration
2044-11-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The prior art has problems such as low assembly accuracy, poor stability, and easy to fall off during the assembly process of free space isolators, resulting in large deviations in the working distance of the isolators, insufficient concentricity and angular tilt, affecting the performance and reliability of the product.

Method used

A structure is designed to improve the assembly accuracy of the free space isolator in the optical module, including a mounting base and an optical fiber array connected to the mounting base, and a coaxial arrangement with the optical fiber is mapped one by one with the thimble assembly, providing pressure through a spring, ensuring accurate positioning and stable fixation of the isolator.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves the assembly accuracy and stability of the free space isolator, solves the problem of easy falling off the isolator, reduces product scrapping rate, and improves the reliability of the optical communication system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN119126304B_ABST
    Figure CN119126304B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention discloses a structure and method for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module, which comprises a mounting seat and an optical fiber array connected to the mounting seat, wherein each optical fiber of the optical fiber array is connected to an optical fiber connector socket at one end and a metal part at the other end, a magnetic ring is coaxially embedded at the end of the metal part, a Faraday rotation isolator is arranged in the magnetic ring, and an ejector assembly is also arranged on the mounting seat, wherein the ejector assembly is coaxially arranged with the optical fiber in a one-to-one mapping manner, and each ejector assembly comprises an ejector sleeve connected to the mounting seat, wherein a spring is arranged in the ejector sleeve, and an ejector is coaxially plugged into the open end of the ejector sleeve, wherein the spring contacts the ejector, and the ejector contacts the magnetic ring. The present invention ensures the concentricity of the isolator after curing.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module, belongs to the technical field of optical modules, and in particular to a structure and method for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of fiber-optic communication technology, big data, and artificial intelligence, the demand for data traffic continues to rise, which not only promotes the continuous improvement of the transmission rate of optical modules, but also puts higher requirements on the optical path, especially in terms of low loss and high stability. In this context, free space isolators, as a magneto-optical device used in the field of communications, have attracted much attention due to their unique optical properties. This device has low insertion loss for forward transmission light and can effectively attenuate reverse transmission light, making it an indispensable optical passive device in high-speed and long-distance fiber-optic communications.

[0003] However, although free-space isolators can effectively solve the return light problem in theory, existing technologies still face many challenges in their practical application and manufacturing process. The widely used free-space isolator manufacturing process is to embed the Faraday rotator isolator into the circular hole of the magnetic ring, and then embed the magnetic ring into the front end of the fiber optic connector socket (i.e., receptacle) and fix it with glue. This method seems simple, but it hides multiple potential risks.

[0004] First, during the assembly process, free space isolators face many factors, such as physical impact during turnover, precise control of magnetic polarity, expansion and contraction of glue, and tiny airflow during heating. These factors, alone or in combination, may cause large deviations in the working distance of the isolator, and problems such as insufficient concentricity or angle tilt may occur. More seriously, these problems may cause the isolator to fall off the front end of the fiber optic connector socket, directly endangering the overall performance of the product, or even causing the product to be scrapped.

[0005] Secondly, existing technologies cannot guarantee the stability and reliability of free space isolators during long-term use. External factors such as ambient temperature changes and mechanical vibrations may further exacerbate the above problems, making it easier for the isolator, which already has potential defects, to detach from the front end of the fiber connector socket. This not only increases maintenance costs, but may also affect the normal operation of the entire communication system at critical moments.

[0006] In summary, although free space isolators play a vital role in optical communication systems, the existing technology still has significant defects in their manufacturing and application, especially in the process of fixing them to the front end of the optical fiber connector socket. These problems not only affect the performance and reliability of the product, but may also lead to additional economic losses. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a structure that improves the assembly accuracy of free space isolators in optical modules to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a structure and method for improving the assembly accuracy of the free space isolator in the optical module in view of the technical defects existing in the prior art, which effectively solves the technical problems in the prior art such as large deviation in the working distance of the isolator, concentric deviation and angle inclination, easy falling off, and entanglement of the optical fiber at the tail of the optical fiber due to excessive optical fiber caused by turnover, magnetic polarity, glue shrinkage / expansion, heating breeze, etc., thereby ensuring the concentricity of the isolator after curing.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: the present invention discloses a structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module, comprising a mounting seat and an optical fiber array connected to the mounting seat, one end of each optical fiber of the optical fiber array is connected to an optical fiber connector socket and the other end is connected to a metal part, a magnetic ring is coaxially embedded in the end of the metal part, a Faraday rotation isolator is arranged in the magnetic ring, a thimble assembly is also arranged on the mounting seat, the thimble assembly is coaxially arranged with the optical fiber in a one-to-one mapping, each thimble assembly comprises a thimble sleeve connected to the mounting seat, a spring is arranged in the thimble sleeve, an thimble is coaxially plugged into the open end of the thimble sleeve, the spring is in contact with the thimble, and a Faraday rotation isolator is arranged between the thimble and the metal part.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the ejector sleeve is provided with an annular limiting platform along its radial inner edge.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a scale mark is provided on the outer wall of the ejector sleeve.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ejector pin comprises a first shaft segment, a second shaft segment, a third shaft segment and a fourth shaft segment which are coaxially arranged, the diameter of the first shaft segment is larger than the diameter of the second shaft segment, the diameter of the second shaft segment, the diameter of the fourth shaft segment and the inner hole diameter of the ejector sleeve correspond to each other, the diameter of the third shaft segment is smaller than the diameter of the second shaft segment, a spring limiting structure is provided at the end of the fourth shaft segment, and the diameter of the first shaft segment is not larger than the outer diameter of the magnetic ring.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the minimum inner diameter of the annular limiting platform corresponds to the diameter of the third shaft segment.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting seat includes a thimble fixing seat, a product optical fiber fixing fixture and a fixture base, the product optical fiber fixing fixture is arranged between the thimble fixing seat and the fixture base, the thimble fixing seat is provided with an thimble mounting hole, and the thimble assembly is height-adjustably connected to the thimble mounting hole.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a positioning pin is provided between the ejector pin fixing seat and the product optical fiber fixing fixture, and the product optical fiber fixing fixture is fixedly connected to the fixture base.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber fixing fixture comprises a base plate, on which an optical fiber fixing groove, a metal component slot and a tail bracket groove are arranged.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a ceramic sleeve and a crimping metal piece are coaxially arranged in the optical fiber connector socket, and a ceramic ferrule for connecting an optical fiber is inserted in the ceramic sleeve and the crimping metal piece.

[0017] The present invention also discloses a method for improving the assembly accuracy of a free-space isolator in an optical module, comprising: sucking the isolator with a magnetic ring, and placing the isolator into a front end hole of a metal part so that the isolator is flush with the front end of the metal part; adjusting the height of the ejector pin assembly by a high point mark on the isolator so that the high point is at the same direction as the height of the metal part; sequentially installing the optical fiber array on a mounting seat, and supporting the upper surface of the isolator with the ejector pin; and sending the structure for improving the assembly accuracy of the free-space isolator in the optical module to a high-temperature oven and performing glue curing.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the structure for improving the assembly accuracy of the free space isolator in the optical module of the present invention comprehensively solves the problems of low assembly accuracy, poor stability, easy falling off, etc. existing in the prior art through its innovative structural design and precise assembly method. It not only significantly improves the manufacturing quality and performance stability of the free space isolator, but also greatly reduces the product scrap rate caused by isolator failure, thereby providing reliable technical support for the further development of optical communication systems.

[0019] First, the present invention significantly improves the assembly accuracy and stability of the free space isolator by designing a unique mounting seat and optical fiber array structure. The ejector assembly arranged on the mounting seat is coaxially arranged with the optical fiber in a one-to-one mapping manner, ensuring the precise positioning of each isolator assembly. This structural design effectively solves the problems of working distance deviation, insufficient concentricity and angle tilt caused by physical impact during the assembly process, inaccurate magnetic polarity control and other factors in the prior art.

[0020] Secondly, the present invention introduces an innovative ejector assembly design, including an ejector sleeve, a spring and an ejector. This design allows the ejector to maintain stable contact with the magnetic ring, while providing moderate pressure through the spring, effectively preventing the isolator from falling off. In particular, the annular limit platform set on the inner wall of the ejector sleeve and the scale marking on the outer wall further improve the accuracy and controllability of the assembly process. These designs not only overcome the inflation and contraction problems that are easily caused by the glue fixing method in the prior art, but also greatly improve the stability and reliability of the isolator during long-term use.

[0021] Furthermore, the ejector pin of the present invention adopts a unique multi-segment shaft design, including first to fourth shaft segments with different diameters. This carefully designed structure cooperates with the ejector sleeve and the annular limiter to achieve precise positioning and controlled movement of the ejector pin, further enhancing the accuracy and repeatability of the assembly process. This design effectively solves the problem of unstable isolator performance caused by external factors such as ambient temperature changes and mechanical vibrations in the prior art.

[0022] In addition, the mounting base of the present invention adopts a modular design, including a pin fixing base, a product optical fiber fixing fixture and a fixture base. This design not only improves the flexibility and adaptability of the tooling, but also ensures the precise alignment between the various components through components such as positioning pins. The optical fiber fixing groove, metal component slot and tail bracket set on the product optical fiber fixing fixture further optimize the fixing method of the optical fiber and related components, and effectively prevent displacement and deformation during the assembly process.

[0023] Finally, the present invention also takes into account the compatibility with the optical fiber connector socket, and realizes a stable connection with the optical fiber by arranging a ceramic sleeve, a crimping metal part and a ceramic ferrule in the socket. This design not only improves the integration of the overall component, but also further enhances the stability and reliability of signal transmission. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 An exploded view of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a metal part of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 A top view of a metal part of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 Figure 4 BB cross-sectional view;

[0030] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a metal member of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the metal part and ejector structure of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the optical fiber connector socket of the present invention;

[0033] In the figure, 1-thimble fixing seat, 2-product optical fiber fixing fixture, 2-1-optical fiber fixing groove, 2-2-metal part slot, 2-3-tail bracket, 3-metal part, 4-optical fiber connector socket, 5-magnetic ring, 6-Faraday rotation isolator, 7-optical fiber, 8-crimped metal part, 9-ceramic ferrule, 10 ceramic sleeve, 11-clamp base, 12-thimble sleeve, 13-thimble, 13-1 spring limit structure, 14-spring, 15-scale mark, 16-fastener, 17-hook, 18-locating pin, 19-optical fiber fixing block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] like Figure 1-8 As shown, the present invention provides a structure for improving the assembly accuracy of the free space isolator in the optical module, and its structural design is intended to improve the assembly accuracy and stability of the free space isolator. The tooling mainly includes a mounting base and an optical fiber array connected to the mounting base. Each optical fiber in the optical fiber array is connected to an optical fiber connector socket 4 at one end and a metal part 3 at the other end. A magnetic ring 5 is coaxially embedded at the end of the metal part 3, and a Faraday rotation isolator 6 is arranged inside the magnetic ring 5. This structural design ensures efficient transmission and isolation of optical signals.

[0037] The mounting seat is provided with a pin assembly arranged coaxially with the optical fiber in a one-to-one mapping manner, and each pin assembly includes a pin sleeve 12 connected to the mounting seat. A spring 14 is provided in the pin sleeve 12, and a pin 13 is coaxially plugged into its open end. The spring 14 is in contact with the pin 13, and an isolator is provided between the pin 13 and the metal part 3. The existence of the pin assembly realizes the accurate alignment of the isolator and the pin, ensures the concentricity of the pin and the isolator, and can greatly improve the control accuracy of the concentricity, thereby effectively solving the problem of large concentricity deviation of the isolator after solidification. In addition, the pin assembly provides moderate pressure through the spring, which effectively prevents the isolator from falling off. The pin is moving, and the needle head is subjected to uniform force and small deviation, which solves the problem of tilting of the isolator after solidification.

[0038] The forming method of the ejector assembly has its particularity. First, the spring 14 is inserted into the ejector sleeve 12, and then the spring limiting structure 13-1 at the tail of the ejector 13 is embedded in the inner hole of the spring. Finally, the ejector sleeve 12 is squeezed and deformed to achieve the limit of the ejector. It is worth noting that the surface of the ejector sleeve is also marked with scales, which further improves the accuracy and controllability of the assembly process.

[0039] This embodiment also describes in detail the specific steps of using the tooling to achieve bonding of the isolator and the metal part. First, the isolator is sucked by a magnet and placed into the front end hole of the metal part to ensure that the isolator is flush with the front end of the metal part. This step ensures the initial position accuracy of the isolator.

[0040] Next, use the high point mark on the isolator to adjust it to the same high point position as the metal part. This step is crucial to ensure the correct direction of the isolator, which directly affects the subsequent transmission effect of the optical signal.

[0041] The third step is to insert the metal parts into the product fixing structure one by one and use the ejector pin to push against the upper surface of the isolator. This step not only fixes the position of the metal parts, but also provides stable pressure through the ejector pin to ensure that the isolator remains in the correct position during subsequent operations.

[0042] The fourth step involves the processing of optical fibers. The tail optical fibers are arranged in sequence and placed in the optical fiber slots, and the optical fibers are fixed with optical fiber fixing plates. This step is very important to prevent the optical fibers from being displaced or deformed in subsequent operations, and helps maintain the stability of the entire optical path.

[0043] The fifth step is the glue curing process. The fixture with the product is hung in a high-temperature oven through a hook to cure the glue. This step ensures a strong connection between the isolator and the metal parts and is a key link in the entire assembly process.

[0044] The last step is to complete the operation. Push the ejector pin structure and take out the product. The whole assembly process is now complete.

[0045] This detailed step design fully demonstrates the advantages of the present invention. By precisely controlling each step, various problems caused by the inaccurate assembly process in the prior art, such as working distance deviation, insufficient concentricity, and angle tilt, are effectively solved. In particular, in terms of positioning and fixing the isolator, the method of the present invention significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of assembly.

[0046] In addition, the high temperature curing step described in this embodiment effectively overcomes the inflation and shrinkage problems that may be caused by the use of glue in the prior art. By controlling the curing environment and process, the present invention ensures the stability and durability of the connection between the isolator and the metal part.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] Example 2 further describes in detail the structural design of the ejector assembly in the structure for improving the assembly accuracy of the free space isolator in the optical module. The inner wall of the ejector sleeve 12 is provided with an annular limit platform along its radial inner edge. This design provides precise guidance and limitation for the movement of the ejector, ensuring that the ejector remains on the predetermined track during operation, thereby reducing the assembly error that may be caused by the offset of the ejector. At the same time, a scale mark 15 is provided on the outer wall of the ejector sleeve 12, which not only improves the accuracy and repeatability of the operation, but also enables the operator to accurately control the position and pressure of the ejector, making the tooling suitable for isolators of different specifications. The flexibility of this design allows the same set of tooling to be used for the assembly of multiple models of isolators, improving the versatility and economic benefits of the equipment.

[0049] The design of the ejector pin 13 includes four coaxially arranged shaft sections, each of which has its specific function. The diameter of the first shaft section is larger than that of the second shaft section, but does not exceed the outer diameter of the magnetic ring 5, which ensures that the ejector pin can be accurately aligned with the isolator without interfering with the position of the magnetic ring. The diameter of the second shaft section corresponds to the inner hole diameter of the ejector sleeve 12, ensuring the stable movement of the ejector pin in the sleeve. The diameter of the third shaft section is smaller than that of the second shaft section, corresponding to the minimum inner diameter of the annular limit platform, forming a precise limit mechanism to prevent the ejector pin from excessive movement. The diameter of the fourth shaft section is the same as that of the second shaft section, and a spring limit structure 13-1 is provided at its end, which ensures the correct positioning of the spring while providing uniform pressure distribution.

[0050] This multi-section ejector pin design not only improves the positioning accuracy of the ejector pin, but also enhances the stability of the entire assembly. By carefully designing the size and function of each shaft segment, the ejector pin can remain stable during operation, reducing errors that may be caused by mutual interference between components. In particular, the matching design of the first shaft segment and the outer diameter of the magnetic ring effectively prevents the ejector pin from interfering with the magnetic ring, ensuring the correct positioning of the isolator during assembly.

[0051] It is worth noting that the spring-centered structure at the tail end of the ejector pin. This design ensures that the ejector pin is evenly stressed and has small deviations during movement, thereby solving the problem of the isolator tilting after solidification and improving the assembly accuracy and quality of the finished product. The introduction of the spring-centered structure not only improves the stress condition of the ejector pin, but also enhances the stability of the entire assembly process. By ensuring that the ejector pin remains centered during movement, this structure effectively reduces the problem of isolator tilting caused by uneven pressure, thereby improving the quality and reliability of the final product.

[0052] In addition, the scale marking on the ejector sleeve not only increases the accuracy of the operation, but also improves the adaptability of the tooling. By adjusting the position of the ejector structure, the operator can apply corresponding pressure to the surface according to the different specifications of the isolator, which effectively solves the problem of inflation or contraction of the glue during the curing process and prevents the displacement of the isolator position. The design of the scale marking enables the operator to accurately adjust the position of the ejector according to the specific isolator specifications and requirements, thereby achieving accurate assembly of different types of isolators. This adjustability not only improves the versatility of the tooling, but also facilitates the production line to adapt to different product models.

[0053] The ejector assembly design described in this embodiment overcomes several difficulties existing in the prior art. This design not only improves the assembly accuracy and stability of the free space isolator, but also enhances the versatility and operational flexibility of the tooling, providing technical support for the production of high-quality, high-reliability optical communication components. Through sophisticated structural design and functional configuration, the ejector assembly effectively solves several key issues in the isolator assembly process, such as positioning accuracy, pressure uniformity, and adaptability. These improvements not only improve production efficiency, but also help reduce the defective rate of products, which is of certain significance to promoting the advancement of optical communication technology.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] This embodiment describes in detail the structural design of the mounting seat in the structure for improving the assembly accuracy of the free space isolator in the optical module and its assembly method. The mounting seat is composed of three main parts: the ejector fixing seat 1, the product optical fiber fixing fixture 2 and the fixture base 11. This design not only improves the stability of the tooling, but also enhances its applicability and adjustability.

[0056] First, the ejector fixing seat 1 is structured with grooves corresponding to the ejector holes, and screw holes are opened on the sides of the holes. This design allows the ejector assembly to be inserted horizontally into the ejector hole, and the ejector structure can be firmly fixed in place using fasteners 16 through the screw holes on the sides. It is worth noting that during the assembly process, the operator needs to adjust the scale on the ejector sleeve to a uniform scale before fixing it. This step ensures that all ejector assemblies remain consistent in the vertical direction, greatly improving the accuracy and consistency of assembly.

[0057] The fiber optic fixture of the product is arranged between the ejector fixing seat 1 and the fixture base 11. This sandwich-type structural design not only enhances the stability of the entire tooling, but also provides a good operating space. The ejector fixing seat 1 is provided with ejector mounting holes, which correspond to the ejector assembly, allowing the height of the ejector assembly to be adjustable. This adjustability is essential for adapting to isolators of different specifications, and increases the flexibility and versatility of the tooling.

[0058] In order to further improve the accuracy of assembly, positioning pins 18 are provided between the ejector pin holder 1 and the product optical fiber fixing fixture 2. These positioning pins ensure the precise alignment between the two components, reducing the assembly error that may be caused by the relative position offset between the components. At the same time, a similar positioning method is also used between the product optical fiber fixing fixture 2 and the fixture base 11, forming a highly integrated and precisely aligned overall structure.

[0059] On the plane of the optical fiber fixing fixture 2 of the product, 10 or more optical fiber fixing grooves 2-1, metal parts slots 2-2 and tail bracket grooves 2-3 are arranged in sequence. The design of these grooves not only provides a stable fixing position for the optical fiber and related components, but more importantly, the spacing distance between each groove is consistent with the spacing distance of the ejector pins. This precise correspondence ensures that each ejector pin can accurately act on the corresponding isolator position, greatly improving the accuracy and efficiency of assembly.

[0060] The tooling of this embodiment is also highly expandable. It can include multiple sets of ejector structures, ejector fixing structures and two sets of product fixing structures, as well as hooks 17 and optical fiber fixing blocks 19. This modular design enables the tooling to handle the assembly of multiple isolators at the same time, significantly improving production efficiency. The ejector fixing structure and the product fixing structure are fixed in position by pins 18 and locked with fasteners. This design not only ensures the precise positioning between the components, but also provides the necessary adjustment space.

[0061] During the final assembly, the entire structure is fixed to the fixture base 11 by fasteners, and the hook 17 is locked into the corresponding threaded hole of the fixture base. This design not only ensures the stability of the entire tooling, but also provides a convenient hanging method for the subsequent high temperature curing process.

[0062] The substrate design of the fiber optic fixing fixture 2 is also worth noting. The fiber optic fixing groove 2-1, metal component slot 2-2 and tail bracket 2-3 set on the substrate not only provide a stable fixed position for each component, but also take into account the order and convenience of the assembly process. The fiber optic fixing groove ensures that the optical fiber maintains the correct position and direction during the assembly process, the metal component slot provides precise positioning for the metal shell of the isolator, and the tail bracket provides the necessary support and protection for the tail of the optical fiber.

[0063] The mount design described in this embodiment embodies a high degree of engineering wisdom and practical considerations. Through a carefully designed structure and ingenious assembly method, this design not only improves the assembly accuracy and efficiency of the free space isolator, but also enhances the versatility and scalability of the tooling. It provides strong technical support for the mass production of high-quality, high-reliability optical communication components, and is of great significance to promoting the industrialization and large-scale production of optical communication technology.

[0064] Example 4

[0065] This embodiment describes in detail the internal structure of the optical fiber connector socket 4 and its related assembly method in the structure for improving the assembly accuracy of the free space isolator in the optical module. A ceramic sleeve 10 and a crimping metal part 8 are coaxially arranged in the optical fiber connector socket 4. This design not only improves the accuracy of the optical fiber connection, but also enhances the stability of the entire connection structure.

[0066] First, the ceramic sleeve 10 is designed to be a coaxial structure that matches the inner hole of the optical fiber connector socket 4. The selection of the ceramic sleeve takes into account its excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, which can effectively reduce the degradation of the connector performance caused by temperature changes or mechanical stress. In addition, the high-precision processing of the ceramic sleeve 10 makes its inner hole have extremely high coaxiality, which is crucial for the efficient transmission of optical fiber connections.

[0067] The crimping metal part 8 is tightly matched with the ceramic sleeve 10 and is also coaxially arranged in the optical fiber connector socket 4. The function of the crimping metal part 8 is to provide additional mechanical protection for the ceramic ferrule 9 while ensuring a firm connection of the optical fiber. The crimping metal part 8 is made of a high-strength, non-deformable metal alloy to ensure stable connection performance during long-term use.

[0068] The ceramic ferrule 9 is designed to be inserted into the ceramic sleeve 10 and the crimping metal part 8 and used to connect with the optical fiber. In actual operation, the ceramic ferrule 9 is first inserted into the ceramic sleeve 10 to ensure that it is coaxially aligned with the inner hole of the optical fiber connector socket 4. This structural design not only ensures seamless connection of optical signal transmission between the optical fiber and the isolator, but also effectively avoids signal loss problems that may occur during the connection process.

[0069] During the assembly process, the tail end of the optical fiber is first plugged and fixed to the inner hole of the ceramic ferrule 9, and then the ceramic ferrule 9 is coaxially inserted into the ceramic sleeve 10. Next, the crimping metal part 8 is crimped by using a crimping tool to ensure that the ceramic ferrule 9 and the ceramic sleeve 10 are tightly matched to form a stable connection structure. This step ensures the connection strength between the optical fiber and the ferrule, and effectively prevents the optical fiber from falling off or loosening.

[0070] In addition, the matching design of the ceramic sleeve 10 and the crimping metal part 8 in this embodiment also takes into account the long-term reliability of the optical fiber. The hardness and wear resistance of the ceramic sleeve prevent the ferrule from being worn during the plugging and unplugging operation, while the design of the crimping metal part ensures that the entire connection structure remains stable when subjected to external forces or temperature changes.

[0071] The structural design of this embodiment effectively improves the assembly accuracy and reliability of the optical fiber connector, ensuring the efficient transmission of optical signals. By introducing the matching design of the ceramic sleeve 10 and the crimping metal part 8, the reliability problem caused by materials and processes in the traditional connector is solved, providing a solid technical foundation for the production of high-precision and high-reliability optical communication components.

[0072] Example 5

[0073] The present invention also includes a product fixing structure and an ejector fixing structure in the fixture body, which achieves precise alignment through the pin, so that the ejector and the isolator can maintain extremely high concentricity, which can greatly improve the control accuracy of the concentricity and successfully solve the problem of large concentricity deviation of the isolator after solidification. In addition, the spring centering structure designed in the ejector structure ensures that the ejector needle is evenly stressed and has small deviation during movement, thereby effectively solving the problem of tilting of the isolator after solidification.

[0074] The scale design on the ejector sleeve makes the tooling suitable for isolators of different specifications. By adjusting the position of the ejector structure, appropriate pressure can be applied to the surface of the isolator, avoiding inflation and contraction problems during the curing process of the glue and the resulting displacement of the isolator position.

[0075] In addition, the fixture body is compatible with products of different lengths through the design of fiber slots and fiber fixing blocks, especially effectively solving the problem of fiber entanglement at the tail of long products. The fixture body also adopts a hook structure design to improve product turnover efficiency, while optimizing the use efficiency of the high-temperature oven, further improving the efficiency and reliability of the overall production process.

[0076] The present invention successfully overcomes several key problems existing in traditional processes through precise structural design and functional configuration, and provides strong technical support for the production of high-quality optical communication components.

[0077] It should be understood that the size of the serial numbers of the steps in the above embodiments does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0078] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or changes based on the above description, and all these improvements and changes should fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module, characterized in that: The invention comprises a mounting seat and an optical fiber array connected to the mounting seat, wherein each optical fiber of the optical fiber array is connected to an optical fiber connector socket (4) at one end and to a metal part (3) at the other end, a magnetic ring (5) is coaxially embedded at the end of the metal part (3), a Faraday rotation isolator (6) is arranged in the magnetic ring (5), and a thimble assembly is also arranged on the mounting seat, the thimble assembly is coaxially arranged with the optical fiber in a one-to-one mapping manner, each thimble assembly comprises a thimble sleeve (12) connected to the mounting seat, a spring (14) is arranged in the thimble sleeve (12), an open end of the thimble sleeve (12) is coaxially plugged with a thimble (13), the spring (14) is in contact with the thimble (13), and a Faraday rotation isolator (6) is arranged between the thimble (13) and the metal part (3).

2. The structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the ejector sleeve (12) is provided with an annular limiting platform along its radial inner edge.

3. The structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer wall of the ejector sleeve (12) is provided with a scale mark (15).

4. The structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ejector pin (13) comprises a first shaft section, a second shaft section, a third shaft section and a fourth shaft section which are coaxially arranged, the diameter of the first shaft section is larger than the diameter of the second shaft section, the diameter of the second shaft section, the diameter of the fourth shaft section and the inner hole diameter of the ejector pin sleeve (12) correspond to each other, the diameter of the third shaft section is smaller than the diameter of the second shaft section, a spring limiting structure (13-1) is provided at the end of the fourth shaft section, and the diameter of the first shaft section is not larger than the outer diameter of the magnetic ring (5).

5. The structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The minimum inner diameter of the annular limiting platform corresponds to the diameter of the third shaft segment.

6. The structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting seat comprises a thimble fixing seat (1), a product optical fiber fixing fixture (2) and a fixture base (11); the product optical fiber fixing fixture (2) is arranged between the thimble fixing seat (1) and the fixture base (11); the thimble fixing seat (1) is provided with a thimble mounting hole; the thimble assembly is height-adjustably connected to the thimble mounting hole.

7. The structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module according to claim 6, characterized in that: A positioning pin (18) is provided between the ejector pin fixing seat (1) and the product optical fiber fixing fixture (2), and the product optical fiber fixing fixture (2) and the fixture base (11) are fixedly connected.

8. The structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The optical fiber fixing fixture (2) comprises a base plate, on which an optical fiber fixing groove (2-1), a metal component clamping groove (2-2) and a tail bracket groove (2-3) are arranged.

9. The structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A ceramic sleeve (10) and a crimping metal piece (8) are coaxially arranged in the optical fiber connector socket (4), and a ceramic ferrule (9) for connecting an optical fiber is inserted in the ceramic sleeve (10) and the crimping metal piece (8).

10. A method for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module, characterized in that: The invention uses a structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a Faraday rotation isolator (6) is attracted by a magnetic ring (5), and the Faraday rotation isolator (6) is placed in the front end hole of a metal part (3) so that the Faraday rotation isolator (6) is flush with the front end of the metal part; the height of the ejector pin assembly is adjusted by a scale mark (15) so that the ejector pin assembly is at the same high point as the height of the metal part (3); the optical fiber array is sequentially mounted on the mounting seat, and the ejector pin (13) is pressed against the upper surface of the Faraday rotation isolator (6); the structure for improving the assembly accuracy of a free space isolator in an optical module is sent to a high-temperature oven and the glue is cured.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Isolator and optical fiber array bonding device and method

    CN116027487A

  • Simple assembling tool for medium sleeve and inner conductor of circulator isolator

    CN116154444A