Array optical fiber accurate positioning and assembling device and precise lens assembling product

Abstract

The invention discloses an array optical fiber accurate positioning and assembling device and a precise lens assembling product. The device comprises a base, an optical fiber positioning module and a lens array positioning module. The optical fiber positioning module is provided with a plurality of parallel V-shaped positioning grooves, and the front ends of the V-shaped positioning grooves are provided with precise limiting steps and receding areas, so that high-precision positioning of optical fiber ribbons is realized, and the problem of cutting deformation is solved. According to the invention, the optical fiber ribbon can be quickly and accurately assembled at the precision of less than 10 microns in the laser transmission direction, the assembly efficiency and the yield are improved, and the optical fiber array and the lens array are integrated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of optical communication technologies and is used for precision assembly of array optical fibers; it is suitable for coupling connection of lasers between array optical fibers, coupling of lasers from a chip to an array optical fiber, or coupling of lasers from an array optical fiber to a chip. Specifically, it is an array optical fiber precise positioning and assembly device and a precision lens assembly product. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, for high-speed connections with a single-channel rate above 100G, the precise positioning of each optical fiber end face in the fiber array along the laser propagation direction (Z direction) is at the 10um level, and the positioning requirements in the other two directions (X / Y directions) are at the 1um level and below; a converging lens array is generally arranged at the front end of the optical fiber array end face to achieve accurate coupling and transmission of laser signals. There are two types of optical fiber end faces: mechanical cutting and laser cutting, which are prone to deformation at the optical fiber end face, affecting the alignment accuracy.

[0003] Currently, the assembly of optical fiber ribbons mainly relies on precise jigs or high-magnification microscopic systems for auxiliary positioning, with great assembly positioning difficulty, low yield, and low efficiency.

[0004] The disadvantages of such operations are as follows:

[0005] 1. The time for adjusting the position of the optical fiber is relatively long. To precisely adjust to a certain position under the microscopic system, various fixtures are required for assistance, and only when the operator is proficient in operation can the efficiency be improved. There are differences among personnel.

[0006] 2. After laser cutting, the deformation of the optical fiber end face is large (mushroom head). As shown in the following figure, there is no avoidance for the V-shaped positioning groove, resulting in the inability of the optical fiber to precisely fit the V-shaped positioning groove, affecting the positioning accuracy.

[0007] 3. For mass production, multiple measuring devices are required, resulting in huge capital investment.

[0008] 4. It is not convenient to assemble with components such as a lens array or form an integrated component.

[0009] In summary, the current process for positioning and controlling the assembly of optical fiber ribbons in the V-shaped positioning groove is relatively complex, inconvenient to operate, costly, inefficient, and the yield is limited.

[0010] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an array optical fiber precise positioning and assembly device and a precision lens assembly product to achieve rapid and accurate assembly of the optical fiber ribbon with an accuracy of less than 10um in the laser transmission direction, solve the positioning problem caused by the deformation of the optical fiber end face cutting, improve the assembly efficiency and yield, and achieve the integrated integration of the optical fiber array and the lens array. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Objective of the Invention: To provide an array optical fiber precise positioning and assembling device and a precision lens assembling product, so as to achieve rapid and accurate assembling of an optical fiber ribbon with an accuracy of less than 10 um in the laser transmission direction, solve the positioning problem caused by the deformation of the optical fiber end face cutting, improve the assembling efficiency and yield, and realize the integrated integration of the optical fiber array and the lens array.

[0012] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0013] An array optical fiber precise positioning and assembling device includes: a base, an optical fiber positioning module, and a lens array positioning module; a plurality of parallel V-shaped positioning grooves are machined on the optical fiber positioning module for accommodating optical fibers; precise limit steps are arranged at the front ends on both sides of the V-shaped positioning grooves for precisely positioning the position of the optical fiber ribbon in the Z direction of laser transmission; a clearance area is arranged between the precise limit step at the front end of the V-shaped positioning groove and the end face of the V-shaped positioning groove for placing the deformed part of the optical fiber cutting. The optical fiber that cooperates with the precise limit step is not used for light transmission, but only for assisting the light transmission and precise positioning of other channel optical fibers.

[0014] As a further improvement of the above technical solution:

[0015] Auxiliary positioning grooves are arranged on both sides or in the middle part of the V-shaped positioning groove where the optical fiber for laser signal transmission is located for auxiliary positioning.

[0016] A U-shaped groove is arranged on the lens array positioning module for precise positioning with the base or other components.

[0017] A precision lens assembling product includes: an optical fiber array, a lens array, and an integrated structure; the optical fiber array and the lens array are precisely assembled or injection molded through the array optical fiber precise positioning and assembling device described in any one of claims 1-4 to form an integrated structure.

[0018] As a further improvement of the above technical solution:

[0019] The optical fibers in the optical fiber array are fixed in the V-shaped positioning grooves through adhesives.

[0020] A method for assembling an optical fiber array and a lens array using the above array optical fiber precise positioning and assembling device includes the following steps: a) putting the optical fiber ribbon into the V-shaped positioning groove to ensure that the optical fiber end face contacts the precise limit step; b) putting the lens array into the positioning hole; c) using a positioning pin to fix the lens array positioning module to the base; d) using an on-line detection system to monitor the direction and position relationship between each channel of the optical fiber.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0022] 1. High-precision positioning: Through the design of precise limiting steps and clearance areas, rapid and accurate assembly of the fiber ribbon with an accuracy of less than 10 μm in the laser transmission direction is achieved, as well as high-precision positioning in the X / Y directions, enabling efficient coupling of laser signals and effectively improving the transmission distance and rate of laser signals.

[0023] 2. Solving the cutting deformation problem: The clearance area effectively solves the positioning problem caused by cutting deformation of the fiber end face.

[0024] 3. Improving efficiency and yield: Process improvement measures such as automated assembly and online detection significantly improve the assembly efficiency and yield.

[0025] 4. Reducing system complexity and cost: The integrated integration of the fiber array and the lens array reduces the system complexity and cost.

[0026] 5. Miniaturization and intensification: The entire device has a compact structure, making it easy to achieve miniaturization and intensification.

[0027] 6. This device can be assembled with array lens products through precision injection molding process, glass molding process, or assembly between products of different processes to achieve a simple and efficient optical-mechanical connection system, realizing the coupling of laser signals between array fibers and between the fiber and the optical chip. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] Figure 1 is the schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 is the schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention

[0030] Figure 3 is the schematic diagram of the structure of the fiber positioning module of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 is the schematic diagram of the structure with a cover plate added after dispensing of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 is the schematic diagram of the structure of the anisotropic U-shaped groove in the lens array positioning module of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 is the schematic diagram of the structure of the isotropic U-shaped groove in the lens array positioning module of the present invention.

[0034] In the figure: 1. Fiber positioning module; 2. Lens array positioning module; 3. V-shaped positioning groove; 4. Fiber; 5. Clearance area; 6. Auxiliary positioning groove; 7. Precise limiting step; 9. U-shaped groove; 10. Base; 11. Positioning pin; 12. Cover plate. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0035] In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, some well-known technical features are not described to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0036] For this purpose, the applicant has designed an array optical fiber precise positioning and assembling device as shown in Figures 1-6 Figure, which includes: a base 10: used to support and fix the entire device, usually an injection molded part with high-precision machining.

[0037] An optical fiber 4 positioning module 1: This module is the core component for positioning the optical fiber 4. It is machined with a plurality of parallel V-shaped positioning grooves 3 for accommodating the optical fiber 4. The number of V-shaped positioning grooves 3 corresponds to the number of optical fibers 4 in the optical fiber array. The optical fiber 4 positioning module 1 is a precision-machined plastic part. The width of the V-shaped positioning groove 3 is 126um, the depth is 125um, and the spacing is 250um.

[0038] The V-shaped positioning groove 3: The width of the V-shaped positioning groove 3 is slightly larger than the diameter of the optical fiber 4, ensuring that the optical fiber 4 can be smoothly inserted while not generating too large a gap.

[0039] Auxiliary positioning grooves 6: Auxiliary positioning grooves 6 are added locally on both sides or in the middle of the V-shaped positioning groove 3 where the optical fiber 4 for laser signal transmission is located. These auxiliary positioning grooves 6 are not used for signal transmission but only for auxiliary positioning.

[0040] Precision limiting steps 7: Precision limiting steps 7 are provided at the front end of the V-shaped positioning groove 3. After the newly added auxiliary positioning grooves 6 synchronously arrange the optical fiber 4, the precision limiting steps 7 precisely position the position of the optical fiber 4 tape in the Z direction of laser transmission. The optical fiber 4 with a laser signal channel is clearance, which does not affect signal transmission. The height of the precision limiting step 7 is 125um, and the length of the clearance area 5 is 50um.

[0041] Clearance area 5: A clearance area 5 is provided between the precision limiting step 7 at the front end of the V-shaped positioning groove 3 and the end face of the V-shaped positioning groove 3, which is used to place the deformed (mushroom head) part of the optical fiber 4 caused by the cutting of the optical fiber 4 (especially laser cutting), ensuring that the undeformed optical fiber 4 is precisely fitted with the V-shaped positioning groove 3 and realizing high-precision positioning in the X / Y directions. The size of the clearance area 5 should be slightly larger than the typical size of the cutting deformation of the optical fiber 4.

[0042] A lens array positioning module 2: used to fix and position the lens array. The lens array positioning module 2 is made of precision-machined quartz material.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4-5As shown in the figure, a U-shaped groove 9 is provided on the lens array positioning module 2. The U-shaped groove 9 is divided into a same-direction U-shaped groove and an opposite-direction U-shaped groove, which are used for precise positioning with the base 10 or other components.

[0044] There are precision reference positioning pins 11 on both sides of the lens array positioning module 2.

[0045] A precision lens assembly product, which is assembled by the above-mentioned array optical fiber 4 precise positioning and assembly device, includes: an optical fiber array, a lens array and an integrated structure, wherein:

[0046] Optical fiber array: Multiple optical fibers 4 arranged at a predetermined pitch.

[0047] Lens array: Multiple lenses arranged at a predetermined pitch.

[0048] Integrated structure: The lens and the V-groove are integrated by injection molding (such as Figures 1-2 ), or integrated by precise assembly (such as Figures 3-6 ).

[0049] Assembly process improvement:

[0050] Such as Figures 3-6 For the case that needs to be assembled, specifically, a method for assembling an optical fiber array and a lens array using the above-mentioned array optical fiber 4 precise positioning and assembly device includes the following steps:

[0051] a) Place the optical fiber 4 tape into the V-shaped positioning groove 3 to ensure that the end face of the optical fiber 4 contacts the precision limit step 7.

[0052] b) Use automated equipment to precisely place the optical fiber 4 in the V-shaped positioning groove 3.

[0053] c) Fix the optical fiber 4 in the V-shaped positioning groove 3 with a small amount of high-precision adhesive. After dispensing the adhesive, add the cover plate 12 for fixation.

[0054] d) Fix the lens array positioning module 2 and the base 10 with the positioning pin 11.

[0055] e) Use an on-line detection system to monitor the accuracy of the assembled product in real time.

[0056] Automated assembly: Use automated equipment to arrange and position the optical fiber 4 to improve the assembly efficiency and yield. For example, a vision-guided robot can be used to precisely place the optical fiber 4.

[0057] Adhesive fixation: After the positioning of the optical fiber 4 is completed, a small amount of high-precision adhesive can be used to fix the optical fiber 4 in the V-shaped positioning groove 3 to further improve the positioning stability. The choice of adhesive should consider its optical properties and long-term stability.

[0058] Online detection: During the assembly process, an online detection system can be used to monitor the positioning accuracy of the optical fiber 4 in real time and detect it in a timely manner.

[0059] For those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, from any point of view, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description. Therefore, all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims are intended to be embraced within the present invention. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims involved.

Claims

1. An array optical fiber precise positioning assembly device, characterized in that: include: Base, fiber positioning module and lens array positioning module; the fiber positioning module is processed with multiple parallel V-shaped positioning grooves for accommodating optical fibers; precision limit steps are set at the front ends of both sides of the V-shaped positioning groove for accurately positioning the position of the optical fiber ribbon in the Z direction of laser transmission; a space avoidance area is set between the precision limit step at the front end of the V-shaped positioning groove and the end face of the V-shaped positioning groove for placing the optical fiber cutting and deformation part, and the optical fiber positioned in conjunction with the precision limit step is not used for light transmission, but is only used to assist other channel optical fibers to pass light and accurately position.

2. The array optical fiber precise positioning assembly device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of auxiliary positioning grooves are arranged on both sides or in the middle of the V-shaped positioning groove where the laser signal transmission optical fiber is located for auxiliary positioning.

3. The array optical fiber precise positioning assembly device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lens array positioning module is provided with a U-shaped groove for accurate positioning with a base or other components.

4. A precision lens assembly product, characterized in that: include: Optical fiber array, lens array and integrated structure; the optical fiber array and lens array are precisely assembled or injection molded by the array optical fiber precise positioning assembly device described in any one of claims 1 to 4 to form an integrated structure.

5. The precision lens assembly product according to claim 5, characterized in that: The optical fibers in the optical fiber array are fixed in the V-shaped positioning grooves by adhesive.

6. A method for assembling an optical fiber array and a lens array using the array optical fiber precise positioning assembly device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: a) Place the optical fiber ribbon into the V-shaped positioning groove to ensure that the optical fiber end face contacts the precision limit step; b) Place the lens array into the positioning hole; c) Use positioning pins to fix the lens array positioning module to the base; d) Use an online detection system to monitor the direction and position relationship between the optical fiber channels.

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