High-speed optical assembly automatic assembly system for optical modules

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated assembly system for high-speed optical components in optical modules, comprising an irradiation and curing unit. Below the irradiation and curing unit, a floating pressure plate, a first positioning plate, and a second positioning plate are sequentially arranged. The first positioning plate has a first contoured groove for limiting the filter of the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) module. The second positioning plate has a WDM module base and a second contoured groove for fixing the WDM module. A glass pressure block is arranged on the floating pressure plate. The glass pressure block, the first contoured groove, and the second contoured groove are arranged in corresponding positions. The glass pressure block loads the filter located in the first contoured groove under the displacement of the floating pressure plate, achieving bonding between the filter and the WDM module base located in the second contoured groove. This invention not only has the advantages of miniaturization and convenient assembly, but also ensures that all filters on the WDM module are bonded on the same plane, guaranteeing consistency in mass production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical module technology, and more particularly to an automated assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development and large-scale application of emerging businesses such as cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence, the demand for computing power is increasing, prompting the construction of numerous data centers and supercomputing centers, which in turn is driving the continuous expansion of the high-speed optical module market. Correspondingly, the demand for various optical devices and components used in high-speed optical modules is also growing rapidly.

[0003] As one of the core components of high-speed optical modules, the demand for wavelength division multiplexers (WDM) is increasing year by year. WDM typically includes key components such as a steering prism, a WDM module base, and filters. In traditional assembly processes, the WDM module base and steering prism are usually bonded together first, and then the filters are attached one by one.

[0004] The existing technology for attaching filters has the following drawbacks: 1. The existing technology mainly uses clamps and probes to attach the filters one by one. Since this method can only apply adhesive and cure a single thin-film filter of one wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) module at a time, it is cumbersome and has low production efficiency; 2. When attaching the filters one by one using clamps and probes, the UV curing can only be done from the side due to the pressure from the probe or clamps on top. This results in uneven energy distribution on the adhesive, which poses a risk of curing failure.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an improved automated assembly system for high-speed optical components in optical modules to improve assembly efficiency and ensure adhesive curing quality, thereby meeting the growing market demand for high-speed optical modules. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules, which not only has the advantages of miniaturization and convenient assembly, but also can ensure that the filters on all wavelength division multiplexing components are bonded on the same plane, thus ensuring the consistency of mass production.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is as follows: The present invention discloses an automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules, including an irradiation curing unit. A floating pressure plate, a first positioning plate and a second positioning plate are arranged sequentially below the irradiation curing unit. The first positioning plate is provided with a first contouring groove for limiting the filter of the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) component. The second positioning plate is provided with a second contouring groove for fixing the WDM component base and the steering prism. A glass pressure block is provided on the floating pressure plate. The glass pressure block, the first contouring groove and the second contouring groove are arranged in corresponding positions. The glass pressure block loads the filter located in the first contouring groove under the displacement of the floating pressure plate, thereby achieving the bonding of the filter and the WDM component base located in the second contouring groove.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hollow base is included, a second positioning plate is fixedly connected to the top of the hollow base, a first positioning plate is fixedly connected above the second positioning plate, and a locking push rod is provided on the base, which is arranged perpendicularly to the second contour groove. The locking push rod and the second contour groove are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a liftable drive unit is provided on the hollow base, and the drive unit is connected to the floating pressure plate.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driving unit includes a vertical guide groove disposed on the hollow base and a slider slidably connected to the vertical guide groove. The end of the slider is provided with the floating pressure plate, a spring is provided between the slider and the second positioning plate, and a pin assembly for driving its displacement is provided below the slider.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ejector pin assembly includes a mounting base, on which a micrometer, a rocker plate, and a guide hole are provided. The rocker plate is rotatably connected to the mounting base via a pin, and an ejector pin is connected in the guide hole. One end of the rocker plate contacts the micrometer, and the other end contacts the ejector pin.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slider has a U-shaped structure, a spring positioning block is connected to the slider, and a spring fixing groove is provided on the spring positioning block.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the first contour groove and the second positioning plate are provided with slider clearance grooves.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each second contour groove corresponds to at least one first contour groove.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the irradiation curing unit includes a positioning base plate, a positioning side plate connected to the positioning base plate, a positioning crossbar that can move up and down connected to the positioning side plate, and an irradiation element provided on the positioning crossbar.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the irradiation element is an ultraviolet curing lamp.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules disclosed in this invention effectively solves the problems of low assembly efficiency and unstable adhesive curing quality in existing technologies through a special structural design. The device includes an irradiation curing unit, beneath which are sequentially arranged a floating pressure plate, a first positioning plate, and a second positioning plate. Through the corresponding arrangement of the glass pressure block, the first contouring groove, and the second contouring groove, synchronous and precise bonding of the steering prism to the WDM component base is achieved. This not only significantly improves the assembly efficiency of the WDM component but also ensures adhesive curing quality and product consistency, providing strong support for the large-scale production of high-speed optical modules.

[0018] This invention first uses a transparent glass pressing block to uniformly press and fix the filter after adhesive application, thereby achieving uniform pressure on the steering prism, ensuring that the filter on all wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) components is on the same plane, and guaranteeing consistency in mass production.

[0019] Secondly, the transparent glass block of the present invention does not cause obstruction during ultraviolet curing, allowing ultraviolet light to directly irradiate the adhesive, resulting in more uniform curing energy, increased product consistency, and solving the problem of uneven energy distribution caused by side irradiation in the prior art.

[0020] Furthermore, this invention achieves mass assembly of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) modules through the coordinated operation of components such as the hollow base, locking push rod, and drive unit. The vertical guide groove, slider, and spring design in the drive unit ensure precise pressure control; the ejector pin assembly provides fine-tuning capability, further improving assembly accuracy. In addition, the design of multiple first contour grooves corresponding to one second contour groove allows for the simultaneous assembly of multiple WDM modules, significantly improving production efficiency.

[0021] Finally, the miniaturized design of the overall fixture in this invention allows for handheld operation under a microscope, greatly improving the convenience and flexibility of assembly and significantly enhancing production efficiency. This feature offers a clear advantage compared to existing technologies that require the entire device to be fixed to a vibration isolation platform. Attached Figure Description

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

[0023] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second positioning plate in the automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components of optical modules of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first positioning plate of the automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a top view of the first positioning plate of the automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the drive unit of the automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the irradiation curing unit of the automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components of optical modules of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) component of the automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components of optical modules of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 8 This embodiment provides an automated assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules, used to perform the bonding process between the filter 16-3 on the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) module 16 and the WDM module base 16-2. The device mainly includes key components such as an irradiation curing unit, a floating pressure plate 5, a first positioning plate 17, and a second positioning plate 8. Through precise mechanical design and coordinated operation, it solves the problems of low assembly efficiency and unstable adhesive curing quality in existing technologies for WDM modules.

[0034] The overall structure of this batch assembly device includes: an irradiation curing unit positioned at the top, below which are arranged a floating pressure plate 5, a first positioning plate 17, and a second positioning plate 8. The first positioning plate 17 has a first contoured groove for limiting the shape of the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) component filter 16-3. This contoured groove is precisely designed according to the shape of the filter to ensure accurate positioning. The second positioning plate 8 has a second contoured groove for fixing the WDM component base 16-2 and the steering prism 16-1. This contoured groove precisely matches the shape of the WDM component base and the steering prism to ensure that the components do not shift during assembly. A glass pressure block 6 is provided on the floating pressure plate 5. This glass pressure block is made of transparent material and has good optical transmittance. The glass pressure block 6, the first contour groove, and the second contour groove are arranged in corresponding positions to ensure that the glass pressure block 6 can accurately load the filter 16-3 located in the first contour groove under the displacement of the floating pressure plate 5, so as to achieve precise bonding between the filter 16-3 and the wavelength division component base 16-2 located in the second contour groove.

[0035] The device also includes a hollow base 10, with a second positioning plate 8 fixedly connected to the top of the hollow base 10, and a first positioning plate 17 fixedly connected above the second positioning plate 8. The hollow base 10 has multiple guide grooves 15, each arranged perpendicularly to the second contour groove to ensure the accuracy of the locking action. Each guide groove 15 is equipped with a locking push rod 7, which is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the second contour groove. This design ensures that each wave division multiplexing (WDM) component base can be securely locked within the second contour groove, preventing displacement during assembly.

[0036] The drive unit is one of the core components of this device. It is mounted on the hollow base 10, has a height-adjustable feature, and is connected to a floating pressure plate 5. The drive unit includes a vertical guide groove on the hollow base 10 and a slider 9 slidably connected within the vertical guide groove. The floating pressure plate 5 is located at the end of the slider 9, and a spring 21 is positioned between the slider 9 and the second positioning plate 8. This design allows the floating pressure plate 5 to move flexibly in the vertical direction, and the spring 21 provides appropriate pressure. Below the slider 9 is a pin assembly for driving its displacement, which enables precise control of the floating pressure plate 5.

[0037] The ejector assembly includes a mounting base 14, which is connected to the hollow base 10 via a mounting side plate 18, forming a stable support structure. A micrometer 11, a rocker arm 12, and a guide hole are provided on the mounting base 14 via a connecting plate 13. The rocker arm 12 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 14 via a pin, and an ejector pin 19 is connected within the guide hole. One end of the rocker arm 12 contacts the micrometer 11, and the other end contacts the ejector pin 19. This lever mechanism converts the minute rotation of the micrometer 11 into precise displacement of the ejector pin 19, thereby achieving fine control of the floating pressure plate 5.

[0038] The slider 9 adopts a U-shaped structure design, which provides good stability and guidance. A spring positioning block 20 is connected to the slider 9, and the spring positioning block 20 has a spring fixing groove to fix the spring 21, ensuring that the spring 21 does not shift during compression and release. Both the first contour groove and the second positioning plate 8 are provided with slider 9 clearance grooves; this design ensures that the slider 9 will not interfere with other components during movement.

[0039] A key feature of this device is that each second contouring groove corresponds to at least one first contouring groove. This one-to-many design enables the device to achieve batch assembly of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) components, greatly improving production efficiency.

[0040] The irradiation curing unit is another core component of this device. It includes a positioning base plate 4, a positioning side plate 3 connected to the base plate 4, and a vertically movable positioning crossbar 2 connected to the side plate 3. An ultraviolet curing lamp 1 is mounted on the positioning crossbar 2. The positioning side plate 3 has graduations, allowing adjustment of the position of the positioning crossbar 2, thereby adjusting the distance between the ultraviolet curing lamp 1 and the assembly table, and thus regulating the light power of the ultraviolet irradiation. This design allows for precise adjustment of the ultraviolet curing process according to different adhesive types and curing requirements, ensuring consistent and stable curing results.

[0041] The device is used as follows: First, rotate the micrometer 11 to press down the rocker arm 12. The rocker arm 12 lifts the ejector pin 19, which in turn lifts the slider 9. The glass pressure block 6 and the floating pressure plate 5 are bonded together and fixed to the slider 9. As the slider 9 rises, space is made for the assembly of the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) assembly. At the same time, the slider 9 presses upward against the spring fixing groove, compressing the two springs 21 in the spring fixing groove. This allows the spring fixing groove and the ejector pin 19 to jointly fix the slider 9, creating stable conditions for subsequent assembly work.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] This embodiment provides a specific workflow and application method for an automated assembly system of high-speed optical components for optical modules. Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment focuses on describing in detail its actual working process and the synergistic effect of each component, as well as its application effect in actual production.

[0044] In actual use, the operator first needs to prepare the device and related components. Place the device on a stable workbench, ensuring its levelness and stability. Rotate the micrometer 11 to press down the rocker arm 12. Through the lever principle, the rocker arm 12 will lift the ejector pin 19, which in turn will lift the slider 9. Since the glass pressure block 6 and the floating pressure plate 5 are already bonded and fixed to the slider 9, as the slider 9 rises, the entire upper structure will be raised, creating sufficient operating space for the placement of the wave division multiplexing (WDM) assembly.

[0045] Simultaneously, as the slider 9 moves upward, it presses against the spring retaining groove, causing the two springs 21 in the groove to be compressed. This compressed state of the springs 21, together with the ejector pin 19, securely fixes the slider 9 in the upward position, providing a stable working environment for subsequent precision operations. This design cleverly utilizes mechanical principles, avoiding a complex electrical control system and making the device simpler and more reliable.

[0046] After preparation, the operator needs to carefully place the wave division multiplexing (WDM) assembly base 16-2, with the steering prism 16-1 already attached, into the second contour groove of the second positioning plate 8. Because the shape of the second contour groove precisely matches the WDM assembly base 16-2 and the steering prism 16-1, accurate positioning of the assembly can be ensured. After placement, rotate the locking push rod 7 to firmly fix the WDM assembly base 16-2 within the second contour groove, preventing displacement during subsequent operations.

[0047] Next, the operator needs to apply adhesive according to the spacing holes on the first positioning plate 17. The adhesive application requires precise control of the amount and placement of the adhesive to ensure good adhesion. After adhesive application, the filters 16-3 are placed into the first contoured grooves of the first positioning plate 17 in wavelength order. This method of placing them in wavelength order ensures that the finally assembled wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) assembly functions properly and achieves the expected wavelength separation effect.

[0048] After the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) assemblies on both sides have completed the placement of the filters, the operator needs to rotate the micrometer 11 to lower the rocker arm 12. As the rocker arm 12 descends, the compressed spring 21 begins to release its elasticity, pushing the slider 9 and the ejector pin 19 down together. This process continues until the glass pressure block 6 and the floating pressure plate 5 fixed on the slider 9 press down onto the filter surface.

[0049] The smooth surface design of the glass pressure block 6 is a key feature of this device. When it is pressed into place, it evenly presses the filters 16-3 on both sides of the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) assembly onto the same plane, ensuring that all filters have consistent flatness and the same adhesive layer thickness. This consistency is crucial for the optical performance of the WDM assembly and directly affects the quality and reliability of the final product. In this state, the elastic force of the spring 21 continues to act, firmly pressing the glass pressure block 6 onto the WDM assembly base 16-2, forming stable pressure and creating ideal conditions for adhesive curing.

[0050] After the components are secured on the assembly table, the next step is UV curing. Operators need to precisely place the entire assembly table onto the UV curing table using a sliding groove. The positioning base plate 4 of the UV curing table is designed with guide rails that perfectly match the bottom of the assembly table, ensuring that the component assembly table is always positioned correctly on the curing table. This is crucial for consistency in mass production.

[0051] The graduated design on the positioning side plate 3 allows operators to precisely adjust the position of the positioning crossbar 2, thereby adjusting the distance between the UV curing lamp 1 and the assembly table. This adjustability allows for flexible adjustment of the UV irradiation power to optimize the curing effect according to different types of adhesives and curing requirements.

[0052] Another significant advantage of this device is that the glass block 6 is made of transparent material. This design allows the UV curing lamp 1 to shine down evenly from above. The UV light passes directly through the transparent glass block 6 onto the adhesive, ensuring that the filters on all wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) components receive consistent irradiation power, greatly improving curing consistency. This is a clear advantage compared to traditional methods that only irradiate from the side, effectively solving the curing quality problem caused by uneven energy distribution.

[0053] After a period of UV irradiation, the adhesive will fully cure, firmly bonding the filter 16-3 to the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) module base 16-2. At this point, the operator can rotate the micrometer 11 to lift the glass block 6 again, then release the locking push rod 7 and carefully remove the assembled WDM module. Because this device can process multiple WDM modules simultaneously, it greatly improves production efficiency, making it an ideal tool for mass production.

[0054] The device features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to operate by hand. It allows for precise assembly under a microscope, significantly improving operational flexibility and convenience. Furthermore, the use of mechanical transmission principles eliminates the need for a complex electrical control system, reducing equipment complexity and failure rate, and enhancing production reliability and stability.

[0055] It should be understood that the sequence number of each step in the above embodiments does not imply 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 this application.

[0056] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules, characterized in that, The system includes an irradiation curing unit, below which are arranged a floating pressure plate, a first positioning plate, and a second positioning plate. The first positioning plate has a first contour groove for limiting the filter of the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) assembly, and the second positioning plate has a second contour groove for fixing the WDM assembly base and the steering prism. A glass pressure block is provided on the floating pressure plate. The glass pressure block, the first contour groove, and the second contour groove are arranged in corresponding positions. The glass pressure block loads the filter located in the first contour groove under the displacement of the floating pressure plate, thereby bonding the filter to the WDM assembly base located in the second contour groove. The system also includes a hollow base with a liftable drive unit. The drive unit includes a vertical guide groove on the hollow base and a slider slidably connected to the vertical guide groove. The floating pressure plate is located at the end of the slider. A spring is provided between the slider and the second positioning plate. A pin assembly for driving the slider's displacement is located below the slider.

2. The automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the hollow base is fixedly connected to the second positioning plate, and the first positioning plate is fixedly connected above the second positioning plate. The base is provided with a locking push rod arranged perpendicularly to the second contour groove, and the locking push rod and the second contour groove are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

3. The automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector pin assembly includes a mounting base, on which a micrometer, a rocker arm, and a guide hole are provided. The rocker arm is rotatably connected to the mounting base via a pin, and an ejector pin is connected in the guide hole. One end of the rocker arm contacts the micrometer, and the other end contacts the ejector pin.

4. The automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider has a U-shaped structure, and a spring positioning block is connected to the slider. The spring positioning block is provided with a spring fixing groove.

5. The automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the first contour groove and the second positioning plate are provided with slider clearance grooves.

6. The automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple second contour grooves, and each second contour groove corresponds to at least one first contour groove.

7. The automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The irradiation curing unit includes a positioning base plate, a positioning side plate connected to the positioning base plate, a positioning crossbar that can move up and down connected to the positioning side plate, and an irradiation element provided on the positioning crossbar.

8. The automatic assembly system for high-speed optical components for optical modules according to claim 7, characterized in that, The irradiation element is an ultraviolet curing lamp.

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