Optical fiber coupling device and optical module

By setting a one-to-one correspondence between the optical fiber countersunk holes of the optical components and the optical fiber through holes of the jumper in the optical fiber coupling device, combined with guidance and correction functions, the problems of high precision requirements and large size in the existing technology are solved, and a low-cost and miniaturized optical fiber coupling device design is achieved.

CN120686420APending Publication Date: 2025-09-23EVERPRO TECH COMPANY
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510837974.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-06-20
Publication Date
2025-09-23

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Abstract

The invention discloses an optical fiber coupling device, an optical module and an active cable. The optical fiber coupling device comprises an optical assembly which comprises a first block body, a photoelectric conversion accommodating space arranged at the bottom of the front end of the first block body, and a plurality of optical fiber counter bores which are arranged at the rear end of the first block body and extend towards the front end of the first block body, the reflecting surface is arranged on the first block body and is used for implementing light propagation between the optical fiber counter bore and the photoelectric conversion accommodating space; and the jumper comprises a second block body and a plurality of optical fiber through holes which are formed in the second block body and penetrate through the second block body in the front-back direction. When the front end of the jumper is in butt joint with the rear end of the optical assembly, each optical fiber through hole is opposite to the corresponding optical fiber counter bore. The optical fiber coupling device has lower requirements on processing precision and assembling precision, the manufacturing cost is easy to reduce, the overall size is smaller, and the development requirements of miniaturization and high-density integration of an optical module are easy to meet.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of optical fiber communications. More specifically, the present invention relates to an optical fiber coupling device and an optical module including the optical fiber coupling device. Background Art

[0002] Fiber-optic communication technology plays a central role in modern communications. In optical modules, fiber coupling devices are used to couple optical fibers to optoelectronic conversion modules and are key components for efficient transmission of optical signals between them.

[0003] Existing fiber coupling devices, represented by the active fiber coupling device disclosed in Chinese invention patent document CN104808298B (hereinafter referred to as the document), primarily consist of an optical component (equivalent to the optoelectronic coupling connector described in the document) and a jumper (equivalent to the fiber connector described in the document). The jumper is equipped with multiple fiber optic through-holes that can independently secure multiple optical fibers. The ends of each optical fiber extend from the outside of the jumper, and the optical component has a fiber countersunk hole for receiving the multiple optical fibers. When the jumper is docked with the optical component, the multiple fiber optic through-holes must be precisely aligned with the single fiber countersunk hole so that the portion of the optical fiber that passes through the jumper can be smoothly inserted into the fiber countersunk hole.

[0004] However, because optical signal transmission quality is extremely sensitive to the height difference between the fiber through-hole and the fiber counterbore, this requirement increases the processing and assembly precision of fiber coupling components, leading to increased manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the overall size of existing fiber coupling components, especially the dimension along the fiber extension, is relatively large, making it difficult to meet the development needs of miniaturization and integration of optical modules and cables. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a fiber coupling device and an optical module including the same. The fiber coupling device has lower requirements for processing and assembly precision, thus facilitating lower manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the device has a smaller overall size, thus easily meeting the development needs of miniaturization and high-density integration of optical modules and cables.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a fiber coupling device is provided, comprising: an optical assembly comprising a first block, a photoelectric conversion accommodating space provided on the front bottom of the first block, a plurality of fiber countersunk holes provided on the rear end of the first block and extending toward the front end thereof, and a reflective surface provided on the first block for implementing light propagation between the fiber countersunk holes and the photoelectric conversion accommodating space; and a jumper comprising a second block, and a plurality of fiber through holes provided on the second block and penetrating the second block in a front-to-back direction. When the front end of the jumper is docked with the rear end of the optical assembly, each fiber through hole is aligned with a corresponding fiber countersunk hole.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an optical module is provided, comprising: a circuit board having a photoelectric conversion module; and a fiber coupling device as described in the first aspect of the present invention, which is adhered and fixed to the circuit board so that the photoelectric conversion module is located within the photoelectric conversion accommodation space of the optical component.

[0008] With the fiber optic coupling device and optical module provided above, multiple fiber countersunk holes are provided at the rear end of the optical component. When the jumper is docked with the optical component, the multiple fiber through-holes on the jumper align with the corresponding fiber countersunk holes on the optical component. This one-to-one correspondence allows each fiber countersunk hole to independently guide and correct the optical fiber extending from its corresponding fiber through-hole. Therefore, even if there is a certain height difference or alignment deviation between the opposing fiber countersunk holes and the fiber through-holes due to cumulative processing or assembly when the jumper and optical component are docked, each fiber countersunk hole can still effectively guide the optical fiber into the correct position of the optical component, significantly reducing the processing precision requirements of the jumper and the optical component, as well as the assembly precision requirements between the two, thereby simplifying the process and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0009] In addition, since the multiple fiber countersunk holes in the optical component have the function of guiding and correcting the optical fiber, the fiber through-holes in the jumper do not need to be designed to be too long to ensure the collimation of the optical fiber passing through. The shortened length of the fiber through-holes allows the overall length of the jumper itself (the dimension in the front-to-back direction) to be reduced accordingly, thereby reducing the size of the entire fiber coupling device, making it easier to meet the development needs of miniaturization and high-density integration of optical modules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become readily understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, several embodiments of the present invention are shown in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, and the same or corresponding reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of optical fiber;

[0012] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of an optical fiber coupling device in an assembled state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an optical fiber coupling device in an exploded state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an optical component of a fiber coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 5 for Figure 4Cross-sectional view along line AA;

[0016] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a jumper of an optical fiber coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a jumper of an optical fiber coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals: 10, fiber coupling device; 1, optical component; 11, first block; 11a, visual positioning structure; 12, photoelectric conversion accommodation space; 12a, lens structure; 13, fiber countersunk hole; 131, second guide section; 132, second positioning section; 133, avoidance section; 14, reflecting surface; 15, first joint surface; 16, positioning column; 17, glue dispensing groove; 18, boss; 19, glue blocking ridge; 2, jumper; 21, second block; 21a, visual positioning structure; 22, fiber optic channel Hole; 221, first guide section; 222, first positioning section; 231, glue holding groove; 232, guide groove; 233, locking groove; 241, left clamping groove; 242, right clamping groove; 251, left avoidance notch; 252, right avoidance notch; 261, left glue control notch; 262, right glue control notch; 27, second joint surface; 28, positioning hole; 29, depression; 200, optical fiber; 2001, bare fiber; 2001a, fiber core; 2001b, cladding; 2002, coloring layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0020] For easier understanding, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this application defines the direction of the jumper toward the optical component as "front," and the opposite direction as "rear." When an observer faces the "rear" of the fiber coupler, the direction corresponding to the observer's left side is "left," and the direction corresponding to the observer's right side is "right." When the fiber coupler is mounted on a circuit board, the direction parallel to and close to the circuit board is "down," and the opposite direction is "up." "Top" refers to the upward-facing portion of the object being described, while "bottom" refers to the downward-facing portion of the object being described.

[0021] Figure 1 shows the specific structure of the optical fiber, Figure 2 and Figure 31 and 2 show the optical fiber coupling devices of the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fiber coupling device 10. The fiber coupling device 10 is a component of an optical module, and is used to couple an optical fiber 200 with the optoelectronic conversion module [for example, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and / or a photodiode (PD)] of the optical module to achieve efficient transmission of optical signals between the optical fiber 200 and the optoelectronic conversion module. The fiber coupling device 10 includes an optical component 1. The optical component 1 includes a first block 11 made of a light-transmitting material (such as a resin, etc.), an optoelectronic conversion accommodating space 12 provided on the front bottom of the first block 11, a plurality of optical fiber countersunk holes 13 provided on the rear end of the first block 11 and extending toward its front end, and a reflective surface 14 provided on the first block 11 and used to implement light propagation between the optical fiber countersunk holes 13 and the optoelectronic conversion accommodating space 12. Among them, the optoelectronic conversion accommodating space 12 is used to accommodate the optoelectronic conversion module, and the optical fiber countersunk hole 13 is used to receive the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 200, so that the optical signal passes through the optical component 1 when it is transmitted from the optical fiber 200 to the optoelectronic conversion module or when it is transmitted from the optoelectronic conversion module to the optical fiber 200. Therefore, the optical component 1 has the function of transmitting optical signals and changing the propagation direction, and is also conducive to reducing the size of the optical module, especially the height (i.e., the size in the up and down directions).

[0022] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the fiber coupling device 10 also includes a jumper 2 for receiving and securing an optical fiber 200, inserting and securing it within the fiber coupling device 10. The jumper 2 includes a second block 21 made of a light-transmitting material (such as optical glass or resin) or an opaque material (such as liquid crystal polymer or polyphenylene sulfide), and a plurality of fiber through-holes 22 disposed on the second block 21 and extending through the second block 21 in a front-to-back direction. The fiber through-holes 22 are configured to receive the optical fiber 200 and allow bare fibers 2001 of the optical fiber 200 to pass therethrough. The optical fiber 200 can be secured to the second block 21 and / or the fiber through-holes 22 using adhesive or other known fastening methods. When the front end of the jumper 2 is docked with the rear end of the optical component 1, each fiber through-hole 22 aligns with a corresponding fiber counterbore 13, allowing the portion of the optical fiber 200 that passes through the fiber through-hole 22 of the optical component 1 to enter the fiber counterbore 13.

[0023] As an example, multiple optical fiber countersunk holes 13 have the same height in the first block 11 and are equally spaced along the left-right direction, and multiple optical fiber through holes 22 have the same height in the second block 21 and are equally spaced along the left-right direction. At the same time, the heights of the optical fiber countersunk holes 13 and the optical fiber through holes 22 relative to the same reference plane (such as the upper surface of the circuit board of the optical module) are also the same. Therefore, when the front end of the jumper 2 is docked with the rear end of the optical component 1, the multiple optical fiber through holes 22 and the multiple optical fiber countersunk holes 13 can be docked one by one, and the portion of the bare fiber 2001 of each optical fiber 200 extending out of the optical fiber through hole 22 can enter the corresponding optical fiber countersunk hole 13.

[0024] As can be seen, multiple fiber countersunk holes 13 are provided at the rear end of the optical component 1. When the jumper 2 is docked with the optical component 1, the multiple fiber through-holes 22 on the jumper 2 align with the corresponding fiber countersunk holes 13 on the optical component 1. This one-to-one correspondence allows each fiber countersunk hole 13 to independently guide and align the optical fiber 200 extending from its corresponding fiber through-hole 22. Therefore, even if there is a certain height difference or alignment error between the corresponding fiber countersunk holes 13 and fiber through-holes 22 due to processing or assembly accumulation when the jumper 2 is docked with the optical component 1, each fiber countersunk hole 13 can still effectively guide the optical fiber 200 into the correct position in the optical component 1, significantly reducing the processing precision requirements of the jumper 2 and the optical component 1, as well as the assembly precision requirements between the two, thereby simplifying the process and reducing manufacturing costs. In addition, since the multiple fiber countersunk holes 13 in the optical component 1 have the function of guiding and correcting the optical fiber 200, the fiber through-hole 22 in the jumper 2 does not need to be designed to be too long to ensure the alignment of the optical fiber 200 when passing through the jumper 2. The shortened length of the fiber through-hole 22 allows the overall length of the jumper 2 (the dimension in the front-to-back direction) to be reduced accordingly, thereby reducing the size of the entire fiber coupling device 10, making it easier to meet the development needs of miniaturization and high-density integration of optical modules.

[0025] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the optical fiber through hole 22 includes, from back to front, a first guide section 221 having a guide cone for guiding the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 200 to be inserted, and a first positioning section 222 for the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 200 to pass through and for positioning the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 200. The first guide section 221 should at least include a conical sub-segment. The minimum diameter of the first guide section 221 (i.e., the small diameter portion of the conical sub-segment) is larger than the diameter of the bare fiber 2001, and the maximum diameter of the first guide section 221 (i.e., the large diameter portion of the conical sub-segment) is larger than the minimum diameter of the first guide section 221 but smaller than the outer diameter of the colored layer 2002 of the optical fiber 200. Thus, the first guide section 221 can more smoothly and safely guide the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 200 into the first positioning section 222.

[0026] As an example, the first guide segment 221 includes a cylindrical sub-segment and a conical sub-segment in the back-to-front direction, wherein the large-diameter end of the conical sub-segment is connected to the cylindrical sub-segment, and the small-diameter end of the conical sub-segment is connected to the first positioning segment 222. The first guide segment 221 having a cylindrical sub-segment is easier to manufacture, thereby helping to reduce the production cost of the fiber coupling device 10.

[0027] As an example, the first positioning section 222 is cylindrical, the minimum diameter of the first guide section 221 is the same as the diameter of the first positioning section 222, and the maximum diameter of the first positioning section 222 is 0.01 mm larger than the diameter of the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 200. This precise interference fit ensures that the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 200 can easily pass through the fiber through-hole 22. It also creates an annular space for the adhesive to flow around the bare fiber 2001, ensuring that the adhesive is evenly distributed within the first positioning section 222 and firmly bonds the bare fiber 2001 within the first positioning section 222. Furthermore, the diameter difference between the first positioning section 222 and the bare fiber 2001 is not too large, so that the first positioning section 222 can align the bare fiber 2001, effectively aligning it with the corresponding fiber counterbore 13 after passing through the first positioning section 222.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the first positioning section 222 is 0.129 mm, the size of the bare fiber is 125 μm, and the diameter of the arc in the guide groove 232 is 200 μm, which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the coloring layer. Multiple bare fibers are arranged side by side in the guide groove 232. After the bare fiber 2001 passes through the first positioning section 222, the adhesive flows from the guide groove 232 along the bare fiber 2001 to the first positioning section 222 until the adhesive is observed to overflow from the front end of the jumper 2. The injection of adhesive is stopped so that the adhesive fully wraps the bare fiber 2001, thereby ensuring the stability of the bare fiber fixed in the jumper 2.

[0029] More preferably, the length of the first positioning section 222 is 3 to 5 times the diameter of the bare fiber 2001. If the length of the first positioning section 222 is too long, the length (front-to-back dimension) of the jumper 2 may be too long, which is not conducive to the miniaturization and integration of the optical fiber coupling device 10. If the length of the first positioning section 222 is too short, the bare fiber 2001 may easily pass through the optical fiber through hole 22 eccentrically. Therefore, after a large number of experimental verifications, it was found that when the length of the first positioning section 222 is 3 to 5 times the diameter of the bare fiber 2001, this can not only ensure that the bare fiber 2001 passes through the optical fiber through hole 22 approximately concentrically, but also easily shorten the length of the jumper 2. It should be understood that the length of the first positioning section 222 matches the diameter of the first positioning section 222, so that the bare fiber 2001 can be fixed in the jumper 2 with the shortest length.

[0030] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the fiber countersunk hole 13 includes, from back to front, a second guide section 131, also having a guide cone, for guiding the insertion of the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 200, and a second positioning section 132, for receiving and positioning the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 200. The second guide sections 131 of adjacent fiber countersunk holes 13 are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, or are adjacent to or intersecting with each other. The maximum diameter of the second guide section 131 (i.e., the large diameter portion of the guide cone) is larger than the diameter of the first positioning section 222 but smaller than the outer diameter of the colored layer 2002 of the optical fiber 200. The minimum diameter of the second guide section 131 is larger than the diameter of the bare fiber 2001. As a result, the second guide section 131 can more accurately receive the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 200 extending from the jumper 2 and guide it into the second positioning section 132. The maximum diameter of the second guide segment 131 (i.e., the large diameter portion of the guide cone) ensures that when the optical assembly 1 has multiple fiber counterbores 13, the multiple bare fibers 2001 within the jumper 2 are closely aligned, without intervening components. This reduces the width (left-right dimension) of the optical assembly 1, thereby miniaturizing the fiber coupling device 10. Furthermore, the minimum diameter of the second guide segment 131 is identical to the diameter of the second positioning segment 132, which is a maximum of 0.01 mm larger than the diameter of the bare fibers 2001. This precise interference fit ensures that the bare fibers 2001 of the optical fibers 200 can easily penetrate the fiber counterbores 13 and align with the predetermined optical path position.

[0031] Preferably, the optical fiber counterbore 13 further includes a relief section 133 connected to and located forward of the second positioning section 132. The diameter of the relief section 133 is larger than the core 2001a of the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 2000, but smaller than the cladding 2001b of the bare fiber 2001. The relief section 133 prevents the core 2001a of the bare fiber 2001 from colliding with the bottom of the optical fiber counterbore 13 after the bare fiber 2001 is fully inserted into the optical fiber counterbore 13, thereby effectively protecting the core 2001a of the bare fiber 2001 of the optical fiber 2000. It will be appreciated that the core 2001a of the optical fiber 2000 is made of quartz, which is relatively brittle, while the cladding is made of low-refractive-index pure quartz or fluoropolymer, which prevents the core 2001a from contacting the optical component 1, thereby ensuring the structural integrity of the core 2001a and promoting signal transmission stability.

[0032] like Figure 3 and Figure 6To secure the optical fiber 200 to the jumper 2, the jumper 2 may further include a glue-receiving groove 231 disposed on the top rear end of the second block 21, and a plurality of guide grooves 232 disposed at the bottom of the glue-receiving groove 231 and matingly connected to each fiber optic through-hole 22. The guide grooves 232 are used to guide the bare fibers 2001 of the optical fibers 200 into the corresponding fiber optic through-holes 22 and to accommodate the bare fibers 2001 of the optical fibers 200. The guide grooves 232 facilitate guiding the bare fibers 2001 of the optical fibers 200 into their respective fiber optic through-holes 22 during assembly, making assembly easier and more efficient, particularly for multiple optical fibers 200. Furthermore, the glue-receiving groove 231, the guide grooves 232, and the fiber optic through-holes 22 can be used to accommodate adhesive, so that the adhesive can bond and secure the optical fibers 200 to the jumper 2 after curing.

[0033] In this embodiment, the jumper 2 also includes a retaining groove 233 disposed within the bottom of the adhesive holding groove 231 and extending forward from the rear end of the second block 21. The retaining groove 233 is used to accommodate the coloring layer 2002 of the optical fiber 200, so that the end face of the coloring layer 2002 can abut against the groove wall of the retaining groove 233 near the optical component 1. By providing a clear stopping point for the coloring layer 2002, the length of the bare fiber 2001 extending from the jumper 2 can be controlled, which helps improve assembly efficiency and quality. Furthermore, the retaining groove 233 is also used to accommodate adhesive, so that after curing, the adhesive can firmly fix the optical fiber 2000, especially the coloring layer 2002, to the jumper 2.

[0034] In this embodiment, the jumper 2 may further include a left clamping groove 241 and a right clamping groove 242 respectively provided on the left and right sides of the second block 21 and symmetrical with respect to the adhesive containing groove 231, see Figure 3 The left clamping groove 241 and the right clamping groove 242 are preferably rectangular, semicircular, or triangular. The left clamping groove 241 and the right clamping groove 242 provide convenience for automated assembly equipment (such as a fixture or a robotic arm) to safely clamp, orient, and operate the jumper 2 during the manufacturing and assembly process (such as docking with the optical component 1).

[0035] In this embodiment, the jumper 2 may further include a left avoidance notch 251 and a right avoidance notch 252 respectively provided at the left bottom and the right bottom of the second block 21 and intersecting with the left clamping groove 241 and the right clamping groove 242 in sequence, see Figure 3 and Figure 7 The left side avoidance notch 251 and the right side avoidance notch 252 provide a resting space for the clamping mechanism of the automated assembly equipment, making it easier for the jumper 2 to be clamped by the automated assembly equipment more safely and reliably.

[0036] In this embodiment, the jumper 2 further includes a left glue control notch 261 and a right glue control notch 262 respectively provided on the left top and right top of the second block 21 and intersecting with the left clamping groove 241 and the right clamping groove 242 in sequence, see Figure 3 The left and right adhesive control notches 261 and 262 can reduce the thickness of the edge of the adhesive groove 231 , thereby increasing the surface tension of the adhesive on the top of the adhesive groove 231 and reducing the possibility of the adhesive overflowing from the adhesive groove 231 .

[0037] In this embodiment, a plurality of visual positioning structures 11a and a plurality of visual positioning structures 21a are respectively provided on the tops of the first block 11 and the second block 21. The visual positioning structures 11a and 21a comprise grooves, protrusions, stickers, or painted markings. The presence of the visual positioning structures 11a and 21a facilitates the machine vision system of automated assembly equipment to identify the positions of the first block 11 and the second block 21, effectively improving the efficiency and quality of the fiber optic coupler device 10 during the automated production process.

[0038] In this embodiment, if Figures 3 to 6 As shown, one of the rear end of the first block 11 and the front end of the second block 21 includes a first joint surface 15 and a plurality of positioning posts 16 spaced apart along the left-right direction on the first joint surface 15, while the other of the rear end of the first block 11 and the front end of the second block 21 includes a second joint surface 27 that mates with the first joint surface 15, and a plurality of positioning holes 28 defined in the second joint surface 27 and respectively receiving corresponding positioning posts 16. The cooperation between the positioning holes 28 and the positioning posts 16 facilitates highly precise positioning docking of the optical component 1 and the jumper 2, and ensures proper alignment of the optical fiber counterbore 13 and the optical fiber through-hole 22, thereby achieving optimal coupling between the optical component 1 and the jumper 2.

[0039] Preferably, there are two positioning holes 28 and two positioning posts 16. Two positioning holes 28 and two positioning posts 16 are usually sufficient to achieve optimal coupling between the optical component 1 and the jumper 2, and are also the smallest and most optimal choice.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first joint surface 15 and the second joint surface 27 can be planes or stepped surfaces. As a preferred example, the first joint surface 15 is formed on the first block 11, and the rear end bottom of the first block 11 includes a boss 18 extending from front to rear, disposed on the first joint surface 15. The second joint surface 27 is formed on the second block 21, and the front end bottom of the second block 21 includes a recess 29 disposed on the second joint surface 27 and adapted to mate with and receive the boss 18. The optical assembly 1 also includes a glue dispensing groove 17 disposed at the bottom of the first block 11, closer to the jumper 2 than the photoelectric conversion accommodating space 12. The glue dispensing groove 17 is partially formed at the bottom of the boss 18. The combination of the boss 18 and the recess 29 further improves the docking accuracy between the optical assembly 1 and the jumper 2, while also allowing the optical assembly 1 and the jumper 2 to overlap in the front-to-back direction. This ensures that the glue dispensing groove 17 is sufficiently large to accommodate a sufficient amount of glue, while further reducing the length and height (i.e., the vertical dimension) of the optical fiber coupler 10. The glue dispensing groove 17 is used to accommodate adhesive and ensure that the adhesive can firmly fix the optical component 1 on the circuit board. The dispensing groove 17 is partially formed on the boss 18, which is conducive to reducing the length of the optical component 1.

[0041] Preferably, the dispensing groove 17 is configured to accommodate sufficient adhesive to meet the bonding and fixing requirements of the optical component 1, and the height of the dispensing groove 17 is set so that it can squeeze the adhesive cured therein. This design improves the curing effect and bonding strength of the adhesive, which helps to improve the stability and reliability of the optical component 1 on the circuit board.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment, the height of the glue dispensing groove 17 is set to be slightly lower than the height of a layer of glue squeezed out by the glue dispensing gun, so that the glue dispensing groove 17 can squeeze the adhesive solidified therein while reducing the height of the optical component 1 (i.e., the size in the up and down directions).

[0043] As an example, the end of the positioning post 16 facing the positioning hole 28 and / or the end of the positioning hole 28 facing the positioning post 16 are chamfered, and the positioning post 16 is partially provided on the boss 18, and the positioning hole 28 is partially provided in the recess 29. The chamfers ensure that the positioning post 16 can be more easily inserted into the positioning hole 28. The partial arrangement of the positioning post 16 on the boss 18 and the arrangement of the positioning hole 28 in the recess 29 can further improve the smoothness and safety of the insertion of the positioning post 16 into the positioning hole 28.

[0044] In this embodiment, the photoelectric conversion accommodating space 12 preferably has a notched structure, comprising a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening, sequentially located at the bottom, front, left, and right sides of the first block 11. This multi-directionally open notched structure is suitable for accommodating photoelectric conversion modules that are larger than the original volume, thus avoiding the problem of having to oversize the length and width (left-right dimensions) of the optical assembly 1 to fully accommodate the photoelectric conversion module.

[0045] In this embodiment, the optical assembly 1 further includes a lens structure 12a disposed in the top region of the notch structure and below the reflective surface 14, and a glue-blocking rib 19 disposed in the top region of the notch structure and further from the jumper 2 than the lens structure 12a. The lens structure 12a is crucial for focusing light from the optical fiber 200 onto the optoelectronic conversion module, or collimating light from the optoelectronic conversion module into the optical fiber 200, effectively improving the transmission quality of the optical signal. The glue-blocking rib 19 prevents adhesive from flowing between the lens structure 12a and the optoelectronic conversion module and causing a certain degree of obstruction, thereby preventing a degradation of the optical performance of the optical assembly 1.

[0046] Next, the assembly method of the optical fiber coupling device 10 mentioned above is introduced. The assembly method can be implemented by manual or automated assembly equipment, and specifically includes: first, peeling off the coloring layer at the end of the plurality of optical fibers 200 to obtain the optical fibers 200 with bare fibers 2001; passing the bare fibers 2001 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 through the optical fiber through-hole 22 of the jumper 2 along the guide groove 232 of the jumper 2, and then adding adhesive into the adhesive containing groove 231 of the jumper 2 until it slightly overflows the first positioning section 222 of the optical fiber through-hole 22, and fixing the bare fibers 2001 of the optical fibers 200 on the jumper 2 after curing; cutting the bare fibers 2001 of the optical fibers 200 passing through the optical fiber through-hole 22 of the jumper 2 to a preset length (ensuring that this length is just enough to allow the bare fibers 2001 to be inserted into the second positioning section 132 of the optical fiber counterbore of the optical component 1 and the bare fibers 2001 to be inserted into the second positioning section 132 of the optical fiber counterbore of the optical component 1). 1 contacts the end face of the front side of the second positioning section 132); synchronously fix the optical component 1 to the circuit board. Specifically, add adhesive to at least the adhesive dispensing groove 17 of the optical component 1 or the position on the circuit board corresponding to the adhesive dispensing groove 17 of the optical component 1, and then use the adhesive to bond and fix the optical component 1 to the circuit board; then add adhesive to the left and right sides and the front end of the optical component 1 to achieve the encapsulation of the photoelectric conversion accommodating space 12 of the optical component 1 and its internal structure, completing the fixed encapsulation of the optical component 1 on the circuit board, and finally achieve the docking of the front end of the jumper 2 containing the optical fiber 200 with the rear end of the optical component 1, so that each fiber through hole 22 is respectively opposite to the corresponding fiber countersunk hole 13, thereby ensuring that the portion of the optical fiber 200 that passes through the fiber through hole 22 of the optical component 1 can completely enter the fiber countersunk hole 13 and contact the bottom of the fiber countersunk hole 13. It should be noted that multiple optical fibers 200 can be arranged closely or spaced apart from each other, and are specifically placed in the corresponding fiber through holes according to design requirements.

[0047] In an unillustrated embodiment, an optical module is provided, comprising a circuit board having a photoelectric conversion module, and a fiber optic coupling device adhered and fixed to the circuit board such that the photoelectric conversion module is located within the photoelectric conversion accommodation space 12 of the optical assembly 1. The fiber optic coupling device is selected to be the fiber optic coupling device 10 described above, ensuring that the optical module inherits all the benefits of the fiber optic coupling device 10.

[0048] In summary, the fiber coupling devices involved in various embodiments have lower requirements for processing accuracy and assembly accuracy, which can easily reduce manufacturing costs, and have smaller overall sizes, which can easily meet the development needs of miniaturization and high-density integration of optical modules.

[0049] In the above description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "fixed," "mounted," "connected," or "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, with respect to the term "connected," it can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean internal communication between two elements or an interaction between two elements. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly specified in this application, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] In addition, the terms "first" or "second" used in this application to refer to numbers or ordinal numbers are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as explicitly or implicitly indicating relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three or more, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0051] Although a number of embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Those skilled in the art may devise numerous modifications, variations, and alternatives without departing from the concept and spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that in practicing the present invention, various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be employed. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of the present invention and therefore cover equivalents or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A fiber coupling device, characterized in that: include: An optical assembly comprising a first block, a photoelectric conversion accommodating space provided on a front bottom portion of the first block, a plurality of optical fiber countersunk holes provided on a rear end of the first block and extending toward a front end thereof, and a reflective surface provided on the first block and configured to implement light propagation between the optical fiber countersunk holes and the photoelectric conversion accommodating space; as well as A jumper comprising a second block, and a plurality of optical fiber through holes provided on the second block and penetrating the second block in a front-to-rear direction; When the front end of the jumper is docked with the rear end of the optical component, each of the optical fiber through holes is opposite to the corresponding optical fiber countersunk hole.

2. The optical fiber coupling device according to claim 1, wherein: The optical fiber through hole includes, in sequence from the back to the front direction, a first guide section having a guide cone surface for guiding the insertion of the bare fiber of the optical fiber, and a first positioning section for the bare fiber of the optical fiber to pass through and position the bare fiber of the optical fiber, wherein the first guide section includes, in sequence from the back to the front direction, a cylindrical sub-segment and a conical sub-segment, wherein the large-diameter end of the conical sub-segment is connected to the cylindrical sub-segment, and the small-diameter end of the conical sub-segment is connected to the first positioning section.

3. The optical fiber coupling device according to claim 2, wherein: The first positioning section is cylindrical, the minimum diameter of the first guiding section is the same as the diameter of the first positioning section, and the maximum diameter of the first positioning section is 0.01 mm larger than the diameter of the bare fiber.

4. The optical fiber coupling device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that: The length of the first positioning section is 3 to 5 times the diameter of the bare fiber.

5. The optical fiber coupling device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The optical fiber countersunk hole includes, in sequence from back to front, a second guide section having a guide cone surface for guiding the insertion of the bare fiber of the optical fiber, a second positioning section for receiving the bare fiber of the optical fiber and positioning the bare fiber of the optical fiber, the maximum diameter of the second guide section is greater than the diameter of the first positioning section but smaller than the outer diameter of the colored layer of the optical fiber, and the minimum diameter of the second guide section is greater than the diameter of the bare fiber.

6. The optical fiber coupling device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The minimum diameter of the second guiding section is the same as the diameter of the second positioning section. The second positioning section is cylindrical, and the maximum diameter thereof is 0.01 mm larger than the diameter of the bare fiber.

7. The optical fiber coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The jumper also includes a glue-containing groove arranged on the top of the rear end of the second block, and a plurality of guide grooves arranged on the bottom of the glue-containing groove and matched with each of the optical fiber through-holes. The guide grooves are used to guide the bare fibers of the optical fibers to be inserted into the corresponding optical fiber through-holes and to accommodate the bare fibers of the optical fibers. The glue-containing grooves, guide grooves and optical fiber through-holes are all used to accommodate adhesives so that the adhesive can bond and fix the bare fibers of the optical fibers in the jumper after curing.

8. The optical fiber coupling device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The jumper further includes a left glue control notch and a right glue control notch, which are respectively arranged on the left top and the right top of the second block and intersect with the left clamping groove and the right clamping groove in sequence.

9. The optical fiber coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: One of the rear end of the first block and the front end of the second block includes a first joint surface and a plurality of positioning columns arranged on the first joint surface at intervals along the left and right directions, and the other of the rear end of the first block and the front end of the second block includes a second joint surface that matches and docks with the first joint surface, and a plurality of positioning holes that are opened on the second joint surface and respectively receive the corresponding positioning columns. The first joint surface is formed on the first block, and the rear end bottom of the first block includes a boss provided on the first joint surface and extending from front to rear. The second joint surface is formed on the second block, and the front end bottom of the second block includes a recess provided on the second joint surface and used to match and receive the boss. The optical component also includes a glue dispensing groove provided at the bottom of the first block and closer to the jumper than the photoelectric conversion accommodating space. The glue dispensing groove is partially formed on the boss. The glue dispensing groove is configured to accommodate sufficient adhesive and meet the bonding and fixing requirements of the optical component, and the height of the glue dispensing groove is configured so that the glue dispensing groove can extrude the adhesive solidified therein.

10. An optical module, characterized in that: include: A circuit board having a photoelectric conversion module; as well as The optical fiber coupling device according to claims 1-9 is adhered and fixed to the circuit board so that the photoelectric conversion module is located in the photoelectric conversion accommodating space of the optical component.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Active Fiber Coupled Devices

    CN104808298B