Height adjustable optical module test fixture

Abstract

The application relates to a height-adjustable optical module test tool, a base on a test plate is connected with a fixing block, a plug cavity opposite to a connector on the test plate is arranged on two opposite sides of the fixing block, a heating / cooling module is fixed on the upper and lower surfaces of the fixing block, a movable block is inserted into the plug cavity and tightly contacts with the bottom surface of the plug cavity, the upper surface of the movable block is a horizontal surface, the lower surface of the movable block is a first inclined surface which is inclined upward along the insertion direction of the movable block, the bottom surface of the plug cavity is a second inclined surface which is parallel to the first inclined surface, and the height between the upper surface of the movable block and the top surface of the plug cavity is increased and decreased during the movement of the first inclined surface along the insertion direction and close to the second inclined surface. The beneficial effect is that when the optical module is heated or cooled by the heating / cooling module, the upper and lower surfaces of the optical module structure can tightly contact with the test tool, and the air is not heated or cooled, so that the heating or cooling speed of the optical module is relatively accelerated, and the test time is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical module testing technology, and more specifically to a highly adjustable optical module testing fixture. Background Technology

[0002] To determine whether the performance of the manufactured optical modules meets the requirements, testing is often required during the production process. Therefore, the required equipment includes: test fixtures. Traditional test fixtures include: a test board and a connector fixed to and electrically connected to the test board. The connector mates with the gold fingers of the optical module, allowing the test board to electrically connect to the optical module via the connector. A base is fixed to the test board, and the base is fixedly connected to a suspended fixing block. The fixing block has a cavity on two opposite sides, facing the connector and used to accommodate the optical module structure. The width of the cavity matches the width of the optical module structure, while the height of the cavity is greater than that of the optical module structure. The height dimension is slightly larger, and the bottom and top surfaces of the cavity are actually horizontal. When the optical module's structural components are inserted into the cavity, the fixing block can surround and fit the optical module's structural components as closely as possible. Heating / cooling modules are fixed to the corresponding areas of the cavity on the upper and lower surfaces of the fixing block. These heating / cooling modules can be used to heat or cool the optical module, allowing it to complete different temperature tests, such as low temperature 0℃, normal temperature 25℃, and high temperature 65℃. The heating / cooling modules can be common heating / cooling TEC blocks. The fixing block is usually made of metal, such as copper. After the test fixture is manufactured, the width and height dimensions of the cavity will be fixed. For common optical modules, such as... Figure 1As shown, the height of the gold finger tip of its structural component has tolerances. For example, the designed dimension is 13mm, but due to the tolerance, its upper limit is 13.1mm and its lower limit is 12.8mm, meaning the maximum dimension is 13.1mm. However, in designing the testing fixture, to ensure the optical module structural component can be inserted into the cavity of the fixing block, the cavity height is usually designed to be 13.11mm. The manufacturing process of the structural component involves many steps, especially the mold, die-casting machine, and electroplating, which have a significant impact on the dimensions. If the height of the structural component is the lower limit of 12.8mm, when testing the optical module, after the structural component is inserted into the cavity, the structure... There are gaps, such as 0.15mm, between the component and the bottom and top surfaces of the cavity. When the heating / cooling module heats or cools the fixing block, the heating / cooling module and the fixing block are in direct contact, so it is easy to heat or cool the fixing block. However, because there are gaps between the optical module structural components inside the fixing block and the fixing block, the process of heating or cooling the optical module through the fixing block will become heating or cooling the air in the gap first, and then heating or cooling the optical module by the air. Since the air in the gap and the air in the room are flowing, the heating or cooling speed of the optical module will become relatively slow, thus wasting a lot of time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a highly adjustable optical module testing fixture to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0005] A height-adjustable optical module testing fixture includes: a test board and a connector fixed on and electrically connected to the test board. The test board is fixedly connected to a suspended fixing block via a base. The fixing block has a cavity through which a connector is opened on two opposite sides to accommodate the optical module structure. Heating / cooling modules are fixed on the upper and lower surfaces of the fixing block in the areas corresponding to the cavity. A movable block is inserted into the cavity and is in close contact with the bottom surface of the cavity. The upper surface of the movable block is a horizontal plane, and the lower surface of the movable block is a first inclined plane that slopes upward along its insertion direction. The bottom surface of the cavity is a second inclined plane that is parallel to the first inclined plane. As the first inclined plane of the movable block moves along the insertion direction while touching the second inclined plane, the distance between its upper surface and the top surface of the cavity increases and decreases.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: When testing optical modules using this type of testing fixture, even if the height dimension of the optical module structural component is any value within the tolerance range, the movable block in the testing fixture can be adjusted to ensure that there is no gap between the upper surface of the optical module structural component and the fixed block, and no gap between the lower surface of the optical module structural component and the movable block, and no gap between the lower surface of the movable block and the fixed block. That is, the upper and lower surfaces of the optical module structural component can be in close contact with the testing fixture. Therefore, when the optical module is heated or cooled by the heating / cooling module, there is no need to heat or cool the air in the middle, which is conducive to the heat conduction to the optical module, thereby completing the heating or cooling of the optical module. Compared with the prior art, if there is a gap between the optical module structural component and the fixed block of the testing fixture due to dimensional deviation, the heating or cooling speed is relatively faster and the testing time is shortened.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0008] Furthermore, on the side of the fixed block at the location of the insertion cavity entrance, there is an adjustment groove communicating with the insertion cavity on both sides of the insertion cavity along the insertion direction of the movable block. The movable block has an ear plate on the side corresponding to each adjustment groove that enters into the adjustment groove. The ear plate has a through hole along the insertion direction of the movable block. A screw is installed in each adjustment groove. The screw end of the screw in each adjustment groove passes through the through hole in the ear plate in the adjustment groove and is threaded to the fixed block. A spring is fitted on each screw, and the two ends of the spring abut against the ear plate and the fixed block respectively.

[0009] The further beneficial effects of adopting the above are: the cooperation of screws, springs and ear plates makes it easy to control the movement of the moving block, and stepless adjustment can be achieved within the stroke range, thereby adapting to the situation where the height dimension of the optical module structural component is any value within the tolerance range.

[0010] Furthermore, each adjustment slot extends through the fixing block and its side on the same side, and the screws are internal hex screws.

[0011] The further beneficial effect of adopting the above is that the screw can be turned with the help of a hex wrench.

[0012] Furthermore, a slot is opened through each side of the fixed block along the insertion direction of the movable block on both sides of the insertion cavity. The slot is connected to the insertion cavity, and the bottom surface of the slot is flush with or lower than the bottom surface of the insertion cavity. The two sides of the movable block extend into the two slots respectively.

[0013] The further beneficial effect of adopting the above is that it can guide the running direction of the active block.

[0014] Furthermore, a receiving groove for accommodating optical module structural components is formed through the upper surface of the movable block along its insertion direction. The bottom of the receiving groove is horizontal. As the first inclined surface of the movable block moves along the insertion direction along the second inclined surface, the distance between the bottom of the receiving groove and the top surface of the insertion cavity increases and decreases.

[0015] Furthermore, on the upper surface of the fixed block, multiple threaded holes communicating with the slot are arranged in a row above each slot along the insertion direction of the movable block. Each threaded hole is threaded with a spring set screw, and the head of the spring set screw abuts against the area of ​​the movable block inside the slot.

[0016] The further beneficial effect of adopting the above is that the head of the spring set screw can extend and retract, and can press down on both sides of the movable block during the movement of the movable block to prevent the movable block from tilting up.

[0017] Furthermore, both the fixed block and the movable block are made of metal.

[0018] The further beneficial effects of adopting the above are: the metal has good thermal conductivity, which is conducive to heating or cooling the optical module, and also facilitates heat dissipation of the optical module during room temperature testing.

[0019] Furthermore, both the fixed block and the movable block are made of copper.

[0020] Furthermore, the heating / cooling module is a heating / cooling TEC block. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a dimensional diagram of an optical module in the prior art;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the highly adjustable optical module testing fixture in this invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a first exploded view of the highly adjustable optical module test fixture in this invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a second exploded view of the highly adjustable optical module test fixture in this invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the first part of the test fixture for the highly adjustable optical module in this invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the second part of the highly adjustable optical module testing fixture in this invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the third part of the test fixture for the highly adjustable optical module in this invention;

[0028] Figure 8This is an assembly diagram of the fixing block and the heating / cooling module in this invention;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a state diagram of the test fixture for a height-adjustable optical module during testing.

[0030] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0031] 1. Test board, 2. Connector, 3. Base, 4. Fixing block, 410. Cavity, 411. Second bevel, 420. Adjustment groove, 430. Slot, 440. Threaded hole, 5. Heating / cooling module, 6. Movable block, 610. First bevel, 620. Ear plate, 621. Through hole, 630. Receiving groove, 7. Screw, 8. Spring, 9. Spring set screw, 10. Optical module. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] like Figures 2-9 As shown, a test fixture for a highly tunable optical module includes:

[0035] Test board 1, with a connector 2 fixed on it for electrical connection. The connector 2 is preferably located at the edge of the test board 1 and is used to engage with the gold fingers of the optical module, so that the test board 1 can be electrically connected to the optical module through the connector 2. A base 3 is fixed on the test board 1, also preferably located at the edge of the test board 1. The base 3 is fixedly connected to a suspended fixing block 4. The fixing block 4 has a cavity 410 through two opposite sides, facing the connector 2 and used to accommodate the optical module 10 structure. The width of the cavity 410 matches the width of the optical module 10 structure, while the height of the cavity 410 is greater than the height of the optical module 10 structure. A heating / cooling module 5 is fixed on the upper surface of the fixing block 4 in the area corresponding to the cavity 410, and a heating / cooling module 5 is fixed on the lower surface of the fixing block 4 in the area corresponding to the cavity 410.

[0036] A movable block 6 is inserted into the cavity 410 and is in close contact with the bottom surface of the cavity 410. The upper surface of the movable block 6 is a horizontal plane, and the lower surface of the movable block 6 is a first inclined surface 610 that is inclined upward along the insertion direction of the movable block 6. The bottom surface of the cavity 410 is a second inclined surface 411 that is parallel to the first inclined surface 610. That is, the second inclined surface 411 is also inclined upward along the insertion direction of the movable block 6. The top surface of the cavity 410 is a horizontal plane. That is, the top surface of the cavity 410 is still consistent with the prior art. As the first inclined surface 610 of the movable block 6 moves along the insertion direction while touching the second inclined surface 411, the distance between the upper surface of the movable block 6 and the top surface of the cavity 410 increases and decreases.

[0037] For example, when the height of the optical module 10 structure to be tested is the upper limit of 13.1mm, the movable block 6 is pulled outward to increase the distance between the upper surface of the movable block 6 and the top surface of the cavity 410. Then the optical module 10 structure is inserted between the movable block 6 and the top surface of the cavity 410. If the size adjustment is too large during the above adjustment process, the movable block 6 can be pushed inward to make the upper surface of the structure adhere to the top surface of the cavity 410 and the lower surface of the structure adhere to the upper surface of the movable block 6. Since the first inclined surface 610 of the movable block 6 can be closely attached to the bottom surface of the cavity 410, there is no gap between the upper surface of the structure and the fixed block 4, no gap between the lower surface of the structure and the movable block 6, and no gap between the lower surface of the movable block 6 and the fixed block 4. Of course, if the height is just right during the above adjustment process, then there is no need to push the movable block 6 inward.

[0038] When the height of the optical module 10 structure to be tested is the lower limit of 12.8mm, the optical module 10 structure can be inserted between the movable block 6 and the top surface of the cavity 410. Then the movable block 6 is pushed inward, so that the distance between the upper surface of the movable block 6 and the top surface of the cavity 410 becomes smaller, i.e., 12.8mm. This makes the lower surface of the structure stick to the upper surface of the movable block 6. Since the first inclined surface 610 of the movable block 6 can stick to the bottom surface of the cavity 410, there is no gap between the upper surface of the structure and the fixed block 4, no gap between the lower surface of the structure and the movable block 6, and no gap between the lower surface of the movable block 6 and the fixed block 4.

[0039] Of course, these are just two extreme values ​​for example adjustment. When the height is 13.0mm, it can also be adjusted accordingly, but this will not be explained in detail here.

[0040] When testing optical modules using this type of testing fixture, even if the height of the optical module 10 structural component is any value within the tolerance range, the movable block 6 in the testing fixture can be adjusted to ensure that there is no gap between the upper surface of the optical module 10 structural component and the fixed block 4, as well as between the lower surface of the optical module 10 structural component and the movable block 6, and between the lower surface of the movable block 6 and the fixed block 4. Thus, when the optical module is heated or cooled by the heating / cooling module 5, there is no need to heat or cool the air in the middle, which is conducive to the heat conduction to the optical module, thereby completing the heating or cooling of the optical module. Compared with the prior art, if there is a gap between the optical module structural component and the fixed block of the testing fixture due to dimensional deviation, the heating or cooling speed is relatively faster and the testing time is shortened.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, this embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 1, as detailed below:

[0043] On the side of the fixed block 4 at the location of the inlet of the insertion cavity 410, an adjustment groove 420 is formed on each side of the insertion cavity 410 along the insertion direction of the movable block 6. Each adjustment groove 420 communicates with the insertion cavity 410. The movable block 6 has an ear plate 620 on the side corresponding to each adjustment groove 420, which enters into the adjustment groove 420. Since there are two adjustment grooves 420, there are also two ear plates 620. Each ear plate 620 has a through hole 621 along the insertion direction of the movable block 6. A screw is arranged in each adjustment groove 420. The screw 7 in each adjusting groove 420 passes through the through hole 621 on the ear plate 620 in the adjusting groove 420 and is threadedly connected to the fixing block 4. That is, the fixing block 4 has a hole for threaded connection with the screw 7. The size of the through hole 621 is large enough to be larger than the outer diameter of the screw 7 and does not obstruct the movement of the subsequent movable block 6. Each screw 7 is fitted with a spring 8, and the two ends of the spring 8 abut against the ear plate 620 and the fixing block 4 respectively. The spring 8 can push the ear plate 620 of the movable block 6 to always be in contact with the screw 7. Of course, in practical applications, it is not ruled out that other elastic components can be used to replace spring 8, such as rubber rings. When it is necessary to adjust the movable block 6, screw 7 can be turned in either the forward or reverse direction. For example, turning screw 7 in the forward direction will push the movable block 6 inward through the ear plate 620, thus reducing the distance between the upper surface of the movable block 6 and the top surface of the insertion cavity 410. Turning screw 7 in the reverse direction will cause spring 8 to push the movable block 6 outward through the ear plate 620, thus reducing the distance between the upper surface of the movable block 6 and the top surface of the insertion cavity 410. Of course, the directional description here is only illustrative and does not exclude the possibility that turning the screw 7 in the forward direction will increase the distance between the upper surface of the movable block 6 and the top surface of the cavity 410, while turning the screw 7 in the reverse direction will decrease the distance between the upper surface of the movable block 6 and the top surface of the cavity 410. Through the cooperation of the screw 7, the spring 8 and the ear plate 620, the movement of the movable block 6 can be easily controlled, and stepless adjustment can be achieved within the stroke range, thereby adapting to the situation where the height dimension of the optical module 10 structural component is any value within the tolerance range.

[0044] Furthermore, each adjustment groove 420 penetrates the fixed block 4 and its side on the same side. For example, the adjustment groove 420 on the left side penetrates the left side of the fixed block 4, and the adjustment groove 420 on the right side penetrates the right side of the fixed block 4. The screw 7 is an internal hex screw, which can be turned with the help of a hex wrench.

[0045] Example 3

[0046] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 1 or 2, as detailed below:

[0047] A slot 430 is provided on each side of the fixed block 4 along the insertion direction of the movable block 6. The slot 430 is connected to the cavity 410. The bottom surface of the slot 430 is flush with or lower than the bottom surface of the cavity 410. The two sides of the movable block 6 extend into the two slots 430 respectively, which can guide the running direction of the movable block 6.

[0048] Example 4

[0049] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 3, as detailed below:

[0050] A receiving groove 630 for accommodating the optical module 10 structural component is formed through the upper surface of the movable block 6 along its insertion direction. The bottom of the receiving groove 630 is horizontal. As the first inclined surface 610 of the movable block 6 moves along the insertion direction along the second inclined surface 411, the distance between the bottom of the receiving groove 630 and the top surface of the insertion cavity 410 increases and decreases. This allows the middle area of ​​the movable block 6 to be designed to be relatively thinner while ensuring sufficient strength in other areas, thereby reducing costs. It also limits the position of the optical module structural component.

[0051] Example 5

[0052] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 3 or 4, as detailed below:

[0053] On the upper surface of the fixed block 4, multiple threaded holes 440 communicating with each slot 430 are arranged in a row above each slot 430 along the insertion direction of the movable block 6. The number of threaded holes 440 above each slot 430 can be two, three, four, five, etc., and the specific number is not explicitly limited here. Each threaded hole 440 is threaded with a spring set screw 9. The spring set screw 9 is existing technology, and its structure and working principle are not explicitly described here. The head of the spring set screw 9 abuts against the area of ​​the movable block 6 in the slot 430. The head of the spring set screw 9 can extend and retract, and can press down on both sides of the movable block 6 during the movement of the movable block 6 to prevent the movable block 6 from tilting up.

[0054] Example 6

[0055] like Figures 2-8 As shown, this embodiment is a further improvement on any one of embodiments 1 to 5, as detailed below:

[0056] The fixed block 4 is made of metal, and the movable block 6 is made of metal. Metal has good thermal conductivity, which is beneficial for heating or cooling the optical module. It is also beneficial for heat dissipation of the optical module during room temperature testing. In this embodiment, the fixed block 4 is preferably made of copper, and the movable block 6 is preferably made of copper. Of course, this is just an exemplary description, and other materials are not excluded in actual applications. The fixed block 4 and the movable block 6 made of copper have good thermal conductivity.

[0057] Example 7

[0058] like Figures 2-9 As shown, this embodiment is a further improvement on any one of embodiments 1 to 6, as detailed below:

[0059] The heating / cooling module 5 is preferably a heating / cooling TEC block. The heating / cooling TEC block is existing technology, and its structure and working principle will not be described in detail here. Using a heating / cooling TEC block can effectively heat up or cool down the optical module.

[0060] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A testing fixture for a highly tunable light module, comprising: The test board (1) and the connector (2) fixed on and electrically connected to the test board (1) are provided. The test board (1) is fixedly connected to a suspended fixing block (4) via a base (3). The fixing block (4) has a cavity (410) through two opposite sides, facing the connector (2) and used to accommodate the optical module (10) structure. The upper and lower surfaces of the fixing block (4) are respectively fixed to the areas corresponding to the cavity (410). The cavity (410) is characterized in that... A movable block (6) is inserted into the cavity (410) and is in close contact with the bottom surface of the cavity. The upper surface of the movable block (6) is a horizontal plane, and the lower surface of the movable block (6) is a first inclined plane (610) that is inclined upward along its insertion direction. The bottom surface of the cavity (410) is a second inclined plane (411) that is parallel to the first inclined plane (610). As the first inclined plane (610) of the movable block (6) moves along the insertion direction while touching the second inclined plane (411), the distance between its upper surface and the top surface of the cavity (410) increases and decreases.

2. The height-adjustable optical module testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing block (4) has an adjustment groove (420) on the side of the cavity (410) at the location of the cavity (410) entrance, which is connected to the cavity (410) along the insertion direction of the movable block (6). The movable block (6) has an ear plate (620) on the side of each adjustment groove (420) that enters the adjustment groove (420). The ear plate (620) has a through hole (621) along the insertion direction of the movable block (6). Each adjustment groove (420) is provided with a screw (7). The screw end of the screw (7) in each adjustment groove (420) passes through the through hole (621) on the ear plate (620) in the adjustment groove (420) and is threaded to the fixing block (4). Each screw (7) is fitted with a spring (8). The two ends of the spring (8) abut against the ear plate (620) and the fixing block (4) respectively.

3. The height-adjustable optical module testing fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each adjustment slot (420) passes through the side of the fixing block (4) on the same side, and the screw (7) is an internal hex screw.

4. A test fixture for a highly adjustable optical module according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, On the fixed block (4), a slot (430) is opened through each side of the cavity (410) along the insertion direction of the movable block (6). The slot (430) is connected to the cavity (410). The bottom surface of the slot (430) is flush with or lower than the bottom surface of the cavity (410). The two sides of the movable block (6) extend into the two slots (430) respectively.

5. The height-adjustable optical module testing fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that, The upper surface of the movable block (6) has a receiving groove (630) through which the optical module (10) structural component is accommodated along its insertion direction. The bottom of the receiving groove (630) is a horizontal plane. As the first inclined surface (610) of the movable block (6) moves along the insertion direction along the second inclined surface (411), the distance between the bottom of the receiving groove (630) and the top surface of the insertion cavity (410) increases or decreases.

6. The height-adjustable optical module testing fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that, On the upper surface of the fixed block (4), multiple threaded holes (440) communicating with the slot (430) are opened in a row above each slot (430) along the insertion direction of the movable block (6). Each threaded hole (440) is threaded with a spring set screw (9), and the head of the spring set screw (9) abuts against the area of ​​the movable block (6) in the slot (430).

7. The height-adjustable optical module testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed block (4) and the movable block (6) are made of metal.

8. The height-adjustable optical module testing fixture according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixed block (4) and the movable block (6) are made of copper.

9. The height-adjustable optical module testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating / cooling module (5) is a heating / cooling TEC block.

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