Optical fiber array structure and optical module

Abstract

The optical fiber array structure comprises a substrate, a cover plate and an optical fiber array, the substrate comprises a high step surface, a first transition surface and a low step surface, the high step surface is provided with an optical fiber positioning groove, the cover plate is fixedly connected with the high step surface and the optical fiber array through a first glue layer, and a gland is arranged above the low step surface. The gland is provided with an optical fiber avoiding groove extending in the X-axis direction and used for avoiding the optical fiber array, the gland is fixedly connected with the optical fiber array through a second glue layer and a low step face, the low step face is provided with a glue avoiding groove extending in the Y-axis direction, at least one side end face of the glue avoiding groove partially coincides with the first transition face, and the glue avoiding groove is located between the cover plate and the gland. And an area enclosed by the cover plate, the gland and the glue avoiding groove is filled with a third glue layer. The stability of the optical module can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a fiber array structure, belonging to the technical field of optical modules, and particularly to a fiber array structure and an optical module. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid advancement of large-scale construction in data centers, the demand for large-scale optical modules is increasing day by day. As a key optical signal transmission device inside an optical module, the application of fiber arrays is becoming more and more widespread. A fiber array is an optical communication device that arranges multiple optical fibers in parallel, usually used for the coupling connection between multi-core optical fibers and various optical chips. Due to its important role in optical signal transmission, the performance of the fiber array directly affects the quality and reliability of the entire optical module.

[0003] In the manufacturing and application of fiber arrays, there are mainly two major technical challenges: one is that the spacing accuracy requirement is extremely high, reaching the micron level. This is due to the characteristics of optical signal transmission. Only by ensuring the precise arrangement of optical fibers can the effective transmission of signals and the minimization of losses be guaranteed; the other is that when the fiber array is assembled into an optical module, its reliability requirement is very high, which is directly related to the performance and lifespan of the entire module. In a complex working environment, the fiber array needs to maintain stable performance for a long time, which poses strict requirements on its structural design and material selection.

[0004] To address these challenges, a fiber array structure with high reliability has been proposed in the prior art. This structure includes a cover plate, a substrate, and a preset number of optical fibers. Its main features are: the lower surface of the cover plate and the upper surface of the substrate are both subjected to matte treatment, and a first glue layer is filled between the two matte surfaces; mutually matching U-shaped grooves are respectively arranged on the cover plate and the substrate for fixing a preset number of optical fibers; the inner surface of the U-shaped groove is also subjected to matte treatment, and a second glue layer is filled in the groove gap; the glue used is heat-curable, with a viscosity of 1500 - 2000 cps at 25°C and a hardness of Shore 82D after curing; the substrate design includes a connecting step and a curved substrate at the front end, and a third glue layer is coated on the connecting step.

[0005] The advantage of this design is that when the fiber array encounters rapid temperature changes during use, the third glue layer can effectively prevent the expansion and flow of the first and second glue layers on the bonding surface, thereby preventing the separation of the substrate and the cover plate due to the decrease in the viscosity of the glue. However, this technical solution still has a significant problem: due to different glue layers having different expansion coefficients, stress concentration is likely to occur at the junction between the glue layers during environmental condition changes (such as temperature fluctuations). This stress concentration may cause the risk of cracking of optical fibers or glass V-grooves in these areas, thus affecting the use stability and long-term reliability of the fiber array.

[0006] Therefore, although the prior art has made some progress in improving the reliability of fiber optic arrays, further technological innovation is still needed to address the stress issues at the interfaces of different materials to ensure that the fiber optic arrays can maintain stable performance under various environmental conditions. The solution to this challenge will be of great significance for enhancing the overall performance and reliability of optical modules. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present utility model is to provide a fiber optic array structure and an optical module in view of the technical defects existing in the prior art, which can effectively avoid the risk of cracking of optical fibers or glass V-grooves in these areas caused by stress concentration easily generated at the junctions between different glue layers, and improve the stability of the optical module.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present utility model to solve its technical problems is as follows: The present utility model discloses a fiber optic array structure, including a substrate, a cover plate, and a fiber optic array. The substrate includes a high step surface, a first transition surface, and a low step surface. A fiber positioning groove for positioning the fiber optic array is arranged on the high step surface and extends along the X-axis direction. The cover plate is fixedly connected to the high step surface and the fiber optic array through a first glue layer. A pressing cover is arranged above the low step surface. A fiber avoidance groove for avoiding the fiber optic array is arranged on the pressing cover and extends along the X-axis direction. The pressing cover is fixedly connected to the low step surface and the fiber optic array through a second glue layer. A glue avoidance groove extending along the Y-axis direction is arranged on the low step surface. At least one end face of the glue avoidance groove partially coincides with the first transition surface. The glue avoidance groove is located between the cover plate and the pressing cover. The area surrounded by the cover plate, the pressing cover, and the glue avoidance groove is filled with a third glue layer.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the cross-sectional shape of the glue avoidance groove is V-shaped, rectangular, or arc-shaped.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the cover plate is cube-shaped, and the projection shape of the cover plate in the XY plane corresponds to the projection shape of the high step surface in the XY plane.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the cross-sectional shape of the fiber positioning groove is V-shaped, isosceles trapezoidal, square, or arc-shaped.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the included angle between the high step surface and the first transition surface is an obtuse angle.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the included angle between the first transition surface and the low step surface is an obtuse angle.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber positioning grooves are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the optical fiber arrays, each optical fiber positioning groove extends along the X-axis, and the optical fiber positioning grooves are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber avoidance groove is quadrilateral or circular, and the optical fiber array and the optical fiber avoidance groove are not in contact.

[0016] The utility model also discloses an optical module, which comprises an optical fiber array structure.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, two optical fiber array structures and an MT head are included, and each optical fiber array structure is connected to the MT head.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the utility model are as follows: the utility model significantly improves the reliability, performance stability and production efficiency of the optical fiber array through the innovative structural design. First, the utility model adopts the design of the high step surface, the first transition surface and the low step surface, which ensures the precise positioning of the optical fiber array while enhancing the stability of the overall structure. The optical fiber positioning groove on the high step surface ensures the precise arrangement of the optical fiber array, while the pressure cover on the low step surface further fixes the optical fiber array, forming a double protection mechanism.

[0019] The utility model sets a glue avoidance groove extending along the Y axis on the low step surface, which effectively improves the stress distribution between different glue layers and reduces the risk of stress concentration caused by differences in glue expansion coefficients. The glue avoidance groove not only improves the stress distribution, but also provides a good filling space for the third glue layer, which can disperse the stress more evenly and further improve the overall stability of the structure. This design optimizes the glue distribution and stress management, making the optical fiber array structure more adaptable when facing environmental factors such as temperature changes, and effectively reducing the risk of cracking of optical fibers or glass V grooves during environmental changes.

[0020] In terms of manufacturing flexibility, the utility model provides a variety of optional structural designs, such as different shapes of glue avoidance grooves and optical fiber positioning grooves, so that manufacturers can choose the most suitable structural form according to specific needs and production conditions. This flexibility not only improves manufacturing efficiency, but also helps to maintain the high-precision arrangement of the optical fiber array, ensuring efficient transmission of optical signals and minimizing losses.

[0021] The utility model also significantly improves production efficiency and product quality through innovative assembly methods. First, the 250um optical fiber is placed in the groove structure of the rear cover plate and fixed in advance. This design allows the optical fiber to be placed directly, greatly improving assembly efficiency. Subsequently, the four optical fibers are reversely placed in the groove area of ​​the V-groove as a whole, avoiding the risk of damage caused by moving the optical fiber, and achieving all optical fibers falling into the groove at one time, which is not only efficient, but also has a high yield, significantly improving product reliability.

[0022] In terms of glue filling, the utility model adopts the method of injecting glue from the front end of the front cover plate, combined with the designed chamfer positioning, so that the injection positioning is more accurate and the glue filling is fuller. The small groove design at the tail cleverly avoids the direct contact of the two UV glues, further improving the reliability of the product. In addition, the rear cover plate completely wraps the pigtail and is bonded by glue, so that the pigtail is better protected, significantly improving the product's optical fiber's ability to resist lateral pulling, and effectively reducing the risk of optical fiber breakage at the product application end.

[0023] Through structural optimization and innovative assembly methods, the utility model not only improves the structural stability and environmental adaptability of the optical fiber array, but also significantly improves production efficiency and product quality. These improvements work together to extend the service life of the entire optical module, providing important technical support for the development of high-quality optical communication systems. At the same time, the design of the utility model also improves the integration of the optical module, which is conducive to the realization of a more compact and efficient optical communication system, laying a solid foundation for the advancement of future optical communication technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber array in the prior art;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber array structure of the utility model

[0027] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber positioning groove of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the new glue avoidance slot of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the optical module device of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the FA head structure of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of an optical module device of the present utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model more clear, the utility model is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described here are only used to explain the utility model and are not used to limit the utility model.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] like Figure 2-4 As shown, this embodiment discloses a fiber array structure, and its structural design is intended to improve the stability, reliability and assembly efficiency of the fiber array. The fiber array structure mainly includes three main parts: a substrate 1, a cover plate 2 and a fiber array 3. Through a carefully designed structure and a glue layer configuration, the optical fiber is precisely positioned and firmly fixed.

[0035] The substrate 1 is the foundation of the entire structure, and its design embodies multi-level structural features. The substrate 1 includes three main parts: a high step surface 1.1, a first transition surface 1.2, and a low step surface 1.3. This stepped design not only provides different functional areas, but also helps to optimize stress distribution. The angle between the high step surface 1.1 and the first transition surface 1.2 is designed to be an obtuse angle, and similarly, the angle between the first transition surface 1.2 and the low step surface 1.3 is also an obtuse angle. This obtuse angle design effectively reduces stress concentration and improves the overall stability of the structure. It is particularly noteworthy that the first transition surface 1.2 and the low step surface 1.3 together form a Z-shaped structure, which further optimizes the stress distribution and enhances the structure's ability to resist deformation.

[0036] On the high step surface 1.1, there are optical fiber positioning grooves 4 extending along the X-axis. These positioning grooves are designed to accurately position the optical fiber array 3 to ensure that each optical fiber can accurately fall into the predetermined position. The accuracy of the optical fiber positioning grooves 4 directly affects the transmission quality of the optical signal, so the processing accuracy thereof is extremely high.

[0037] The cover plate 2 is a key component for fixing the optical fiber array. It is fixedly connected to the high step surface 1.1 and the optical fiber array 3 through the first glue layer 7. The first glue layer 7 used here not only plays a bonding role, but also absorbs small stress changes to improve the stability of the overall structure.

[0038] A gland 5 is provided above the low step surface 1.3. The gland 5 is designed to further fix the optical fiber array and provide additional protection. The gland 5 is provided with optical fiber avoidance grooves 6 extending along the X-axis. The function of these avoidance grooves is to provide space for the optical fiber array 3 without directly contacting the optical fiber, so as to avoid unnecessary pressure on the optical fiber. The gland 5 is fixedly connected to the low step surface 1.3 and the optical fiber array 3 through another second glue layer 8, forming a stable whole.

[0039] An innovative point of this embodiment is the glue avoidance groove 9 provided on the low step surface 1.3. The glue avoidance groove 9 extends along the Y axis, wherein at least one side end surface partially overlaps with the first transition surface 1.2. The purpose of this design is to manage the interface between different glue layers and avoid stress concentration problems caused by differences in expansion coefficients of different glues. The glue avoidance groove 9 is located between the cover plate 2 and the gland 5, forming an independent area.

[0040] Finally, the area surrounded by the cover plate 2, the pressure cover 5 and the glue avoidance groove 9 is filled with a third glue layer 10. The function of this third glue layer 10 is to further seal the entire structure and provide additional protection and stability. Through this multi-layer glue design, not only the stability of the overall structure is enhanced, but also the stress distribution at the interface of different materials is effectively managed.

[0041] This embodiment not only improves the stability and reliability of the optical fiber array, but also facilitates assembly and production. The design of the entire structure fully considers stress management, precise positioning and environmental adaptability, and provides a reliable basic component for high-performance optical fiber communication systems.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] like Figure 2-4 Based on Example 1, this example further optimizes the various components of the optical fiber array structure to improve its performance and reliability.

[0044] The design of the glue avoidance groove 9 is further refined in this embodiment. The cross-sectional shape of the glue avoidance groove 9 adopts a V-shaped design. This V-shaped structure has multiple advantages: first, it can more effectively control the flow and distribution of glue and prevent the mutual penetration of glue between different areas; second, the V-shaped structure provides a larger surface area, which enhances the contact and adhesion with the glue; finally, this shape is conducive to the uniform dispersion of stress, further reducing the risk of stress concentration. It should be pointed out that the cross-sectional shape of the glue avoidance groove 9 is not limited to a V-shape, it can also be rectangular or arc-shaped.

[0045] The design of the cover plate 2 is also optimized. In this embodiment, the cover plate 2 adopts a cubic structure. This shape not only simplifies the manufacturing process, but also improves the overall stability of the structure. More importantly, the projection shape of the cover plate 2 in the XY plane corresponds to the projection shape of the high step surface 1.1 in the XY plane. This precise correspondence ensures that the cover plate 2 can completely cover the high step surface 1.1, maximally protecting the optical fiber array, while also facilitating precise positioning and assembly.

[0046] The design of the optical fiber positioning groove 4 is another key point of this embodiment. The cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber positioning groove 4 adopts a V-shaped shape. The V-shaped groove has the characteristic of self-centering, which can ensure that the optical fiber is automatically centered when placed, greatly improving the accuracy of optical fiber positioning. At the same time, the V-shaped groove can also reduce the contact area between the optical fiber and the groove wall, reducing friction and possible damage.

[0047] In terms of layout, the optical fiber positioning grooves 4 and the optical fiber array 3 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Each optical fiber positioning groove 4 extends along the X-axis. This design ensures that the optical fiber can be stably supported over the entire length. At the same time, the optical fiber positioning grooves 4 are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis. This arrangement not only facilitates the accurate placement of the optical fiber, but also facilitates the uniform dispersion of heat, reducing the impact of thermal stress on the optical fiber array. The cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber positioning groove 4 is not limited to the V-shape, and it can be a trapezoidal, square or arc shape, etc.

[0048] The presence of the optical fiber avoidance groove 6 allows the optical fiber of the light array to be directly placed into the optical fiber avoidance groove 6 when assembling the light array, and the assembly efficiency is high. Then the optical fiber of the light array is reversely placed in the optical fiber positioning groove 4 of the substrate 1 as a whole to avoid damage caused by the movement of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is all placed in the groove at one time, which has high efficiency, high yield, and good product reliability. At the same time, after the optical fiber avoidance groove 6 completely wraps the pigtail, the pigtail is better protected by glue bonding, and the product optical fiber's ability to resist lateral pulling is improved, reducing the risk of optical fiber breakage at the product application end, and better reliability. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber avoidance groove 6 adopts an isosceles trapezoid. This design has many advantages over a simple rectangle or V-shape. First, the upper part of the isosceles trapezoid is wider, which is convenient for the placement of the optical fiber; secondly, the narrow bottom design reduces the contact area with the optical fiber, reduces friction and possible damage; finally, the bevel design is conducive to the uniform distribution of stress, further improving the stability of the structure.

[0049] Through the above optimized design, the optical fiber array structure of this embodiment has been improved in many aspects:

[0050] 1. Improved accuracy of optical fiber positioning: The V-shaped optical fiber positioning groove 4 ensures accurate placement and automatic centering of the optical fiber.

[0051] 2. Enhanced structural stability: The precise correspondence between the cover plate 2 and the high step surface 1.1, as well as the isosceles trapezoidal optical fiber avoidance groove 6 design, are helpful to improve the stability of the overall structure.

[0052] 3. Optimized stress distribution: The V-shaped glue avoidance groove 9 and the isosceles trapezoidal optical fiber avoidance groove 6 design effectively disperse and evenly distribute the stress in the structure.

[0053] 4. Improved assembly efficiency: The careful design of each component makes the assembly process simpler and more intuitive, which is conducive to improving production efficiency.

[0054] 5. Enhanced environmental adaptability: The optimized structural design enables the entire fiber array to exhibit greater stability when facing environmental factors such as temperature changes.

[0055] Example 3

[0056] The steps of using the utility model are as follows:

[0057] 1. Fiber Preparation First, a portion of the outer coating of each optical fiber in the fiber array is stripped to form a bare fiber. This step is to better fix the optical fiber and achieve precise positioning in the future. The stripping length needs to be precisely controlled to ensure that the optical fiber can be correctly placed in the predetermined position in the subsequent steps.

[0058] 2. Fiber pre-fixation Place the prepared optical fibers in the grooves of the rear cover (i.e., the pressure cover 5 mentioned in Examples 1 and 2) in sequence. Pay attention to adjusting the position of the optical fiber so that the exposed fiber stripping port is flush with the cover or slightly retreated. This ensures that the optical fiber can be accurately aligned with the V-groove in subsequent steps. Then, apply the second UV glue in the groove to form a second glue layer 8 to fix the optical fiber. The important thing is that the glue only needs to cover the optical fiber and there is no need to fill the groove. This method of using glue in moderation can reduce the impact of excess glue on subsequent steps, while also saving materials.

[0059] 3. Positioning the optical fiber array: Place the optical fiber array that has been glued in the groove cover plate upside down in the V-groove of the substrate (i.e., the optical fiber positioning groove 4 mentioned in Examples 1 and 2). Operate carefully to ensure that the optical fiber falls completely into the groove area of ​​the V-groove. Use special assembly tools to align the cover plate with both sides of the V-groove. This step is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the overall structure. Then, use tweezers to gently push the groove cover plate so that its tail is flush with the tail end of the V-groove step. This step requires extra care to avoid any damage to the optical fiber.

[0060] 4. Front end cover installation and glue injection Use tweezers to place the front end flat cover (i.e., cover 2 mentioned in Examples 1 and 2) directly above the V-groove area. Also use assembly tools to ensure that the flat cover is aligned with both sides of the V-groove, and that the front end of the flat cover is aligned with the front end of the V-groove. This precise alignment is the key to ensuring the stability of the entire structure. Subsequently, use a glue dispensing needle to inject the first UV glue from the chamfered gap at the front end of the flat cover to form a first glue layer 7. This method of injecting glue from the front end can ensure that the glue is evenly distributed and avoid the formation of bubbles. After the glue is filled, UV curing and bonding is performed.

[0061] 5. Final fixation The last step is to fill the gap between the front flat plate cover and the rear groove cover with acrylic glue to form a third glue layer 10. This step firmly bonds the groove cover to the V groove to form a stable overall structure. The use of acrylic glue can further enhance the stability and sealing of the structure.

[0062] Through this carefully designed assembly method, the optical fiber array structure of the utility model can achieve the following advantages:

[0063] 1. High-precision positioning: Each step emphasizes precise alignment to ensure the accurate positioning of the optical fiber in the V-groove.

[0064] 2. Stable and reliable: Multi-step and multiple glue usage methods ensure the stability and reliability of the structure.

[0065] 3. Reduce fiber damage: By pre-fixing the optical fiber in the groove, the number of times the optical fiber is directly handled is reduced, reducing the risk of damage.

[0066] 4. Optimize glue distribution: The method of injecting glue from the front end ensures uniform distribution of glue and avoids the generation of bubbles.

[0067] 5. Improve assembly efficiency: Clear step-by-step instructions and the use of special tools improve assembly efficiency and consistency.

[0068] 6. Enhanced environmental adaptability: The multi-level fixing method makes the entire structure more stable when facing environmental factors such as temperature changes.

[0069] The assembly method of the utility model not only ensures the high quality of the optical fiber array structure, but also improves the production efficiency and provides the possibility for large-scale production. At the same time, this method also has a certain flexibility and can be fine-tuned according to specific needs to adapt to different application scenarios.

[0070] It should be understood that the size of the serial numbers of the steps in the above embodiments does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0071] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or changes based on the above description, and all these improvements and changes should fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the utility model.

Claims

1. An optical fiber array structure, comprising a substrate (1), a cover plate (2) and an optical fiber array (3), wherein the substrate (1) comprises a high step surface (1.1), a first transition surface (1.2) and a low step surface (1.3), the high step surface (1.1) is provided with an optical fiber positioning groove (4) extending along the X-axis direction and used for positioning the optical fiber array (3), the cover plate (2) is fixedly connected to the high step surface (1.1) and the optical fiber array (3) through a first glue layer (7), characterized in that: A pressure cover (5) is arranged above the low step surface (1.3), and a fiber avoidance groove (6) is arranged on the pressure cover (5) and is arranged to extend along the X-axis direction and is used to avoid the fiber array (3). The pressure cover (5) is fixedly connected to the low step surface (1.3) and the fiber array (3) through a second glue layer (8), and a glue avoidance groove (9) is arranged on the low step surface (1.3) and is extended along the Y-axis direction. At least one side end face of the glue avoidance groove (9) partially overlaps with the first transition surface (1.2). The glue avoidance groove (9) is located between the cover plate (2) and the pressure cover (5), and the area surrounded by the cover plate (2), the pressure cover (5) and the glue avoidance groove (9) is filled with a third glue layer (10).

2. The optical fiber array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the glue avoiding groove (9) is V-shaped, rectangular or arc-shaped.

3. The optical fiber array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover plate (2) is in a cubic shape, and the projection shape of the cover plate (2) in the XY screen plane corresponds to the projection shape of the high step surface (1.1) in the XY screen plane.

4. The optical fiber array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber positioning groove (4) is V-shaped, isosceles trapezoidal, square or circular arc.

5. The optical fiber array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The included angle between the high step surface (1.1) and the first transition surface (1.2) is an obtuse angle.

6. The optical fiber array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle between the first transition surface (1.2) and the low step surface (1.3) is an obtuse angle.

7. The optical fiber array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical fiber positioning grooves (4) are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the optical fiber arrays (3); each optical fiber positioning groove (4) extends along the X-axis; and the optical fiber positioning grooves (4) are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis.

8. The optical fiber array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber avoidance groove (6) is a quadrilateral or a circle, and the optical fiber array (3) and the optical fiber avoidance groove (6) are not in contact.

9. An optical module, characterized in that: Comprising the optical fiber array structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The optical module according to claim 9, characterized in that: It includes two optical fiber array structures and an MT head, and each optical fiber array structure is connected to the MT head.

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