Waterproof sealed optical module

Abstract

The waterproof sealed optical module comprises a shell and a circuit board, the circuit board is arranged in the shell, the shell comprises a bottom box and an upper cover, one end of the bottom box is provided with an opening, the other end of the bottom box is provided with a wire outlet, one end of the circuit board is connected with a light source assembly, and the light source assembly is connected with an optical fiber pigtail through an optical fiber patch cord. A fixing groove is formed in the end, close to the light source assembly, of the bottom box, and a positioning bayonet is formed between the fixing groove and the wire outlet; the area between the opening and the wire outlet of the shell is a waterproof isolation area, glue is injected into the waterproof isolation area, and a waterproof module is formed after the glue is cured. According to the waterproof sealed optical module of the utility model, the waterproof function of the optical module is realized by integrally performing waterproof treatment on the area except the golden finger in the shell, the waterproof sealed optical module can be applied to a liquid heat dissipation environment, the heat dissipation effect is better, and meanwhile, interaction and service communication with a user mainboard can be normally performed; and the application bottleneck that the optical module can only be used in an air environment is broken through.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of optical communication, and particularly relates to an optical module with waterproof and sealing functions. Background Art

[0002] In traditional switches / servers, fans are used to circulate air for heat dissipation. With the increasing volume of network communication traffic, higher communication rates, higher channel densities, and improved integration, heat dissipation performance needs to be continuously improved. The thermal conductivity of static air is approximately 0.026 W / (m·K). To increase the thermal conductivity efficiency, it is necessary to increase the speed of air circulation, but this will result in high energy consumption.

[0003] To reduce the energy consumption of operation and maintenance and improve the heat dissipation efficiency, the optical communication industry has a trend of using refrigerants to dissipate heat for communication equipment. The thermal conductivity of liquids is several times higher than that of air (for example, the thermal conductivity of water is 0.6 W / (m·K), which is 24 times that of air). Using better thermal conductivity fluorinated liquids will result in higher thermal conductivity, which can further reduce the maintenance energy consumption and improve the heat cycle.

[0004] As a core component in optical communication - the optical module, the addition of waterproof functions has emerged as the times require. Current optical modules are all used in an air environment and cannot support the above - mentioned industry trend of liquid cooling. Forcing the use of current optical modules will result in problems such as PCBA failures, optical device failures, water ingress, optical path contamination, and short - circuits. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present utility model is to provide an optical module with waterproof and sealing functions to solve the problems mentioned in the background art and overcome the deficiencies in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] An optical module with waterproof and sealing functions includes a housing and a circuit board. The circuit board is disposed inside the housing. The housing includes a bottom box and an upper cover. One end of the bottom box is provided with an opening, and the other end of the bottom box is provided with an outlet. One end of the circuit board is connected to a light source assembly. The light source assembly is connected to an optical fiber pigtail through an optical fiber jumper. A fixing groove is provided at one end of the bottom box near the light source assembly. A positioning bayonet is provided between the fixing groove and the outlet. The area between the opening and the outlet of the housing is a waterproof isolation area. Plastic glue is injected into the waterproof isolation area, and after the glue cures, a waterproof module is formed.

[0008] Preferably, the light source assembly includes an LC interface, a part of the LC interface is embedded in the fixing groove, and the positioning bayonet is used for positioning and fixing the fiber optic jumper. Glue is applied in the fixing groove and on the positioning bayonet and then UV cured. The glue used for applying is UV613 glue.

[0009] Preferably, when injecting plastic glue into the waterproof isolation area, the height of the glue is higher than that of the circuit board and the light source assembly. Specifically, the height of the glue is 0.5 mm - 1.0 mm higher.

[0010] Preferably, the other end of the circuit board is provided with a gold finger, and the part of the circuit board corresponding to the gold finger is located in the opening area.

[0011] Preferably, the fiber optic pigtail is connected to a fiber optic connector, the fiber optic connector is arranged outside the housing, and the length of the fiber optic pigtail is greater than 5 m.

[0012] Preferably, the light source assembly includes an optical transmitting connector and an optical receiving connector. The LC interface includes an optical transmitting LC interface and an optical receiving LC interface. The optical transmitting LC interface is connected to the optical transmitting connector, and the optical receiving LC interface is connected to the optical receiving connector.

[0013] Preferably, the fixing groove includes a first fixing groove and a second fixing groove, the fiber optic jumper includes a first fiber optic jumper and a second fiber optic jumper, the positioning bayonet includes a first positioning bayonet and a second positioning bayonet. The optical transmitting LC interface is embedded in the first fixing groove and connected to the first fiber optic jumper, and the first positioning bayonet positions and fixes the first fiber optic jumper. The optical receiving LC interface is embedded in the second fixing groove and connected to the second fiber optic jumper, and the second positioning bayonet positions and fixes the second fiber optic jumper.

[0014] Preferably, the fiber optic connector includes a first fiber optic connector and a second fiber optic connector. Both the first fiber optic jumper and the second fiber optic jumper are connected to one end of the fiber optic pigtail, and the other end of the fiber optic pigtail is respectively connected to the first fiber optic connector and the second fiber optic connector.

[0015] Preferably, the upper cover covers the bottom box, and the upper cover and the bottom box are fixed by fixing parts.

[0016] Therefore, the utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] A waterproof and sealed optical module of the present utility model realizes the waterproof function of the optical module by performing overall waterproofing on the area inside the housing except for the gold fingers. It can be applied to an environment with liquid cooling, has a better heat dissipation effect, and can interact and conduct business communication with the user's mainboard normally, breaking through the application bottleneck that the optical module can only be used in an air environment.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the present utility model will be given in part in the following description, become apparent in part from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the present utility model. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present utility model will become apparent and be readily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the optical module of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the optical module of the present utility model from another perspective;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module of the present utility model after hiding the upper cover;

[0023] Figure 4 is a partial schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module of the present utility model after hiding the waterproof module;

[0024] Figure 5 A partial front view of the optical module of the present utility model after hiding the waterproof module;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the bottom box structure of the optical module of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 is an axonometric view of the back of the optical module of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the housing of the optical module of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the waterproof module formed by an injection molding process inside the housing of the optical module in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 10 is the test transmitting end eye diagram of the optical module in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0030] In the figure: 1, bottom case; 2, upper cover; 3, circuit board; 4, opening; 5, wire outlet; 6, gold finger; 7, fiber optic pigtail; 8, optical transmitter connector; 9, optical receiver connector; 10, optical transmitter LC interface; 11, optical receiver LC interface; 12, first fixing groove; 13, second fixing groove; 14, first fiber optic jumper; 15, second fiber optic jumper; 16, first positioning bayonet; 17, second positioning bayonet; 18, first fiber optic connector; 19, second fiber optic connector; 20, fixing member; 21, waterproof isolation area; 22, waterproof module; 23, wire outlet head. Detailed implementation mode

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions from beginning to end. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present invention, but should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0032] As Figures 1-9 shown, a waterproof and sealed optical module includes a housing and a circuit board 3. The circuit board 3 is arranged inside the housing. The housing includes a bottom case 1 and an upper cover 2. One end of the bottom case 1 is provided with an opening 4, and the other end of the bottom case 1 is provided with a wire outlet 5. One end of the circuit board 3 is connected with a light source component. The light source component is connected to the fiber optic pigtail 7 through a fiber optic jumper. One end of the bottom case 1 near the light source component is provided with a fixing groove, and a positioning bayonet is arranged between the fixing groove and the wire outlet 5. The area between the opening 4 and the wire outlet 5 of the housing is a waterproof isolation area 21, and plastic glue is injected into the waterproof isolation area 21. After the glue is cured, a waterproof module 22 is formed.

[0033] A waterproof and sealed optical module of the present utility model realizes the waterproof function of the optical module, can be applied to the environment of liquid cooling, has better heat dissipation effect, and at the same time interacts and conducts business communication with the user main board normally, breaking through the application bottleneck that the optical module can only be used in the air environment.

[0034] It can be understood that the circuit board 3 can be a PCB, and a circuit composed of several electronic devices and connecting wires is integrated on the circuit board 3 so that the circuit board 3 can support the optical module to realize various functions.

[0035] As an implementation mode, several functional circuits such as a voltage sampling circuit, an MCU circuit, a voltage conversion circuit, and a soft start circuit can be arranged on the circuit board 3 to realize the basic functions of the optical module. Each circuit part of the optical module belongs to the existing mature technology, and the present utility model will not elaborate on it here.

[0036] As Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, specifically, the circuit board 3 and the waterproof module 22 are arranged inside the housing. The housing includes a bottom box 1 and an upper cover 2 to protect the circuit board 3.

[0037] As Figure 4 shown, the light source assembly is arranged on the circuit board 3. More specifically, it is arranged on the upper surface of the circuit board 3. The light source assembly includes a connector and an LC interface. The connector is fixed at one end of the circuit board 3, and the gold finger 6 is located at the other end of the circuit board 3 far from the connector.

[0038] The connector is fixed on the circuit board 3. Specifically, the connector can be fixed on the circuit board 3 by welding, or by bonding, or can be plugged on the circuit board 3 through a pin and socket arrangement.

[0039] As Figure 6 shown, an opening 4 is provided at the junction of the bottom surface and the side surface at the left end of the bottom box 1. This opening 4 can be used to connect the gold finger 6 on the circuit board 3 to other external devices or circuits.

[0040] As Figure 5 shown, the area between the right of the opening 4 on the left side inside the housing and the left of the outlet 5 on the right side is defined as the waterproof isolation area 21. The waterproof module 22 is filled in the waterproof isolation area 21. The waterproof module 22 is formed by injecting plastic glue into the waterproof isolation area 21 and curing it.

[0041] For the optical module of the present utility model, by waterproofing the entire area inside the housing except for the gold finger 6, the waterproof function of the optical module is achieved. It can be applied in an environment with liquid cooling, with better heat dissipation effect. At the same time, it can interact and conduct business communication with the user's main board normally, breaking through the application bottleneck that the optical module can only be used in an air environment.

[0042] Further, the light source assembly includes an LC interface. The LC interface is partially embedded in the fixing groove. The positioning bayonet is used to position and fix the fiber optic jumper. Glue is applied in the fixing groove and on the positioning bayonet and then UV cured. The glue for applying is UV613 glue.

[0043] Applying glue in the fixing groove and on the positioning bayonet and then UV curing is to seal the gaps at these connection parts to prevent subsequent injection plastic from penetrating in and affecting the optical path. UV613 glue, as a kind of UV glue, is colorless and transparent after curing, with a light transmittance usually greater than 90%, and has good weather resistance after curing, is not easy to turn yellow, can maintain long-term stability, and will not affect the optical path.

[0044] Further, when injecting plastic glue into the waterproof isolation area 21, the height of the glue is higher than that of the circuit board 3 and the light source assembly. Specifically, the height of the glue is 0.5 mm - 1.0 mm higher.

[0045] As an implementation manner, the height of the waterproof material is 0.5 mm higher than the top of the component.

[0046] As an implementation manner, the height of the waterproof material is 0.8 mm higher than the top of the component.

[0047] As an implementation manner, the height of the waterproof material is 1.0 mm higher than the top of the component.

[0048] The height of the waterproof material being more than 0.5 mm higher than the top of the component can effectively achieve the waterproof function of the optical module. However, the height of the waterproof material / waterproof module 22 / glue is not limited to the above examples. Any height of the waterproof material / waterproof module 22 / glue that can achieve the waterproof function of the optical module is within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0049] Further, the other end of the circuit board 3 is provided with a gold finger 6. The part of the circuit board 3 corresponding to the gold finger 6 is located in the opening 4 area, as Figure 7 shown.

[0050] In the optical module housing of the present utility model, waterproof design is made except for the area corresponding to the gold finger 6, enabling normal interaction and service communication with the user motherboard while achieving the waterproof function of the optical module.

[0051] It can be understood that the gold finger 6 is composed of numerous golden conductive contacts, which is the electrical connection part between the user motherboard and the optical module, realizing functions such as power supply, high-speed electrical signal transceiver, low-speed I2C, and some I / O setting. The number of conductive contacts of the gold finger 6 can be designed selectively according to actual needs, and the present utility model does not make specific limitations on the number of conductive contacts of the gold finger 6.

[0052] Further, the fiber optic pigtail 7 is connected with a fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connector is arranged outside the housing, and the length of the fiber optic pigtail 7 is greater than or equal to 5 m.

[0053] As an implementation manner, the length of the fiber optic pigtail 7 is 5 m.

[0054] As an implementation manner, the length of the fiber optic pigtail 7 is 8 m.

[0055] As an implementation manner, the length of the fiber optic pigtail 7 is 10 m.

[0056] That is to say, the length of the fiber optic pigtail 7 can be designed selectively according to factors such as the specific application position of the optical module, environmental requirements, and signal transmission distance, and is not limited to the above lengths.

[0057] Further, the light source assembly includes an optical transmitting connector 8 and an optical receiving connector 9. The LC interface includes an optical transmitting LC interface 10 and an optical receiving LC interface 11. The optical transmitting LC interface 10 is connected to the optical transmitting connector 8, and the optical receiving LC interface 11 is connected to the optical receiving connector 9.

[0058] It can be understood that the light source assembly includes an optical transmitting end and an optical receiving end. The optical transmitting connector 8 at the optical transmitting end is used to couple the first fiber optic jumper 14 and transmit light into the optical link. The optical receiving connector 9 at the optical receiving end is used to couple the second fiber optic jumper 15 and transmit the optical signal in the optical link to the receiving end of the module.

[0059] As Figure 4 and Figure 6 shown, further, the fixing slots include a first fixing slot 12 and a second fixing slot 13. The fiber optic jumpers include a first fiber optic jumper 14 and a second fiber optic jumper 15. The positioning bayonets include a first positioning bayonet 16 and a second positioning bayonet 17. The optical transmitting LC interface 10 is embedded in the first fixing slot 12 and connected to the first fiber optic jumper 14. The first positioning bayonet 16 positions and fixes the first fiber optic jumper 14. The optical receiving LC interface 11 is embedded in the second fixing slot 13 and connected to the second fiber optic jumper 15. The second positioning bayonet 17 positions and fixes the second fiber optic jumper 15.

[0060] Specifically, as Figure 6 shown, the first fixing slot 12, the second fixing slot 13, the first positioning bayonet 16 and the second positioning bayonet 17 are all fixedly provided on the bottom box 1. The first fixing slot 12 and the second fixing slot 13 respectively play a role in fixing and limiting the optical transmitting LC interface 10 and the optical receiving LC interface 11. The first positioning bayonet 16 and the second positioning bayonet 17 respectively play a role in fixing and limiting the first fiber optic jumper 14 and the second fiber optic jumper 15, ensuring the stable connection between the jumper ferrule and the LC.

[0061] As an implementation manner, the first fixing slot 12, the second fixing slot 13, the first positioning bayonet 16 and the second positioning bayonet 17 are integrally formed with the bottom box 1.

[0062] As an implementation manner, the first fixing slot 12, the second fixing slot 13, the first positioning bayonet 16 and the second positioning bayonet 17 are separate from the bottom box 1, and are respectively fixed together by welding after being produced and manufactured through corresponding processes.

[0063] Further, the fiber optic connector includes a first fiber optic connector 18 and a second fiber optic connector 19. Both the first fiber optic jumper 14 and the second fiber optic jumper 15 are connected to one end of the fiber optic pigtail 7. The other end of the fiber optic pigtail 7 is respectively connected to the first fiber optic connector 18 and the second fiber optic connector 19.

[0064] It should be noted that the number of light source components of the present utility model can also be multiple, that is, the optical module of the present utility model can be multi-channel output and reception, and the multi-channel output and reception signals can be the same or different. Correspondingly, the number of the first fixing groove 12, the second fixing groove 13, the first optical fiber jumper 14, the second optical fiber jumper 15, the first positioning bayonet 16, the second positioning bayonet 17, the first optical fiber connector 18, and the second optical fiber connector 19 also increases with the increase in the number of light source components.

[0065] Furthermore, the upper cover 2 is covered on the bottom box 1, and the upper cover 2 and the bottom box 1 are fixed by a fixing member 20.

[0066] As Figure 8 shown, the fixing member 20 is arranged around the upper cover 2 and the bottom box 1 for one week to tightly fasten the upper cover 2 and the bottom box 1 together.

[0067] As an implementation manner, waterproof glue is filled in the gap where the upper cover 2 and the bottom box 1 are in contact.

[0068] As an implementation manner, a rubber sealing ring is provided in the gap where the upper cover 2 and the bottom box 1 are in contact.

[0069] As shown in the figure, a wire outlet head 23 is provided at the wire outlet 5 of the bottom box 1. The wire outlet head 23 has a certain hardness and can protect the optical fiber at the wire outlet 5.

[0070] This embodiment provides a waterproof process / method for a waterproof and sealed optical module. The waterproof module 22 adopts an injection molding process, and the specific process is as follows:

[0071] First, assemble each part of the optical module and install it into the above-mentioned structural parts. Apply a certain amount of glue to the inside of the fixing grooves (the first fixing groove 12 and the second fixing groove 13) and the positioning bayonets (the first positioning bayonet 16 and the second positioning bayonet), and perform UV curing. Then, place the optical module horizontally, block the gold finger 6 part and the wire outlet 5, and form a waterproof isolation area 21 in the middle. Inject plastic glue into the waterproof isolation area 21 so that the glue surface is 0.5 mm - 1.0 mm higher than the circuit board 3 and the light source component, and cure the injected plastic glue to complete the waterproof process of the optical module. The waterproof module formed in the optical module housing is as Figure 9 shown.

[0072] Specifically, applying a certain amount of glue to the inside of the fixing grooves and the positioning bayonets means the amount of glue that can fill the gaps between the fixing grooves and the LC interfaces and between the positioning bayonets and the optical fiber jumpers. The glue used is UV613 glue.

[0073] The optical module of the present utility model is tested, and the test contents and results are shown in Table 1.

[0074] Table 1 Test Results of Waterproof and Sealed Optical Modules

[0075]

[0076] The key indicators of the transceiver of the waterproof and sealed optical module of the present utility model are tested. From the test results of the above test objects, it can be seen that the optical module of the present utility model supports working in the refrigerating liquid, and all the optoelectronic indicators and the transmitted optical power are normal. At the same time, the high-speed performance such as the eye diagram and sensitivity and other indicators are also normal, as Figure 10 shown, meeting the industry indicator requirements and having sufficient margin.

[0077] The optical module of the present utility model innovatively develops a waterproof function. By adopting a waterproof process, the waterproof function of the optical module is realized, and at the same time, it can interact and conduct business communication with the user main board normally. It breaks through the application bottleneck that the optical module can only be used in the air environment, and the waterproof depth can reach 10m.

[0078] In the description of this specification, the descriptions with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples", etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0079] It is not difficult for those skilled in the art to understand that the present invention includes any combination of the above-mentioned invention content and the specific implementation part of the specification and each part shown in the drawings. Due to space limitations and to make the specification concise, the various solutions formed by these combinations are not described one by one. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0080] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make changes, modifications, replacements, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principle and purpose of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A waterproof and sealed optical module, characterized in that: It comprises a shell and a circuit board, wherein the circuit board is arranged in the shell, the shell comprises a bottom box and an upper cover, one end of the bottom box is provided with an opening, the other end of the bottom box is provided with a wire outlet, one end of the circuit board is connected with a light source assembly, the light source assembly is connected with a fiber pigtail through an optical fiber jumper, a fixing groove is provided on one end of the bottom box close to the light source assembly, and a positioning bayonet is provided between the fixing groove and the wire outlet; The area between the opening of the shell and the wire outlet is a waterproof isolation area, and a waterproof module is arranged in the waterproof isolation area. The waterproof module is formed by curing glue.

2. A waterproof and sealed optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source assembly includes an LC interface, and the LC interface portion is embedded in the fixing groove. The positioning bayonet is used to position and fix the optical fiber jumper. Glue is dispensed in the fixing groove and on the positioning bayonet and UV cured. The glue dispensed is UV613 glue.

3. The waterproof and sealed optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the glue of the waterproof module is higher than the height of the circuit board and the light source assembly. Specifically, the height of the glue is 0.5 mm-1.0 mm higher.

4. The waterproof and sealed optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gold finger is arranged at the other end of the circuit board, and the circuit board portion corresponding to the gold finger is located in the opening area.

5. The waterproof and sealed optical module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The optical fiber pigtail is connected to an optical fiber connector, the optical fiber connector is arranged outside the shell, and the length of the optical fiber pigtail is greater than 5m.

6. The waterproof and sealed optical module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The light source assembly includes a light transmitting connector and a light receiving connector, and the LC interface includes a light transmitting LC interface and a light receiving LC interface, the light transmitting LC interface is connected to the light transmitting connector, and the light receiving LC interface is connected to the light receiving connector.

7. The waterproof and sealed optical module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fixing groove includes a first fixing groove and a second fixing groove, the optical fiber jumper includes a first optical fiber jumper and a second optical fiber jumper, the positioning bayonet includes a first positioning bayonet and a second positioning bayonet, the optical transmission LC interface is embedded in the first fixing groove and connected to the first optical fiber jumper, the first positioning bayonet positions and fixes the first optical fiber jumper, the optical receiving LC interface is embedded in the second fixing groove and connected to the second optical fiber jumper, and the second positioning bayonet positions and fixes the second optical fiber jumper.

8. The waterproof and sealed optical module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The optical fiber connector includes a first optical fiber connector and a second optical fiber connector. The first optical fiber jumper and the second optical fiber jumper are both connected to one end of the optical fiber pigtail, and the other end of the optical fiber pigtail is respectively connected to the first optical fiber connector and the second optical fiber connector.

9. A waterproof and sealed optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The upper cover is covered on the bottom box, and the upper cover and the bottom box are fixed by a fixing piece.

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