Optical module

Abstract

The utility model provides an optical module, and relates to the technical field of optical fiber communication. The optical module comprises a circuit board, a component arranged on the circuit board and a protection cover plate, the protection cover plate surrounds and covers the component, the protection cover plate comprises a metal protection plate connected with the circuit board and a perspective protection plate connected with the metal protection plate, the metal protection plate is provided with a first end and a second end which are opposite to each other in the direction perpendicular to the circuit board, and the first end and the second end are connected with the perspective protection plate. The first end is connected with the circuit board, the second end is connected with the perspective protection plate, and at least part of the perspective protection plate is made of light-transmitting materials. According to the optical module, the metal protection plate and the perspective protection plate are combined together, and the metal protection plate has the advantage of wall thickness and can be arranged at a position with compact layout or a position needing to save space. The perspective protection plate has the perspective advantage and can be arranged at a position needing visual inspection or a position with a large space. According to the optical module, the space can be saved, and meanwhile, a user can clearly and visually inspect internal components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, and in particular to an optical module. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the scale of the global cloud computing data center market has continued to expand, 5G telecommunications network construction has been fully launched, and the market demand for high-speed optical modules has also been increasing day by day. Various series of product types have been launched one after another to provide customers in cloud computing data centers, wireless access, and transmission fields with the best optical module solutions.

[0003] The protective cover commonly used within optical modules plays a crucial role. It protects the chip from damage during the manufacturing process while also ensuring the module's airtightness. Currently, there are two main types of protective covers. Non-metallic covers, primarily plastic, offer high light transmittance, facilitating visual inspection of internal chips, components, and wires after encapsulation. However, these covers require sufficient wall thickness to ensure strength, typically ranging from 0.6 to 6.0 mm, and occupy a significant amount of space. Metal covers offer heat and corrosion resistance and can be formed by stamping or drawing. Due to their inherent rigidity, metal covers typically have thinner walls, typically ranging from 0.4 to 3 mm. However, metal covers are opaque, making visual inspection of internal chips, components, and wires impossible after encapsulation. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to address the deficiencies in the above-mentioned prior art and provide an optical module that can save space while allowing users to clearly and intuitively inspect internal components.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of the present application are as follows:

[0006] An embodiment of the present application provides an optical module, including: a circuit board, components arranged on the circuit board, and a protective cover plate, the protective cover plate is arranged around the components, the protective cover plate includes a metal protective plate connected to the circuit board and a transparent protective plate connected to the metal protective plate, the metal protective plate has a first end and a second end relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the circuit board, the first end is connected to the circuit board, and the second end is connected to the transparent protective plate, and the transparent protective plate is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material.

[0007] Optionally, a connecting hole is provided near the second end of the metal protective plate, and the perspective protective plate has a perspective frame, through which the perspective protective plate is connected to the metal protective plate; when the perspective frame is connected to the metal protective plate, the portion of the metal protective plate with the connecting hole is embedded in the perspective frame of the perspective protective plate, and the perspective frame covers the connecting hole.

[0008] Optionally, there are multiple connection holes, and the multiple connection holes are spaced apart and distributed on the metal protective plate in a direction parallel to the circuit board.

[0009] Optionally, the perspective protection plate has a perspective frame, and the perspective protection plate is connected to the metal protection plate through the perspective frame; the metal protection plate is ring-shaped, and the perspective frame is also ring-shaped.

[0010] Optionally, the perspective protection plate further includes a perspective plate, which is vertically connected to the perspective frame and seals a side of the perspective frame away from the metal protection plate.

[0011] Optionally, the metal protective plate is provided with an opening perpendicular to the side of the circuit board, and the perspective protective plate has a perspective frame, and the perspective protective plate is connected to the metal protective plate through the perspective frame; the perspective frame is divided into a first area and a second area connected to the first area, the first area is connected to the second end of the metal protective plate, the second area corresponds to the opening, and the second area is connected to the circuit board.

[0012] Optionally, the perspective protection plate further includes a perspective plate, which is vertically connected to the perspective frame and seals a side of the perspective frame away from the metal protection plate.

[0013] Optionally, the metal protective plate includes an annular metal frame and a metal plate that seals one side of the annular metal frame. The side of the annular metal frame away from the metal plate is connected to the circuit board. An observation port is provided on the metal plate, and the transparent protective plate is arranged at the observation port to seal the observation port.

[0014] Optionally, the perspective protection plate is at least partially made of plastic material.

[0015] Optionally, the metal protection plate and the circuit board are sealed and connected by welding, or the metal protection plate and the circuit board are sealed and connected by a dispensing glue layer.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this application include:

[0017] The present application provides an optical module comprising: a circuit board, components mounted on the circuit board, and a protective cover. The protective cover surrounds the components and includes a metal protective plate connected to the circuit board and a transparent protective plate connected to the metal protective plate. The metal protective plate has a first end and a second end perpendicular to the circuit board, the first end connected to the circuit board and the second end connected to the transparent protective plate. The transparent protective plate is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material. The optical module combines the metal protective plate and the transparent protective plate to protect the components on the circuit board. The metal protective plate has a thickness advantage over the transparent protective plate, allowing it to be installed in compact locations or where space is needed. The transparent protective plate has a transparent advantage over the metal protective plate, providing airtight protection while allowing workers to clearly and intuitively inspect the internal components. It can be installed in locations where visual inspection is required or where there is ample space. The combination of the metal protective plate and the transparent protective plate fully utilizes their respective characteristics, saving space while allowing users to clearly and intuitively inspect the internal components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0019] Figure 1 This is one of the structural diagrams of the optical module provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an optical module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the metal protection plate in the optical module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 The second structural diagram of the optical module provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 5 The third structural diagram of the optical module provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a fourth structural diagram of the optical module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 7 This is the second cross-sectional view of the optical module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Icons: 100-protective cover; 110-metal protective plate; 111-connecting hole; 112-opening; 113-annular metal frame; 114-metal plate; 115-observation port; 116-inner wall; 117-outer wall; 120-perspective protective plate; 121-perspective frame; 1211-first area; 1212-second area; 122-perspective plate; 200-circuit board; 300-optical module; 400-housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present application described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present application as claimed, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the various features of the embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other, and the combined embodiments are still within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0029] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or are the orientations or positional relationships in which the product of this application is typically placed when in use. These terms are intended only to facilitate the description of this application and simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] It should also be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] An embodiment of the present application provides an optical module 300. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The optical module 300 includes a circuit board 200, components (not shown) mounted on the circuit board 200, and a protective cover 100. The protective cover 100 surrounds the components and is taller than the components to fully cover them. The protective cover 100 covers the components, protecting them and ensuring the optical module 300 is airtight.

[0033] Specifically, the protective cover 100 includes a metal protective plate 110 and a transparent protective plate 120. The metal protective plate 110 has a first end and a second end perpendicular to the circuit board 200. The first end is connected to the circuit board 200, and the second end is connected to the transparent protective plate 120. The metal protective plate 110 surrounds the side of the component to provide protection. The transparent protective plate 120 is located on the side of the metal protective plate 110 away from the circuit board 200 and cooperates with the metal protective plate 110 to further protect the component.

[0034] The metal protection plate 110 is made of a metal material, and the metal material itself has a certain rigidity and can play a supporting role. When preparing the metal protection plate 110, the plate of the metal protection plate 110 only needs a smaller thickness to meet the requirements of the protective cover 100 of the optical module. The metal protection plate 110 can be set at a position where space needs to be saved. In addition, the metal protection plate 110 has a shielding function for the signal. When placed on the propagation path of the electromagnetic wave, it can also form a high impedance for part of the frequency band, which has a certain shielding and improvement effect on signal crosstalk. The material of the metal protection plate 110 is 304 stainless steel. 304 stainless steel has a certain rigidity and has the characteristics of heat resistance and corrosion resistance.

[0035] The perspective protective plate 120 is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material. The light-transmitting material has a high light transmittance, which facilitates visual inspection of the internal components after the protective cover 100 of the encapsulated optical module is packaged. For example, the material of at least part of the perspective protective plate 120 is a plastic material. Furthermore, the material of at least part of the perspective protective plate 120 is polyetherimide (PEI for short). This material has the advantages of high temperature resistance and high dimensional stability, as well as chemical resistance, flame retardancy and good electrical properties. This material also has high mechanical strength. Of course, the material of at least part of the perspective protective plate 120 can also be other light-transmitting materials such as PP (polypropylene).

[0036] In the above-mentioned optical module, the metal protection plate 110 and the perspective protection plate 120 are combined together to form a protective cover plate 100 to protect the components on the circuit board 200 of the optical module 300. Among them, the metal protection plate 110 has a wall thickness advantage compared to the perspective protection plate 120, and can be set in a position with a compact layout or a position where space needs to be saved. The perspective protection plate 120 has a perspective advantage compared to the metal protection plate 110. While achieving protection, it can enable the staff to clearly and intuitively see the internal components. It can be set in a position where visual inspection is required or a position with a larger space. The combination of the metal protection plate 110 and the perspective protection plate 120 gives full play to their respective characteristics, and can enable users to clearly and intuitively see the internal components while saving space.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the material of the perspective protective plate 120 is different from that of the metal protective plate 110, so their manufacturing methods are also different. Generally speaking, the metal protective plate 110 is formed by stamping or stretching, while the perspective protective plate 120 is formed by injection molding and connected to the metal protective plate 110. In order to enhance the bonding force between the perspective protective plate 120 and the metal protective plate 110 so that the two are effectively connected together, optionally, a connecting hole 111 is provided near the second end of the metal protective plate 110, and the perspective protective plate 120 has a perspective frame 121, and the perspective protective plate 120 is connected to the metal protective plate 110 through the perspective frame 121; when the perspective frame 121 is connected to the metal protective plate 110, the portion of the metal protective plate 110 with the connecting hole 111 is embedded in the perspective frame 121 of the perspective protective plate 120, and the perspective frame 121 covers the connecting hole 111. The perspective frame 121 will fill the connecting hole 111 during the injection molding process, thereby being more fully combined with the metal protective plate 110.

[0038] The connection hole 111 can be a through hole or a blind hole. However, given that the metal protective plate 110 is generally thin and a through hole can better enhance the bonding strength between the transparent protective plate 120 and the metal protective plate 110, in this embodiment, the connection hole 111 is a through hole. The connection hole 111 passes through the inner wall 116 and the outer wall 117 of the metal protective plate 110. The connection hole 111 can be any shape, such as a long strip or a circle. The size of the connection hole 111 is not limited and can be reasonably selected based on the size of the metal protective plate 110.

[0039] In order to further improve the bonding force between the perspective protection plate 120 and the metal protection plate 110 and make the connection between the two more stable and tight, optionally, there are multiple connection holes 111, and the multiple connection holes 111 are spaced apart on the metal protection plate 110 in a direction parallel to the circuit board 200.

[0040] The see-through frame 121 of the see-through protective plate 120 is filled with multiple connection holes 111, which can further improve the bonding strength between the see-through protective plate 120 and the metal protective plate 110. It is understood that the arrangement of the connection holes 111 should be based on ensuring the bonding strength while minimizing the strength of the metal protective plate 110 to avoid deformation and other undesirable conditions.

[0041] For example, the metal protective plate 110 is annular, and its cross-section parallel to the circuit board 200 is rectangular. The metal protective plate 110 has four sidewalls connected end to end, and the multiple connection holes 111 are evenly distributed on the four sidewalls in a direction parallel to the circuit board 200. Alternatively, the metal protective plate 110 is annular, and its cross-section parallel to the circuit board 200 is circular. The metal protective plate 110 has a single sidewall, and the multiple connection holes 111 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the sidewall.

[0042] Several embodiments of optional structures of the metal protection plate 110 and the transparent protection plate 120 are provided below.

[0043] Alternatively, see Figure 4 The perspective protection plate 120 has a perspective frame 121, and the perspective protection plate 120 is connected to the metal protection plate 110 through the perspective frame 121; the metal protection plate 110 is annular, and the perspective frame 121 is also annular.

[0044] The metal protection plate 110 surrounds the components in a circle, thereby protecting the components. The perspective frame 121 of the perspective protection plate 120 is connected to the second end of the metal protection plate 110 and also surrounds the components in a circle. The perspective frame 121 increases the height of the protective cover 100 to further protect the components. At the same time, the side of the perspective frame 121 away from the metal protection plate 110 is open, and the staff can see the components in the open position or through the perspective frame 121, which is more convenient for the staff to observe the components and can also save costs. At the same time, gas exchange with the outside world can also be carried out through the open position. When the optical module 300 has airtightness requirements, the open side of the perspective frame 121 can be glued to achieve sealing.

[0045] Furthermore, if Figure 2 As shown, the perspective protection plate 120 also has a perspective plate 122, which is vertically connected to the perspective frame 121 and seals the side of the perspective frame 121 away from the metal protection plate 110. In this way, the components are enclosed between the circuit board 200, the metal protection plate 110 and the perspective protection plate 120, which can better protect the components. The metal protection plate 110 and the circuit board 200 are welded or glued together to achieve airtightness and protection functions. The user can see the internal components through the perspective plate 122 and the perspective frame 121. The perspective frame 121 is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material, and the perspective plate 122 is also at least partially made of a light-transmitting material. The light-transmitting material can be a plastic material, such as polyetherimide, PP, etc.

[0046] Alternatively, see Figure 5 The metal protective plate 110 is provided with an opening 112 perpendicular to the side of the circuit board 200, and the perspective protective plate 120 has a perspective frame 121, and the perspective protective plate 120 is connected to the metal protective plate 110 through the perspective frame 121; the perspective frame 121 is divided into a first area 1211 and a second area 1212 connected to the first area 1211, the first area 1211 is connected to the second end of the metal protective plate 110, the second area 1212 corresponds to the opening 112, and the second area 1212 is connected to the circuit board 200.

[0047] The side wall of the metal protective plate 110 is not closed, and there is a disconnected area, which is the opening 112. Preferably, the opening 112 corresponds to the position on the side of the component that needs to be visually inspected. For example, the metal protective plate 110 is U-shaped, L-shaped or straight. The side wall of the perspective frame 121 is closed in a ring shape, but the height varies. The side wall of the perspective frame 121 fills the disconnected area of ​​the side wall of the metal protective plate 110 through the change in height. The opening 112 is provided on the metal protective plate 110 and filled by the perspective frame 121, which can further expand the observation range of the staff and provide convenience for the staff to observe the components. Specifically, the perspective frame 121 is divided into a first area 1211 and a second area 1212. The height of the first area 1211 is smaller and is connected to the metal protective plate 110. The height of the second area 1212 is higher and is connected to the circuit board 200 after filling the opening 112 on the side wall of the metal protective plate 110. When the see-through frame 121 is made of rubber, it has insulating properties. For locations with circuits on the circuit board 200, the second area 1212 of the see-through frame 121 can prevent short circuits on the circuit board 200. Therefore, if space permits, the number of second areas 1212 on the see-through frame 121 can be multiple and distributed based on the locations of the circuits on the circuit board 200.

[0048] When the optical module 300 does not require airtightness, the side of the see-through frame 121 facing away from the metal protective plate 110 can be left open. Users can view components in the open position or through the see-through frame 121, making it easier for staff to observe the components and saving costs. At the same time, the open position also allows for air exchange with the outside world. If the optical module 300 requires airtightness, the open side of the see-through frame 121 can be glued to achieve a seal. Alternatively, the see-through protective plate 120 further includes a see-through plate 122, which is perpendicularly connected to the see-through frame 121 and seals the side of the see-through frame 121 facing away from the metal protective plate 110. In this way, the components are enclosed between the circuit board 200, the metal protective plate 110, and the see-through protective plate 120, providing better protection for the components. Welding or dispensing glue between the metal protective plate 110 and the circuit board 200 can achieve airtightness and protective functions. Users can see the components inside through the see-through plate 122 and the see-through frame 121. The perspective frame 121 is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material, and the perspective plate 122 is also at least partially made of a light-transmitting material. The light-transmitting material may be a plastic material, such as polyetherimide, PP, etc.

[0049] Alternatively, see Figure 6The metal protective plate 110 includes an annular metal frame 113 and a metal plate 114 that seals one side of the annular metal frame 113. The side of the annular metal frame 113 away from the metal plate 114 is connected to the circuit board 200. The metal plate 114 is provided with an observation port 115. A transparent protective plate 120 is provided at the observation port 115 to seal the observation port 115. The user can see the internal components through the transparent protective plate 120 at the observation port 115.

[0050] Observation ports 115 are provided on the metal plate 114 at locations requiring visual inspection, and are sealed with a transparent protective plate 120. This provides airtight protection while allowing the user to clearly and intuitively inspect the internal components. In this embodiment, the majority of the protective cover 100 is the metal protective plate 110, with only the transparent protective plate 120 used in areas requiring visual inspection. This allows the overall thickness to be thinner, further conserving space.

[0051] Optionally, the metal protection plate 110 and the circuit board 200 are sealed and connected by welding, or the metal protection plate 110 and the circuit board 200 are sealed and connected by a dispensing glue layer.

[0052] A welding operation is performed on the outer edge of the contact area between the metal protective plate 110 and the circuit board 200, and the gap between the metal protective plate 110 and the circuit board 200 is covered with the weld, thereby achieving a connection and sealing between the metal protective plate 110 and the circuit board 200. Alternatively, a glue dispensing operation is performed on the outer edge of the contact area between the metal protective plate 110 and the circuit board 200, and the glue layer formed by the glue dispensing covers the gap between the metal protective plate 110 and the circuit board 200, thereby achieving a connection and sealing between the metal protective plate 110 and the circuit board 200.

[0053] Alternatively, see Figure 7 The optical module 300 further includes a housing 400 , in which the circuit board 200 and the protective cover 100 are both disposed. The housing 400 is used to protect the circuit board 200 , components on the circuit board 200 , and the protective cover 100 .

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An optical module, characterized in that: include: A circuit board, components arranged on the circuit board and a protective cover plate, the protective cover plate is arranged around the components, the protective cover plate includes a metal protective plate connected to the circuit board and a transparent protective plate connected to the metal protective plate, the metal protective plate has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the circuit board, the first end is connected to the circuit board, and the second end is connected to the transparent protective plate, and the transparent protective plate is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material.

2. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein The metal protective plate is provided with a connecting hole near the second end, and the perspective protective plate has a perspective frame, and the perspective protective plate is connected to the metal protective plate through the perspective frame; when the perspective frame is connected to the metal protective plate, the part of the metal protective plate with the connecting hole is embedded in the perspective frame of the perspective protective plate, and the perspective frame covers the connecting hole.

3. The optical module according to claim 2, wherein: There are multiple connection holes, and the multiple connection holes are spaced apart on the metal protection plate along a direction parallel to the circuit board.

4. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein The perspective protection plate has a perspective frame, and the perspective protection plate is connected to the metal protection plate through the perspective frame; the metal protection plate is annular, and the perspective frame is also annular.

5. The optical module according to claim 4, wherein: The perspective protection plate further comprises a perspective plate, which is vertically connected to the perspective frame and seals the perspective frame at a side away from the metal protection plate.

6. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: The metal protective plate is provided with an opening perpendicular to the side of the circuit board, and the perspective protective plate has a perspective frame, and the perspective protective plate is connected to the metal protective plate through the perspective frame; the perspective frame is divided into a first area and a second area connected to the first area, the first area is connected to the second end of the metal protective plate, the second area corresponds to the opening, and the second area is connected to the circuit board.

7. The optical module according to claim 6, wherein: The perspective protection plate further comprises a perspective plate, which is vertically connected to the perspective frame and seals the perspective frame at a side away from the metal protection plate.

8. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: The metal protective plate includes an annular metal frame and a metal plate that seals one side of the annular metal frame. The side of the annular metal frame away from the metal plate is connected to the circuit board. An observation port is provided on the metal plate, and the perspective protective plate is arranged at the observation port to seal the observation port.

9. The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The perspective protection plate is at least partially made of plastic material.

10. The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The metal protection plate and the circuit board are sealed and connected by welding, or the metal protection plate and the circuit board are sealed and connected by a glue dispensing layer.

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