Hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit

Abstract

The utility model provides a mixed outer diameter optical fiber array unit, which comprises a cover plate, a bottom plate and at least two kinds of optical fibers with different diameters, at least two kinds of positioning grooves with different groove widths are arranged between the cover plate and the bottom plate, and the variety number of the optical fibers is equal to the variety number of the positioning grooves; the positioning grooves comprise a first positioning groove and a second positioning groove which are different in groove width, the optical fibers comprise a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber which are different in diameter, the first optical fiber is arranged in the first positioning groove, the second optical fiber is arranged in the second positioning groove, and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber partially protrude out of the corresponding positioning grooves. The vertex of the first optical fiber and the vertex of the second optical fiber are on the same horizontal line; the first positioning grooves and the second positioning grooves are alternately arranged, or all the first positioning grooves are centrally arranged, and all the second positioning grooves are centrally arranged; a first transition surface is arranged at the notch of the first positioning groove, and / or a second transition surface is arranged at the notch of the second positioning groove; according to the utility model, the optical fiber can be prevented from staying on the surface of the bottom plate and can rapidly enter the groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fiber optic arrays, specifically to a hybrid outer diameter fiber optic array unit. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional fiber optic array units use a single V-groove structure, which can only accommodate one type of fiber diameter and cannot be compatible with various fiber specifications. With the increasing demand for miniaturization of optical devices, some scenarios require the use of two or more different diameter fibers to increase density while retaining the mechanical strength of standard fibers.

[0003] Existing patent document CN216927145U discloses a novel fiber optic array with multiple outer diameter optical fibers, including a base plate, a cover plate, a first optical fiber, and a second optical fiber. The upper surface of the base plate and the lower surface of the cover plate are respectively provided with a first fixing slot and a second fixing slot of different widths. The first fixing slot contains a first optical fiber core, and the second fixing slot contains a second optical fiber core. Although this fiber optic array can use two different diameter optical fibers simultaneously, fibers of the same diameter are concentrated in one area. For larger diameter fibers, to avoid interference at the fiber tail wrapping, the spacing between adjacent fixing slots needs to be larger, resulting in a still relatively large fiber optic array unit size. Furthermore, the existing array has a plane between adjacent fixing slots, and the slot openings lack guiding structures on both sides. During fiber installation, the fiber tends to stay on this plane, making it difficult to quickly insert into the slot, requiring repeated manual adjustments and confirmations, which is inconvenient for the installation operation. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit that can prevent the fiber core from staying on the surface of the base plate and help it to be quickly inserted into the slot.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit, comprising a cover plate, a base plate, and at least two types of optical fibers with different diameters. At least two different types of positioning slots with varying widths are provided between the cover plate and the base plate. The number of types of optical fibers is equal to the number of types of positioning slots. The positioning slots include first and second positioning slots with different widths. The optical fibers include first and second optical fibers with different diameters. The first optical fiber is disposed within the first positioning slot, and the second optical fiber is disposed within the second positioning slot. Both the first and second optical fibers partially protrude from their respective positioning slots, and the apex of the first optical fiber and the apex of the second optical fiber are on the same horizontal line. The first and second positioning slots are alternately arranged, or all first positioning slots are arranged in a concentrated manner, and all second positioning slots are arranged in a concentrated manner. A first transition surface is provided at the opening of the first positioning slot, and / or a second transition surface is provided at the opening of the second positioning slot.

[0006] As can be seen from the above scheme, by setting at least two different slot widths for the positioning slots, it is convenient to simultaneously adapt to at least two different diameter optical fibers, supporting the mixed integration of multiple specifications of optical fibers and reducing the complexity of module design; by limiting the vertex of the first optical fiber and the vertex of the second optical fiber to be on the same horizontal line, optical fibers of different diameters can all abut against the bottom surface of the cover plate, ensuring that the cover plate can compact all optical fibers and prevent the position of the optical fibers from changing; by setting a transition surface at the slot opening, it is convenient for the optical fiber to quickly enter the positioning slot, avoiding the optical fiber from staying on the surface of the base plate, which helps to improve assembly efficiency.

[0007] A further option is to have a number of second positioning slots spaced between adjacent first positioning slots when the first positioning slots and the second positioning slots are alternately set.

[0008] A further solution is that when the first positioning slot and the second positioning slot are alternately set, a first preset number of second positioning slots are spaced between some adjacent first positioning slots, and a second preset number of second positioning slots are spaced between other adjacent first positioning slots. The first preset number and the second preset number are not equal.

[0009] A further option is that when all the first positioning slots are arranged in a concentrated manner and all the second positioning slots are arranged in a concentrated manner, all the first positioning slots are arranged on the first side of the base plate and all the second positioning slots are arranged on the second side of the base plate.

[0010] A further embodiment is that a first tip is formed between two adjacent first transition surfaces, a second tip is formed between two adjacent second transition surfaces, and a third tip is formed between a first transition surface and its adjacent second transition surface.

[0011] As can be seen from the above scheme, the above settings ensure that there are no flat surfaces near the opening of the positioning slot, only inclined surfaces, which helps to prevent the optical fiber from staying near the opening and facilitates the easy and quick insertion of the optical fiber into the slot.

[0012] A further option is to symmetrically arrange two first inclined groove walls inside the first positioning groove, with a smooth transition between the first transition surface and the first inclined groove wall. The inclination angle of the first transition surface is smaller than the inclination angle of the first inclined groove wall. The first optical fiber contacts the first inclined groove wall, and the contact point between the two is located below the first transition surface.

[0013] A further option is to symmetrically arrange two second inclined groove walls inside the second positioning groove, with a smooth transition between the second transition surface and the second inclined groove wall. The inclination angle of the second transition surface is smaller than that of the second inclined groove wall. The second optical fiber contacts the second inclined groove wall, and the contact point between the two is located below the second transition surface.

[0014] A further option is that the hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit also includes a colloid that binds the fiber, the base plate, and the cover plate together.

[0015] As can be seen from the above scheme, the optical fiber, base plate and cover plate can be fixed by the above settings, and the stress compensation of the adhesive strip helps to reduce the impact of temperature deformation on alignment accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a front view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a front view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0022] First embodiment of hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit:

[0023] See Figures 1 to 3 The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit provided in this embodiment includes a cover plate 1, a base plate 2a and at least two different diameter fibers. At least two different groove widths are provided between the cover plate 1 and the base plate 2a. The number of fiber types is equal to the number of groove types. This embodiment takes two different diameter fibers and two different groove widths as an example.

[0024] In this embodiment, a positioning groove is provided at the front end of the base plate 2a. The positioning groove includes a first positioning groove 21 and a second positioning groove 22 with different groove widths. In this embodiment, the groove width of the first positioning groove 21 is greater than the groove width of the second positioning groove 22. The optical fibers include a first optical fiber 3 and a second optical fiber 4 with different diameters. In this embodiment, the diameter of the first optical fiber 3 is greater than the diameter of the second optical fiber 4. The first optical fiber 3 is disposed in the first positioning groove 21, and the second optical fiber 4 is disposed in the second positioning groove 22. Both the first optical fiber 3 and the second optical fiber 4 partially protrude from their respective positioning grooves, and the apex of the first optical fiber 3 and the apex of the second optical fiber 4 are on the same horizontal line, so that the apex of the first optical fiber 3 and the apex of the second optical fiber 4 can contact the bottom surface of the cover plate 1, ensuring that the cover plate 1 can press each optical fiber tightly. In this embodiment, all optical fibers include an optical fiber core and a sheath. The optical fiber core is disposed in the positioning groove, and the sheath is disposed at the rear end of the base plate 2a.

[0025] In this embodiment, all the first positioning grooves 21 are arranged in a concentrated manner, and all the second positioning grooves 22 are arranged in a concentrated manner, that is, all four first positioning grooves 21 are arranged on the first side of the base plate 2a, and all three second positioning grooves 22 are arranged on the second side of the base plate 2a.

[0026] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, a first transition surface 211 is provided at the opening of the first positioning groove 21, and / or a second transition surface 221 is provided at the opening of the second positioning groove 22. Preferably, the first transition surface 211 is provided on both sides of the opening of the first positioning groove 21, and the second transition surface 221 is provided on both sides of the opening of the second positioning groove 22.

[0027] A first tip 23 is formed between two adjacent first transition surfaces 211, a second tip 24 is formed between two adjacent second transition surfaces 221, and a third tip 25 is formed between a first transition surface 211 and its adjacent second transition surface 221. The first tip 23, the second tip 24, and the third tip 25 are all lower than the highest point of the first optical fiber 3 and / or the second optical fiber 4 to avoid direct contact with the bottom surface of the cover plate 1.

[0028] The first positioning groove 21 has a V-shaped cross-section. Two first inclined groove walls 212 are symmetrically arranged inside the first positioning groove 21. The first transition surface 211 smoothly transitions to the first inclined groove wall 212, and the inclination angle of the first transition surface 211 is smaller than the inclination angle of the first inclined groove wall 212. The first optical fiber 3 contacts the first inclined groove wall 212, and the contact point between the two is located below the first transition surface 211.

[0029] The second positioning groove 22 has a V-shaped cross-section. Two second inclined groove walls 222 are symmetrically arranged inside the second positioning groove 22. The second transition surface 221 smoothly transitions to the second inclined groove wall 222, and the inclination angle of the second transition surface 221 is smaller than the inclination angle of the second inclined groove wall 222. The second optical fiber 4 contacts the second inclined groove wall 222, and the contact point is located below the second transition surface 221.

[0030] The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit also includes an adhesive (not shown in the figure), which binds the optical fiber, the base plate 2a, and the cover plate 1 together. The adhesive is preferably a low-viscosity epoxy adhesive. It is first processed by hot pressing to allow the adhesive to flow into the gap between the optical fiber and the positioning groove, and then a second heat curing process using UV pre-curing is used to enhance the adhesion of the adhesive.

[0031] The end face of the hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit in this embodiment is also polished using a multi-segment polishing process to achieve a preset coplanarity of fiber end faces with different diameters, which is ≤0.1μm.

[0032] Testing showed that the hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit of this embodiment has an insertion loss ≤0.2dB, a return loss ≥55dB, and a displacement <0.3μm after temperature cycling (-40℃~85℃), making it suitable for high-density optical connection scenarios in 5G fronthaul. The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit of this embodiment has the advantages of low insertion loss and high stability.

[0033] Second embodiment of the hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit:

[0034] See Figures 4 to 5 The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit provided in this embodiment includes a cover plate 1, a base plate 2b, and at least two different diameter fibers. At least two different groove widths are provided between the cover plate 1 and the base plate 2b. The number of fiber types is equal to the number of groove types. This embodiment takes two different diameter fibers and two different groove widths as an example.

[0035] In this embodiment, a positioning groove is provided at the front end of the base plate 2b. The positioning groove includes a first positioning groove 21 and a second positioning groove 22 with different groove widths. In this embodiment, the groove width of the first positioning groove 21 is greater than the groove width of the second positioning groove 22. The optical fibers include a first optical fiber 3 and a second optical fiber 4 with different diameters. In this embodiment, the diameter of the first optical fiber 3 is greater than the diameter of the second optical fiber 4. The first optical fiber 3 is disposed in the first positioning groove 21, and the second optical fiber 4 is disposed in the second positioning groove 22. Both the first optical fiber 3 and the second optical fiber 4 partially protrude from their respective positioning grooves, and the apex of the first optical fiber 3 and the apex of the second optical fiber 4 are on the same horizontal line, so that the apex of the first optical fiber 3 and the apex of the second optical fiber 4 can contact the bottom surface of the cover plate 1, ensuring that the cover plate 1 can press each optical fiber tightly. In this embodiment, all optical fibers include an optical fiber core and a sheath. The optical fiber core is disposed in the positioning groove, and the sheath is disposed at the rear end of the base plate 2b.

[0036] The first positioning groove 21 and the second positioning groove 22 are alternately arranged. Specifically:

[0037] In one embodiment, a plurality of second positioning slots 22 are spaced apart between two adjacent first positioning slots 21. For example, one second positioning slot 22 is spaced apart between two adjacent first positioning slots 21; or two second positioning slots 22 are spaced apart between two adjacent second positioning slots 22. The first positioning slots 21 and the second positioning slots 22 are arranged in a relatively regular manner.

[0038] In another embodiment, a first preset number of second positioning slots 22 are spaced between some adjacent first positioning slots 21, and a second preset number of second positioning slots 22 are spaced between other adjacent first positioning slots 21. The first preset number and the second preset number are not equal. Figure 4 As shown, there is a second positioning groove 22 between two adjacent first positioning grooves 21 on the left side, and two second positioning grooves 22 between two adjacent first positioning grooves 21 on the right side.

[0039] A first tip (not shown in the figure) is formed between two adjacent first transition surfaces 211, a second tip 24 is formed between two adjacent second transition surfaces 221, and a third tip 25 is formed between a first transition surface 211 and its adjacent second transition surface 221. The first tip, the second tip 24, and the third tip 25 are all lower than the highest point of the first optical fiber 3 and / or the second optical fiber 4 to avoid direct contact with the bottom surface of the cover plate 1.

[0040] The first positioning groove 21 has a V-shaped cross-section. Two first inclined groove walls 212 are symmetrically arranged inside the first positioning groove 21. The first transition surface 211 smoothly transitions to the first inclined groove wall 212, and the inclination angle of the first transition surface 211 is smaller than the inclination angle of the first inclined groove wall 212. The first optical fiber 3 contacts the first inclined groove wall 212, and the contact point between the two is located below the first transition surface 211.

[0041] The second positioning groove 22 has a V-shaped cross-section. Two second inclined groove walls 222 are symmetrically arranged inside the second positioning groove 22. The second transition surface 221 smoothly transitions to the second inclined groove wall 222, and the inclination angle of the second transition surface 221 is smaller than the inclination angle of the second inclined groove wall 222. The second optical fiber 4 contacts the second inclined groove wall 222, and the contact point is located below the second transition surface 221.

[0042] The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit also includes an adhesive (not shown in the figure), which binds the optical fiber, the base plate 2b, and the cover plate 1 together. The adhesive is preferably a low-viscosity epoxy adhesive. It is first processed by hot pressing to allow the adhesive to flow into the gap between the optical fiber and the positioning groove, and then a second heat curing process using UV pre-curing is used to enhance the adhesion of the adhesive.

[0043] The end face of the hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit in this embodiment is also polished using a multi-segment polishing process to achieve a preset coplanarity of fiber end faces with different diameters, which is ≤0.1μm.

[0044] Testing showed that the hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit of this embodiment has an insertion loss ≤0.2dB, a return loss ≥55dB, and a displacement <0.3μm after temperature cycling (-40℃~85℃), making it suitable for high-density optical connection scenarios in 5G fronthaul. The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit of this embodiment has the advantages of low insertion loss and high stability.

[0045] In summary, this invention, by providing positioning slots with at least two different widths, facilitates the simultaneous adaptation of at least two different diameter optical fibers, supports the mixed integration of multiple fiber specifications, and reduces the complexity of module design. By limiting the apex of the first optical fiber to be on the same horizontal line as the apex of the second optical fiber, it ensures that optical fibers of different diameters can abut against the bottom surface of the cover plate, ensuring that the cover plate can firmly press all optical fibers and prevent changes in the position of the optical fibers. By providing a transition surface at the opening of the positioning slot, it facilitates the rapid entry of optical fibers into the positioning slot, preventing the optical fibers from staying on the surface of the base plate, which helps to improve assembly efficiency.

[0046] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, the present utility model can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit, characterized in that: It includes a cover plate, a base plate, and at least two different diameter optical fibers. At least two different width positioning slots are provided between the cover plate and the base plate. The number of types of optical fibers is equal to the number of types of positioning slots. The positioning groove includes a first positioning groove and a second positioning groove with different groove widths. The optical fiber includes a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber with different diameters. The first optical fiber is disposed in the first positioning groove, and the second optical fiber is disposed in the second positioning groove. Both the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber protrude partially from the corresponding positioning groove. The apex of the first optical fiber and the apex of the second optical fiber are on the same horizontal line. The first positioning slot and the second positioning slot are alternately arranged, or all the first positioning slots are arranged in a concentrated manner and all the second positioning slots are arranged in a concentrated manner. The first positioning groove has a first transition surface at its opening, and / or the second positioning groove has a second transition surface at its opening.

2. The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first positioning slot and the second positioning slot are alternately arranged, there are several second positioning slots between two adjacent first positioning slots.

3. The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first positioning slot and the second positioning slot are alternately arranged, a first preset number of second positioning slots are spaced between some two adjacent first positioning slots, and a second preset number of second positioning slots are spaced between other two adjacent first positioning slots. The first preset number and the second preset number are not equal.

4. The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: When all the first positioning slots are arranged together and all the second positioning slots are arranged together, all the first positioning slots are arranged on the first side of the base plate and all the second positioning slots are arranged on the second side of the base plate.

5. The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first tip is formed between two adjacent first transition surfaces, a second tip is formed between two adjacent second transition surfaces, and a third tip is formed between a first transition surface and its adjacent second transition surface.

6. The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two first inclined groove walls are symmetrically arranged inside the first positioning groove. The first transition surface and the first inclined groove wall are smoothly connected. The inclination angle of the first transition surface is smaller than the inclination angle of the first inclined groove wall. The first optical fiber is in contact with the first inclined groove wall, and the contact point between the two is located below the first transition surface.

7. The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two second inclined groove walls are symmetrically arranged inside the second positioning groove. The second transition surface and the second inclined groove wall are smoothly connected. The inclination angle of the second transition surface is smaller than the inclination angle of the second inclined groove wall. The second optical fiber is in contact with the second inclined groove wall, and the contact point between the two is located below the second transition surface.

8. The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hybrid outer diameter fiber array unit also includes a colloid that binds the fiber, the base plate, and the cover plate together.

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