Optical fiber flexible board and optical fiber communication device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of optical fiber flexible plate and optical fiber communication equipment, it is related to optical fiber communication technical field, wherein, the optical fiber flexible plate the optical fiber flexible plate includes substrate layer, optical fiber layer and adhesive layer, substrate layer is set in strip shape, and is flexible material;Optical fiber layer is embedded in substrate layer;Adhesive layer is located above substrate layer, and connects optical fiber layer and substrate layer;Wherein, the opposite two sides of substrate layer are connected, and form cylindrical space.The above setting improves the space utilization of optical fiber flexible plate, so that it can be in keeping relatively small volume, realize the laying of relatively long optical fiber layer, meet the demand of high-density optical communication line, also make optical fiber flexible plate more convenient in installation and maintenance process, reduce space occupancy, improve the integration and flexibility of system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, and in particular to an optical fiber flexible plate and an optical fiber communication device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern optical communication equipment, the application of fiber optic transmission technology is becoming increasingly widespread. However, existing fiber optic cabling methods have many problems. Traditional fiber optic cabling typically uses optical cables for connection, which have relatively large diameters and cannot have very small bending radii. When there are many pluggable connectors, the optical cables occupy a large amount of space in the equipment enclosure (such as a switch enclosure), leading to messy cabling and making management and maintenance inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a flexible fiber optic board and a fiber optic communication device, which aims to solve the problem of large space occupation by fiber optic cabling in related technologies.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an optical fiber flexible plate, wherein the optical fiber flexible plate comprises: A substrate layer, wherein the substrate layer is arranged in a strip shape and is made of a flexible material; An optical fiber layer, wherein the optical fiber layer is embedded within the substrate layer; An adhesive layer is located above the substrate layer and connects the optical fiber layer to the substrate layer; The opposite sides of the substrate layer are connected to form a cylindrical space.

[0005] In one embodiment, the substrate layer includes two first side surfaces that are disposed opposite to each other along the length direction of the substrate layer, the two first side surfaces abutting each other and enclosing a cylindrical space; Alternatively, the substrate layer includes two second side surfaces that are arranged opposite each other along the width direction of the substrate layer, the two second side surfaces abutting each other and enclosing a cylindrical space.

[0006] In one embodiment, the optical fiber layer includes at least two optical fibers, which are spaced apart and distributed in parallel on the surface of the substrate layer.

[0007] In one embodiment, the optical fiber includes two extensions and an embedded portion, the embedded portion being located between the two extensions, the extensions extending out of the substrate layer, and the embedded portion being distributed parallel to the substrate layer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the embedded portion includes two straight segments and two curved segments, the two straight segments are respectively connected to the two extensions, the two straight segments are connected to the two curved segments, and the two curved segments have different curvature directions.

[0009] In one embodiment, the two extensions extend along the winding direction of the substrate layer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the substrate layer has a plurality of protrusions formed at opposite ends along the light-emitting direction of the optical fiber layer, the plurality of protrusions being spaced apart and staggered, and the plurality of protrusions being configured to connect optical devices.

[0011] In one embodiment, the substrate layer includes two first side surfaces disposed opposite to each other along the length direction of the substrate layer, wherein one of the first side surfaces is formed with a plurality of first protrusions, and the other of the first side surfaces is formed with a plurality of second protrusions, wherein a first groove is formed between every two adjacent first protrusions, and a second groove is formed between every two adjacent second protrusions; the first protrusions abut against the second grooves, and the second protrusions abut against the first grooves.

[0012] In one embodiment, a cable is further provided within the optical fiber layer, and the cable is arranged in parallel with the optical fiber of the optical fiber layer; Alternatively, the surface of the substrate layer may also be provided with a flexible release film.

[0013] This utility model also proposes an optical fiber communication device, which includes the optical fiber flexible plate as described above.

[0014] The fiber optic flexible board provided by this invention solves the problems of easy damage to the fiber optic layer or low space utilization during winding by employing a strip-shaped substrate layer and an optical fiber layer extending along the substrate layer. Specifically, the substrate layer is made of flexible material and is arranged in a strip shape, giving the fiber optic flexible board good flexibility and enabling it to adapt to various complex installation environments, such as bending and winding. Simultaneously, the opposite sides of the substrate layer are connected to form a cylindrical space, further enhancing the structural stability, preventing loosening or deformation during use, and improving the mechanical reliability of the fiber optic flexible board. Furthermore, the cylindrical space design improves space utilization, making the fiber optic flexible board more compact during storage and transportation, reducing space occupation. The optical fiber layer is located above the substrate layer and is tightly connected to the substrate layer via an adhesive layer. This design not only fixes the optical fiber but also improves the transmission capacity of the fiber optic flexible board through high-density integration, meeting the requirements of high-bandwidth, high-speed data transmission. The use of the adhesive layer ensures a firm connection between the optical fiber and the substrate, preventing the optical fiber from falling off or being damaged by external forces during use, while also reducing mutual interference between optical fibers and improving the stability of signal transmission. This structural design enables the flexible fiber optic panel to achieve higher performance and reliability in practical applications, extending its service life. It further improves the space utilization of the flexible fiber optic panel, allowing for the laying of longer fiber layers while maintaining a smaller volume, meeting the needs of high-density optical communication lines. Simultaneously, it makes the flexible fiber optic panel easier to install and maintain, reducing space occupation and improving system integration and flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a structural embodiment of the flexible fiber optic plate provided by this utility model; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the flexible fiber optic plate provided by this utility model; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the unfolded optical fiber flexible plate provided by this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic flexible plate provided by this utility model from another perspective when it is unfolded.

[0017] Explanation of icon numbers: 100. Fiber optic flexible board; 1. Substrate layer; 11. First side surface; 111. First groove; 112. Second groove; 12. Second side surface; 13. Protrusion; 131. First protrusion; 132. Second protrusion; 2. Fiber optic layer; 21. Extension; 22. Embedded part.

[0018] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0020] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0021] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0022] This utility model proposes a flexible optical fiber plate 100.

[0023] Please see Figures 1 to 2In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber flexible plate 100 includes a substrate layer 1, an optical fiber layer 2, and an adhesive layer. The substrate layer 1 is arranged in a strip shape and is made of flexible material. The optical fiber layer 2 is embedded in the substrate layer 1. The adhesive layer is located above the substrate layer 1 and connects the optical fiber layer 2 and the substrate layer 1. The opposite sides of the substrate layer 1 are connected to form a cylindrical space.

[0024] In this embodiment, the fiber optic flexible board 100 can be applied to data centers and communication systems, high-density chassis, fiber optic communication equipment, etc., without limitation. The substrate layer 1 provides physical support for the fiber optic layer 2, ensuring its stability during installation and use. The substrate layer 1 is strip-shaped, i.e., a long, thin strip baseband, made of a polyimide (PI) or liquid crystal polymer (LCP) film with ultra-high bending life. An adhesive layer is used to fix the fiber optic layer 2 to the substrate layer 1. The type of adhesive layer includes, but is not limited to, low-modulus, high-elasticity silicone or polyurethane acrylate adhesives. The adhesive layer can be applied to a portion of the fiber optic layer 2 on the substrate layer 1, or it can be applied to the entire substrate layer 1; this is not limited. The fiber optic layer 2 is located above the substrate layer 1, with its outgoing direction along the length of the substrate layer 1. It is embedded and fixed within the substrate layer 1 or the adhesive layer at a predetermined parallel spacing. It should be noted that the opposite sides of substrate layer 1 are connected and abut against each other, thereby enclosing a cylindrical space. This cylindrical space can be a cylinder or other cylindrical shapes, without limitation. Furthermore, the number of substrate layers 1 is not limited; it can be one layer or multiple layers, etc., without limitation. Taking multi-layer winding as an example, firstly, a layer of adhesive is uniformly coated on the first substrate layer 1, and then the optical fiber layer 2 is uniformly embedded in the adhesive layer; then, the second substrate layer 1 is laid flat on the first substrate layer 1, ensuring that the second substrate layer 1 is aligned with the first substrate layer 1, and then a layer of adhesive is uniformly coated on the second substrate layer 1, and then the optical fiber layer 2 is uniformly embedded in the adhesive layer; repeat the above operation until the superposition of multiple substrate layers 1 is completed, and finally the winding operation of multiple substrate layers 1 is achieved.

[0025] The fiber optic flexible board 100 provided by this utility model solves the problems of easy damage to the fiber optic layer 2 or low space utilization during winding by employing a strip-shaped substrate layer 1 and an optical fiber layer 2 extending along the substrate layer 1. Specifically, the substrate layer 1 is made of flexible material and is arranged in a strip shape, giving the fiber optic flexible board 100 good flexibility and enabling it to adapt to various complex installation environments, such as bending and winding. At the same time, the opposite sides of the substrate layer 1 are connected to form a cylindrical space, further enhancing the stability of the structure, preventing loosening or deformation during use, and improving the mechanical reliability of the fiber optic flexible board 100. In addition, the cylindrical space design also improves space utilization, making the fiber optic flexible board 100 more compact during storage and transportation, reducing space occupation. The optical fiber layer 2 is located above the substrate layer 1 and is tightly connected to the substrate layer 1 by an adhesive layer. This design not only achieves the fixation of the optical fiber, but also improves the transmission capability of the fiber optic flexible board 100 through high-density integration, meeting the requirements of high-bandwidth and high-speed data transmission. The use of an adhesive layer ensures a strong connection between the optical fiber and the substrate, preventing the optical fiber from detaching or being damaged by external forces during use. It also reduces mutual interference between optical fibers, improving signal transmission stability. This structural design gives the fiber optic flexible board 100 higher performance and reliability in practical applications, extending its service life. It further improves the space utilization of the fiber optic flexible board 100, enabling the laying of a longer optical fiber layer 2 while maintaining a smaller volume, meeting the needs of high-density optical communication lines. It also makes the fiber optic flexible board 100 easier to install and maintain, reducing space occupation and improving system integration and flexibility.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the substrate layer 1 includes two first side surfaces 11 arranged opposite to each other along the length direction of the substrate layer 1. The two first side surfaces 11 abut against each other and enclose a cylindrical space. Alternatively, the substrate layer 1 includes two second side surfaces 12 arranged opposite to each other along the width direction of the substrate layer 1, the two second side surfaces 12 abutting each other and enclosing a cylindrical space.

[0027] In this embodiment, for space optimization, a cylindrical space is formed by winding, which can be applied to the interior of space-constrained devices such as chassis and servers, or to three-dimensional spaces such as corners and cylindrical cavities. It should be noted that this embodiment provides two methods for winding into a cylindrical space, combined with... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This method involves winding along the length of substrate layer 1, combined with... Figure 2 , Figure 2This method involves winding along the width direction of substrate layer 1. It can be understood that the first surface is actually two opposite surfaces extending along the length direction, and the second surface is actually two opposite surfaces extending along the width direction.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber layer 2 includes at least two optical fibers, which are spaced apart and distributed in parallel on the surface of the substrate layer 1.

[0029] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 It should be noted that the number of optical fibers in fiber layer 2 is not limited, and the fibers are spaced apart and distributed parallel to each other on the surface of substrate layer 1. This regular spacing and parallel distribution makes fiber layer 2 easier to integrate with other optical components or circuits, facilitating high-density optical wiring and system integration. It can be applied to miniaturized, high-performance optical communication equipment and optoelectronic devices. It should also be noted that the direction in which the optical fibers are distributed parallel to the surface of substrate layer 1 includes, but is not limited to, the direction perpendicular to the direction when the substrate layer 1 is wound into a cylindrical shape (refer to...). Figure 2 The direction of winding along the substrate layer 1 into a cylindrical shape, etc., is not limited here and can be set according to specific needs.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber includes two extensions 21 and an embedded portion 22. The embedded portion 22 is located between the two extensions 21. The extensions 21 extend out of the substrate layer 1, and the embedded portion 22 is distributed parallel to the substrate layer 1.

[0031] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4 It should be noted that the extension portion 21 is used to achieve external connection, while the embedded portion 22 is used to achieve stable internal transmission. The optical fiber of the extension portion 21 is the part exposed on the substrate layer 1, and the optical fibers of the embedded portion 22 are distributed in parallel, which can reduce crosstalk between multiple optical fibers and ensure that the optical signal of each optical fiber is transmitted independently and stably. It can be understood that the optical fiber of the embedded portion 22 can be laid in a straight line on the substrate layer 1, or it can be laid in a gradually changing spiral pattern on the substrate layer 1, so as to avoid local stress concentration during winding.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the embedded part 22 includes two straight segments and two curved segments. The two straight segments are respectively connected to the two extensions 21, and the two curved segments are connected between the two straight segments. The two curved segments have different curvature directions.

[0033] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4It is understandable that the two straight segments are connected to the two extensions 21 respectively, and the two straight segments are connected to the two curved segments. The two curved segments have different bending directions, and the optical fiber in the embedded part 22 is laid in a gradually changing spiral pattern. The two curved segments have different bending directions, and their connection with the straight segments is set with an arc transition, which makes the optical fiber flexible plate 100 more flexible during the winding process, thereby reducing the stress concentration on the optical fiber during the winding process and preventing the optical fiber from being damaged due to excessive bending.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, two extension portions 21 are provided to extend along the winding direction of the substrate layer 1.

[0035] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 4 To further improve space utilization, two extensions 21 are provided along the winding direction of the substrate layer 1, allowing the optical fiber to fully utilize the space of the substrate layer 1 during winding and reducing the volume after winding. The extension direction of the extensions 21 is consistent with the winding direction, enabling the optical fiber to better fit the substrate layer 1 during winding and reducing structural loosening or deformation caused by uneven winding. It also reduces signal attenuation caused by excessive bending of the optical fiber during winding, improving the stability and reliability of signal transmission.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of protrusions 13 are formed at opposite ends of the substrate layer 1 along the light emission direction of the optical fiber layer 2. The plurality of protrusions 13 are spaced apart and staggered, and the plurality of protrusions 13 are configured to connect optical devices.

[0037] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 3 It should be noted that the protrusion 13 is configured to connect optical devices, and the protrusion 13 is flat to facilitate mating with standard fiber optic connectors or optical chips. Furthermore, the optical fiber of the extension 21 of the fiber layer 2 is embedded in the protrusion 13 and extends from the substrate layer 1, exposed outside the substrate layer 1. The staggered protrusions 13 make the connection between the fiber optic flexible board 100 and the optical devices more stable.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the substrate layer 1 includes two first side surfaces 11 arranged opposite to each other along the length direction of the substrate layer 1. One first side surface 11 is formed with a plurality of first protrusions 131, and the other first side surface 11 is formed with a plurality of second protrusions 132. A first groove 111 is formed between every two adjacent first protrusions 131, and a second groove 112 is formed between every two adjacent second protrusions 132. The first protrusions 131 abut against the second grooves 112, and the second protrusions 132 abut against the first grooves 111.

[0039] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 3To enhance structural stability, multiple first protrusions 131 and second protrusions 132 are designed on the two first sides 11 of the substrate layer 1, with the first protrusions 131 abutting against the second grooves 112 and the second protrusions 132 abutting against the first grooves 111. This design significantly enhances the structural stability of the substrate layer 1. The interlocking of the protrusions and grooves allows the substrate layer 1 to better maintain its shape during winding, reducing deformation and loosening. It should be noted that the first protrusions 131 and second protrusions 132 are staggered, and the first grooves 111 and second grooves 112 are also staggered, making the substrate layer 1 more compact during winding and reducing space occupation.

[0040] In one embodiment of this utility model, a cable is also provided in the optical fiber layer 2, and the cable is arranged in parallel with the optical fiber in the optical fiber layer 2. Alternatively, a flexible release film may be provided on the surface of substrate layer 1.

[0041] In this embodiment, to meet the requirement of simultaneously transmitting optical signals and electrical signals, a cable is installed within the optical fiber layer 2. This allows the optical fiber layer 2 to transmit not only optical signals but also electrical signals simultaneously. The cable is arranged in parallel with the optical fiber, which optimizes the signal transmission path and reduces signal loss during transmission.

[0042] To reduce adhesion and friction, a flexible release film, which is non-adhesive, is provided on the surface of substrate layer 1. When substrate layer 1 is wound into multiple layers, the flexible release film is located between the layers to prevent the layers from sticking together and to ensure smooth winding and unwinding processes.

[0043] This utility model also proposes an optical fiber communication device, which includes the optical fiber flexible plate 100 as described above. The specific structure of the optical fiber flexible plate 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this optical fiber communication device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0044] In this embodiment, by employing the aforementioned flexible fiber optic panel 100 design, the fiber optic communication device achieves high-density fiber integration, significantly improving communication efficiency. This design can meet the demands of high-bandwidth, high-speed data transmission, making it particularly suitable for scenarios requiring large-scale data transmission, such as data centers and communication systems. Through its compact design, the fiber optic communication device can integrate more optical fibers and cables within a limited space, significantly improving space utilization. This design reduces the device's size, improving portability and installation efficiency.

[0045] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A fiber optic flexible plate characterized by, The fiber optic flexible plate includes: A substrate layer, wherein the substrate layer is arranged in a strip shape and is made of a flexible material; An optical fiber layer, wherein the optical fiber layer is embedded within the substrate layer; An adhesive layer is located above the substrate layer and connects the optical fiber layer to the substrate layer; The two opposite sides of the substrate layer are connected to form a cylindrical space.

2. The fiber optic flexible plate as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate layer includes two first side surfaces that are arranged opposite each other along the length of the substrate layer. The two first side surfaces abut each other and enclose a cylindrical space. Alternatively, the substrate layer includes two second side surfaces that are arranged opposite each other along the width direction of the substrate layer, the two second side surfaces abutting each other and enclosing a cylindrical space.

3. The fiber optic flexible plate as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The optical fiber layer includes at least two optical fibers, which are spaced apart and distributed in parallel on the surface of the substrate layer.

4. The fiber optic flexible plate as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The optical fiber includes two extensions and an embedded portion, the embedded portion being located between the two extensions, the extensions extending out of the substrate layer, and the embedded portion being distributed parallel to the substrate layer.

5. The fiber optic flexible plate as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The embedded portion includes two straight segments and two curved segments. The two straight segments are respectively connected to the two extensions, and the two curved segments are connected between the two straight segments. The two curved segments have different curvature directions.

6. The fiber optic flexible plate as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The two extensions are provided to extend along the winding direction of the substrate layer.

7. The fiber optic flexible plate as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The substrate layer has multiple protrusions formed at opposite ends along the light emission direction of the optical fiber layer. The multiple protrusions are spaced apart and staggered, and the multiple protrusions are configured to connect optical devices.

8. The optical fiber flexible plate as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The substrate layer includes two first side surfaces that are arranged opposite each other along the length of the substrate layer. One of the first side surfaces has a plurality of first protrusions, and the other of the first side surfaces has a plurality of second protrusions. A first groove is formed between every two adjacent first protrusions, and a second groove is formed between every two adjacent second protrusions. The first protrusions abut against the second grooves, and the second protrusions abut against the first grooves.

9. The flexible fiber optic plate as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The optical fiber layer is also provided with a cable, which is arranged in parallel with the optical fiber of the optical fiber layer. Alternatively, the surface of the substrate layer may also be provided with a flexible release film.

10. An optical fiber communication device, characterized in that, The optical fiber communication equipment includes an optical fiber flexible plate as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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