An optical module extension shield
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522548665.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-28
AI Technical Summary
[0008]本实用新型提供一种光模块外延盾，以解决当前光模块在测试过程中插芯端面容易受损以及灰尘容易进入的问题
[0018]本实用新型的光模块外延盾的第一接口可以与光模块可拆卸地固定，第一接口中的第一光连接件与光模块中的插芯耦合连接，并且第二接口为能与对接光模块兼容的光接口。这样光模块外延盾可以在光模块生产测试过程中长期与光模块可拆卸的固定，这时光模块外延盾与光模块组合成一个整体，在光模块生产过程中有效地保护光模块中裸露在外的光接口。
Smart Images
Figure CN224851405U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of optical module manufacturing, and specifically relates to an optical module extension shield that can protect the optical module interface during the optical module production process. Background Technology
[0002] Optical fiber communication uses light as the information carrier and optical fiber as the data transmission medium. It boasts advantages such as large communication capacity, low loss, long transmission distance, and strong resistance to electromagnetic interference. Currently, with the rapid development of optical fiber communication technology, optical communication products are being used more and more widely across various industries. The usage environments are also becoming more complex and diverse. With the rapid expansion of AI and 5G technologies, the market demand for high-density transmission via optical fiber communication is also increasing.
[0003] In modern network architecture, optical modules are the core foundation for communication between devices. Their core functions include photoelectric conversion and electro-optical conversion, supporting high-speed, high-capacity data transmission, and are widely used in fiber optic communication systems.
[0004] Optical modules typically include an MPO interface, which includes a male MT ferrule. The commonly used test cable for optical modules is the MPO-FC test cable. One end of the MPO-FC test cable is a female MPO connector, including a female MT ferrule, and the other end is coupled to multiple FC connectors, which can be connected to optical testing instruments. The male MT ferrule of the optical module couples with the female MT ferrule of the test cable to connect to the optical testing instrument for optical performance testing.
[0005] However, during the grinding process, the stiffer fiber in the MT ferrule may protrude slightly from the softer ferrule end face. This makes it possible for the MT ferrule in the optical module to be damaged by the MT ferrule in the test leads. A qualified optical module typically needs to undergo 6-8 optical performance mating tests, and multiple matings increase the possibility of damage to the ferrule end face. Statistics show that approximately 25% of optical modules are scrapped due to ferrule end face damage during testing.
[0006] Furthermore, during the testing phase of optical modules, dust entering the module or adhering to critical interface components can directly interfere with test accuracy, damage the module itself, and even lead to reliability issues in subsequent use. Compared to the manufacturing phase, optical modules in the testing phase are often in a "semi-open" state (e.g., frequent plugging and unplugging of optical interfaces, exposed test interfaces), and their performance needs to be verified using precision equipment. The impact of dust is more immediate and conductive, potentially causing direct failure of the optical module, damage to its physical performance, long-term reliability issues, and other adverse effects.
[0007] The problem of these optical modules being scrapped due to damage to the ferrule end face during testing urgently needs to be addressed. Utility Model Content
[0008] This invention provides an external shield for optical modules to solve the problems of easy damage to the ferrule end face and easy dust ingress during the testing process of current optical modules. The technical solution to the problem is as follows: This utility model provides an optical module extension shield, which includes a housing, a first optical connector, and a second optical connector. The housing has a first opening and a second opening. The first optical connector is disposed in the first opening to form a first interface, and the second optical connector is disposed in the second opening to form a second interface. Optical signals can be propagated from the first optical connector to the second optical connector. The first interface can be detachably fixed to the optical module. When the first interface is docked and fixed to the optical module, the first optical connector is coupled and connected to the ferrule in the optical module. The second interface can dock with an MPO fiber optic connector.
[0009] In one possible implementation, both the first optical connector and the second optical connector are female connectors.
[0010] In one possible implementation, the optical module extension shield further includes an outer shell fitted around the periphery of the housing. A snap-fit groove is provided on the outer side of the first opening. The snap-fit groove is snapped and fixed with a hook inside the optical module. The outer shell can slide back and forth relative to the housing. When the outer shell slides to the locked position, it can cover the snap-fit groove and the hook that are snapped and fixed.
[0011] In one possible implementation, the first optical connector includes a plurality of first ferrules, the number of which corresponds one-to-one with the number of ferrules in the optical module; the second optical connector includes a plurality of second ferrules, the number of which are the same as the number of first and second ferrules; and optical signals can propagate from the first ferrules to the corresponding second ferrules.
[0012] In one possible implementation, optical fibers are fixed in the first ferrule and the second ferrule, and the first ferrule and the second ferrule have mating end faces, the end face of the optical fiber being recessed into the mating end face.
[0013] In one possible implementation, the end face of the optical fiber is coated with an anti-reflective coating.
[0014] In one possible implementation, the second insert includes a guide hole for engaging with the guide pins of other inserts.
[0015] In one possible implementation, the first optical connector and the second optical connector are integrally formed.
[0016] In one possible implementation, the second interface is provided with a dustproof structure that can cover the second interface.
[0017] In one possible implementation, the dustproof structure includes a protrusion, a torsion spring, a rotating shaft, and a dustproof plate disposed outside the second opening. The protrusion has a mounting hole, and the dustproof plate has a connecting hole. The rotating shaft passes through the mounting hole, the torsion spring, and the connecting hole, so that the dustproof plate automatically covers the second interface. Beneficial effects
[0018] The first interface of this optical module epitaxial shield can be detachably fixed to the optical module. The first optical connector in the first interface is coupled to the ferrule in the optical module, and the second interface is an optical interface compatible with the mating optical module. In this way, the optical module epitaxial shield can be detachably fixed to the optical module for a long period during the production and testing process. During this time, the optical module epitaxial shield and the optical module form a whole, effectively protecting the exposed optical interfaces in the optical module during production.
[0019] On the one hand, the optical interface is susceptible to damage from external intruders. On the other hand, during optical module testing, since the first interface is already coupled to the ferrule in the optical module, and the second interface is a compatible optical interface with the mating optical module, when performing multiple tests on the optical module, it is only necessary to connect the external test cable originally connected to the optical module's optical interface to the second interface. This effectively avoids damage to the ferrule end face of the optical module during repeated mating during testing. Attached Figure Description
[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model 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 these drawings without creative effort.
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module extension shield in one embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the optical module's outer shield and the optical module; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the outer shield of the optical module; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shell of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module extension shield in another embodiment of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module extension shield in another embodiment of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module extension shield in another embodiment of this utility model.
[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Optical module outer shield; 10. Housing; 11. First opening; 111. Snap-fit groove; 12. Second opening; 121. Protrusion; 13. Front housing; 131. Inner housing; 132. Stop; 1321. First snap-fit groove; 14. Rear housing; 141. Fixing part; 1411. Second snap-fit groove; 142. Connecting part; 1421. First snap-fit protrusion; 1422. Second snap-fit protrusion; 1423. Bottom housing; 1424. Top housing; 20. First optical connector; 30. Second optical connector; 40. Outer shell; 50. Dustproof structure; 51. Torsion spring; 52. Dustproof plate; 200. Optical module; 201. Hook. Detailed Implementation
[0023] To make the technical problems solved, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the use of "first" and "second" in different embodiments is used to distinguish the same component in different embodiments, and does not necessarily mean that there are other components with the same structure in that embodiment.
[0025] The following describes the various optical module extension shields of this utility model. Example
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module extension shield in one embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the optical module's outer shield and the optical module. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the outer shield of the optical module, as shown below. Figures 1-3As shown, an optical module extension shield 100 includes a housing 10, a first optical connector 20, and a second optical connector 30. The housing 10 has a first opening 11 and a second opening 12. The first optical connector 20 is disposed in the first opening 11 to form a first interface, and the second optical connector 20 is disposed in the second opening 12 to form a second interface. Optical signals can be transmitted from the first optical connector 10 to the second optical connector 20. The first interface can be detachably fixed to the optical module 200. When the first interface is docked and fixed to the optical module, the first optical connector 10 is coupled to the ferrule in the optical module. The second interface is an optical interface compatible with the docked optical module.
[0027] The "optical interface compatible with the optical module" here refers to an optical interface that can couple and connect with the ferrules in the optical module to achieve optical path connectivity. The physical form of the optical interface is not limited by a specific standard type. For example, the optical module in a conventional optical module is usually an MPO interface, which includes a 12-channel or 16-channel male MT ferrule. This male MT ferrule usually connects with the MT ferrule of an external female MPO connector. When the optical module is protected by the optical module extension shield of this utility model, the second interface needs to connect with the female MT ferrule that originally connected to the optical module. Since the second interface does not need to comply with a certain connector standard, the second interface can continue to use the MPO interface, with an MT ferrule set in the second interface; the second interface can also be other interfaces, which may contain a 12-channel or 16-channel FA (fiber array), or other devices that can propagate optical signals such as optical waveguides.
[0028] Specifically, the optical module extension shield 100 also includes an outer shell 40 sleeved around the outer periphery of the housing 10. A snap-fit groove 111 is provided on the outer side of the first opening 11. The snap-fit groove 111 is snapped and fixed with the snap hook 201 inside the optical module 200. The outer shell 40 can slide back and forth relative to the housing 10. When the outer shell 40 slides to the locked position, it can cover the snap-fit groove 111 and the snap hook 201 that are snapped and fixed.
[0029] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the shell of this utility model, as shown below. Figure 4As shown, the housing 10 includes a front housing 13 and a rear housing 14. The front housing 13 includes an inner housing 131 and a stop 132 that engages with the inner housing 131. The outer housing 40 is sleeved on the outside of the inner housing 131. The rear housing 14 includes a fixing part 141 and a connecting part 142. The fixing part 141 is used to fix the second insert and has a second opening. The connecting part 142 is used to connect and fix the stop 132 and the fixing part 141. In this embodiment, the fixing part 141 is provided with an elastic arm with barbs. When the second insert is installed, the elastic arm is lifted, and the second insert enters the interior of the fixing part. When the second insert is installed in place, the elastic arm springs back to its initial position, and the barbs on the elastic arm hook the rear of the second insert to prevent the second insert from exiting the fixing part.
[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module extension shield in another embodiment of this utility model; as shown. Figure 5 As shown, the rear end of the stop 132 is provided with a first snap-fit groove 1321. In this embodiment, the first snap-fit groove 1321 is an annular groove. The fixing part has a second snap-fit groove 1411. The two ends of the connecting part 142 are respectively provided with a first snap-fit protrusion 1421 and a second snap-fit protrusion 1422. The first snap-fit protrusion 1421 is snapped and fixed with the first snap-fit groove 1321, and the second snap-fit protrusion 1422 is snapped and fixed with the second snap-fit groove 1411. Thus, the front housing 13 and the rear housing 14 form a solid whole, so that the first ferrule and the second ferrule inside are firmly fixed, which facilitates docking with the optical module and protects the optical module.
[0031] Specifically, the connecting part 142 is formed by snapping and fixing the bottom shell 1423 and the upper shell 1424 together. In other embodiments, the connecting part 142 can also be a whole, and the stop 132 and the fixing part 141 can be fixedly connected by elastic buckle.
[0032] In this embodiment, the first optical connector 20 includes a first ferrule, and the optical module to be protected also has only one ferrule. The second optical connector 30 includes a second ferrule. In other embodiments, such as... Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module extension shield in another embodiment of the present invention. When the optical module to be protected has two ferrules, that is, the optical module contains two MPO interfaces, the first optical connector 20 contains two first ferrules, and the second optical connector 30 contains two second ferrules. In this way, a dual-port optical module can be protected by an optical module extension shield.
[0033] In theory, the number of the first and second ferrules corresponds one-to-one with the number of ferrules in the optical module, which facilitates the convenient use of the optical module's external shield.
[0034] The first interface of this optical module epitaxial shield can be detachably fixed to the optical module. The first optical connector in the first interface is coupled to the ferrule in the optical module, and the second interface is an optical interface compatible with the mating optical module. This allows the optical module epitaxial shield to be detachably fixed to the optical module for extended periods during production and testing. During this time, the optical module epitaxial shield and the optical module form a unified whole, effectively protecting the exposed optical interface within the optical module during production. This protects the optical interface from damage by external intruders. Furthermore, during testing, since the first interface is already coupled to the ferrule in the optical module, and the second interface is compatible with the mating optical module, multiple tests only require connecting the external test cable originally connected to the optical module's optical interface to the second interface. This effectively prevents damage to the ferrule end face during repeated mating with the optical module during testing.
[0035] Optical fibers are fixed in the first and second ferrules. In another possible embodiment, the first and second ferrules have mating end faces, with the end faces of the optical fibers recessed into the mating end faces. When the ferrules with the end faces of the optical fibers recessed into the mating end faces are mated, the end faces of the two optical fibers will not come into contact, that is, they will not collide with each other during mating. This avoids the situation in contact-type optical fiber connectors where slightly protruding optical fibers may damage each other during mating.
[0036] In one possible implementation, the second ferrule includes a guide hole for mating with the guide pins of other ferrules. For an MPO fiber optic connector containing an MT ferrule, the MT ferrule in a male MPO fiber optic connector has a guide pin protruding from the ferrule end face, and the MT ferrule in a female MPO fiber optic connector has a guide hole, with the guide pin mating with the guide hole for ferrule alignment.
[0037] In one possible implementation, the end face of the optical fiber is coated with an anti-reflective coating. The anti-reflective coating can increase the transmittance of the optical signal, reduce the original path reflection caused by the optical fiber passing through the interface, and reduce the interference of reflected light on the original signal.
[0038] In another possible embodiment, both the first optical connector 20 and the second optical connector 30 are female connectors. Since both ends of the optical module's outer shield are female connectors, expensive test cables can use male connectors. This effectively avoids the problem of severe wear and failure of the guide pin holes of the original female fiber optic connectors during the mating process, significantly extending the lifespan of expensive high-performance test cables and effectively reducing testing costs.
[0039] In another possible embodiment, the first optical connector and the second optical connector are integrally formed. Optical fibers are typically fixed using ferrules or fiber optic connectors (FAs), requiring the fiber to be inserted into the fiber hole of the ferrule or placed in the groove of the FA, and then secured with adhesive. However, when both the first and second optical connectors are optical waveguides, they can be integrally formed. Light propagation in an optical waveguide offers advantages over propagation in a ferrule, including lower transmission loss, higher integration, and stronger anti-interference capabilities.
[0040] In another possible embodiment, a dustproof structure 50 is provided on the second interface to cover it. The dustproof structure 50 can effectively prevent external dust and foreign objects from entering the optical module's outer shield, and can protect the optical path interface in the optical module's outer shield, effectively extending its service life.
[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module extension shield in another embodiment of this utility model, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the dustproof structure 50 includes a protrusion 121, a torsion spring 51, a rotating shaft, and a dustproof plate 52 disposed outside the second opening 12. The protrusion 121 is provided with a mounting hole, and the dustproof plate 52 is provided with a connecting hole. The rotating shaft passes through the mounting hole, the torsion spring 51, and the connecting hole, so that the dustproof plate 53 automatically covers the second interface.
[0042] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, and should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. An optical module epitaxial shield, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a first optical connector, and a second optical connector. The housing has a first opening and a second opening. The first optical connector is disposed in the first opening to form a first interface, and the second optical connector is disposed in the second opening to form a second interface. Optical signals can be propagated from the first optical connector to the second optical connector. The first interface can be detachably fixed to an optical module. When the first interface is docked and fixed to the optical module, the first optical connector is coupled to the ferrule in the optical module. The second interface can dock with an MPO fiber optic connector.
2. The optical module extension shield according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first optical connector and the second optical connector are female connectors.
3. The optical module epitaxial shield according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an outer shell that is fitted around the outer periphery of the housing. A snap-fit groove is provided on the outer side of the first opening. The snap-fit groove is snapped and fixed with the hook inside the optical module. The outer shell can slide back and forth relative to the housing. When the outer shell slides to the locked position, it can cover the snap-fit groove and the hook that are snapped and fixed.
4. The optical module extension shield according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first optical connector includes a plurality of first ferrules, the number of which corresponds one-to-one with the number of ferrules in the optical module. The second optical connector includes a plurality of second ferrules, the number of which are the same as the number of first and second ferrules. Optical signals can be transmitted from the first ferrules to the corresponding second ferrules.
5. The optical module epitaxial shield according to claim 4, characterized in that, An optical fiber is fixed in the first ferrule and the second ferrule, and the first ferrule and the second ferrule have mating end faces, with the end face of the optical fiber recessed in the mating end face.
6. The optical module epitaxial shield according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end face of the optical fiber is coated with an anti-reflective coating.
7. The optical module epitaxial shield according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second insert includes a guide pin hole for engaging with the guide pins of other inserts.
8. The optical module extension shield according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first optical connector and the second optical connector are integrally formed.
9. The optical module extension shield according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second interface is provided with a dustproof structure that can cover the second interface.
10. The optical module epitaxial shield according to claim 9, characterized in that, The dustproof structure includes a protrusion, a torsion spring, a rotating shaft, and a dustproof plate disposed outside the second opening. The protrusion has a mounting hole, and the dustproof plate has a connecting hole. The rotating shaft passes through the mounting hole, the torsion spring, and the connecting hole, so that the dustproof plate automatically covers the second interface.