Sealed ferrule for optical module and optical module

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of optical communications. Disclosed are a sealed ferrule for an optical module and an optical module. The optical module comprises a guide pin, a ferrule base, and an optical fiber disposed in the ferrule base. The ferrule base has a first end face and a second end face opposite each other. The ferrule base is provided with a ferrule hole and a fiber hole extending through the first end face to the second end face. The optical fiber is disposed in the fiber hole. The guide pin is correspondingly inserted into the ferrule hole. One end of the guide pin protrudes from the second end face and the other end thereof is retracted and disposed in the ferrule hole. A first sealing adhesive layer is formed in the ferrule hole between the guide pin and the first end face. In this application, the end of the guide pin close to the first end face is retracted and disposed in the ferrule hole to form a recessed groove. The recessed groove can serve as a filling space for the adhesive layer. The recessed groove provides sufficient space for adhesive filling, facilitating adhesive filling and enabling sufficient contact between the filled adhesive layer and the guide pin to improve sealing performance between the guide pin and the first end face.

Description

Optical module sealed ferrule and optical module

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202520154424.7, filed on January 22, 2025, entitled "Sealed Intercalation Core and Optical Module", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and more specifically, to an optical module sealing ferrule and an optical module. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, most optical modules used for data transmission and communication in data centers rely on air cooling. However, with the development of artificial intelligence, the demand for computing power has exploded. Simultaneously, this increased computing power leads to higher demands for chip cooling. Currently, major internet companies and cloud service providers are heavily investing in immersion liquid-cooled data centers. To operate effectively in an immersion liquid-cooled environment, the optical components and optical path within the optical module must be effectively isolated from the coolant.

[0004] Currently, the mainstream method for isolating coolant in the market is glass solder fusion bonding. This method melts the glass solder (melting temperature is usually around 400℃) through electromagnetic induction heating, firmly bonding the ribbon optical fiber to the metal sheath and forming a sealed joint inside the metal sheath, thereby achieving a barrier and seal effect. However, this process has the risk of uneven density and stress of the molten glass solder, and cracking and airtightness failure under long-term high and low temperature cycling. Furthermore, the soldering process can easily damage the optical fiber whose protective coating has been stripped away.

[0005] Furthermore, technologies that directly employ adhesive sealing have emerged in the market. However, traditional ferrule structures are unsuitable as sealing joints. These typically consist of a ferrule, a guide pin, and a base. The guide pin connects to the base, which needs to fit against the end face of the ferrule. Gaps that are difficult to close exist between the ferrule, guide pin, and base. This makes adhesive sealing extremely difficult. Moreover, directly filling the guide pin hole with the guide pin results in a cylindrical-to-cylindrical contact between the guide pin and the guide pin hole, similarly leading to poor adhesive sealing. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide an optical module sealing ferrule and an optical module, which are easy to seal and can be used as a sealing joint. The ferrule hole of the optical module sealing ferrule has sufficient space for filling with adhesive, resulting in good adhesive filling and sealing performance.

[0007] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a sealed ferrule for an optical module, including a guide pin, a ferrule holder, and an optical fiber disposed in the ferrule holder;

[0008] The ferrule has a first end face and a second end face, and the ferrule is provided with a ferrule hole and an optical fiber hole that pass through the first end face to the second end face.

[0009] The optical fiber is disposed in the optical fiber hole, one end of the optical fiber extends out from the first end face, and the other end of the optical fiber terminates at the second end face;

[0010] The guide pin is inserted into the ferrule hole. One end of the guide pin protrudes from the second end face, and the other end, which is close to the second end face, is recessed into the ferrule hole and spaced apart from the first end face. A first sealing adhesive layer is formed in the ferrule hole between the guide pin and the first end face to seal the ferrule hole.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the guide pin is a cylinder, and a filling groove is provided on the circumferential surface of the guide pin. The filling groove is located in the ferrule hole, and a second sealing adhesive layer is formed between the filling groove and the hole wall of the ferrule hole. The second sealing adhesive layer is in contact with the inner wall of the ferrule hole.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the filling groove is annular and surrounds the circumference of the guide needle.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, there are multiple filling grooves, which are distributed at equal intervals on the circumferential surface of the guide needle, and a second sealing adhesive layer is formed in each filling groove.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the outer diameter of the guide pin is adapted to the inner diameter of the ferrule hole, the guide pin is interference-fitted into the ferrule hole, and the plurality of second sealant layers are separated from each other, and the plurality of second sealant layers are spaced apart from the first sealant layer.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the filling groove is spiral-shaped and spirally distributed on the circumference of the guide needle.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the first end face is provided with an optical fiber, the ferrule is provided on both sides of the optical fiber, the second end face is provided with an optical fiber hole, the guide pin protrudes on both sides of the optical fiber hole, and the optical fiber and the optical fiber hole are spaced apart from the ferrule.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the ferrule includes an integrally formed first body and a second body, the width of the first body is greater than the width of the second body, and the first end face is disposed at the end of the first body away from the second body, and the second end face is disposed at the end of the second body away from the first body.

[0018] Secondly, this utility model provides an optical module, a cover plate, a substrate, a housing, optical components, and the aforementioned optical module sealing ferrule. The substrate is disposed inside the housing, the ferrule seat is disposed on the substrate, the cover plate is attached to the substrate and forms a sealed inner cavity with the substrate, the optical components are disposed in the sealed inner cavity and are connected to the ferrule seat via optical fiber, one end of the cover plate is also provided with a clearance opening communicating with the sealed inner cavity, the ferrule seat is accommodated in the clearance opening, and the cover plate is attached to the surface of the ferrule seat.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, a sealing adhesive layer for sealing the sealing cavity is provided between the substrate and the cover plate, and between the insert and the cover plate.

[0020] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The optical module sealing ferrule and optical module provided in this embodiment have a ferrule hole extending from a first end face to a second end face within the ferrule holder. A guide pin is correspondingly inserted into the ferrule hole. One end of the guide pin protrudes from the second end face, while the other end is disposed within the ferrule hole. A first sealing adhesive layer is formed in the ferrule hole located between the guide pin and the first end face. Compared to the prior art, this invention recesses the end of the guide pin near the first end face within the ferrule hole, thereby forming an inward recessed groove on the first end face. This inward recessed groove serves as a space for the adhesive layer to fill. Because the inward recessed groove forms sufficient space for adhesive filling, filling is convenient, and the filled adhesive layer can fully contact the guide pin, resulting in better sealing between the guide pin and the first end face, and thus a better overall sealing effect for the optical module sealing ferrule. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the optical module sealing ferrule provided in the embodiment of this application from a first perspective;

[0024] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the optical module sealing ferrule provided in the embodiment of this application from a second perspective;

[0025] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the optical module sealing ferrule provided in the embodiment of this application from a third perspective.

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the guide needle in Figure 3;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the guide pin structure in another preferred embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 is an overall schematic diagram of the optical module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 7 is a partial schematic diagram of the optical module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] icon:

[0031] 100 - Optical module sealing ferrule; 110 - Guide pin; 111 - Filler groove; 130 - Ferrule base; 131 - First end face; 133 - Second end face; 135 - Ferrule hole; 137 - First base body; 139 - Second base body; 150 - Optical fiber; 170 - Fiber optic hole; 180 - First sealant layer; 190 - Second sealant layer; 200 - Optical module; 210 - Substrate; 211 - Sealing layer; 230 - Cover plate; 250 - Housing; 270 - Optical components. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] This utility model provides a novel optical module sealing insert and optical module, which will be described in detail below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0036] Specific Implementation

[0037] Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, this embodiment of the present invention provides a sealing insert 100 for an optical module. It is easy to seal, can be used as a sealing joint, has sufficient space for filling glue, and the glue filling and sealing performance is good.

[0038] The optical module sealing ferrule 100 provided in this embodiment includes a guide pin 110, a ferrule holder 130, and an optical fiber 150 disposed in the ferrule holder 130. The ferrule holder 130 has a first end face 131 and a second end face 133 facing each other. The ferrule holder 130 has a ferrule hole 135 and an optical fiber hole 170 passing through the first end face 131 to the second end face 133. The optical fiber 150 is disposed in the optical fiber hole 170. One end of the optical fiber 150 extends from the first end face 131, and the other end of the optical fiber 150 terminates at the second end face 133. The guide pin 110 is correspondingly inserted into the ferrule hole 135. One end of the guide pin 110 protrudes from the second end face 133, and the other end is recessed and disposed in the ferrule hole 135, spaced apart from the first end face 131. A first sealing adhesive layer 180 is formed in the ferrule hole 135 located between the guide pin 110 and the first end face 131.

[0039] In this embodiment, the guide pin 110 can serve as a mating component with an adjacent fiber optic connector (such as a multi-fiber connector). A first sealant layer 180 is filled in the ferrule 135 located between the guide pin 110 and the first end face 131. This first sealant layer 180 effectively seals the ferrule 135, preventing external coolant from entering the gap between the guide pin 110 and the ferrule 135 through the ferrule 135. Compared to conventional ferrule structures, this embodiment recesses one end of the guide pin 110 near the first end face 131 within the ferrule 135, thus forming an inward recessed groove on the first end face 131. This inward recessed groove serves as a space for the sealant layer. Because the inward recessed groove provides sufficient space for sealant filling, filling is convenient, and the filled sealant layer can fully contact the guide pin 110, resulting in better sealing between the guide pin 110 and the first end face 131, and thus a better overall sealing effect for the optical module sealing ferrule 100.

[0040] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the distance between the guide pin 110 and the first end face 131 can be 1 / 10 to 1 / 5 of the length of the ferrule hole 135. This ensures that the portion of the ferrule hole 135 near the first end face 131 has sufficient space to accommodate the first sealant layer 180. The first sealant layer 180 can be formed by a dispensing process. After dispensing, it is baked and hardened to form the first sealant layer 180.

[0041] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the guide pin 110 is a cylinder. A filling groove 111 is provided on the circumferential surface of the guide pin 110 (i.e., around the cylindrical surface). When the guide pin 110 is located in the insert hole 135 as in the previous embodiments, the filling groove 111 is also located in the insert hole 135. A second sealant layer 190 is formed between the filling groove 111 and the wall of the insert hole 135. The second sealant layer 190 contacts the inner wall of the insert hole 135. Specifically, the filling groove 111 is located on the guide pin 110 near the first end face 131. In actual preparation, the dispensing of adhesive at the filling groove 111 can be completed before the guide pin 110 is inserted into the ferrule hole 135. Then, the uncured adhesive layer is inserted into the ferrule hole 135 along with the guide pin 110. Under the shaping effect of the inner wall of the ferrule hole 135 on the uncured adhesive layer, the adhesive will fill the entire filling groove 111. After subsequent baking and curing, the second sealing adhesive layer 190 is formed. Here, the second sealing adhesive layer 190 will adhere to the inner wall of the ferrule hole 135 and fully fill the gap between the guide pin 110 and the inner wall of the ferrule hole 135, so as to further improve the sealing effect between the guide pin 110 and the inner wall of the ferrule hole 135.

[0042] In some embodiments, the filling groove 111 is annular and surrounds the circumference of the guide needle 110. Specifically, the filling groove 111 is an annular groove. The center of this annular groove coincides with the center of the guide needle 110, so that the second sealing layer 190 in the filling groove 111 is annular and surrounds the guide needle 110. The annular second sealing layer 190 can achieve a 360° seal around the guide needle 110, fully ensuring the sealing effect. Of course, in other embodiments of this utility model, the filling groove 111 can also be intermittently distributed on the circumference of the guide needle 110 and staggered from each other, which can ensure the structural strength of the guide needle 110 while achieving the sealing effect.

[0043] In some embodiments, there are multiple filling grooves 111. The multiple filling grooves 111 are evenly distributed on the circumferential surface of the guide needle 110. A second sealant layer 190 is formed in each filling groove 111. For example, there can be three filling grooves 111. Three annular filling grooves 111 are evenly distributed on the circumferential surface of the guide needle 110, thereby forming three second sealant layers 190. Multiple second sealant layers 190 can further improve the sealing effect.

[0044] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the guide pin 110 is adapted to the inner diameter of the ferrule hole 135. The guide pin 110 is interference-fitted into the ferrule hole 135. Multiple second sealant layers 190 are separated from each other and all spaced apart from the first sealant layer 180. Specifically, the three annular second sealant layers 190 are spaced apart. Therefore, the adhesive will not connect during sealing, thus forming a multi-segmented, isolated sealant layer structure. When one second sealant layer 190 fails, it will not easily affect the other second sealant layers 190 or the first sealant layer 180. In this way, the overall sealing reliability of the optical module sealing ferrule 100 is better.

[0045] Referring to Figure 5, in other preferred embodiments of this invention, the filling groove 111 is spiral-shaped and spirally distributed on the circumferential surface of the guide pin 110. Specifically, the filling groove 111 can be a continuously distributed spiral groove structure, so that the second sealing adhesive layer 190 is also spirally distributed on the circumferential surface of the guide pin 110. The spiral adhesive layer sealing structure allows the second sealing adhesive layer 190 to fully contact the inner wall of the insert hole 135 and can form a multi-layer sealing structure, resulting in a better sealing effect.

[0046] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in some embodiments, a first end face 131 is provided with an optical fiber 150. A ferrule 135 is provided on both sides of the optical fiber 150. The optical fiber 150 passes through an optical fiber hole 170. A guide pin 110 protrudes from both sides of the optical fiber hole 170. Both the optical fiber 150 and the optical fiber hole 170 are spaced apart from the ferrule 135. Specifically, the first end face 131 is also provided with an optical fiber holder. The optical fiber 150 is disposed on the optical fiber holder. The optical fiber holder may protrude from the first end face 131. Ferrule holes 135 are provided on both sides of the optical fiber holder.

[0047] In some embodiments, the ferrule 130 includes an integrally formed first body 137 and a second body 139. The width of the first body 137 is greater than the width of the second body 139. A first end face 131 is located at the end of the first body 137 away from the second body 139. A second end face 133 is located at the end of the second body 139 away from the first body 137. Specifically, the first body 137 and the second body 139 are integrally formed and are both rectangular blocks. The first body 137 is located near the optical components, and the second body 139 is located near the external fiber optic connector. The different widths of the first body 137 and the second body 139 allow for better identification of the inner and outer sides of the ferrule 130. The larger size of the first body 137 allows for the formation of a stepped structure, thereby better sealing and accommodating the ferrule 130 within the cover plate of the optical module.

[0048] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, this embodiment of the present invention provides an optical module 200. The optical module 200 includes a cover plate 230, a substrate 210, a housing 250, optical components 270, and an optical module sealing ferrule 100. The optical module sealing ferrule 100 includes a guide pin 110, a ferrule holder 130, and an optical fiber 150 disposed in the ferrule holder 130. The ferrule holder 130 has opposing first end faces 131 and second end faces 133. The ferrule holder 130 has a ferrule hole 135 and an optical fiber hole 170 passing through the first end face 131 to the second end face 133. The guide pin 110 is correspondingly inserted into the ferrule hole 135. One end of the guide pin 110 protrudes from the second end face 133, and the other end is recessed within the ferrule hole 135 and spaced apart from the first end face 131. A first sealant layer 180 is formed in the ferrule hole 135 located between the guide pin 110 and the first end face 131. A substrate 210 is disposed within a housing 250, a ferrule 130 is disposed on the substrate 210, and a cover plate 230 is attached to the substrate 210, forming a sealed cavity for accommodating an optical device. An optical device 270 is disposed within the sealed cavity and is optically connected to the ferrule 130. One end of the cover plate 230 has a clearance opening communicating with the sealed cavity. The ferrule 130 is accommodated in the clearance opening. The cover plate 230 is attached to the surface of the ferrule 130.

[0049] In this embodiment, the substrate 210 can be a PCB board. Meanwhile, the cover plate 230 can be attached to the surface of the second seat 139 of the ferrule 130, thereby accommodating the first seat 137 and exposing the second end face 133 to the outside, facilitating connection with an external socket.

[0050] Furthermore, a sealing adhesive layer 211 for sealing the inner cavity is provided between the substrate 210 and the cover plate 230, and between the ferrule 130 and the cover plate 230. The sealing adhesive layer enables the cover plate 230 to be sealed. The cover plate 230 simultaneously contacts the substrate 210 and the second seat 139 of the ferrule 130. The sealing adhesive layer 211 is used to seal the contact points, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the sealed inner cavity and effectively protecting the internal optical components 270. Simultaneously, the sealing adhesive layer 211 also effectively achieves bonding and fixation, thus fixing the substrate 210, cover plate 230, and ferrule 130 into a single unit.

[0051] In summary, the optical module sealing ferrule 100 and optical module 200 provided in this embodiment of the present invention have a ferrule hole 135 in the ferrule holder 130, extending from the first end face 131 to the second end face 133. A guide pin 110 is correspondingly inserted into the ferrule hole 135. One end of the guide pin 110 protrudes from the second end face 133, and the other end is disposed within the ferrule hole 135. A first sealing adhesive layer 180 is formed in the ferrule hole 135 located between the guide pin 110 and the first end face 131. Compared to the prior art, this invention recesses the end of the guide pin 110 near the first end face 131 within the ferrule hole 135, thereby forming an inward recessed groove on the first end face 131. This inward recessed groove can serve as a space for the adhesive layer filling. Because the recessed groove creates sufficient space for filling with adhesive, filling with adhesive is convenient, and the filled adhesive layer can fully contact the guide pin, resulting in better sealing between the guide pin 110 and the first end face 131, and thus better overall sealing effect of the optical module sealing core 100.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A sealed ferrule for an optical module, characterized in that, Includes a guide pin, a ferrule, and an optical fiber disposed in the ferrule; The ferrule has a first end face and a second end face, and the ferrule is provided with a ferrule hole and an optical fiber hole that pass through the first end face to the second end face. The optical fiber is disposed in the optical fiber hole, one end of the optical fiber extends out from the first end face, and the other end of the optical fiber terminates at the second end face; The guide pin is inserted into the ferrule hole. One end of the guide pin protrudes from the second end face, and the other end, which is close to the second end face, is recessed into the ferrule hole and spaced apart from the first end face. A first sealing layer is formed in the ferrule hole between the guide pin and the first end face to seal the ferrule hole.

2. The optical module sealing ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide pin is cylindrical, and a filling groove is provided on the circumferential surface of the guide pin. The filling groove is located in the insert hole, and a second sealing layer is formed between the filling groove and the hole wall of the insert hole. The second sealing layer is in contact with the inner wall of the insert hole.

3. The optical module sealing ferrule according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filling groove is annular and is arranged around the periphery of the guide needle.

4. The optical module sealing ferrule according to claim 3, characterized in that, There are multiple glue-filling grooves, which are distributed at equal intervals on the circumferential surface of the guide needle, and a second sealing glue layer is formed in each glue-filling groove.

5. The optical module sealing ferrule according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the guide pin is adapted to the inner diameter of the ferrule hole, the guide pin is interference-fitted into the ferrule hole, and the plurality of second sealant layers are separated from each other, and the plurality of second sealant layers are spaced apart from the first sealant layer.

6. The optical module sealing ferrule according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filling groove is spiral-shaped and spirally distributed on the circumference of the guide needle.

7. The optical module sealing ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end face is provided with an optical fiber, the ferrule is provided on both sides of the optical fiber, the optical fiber passes through the optical fiber hole, the guide pin protrudes on both sides of the optical fiber hole, and the optical fiber and the optical fiber hole are spaced apart from the ferrule.

8. The optical module sealing ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ferrule includes an integrally formed first body and a second body. The width of the first body is greater than the width of the second body, and the first end face is located at the end of the first body away from the second body, and the second end face is located at the end of the second body away from the first body.

9. An optical module, characterized in that, The device includes a cover plate, a substrate, a housing, optical components, and a sealed ferrule for an optical module as described in any one of claims 1-8. The substrate is disposed within the housing, the ferrule is disposed on the substrate, the cover plate is fitted onto the substrate and forms a sealed inner cavity with the substrate, the optical components are disposed within the sealed inner cavity and are connected to the ferrule via an optical fiber, one end of the cover plate is further provided with a clearance opening communicating with the sealed inner cavity, the ferrule is accommodated in the clearance opening, and the cover plate is fitted onto the surface of the ferrule.

10. The optical module according to claim 9, characterized in that, A sealing adhesive layer for sealing the inner cavity is provided between the substrate and the cover plate, and between the insert and the cover plate.

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