Hermetic optical fiber alignment assembly having integrated optical element.
Abstract
Un ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético incluye una porción de férula (40) que tiene una pluralidad de ranuras (34) que reciben las secciones de extremo de fibras ópticas, en donde las ranuras definen la ubicación de orientación de las secciones de extremo con respecto a la porción de férula. El ensamble incluye un elemento óptico integrado para acoplar la entrada/salida de una fibra óptica a los dispositivos opto-electrónicos en el módulo opto-electrónico. El elemento óptico puede estar en la forma de una superficie reflectora estructurada. El extremo de la fibra óptica está a una distancia definida a y alineado con la superficie reflectora estructurada. Las superficies reflectoras estructuradas y las ranuras de alineación de fibra pueden formarse mediante grabado.

Term
6.5 yearsleft in the term
Expires 11 April 2033.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Expires
17 claims: 2 independent, 15 dependent
- 1REIVINDICACIONES Habiéndose descrito la invención como antecede, se reclama como propiedad lo contenido en las siguientes reivindicaciones:1. Un ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético, caracterizado porque comprende: una primera porción de férula que tiene una primera superficie que define al menos una ranura que recibe al menos una sección de extremo de una fibra óptica en donde la ranura define la ubicación y orientación de la sección de extremo con respecto a la primera porción de férula;una segunda porción de férula que tiene una segunda superficie orientada a la primera superficie de la primera porción de férula, en donde la primera porción de férula está unida herméticamente a la segunda porción de férula con la primera superficie hacia la segunda superficie, en donde la primera porción de férula incluye una porción extendida más allá de un borde de la segunda porción de férula y un elemento óptico definido en la porción extendida, en donde la ranura sobre la primera porción de férula se extiende y termina en el elemento óptico localizado en la porción extendida más allá del borde de la segunda porción de férula, en donde una cara de extremo de la fibra IMPI INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL óptica está localizada a una distancia predeterminada del elemento óptico a lo largo del eje de la fibra óptica, y en donde la ranura alinea de manera precisa la fibra óptica con respecto al elemento óptico, de manera que luz de salida desde la fibra óptica pueda dirigirse mediante el elemento óptico al exterior de la primera porción de férula o entrada de luz desde el exterior de la primera porción de férula incidente en el elemento óptico pueda dirigirse hacia la fibra óptica.
- 2El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque el elemento óptico es integrado a la primera porción de férula.
- 3El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado porque la primera porción de férula incluye la porción extendida y el elemento óptico son parte de la misma estructura monolítica.
- 4El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado porque el elemento óptico comprende una superficie reflectora estructurada, en donde la ranura se extiende y termina en la superficie reflectora estructurada, en donde la salida de luz desde la fibra óptica se puede reflejar por la superficie reflectora estructurada al IMPI r.'STITUTÜ MEXICANO K LA LLCI'IEDAO INDUSTRIAL exterior de la primera porción de férula o entrar luz desde el exterior a la primera porción de férula incidente en la superficie reflectora estructurada puede reflejarse hacia la fibra óptica.
- 5El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 4, caracterizado porque la ranura está alineada con respecto a la superficie reflectora estructurada.
- 6El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 5, caracterizado porque la ranura incluye un borde que define un tope al cual puede empalmarse una porción de la cara de extremo de la fibra óptica para definir la distancia predeterminada entre la cara de extremo de la fibra óptica y la superficie reflectora estructurada.
- 7El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 6, caracterizado porque la ranura es formada por precisión para alinear la fibra óptica con respecto a la superficie reflectora estructurada.
- 8El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 7, caracterizado porque la ranura es una ranura abierta sobre la primera porción de la férula
- 9El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica IMPI INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 8, caracterizado porque la superficie reflejante estructurada y la ranura abierta se forman por grabado de un material maleable.
- 10El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 9, caracterizado porque el material maleable es metal.
- 11El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque la superficie reflejante estructurada es cóncava.
- 12Un módulo opto-electrónico, caracterizado porque comprende:un alojamiento;y un ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, sellado herméticamente al alojamiento.
- 13Un módulo opto-electrónico, caracterizado porque comprende:un alojamiento;y un ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, sellado herméticamente al alojamiento formando una terminal para conexión externa mediante una manga de alineación.
- 14El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque existe una pluralidad de fibras ópticas y una pluralidad de ranuras cada una que recibe al menos la sección de extremo de una de las fibras ópticas, y cada ranura termina en una superficie reflectora estructurada.
- 15Un proceso para elaborar un ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque comprende:grabar una férula para formar una superficie reflectora estructurada y al menos una ranura de alineación de fibra óptica, en donde la ranura está alineada con respecto a la estructura reflectora estructurada.
- 16Un ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético, caracterizado porque comprende:una primera porción de férula que define un elemento óptico y una estructura de retención de fibra óptica de manera que una cara de extremo de la fibra óptica está localizada a una distancia predeterminada desde el elemento óptico a lo largo del eje de la fibra óptica, en donde una cara de extremo de la fibra óptica está localizada a una distancia predeterminada del elemento óptico a lo largo del eje de la fibra óptica, y en donde la estructura de retención de fibra óptica alinea de manera precisa la fibra óptica con respecto al elemento óptico de manera que la luz de salida desde la fibra óptica se puede dirigir por el elemento óptico IMPI •O MEXICANO ,A PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL al exterior de la primera porción de férula ó luz de entrada desde el exterior de la primera porción de férula incidente en el elemento óptico puede reflejarse hacia la fibra óptica;y 5 una segunda porción de férula fijada herméticamente a la segunda porción de férula, en donde la primera porción de férula incluye una porción extendida más allá de un borde de la segunda porción de férula y en donde el elemento óptico se define en una 10 porción extendida localizada más allá del borde de la segunda porción de férula.
- 17El ensamble de alineación de fibra óptica hermético de conformidad con la reivindicación 16, caracterizado porque la estructura de retención de fibra 15 óptica comprende una ranura de alineación dimensionada para recibir por lo menos una sección de extremo de la fibra óptica. IMPI G'JST'.rjTO MEXICANO Cí LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL
Independent claims17
218 paragraphs in 64 sections, as filed
(54) Title: HERMETIC FIBER OPTIC ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY THAT HAS INTEGRATED OPTICAL ELEMENT. (54) Title: HERMETIC OPTICAL FIBER ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY HAVING INTEGRATED OPTICAL ELEMENT.
(57) Summary
A watertight fiber optic alignment assembly includes a ferrule portion (40) having a plurality of grooves (34) that receive the end sections of fiber optics, where the grooves define the orientation location of the end sections with with respect to the splint portion. The assembly includes an integrated optical element to couple the input / output of an optical fiber to the optoelectronic devices in the optoelectronic module. The optical element may be in the form of a structured reflective surface. The end of the optical fiber is at a defined distance to and aligned with the structured reflective surface. Structured reflective surfaces and fiber alignment grooves can be formed by etching.
(57) Abstract
A hermetic optical fiber alignmenf assembly ineludes a ferrule portion (40) having a plurality of grooves (34) receiving the end sections of optical fibers, where the grooves define the location and orientation of the end sections with respect to the ferrule portion. The assembly ineludes an integrated optical element for coupling the input / output oí an optical fiber to the opto-electronic devices in the opto-electronic module. The optical element can be in the form of a structured reflective surface. The end of the optical fiber is at a defined distance to and aligned with the structured reflective surface. The structured reflective surfaces and the fiber alignmenf grooves can be formed by stamping.
_I KNOW_
S6CKTAMA Dt KCWOMÍA.
Institute
Mexican Property
Industrial
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PATENT TITLE NO. 338574
Owner (s): NANOPRECISION PRODUCTS, INC.
Address: 411-B Coral Circle, El Segundo, California, 90245, USA
Name: HERMETIC FIBER OPTIC ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY THAT HAS INTEGRATED OPTICAL ELEMENT.
Classification: lnt.CI.8: G02B6 / 36; G02B6 / 42
Inventor (s): SHUHE LI; ROBERT RYAN VALLANCE; MICHAEL K. BARNOSKI
Núi
MX / a / 2014/012166
Country:
US
US
US
REQUEST to present ^ i ^ llónl íW ·: ion April 2013
PRIORITY
Date:
April 2012 September 10, 2012 March 2013> ·
Numbers
61/623,027
61/699,125
13/786,448
Validity: Twenty years
V © ncím¡ento streak | April 11, 2033
The reference patent is granted in the articles 1 ', 2nd fraction V, 6th useful fraction, and 58 of the Industrial Property Law.
It complies with article 23 of the PropMatf law, counted from the date of preservation of the scucl rights. ii
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This patent has a validity of twenty non-deferrable years, and will be subject to the fee of the fee to keep the
Who subscribes to this Title is hd & e based on> toe. > / '996, 12/26/1997, * 05/1999,
2 * 11/2004, 16/06/2006, 25 * 1/2006, 0 * 5 / 2009,06 / 01/2010, 18 / ΰ ^ Μ ^^^ ΜΜΐ ^ Μ ^ ΜΜΒΏ4 / 20121: articles 1, 3 <* action V subsection a), 4th and 12th fraction © I and lll da Regulation of the MentMMRRHBH ^ uaietrial Institute (DOF 12/14/1999, rearmed on 01 ¿) 7/2002, 15/07/2004, 28 / j ^ / 2004 and ifj) 9/2007); Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, section V, Section a), 16 sections I and lll and 30 of the Organic Statute of> MMnMMMMMmOpdad age 1, 3 and 5, section a) of the Agreement that delegates powers Deputy General Directors, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Head of the Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other ^ Jtaslternos of the Mexican Property Institute * * “0F. 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/20075
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Issue Date: April 22, 2016
THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS
NAHANNY CANAL REYES
Arenal No. 550, Floor 1,
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Tea'. (55) 53 34 07 00 www.iropi.gob.mx
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MX / 2016/30942
3385^
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IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE '
FROM PROPERTY to structures of an assembly of
HERMETIC FIBER OPTIC ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY QTTE TTEWB
INTEGRATED OPTICAL ELEMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION, The present invention relates to fiber optic splint, in particular hermetic fiber optic alignment including a ferrule for aligning optical fibers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Given the increasing bandwidth requirements for current data transmission (for example, for high definition video data), fiber optic signal transmissions have become ubiquitous to communicate data. Optical signals are transmitted over optical fibers, through a network of optical fibers and associated connectors and switches. Optical fibers demonstrate significantly higher bandwidth data transmission capacity and lower signal losses compared to copper cables for a given size / physical space.
In fiber optic signal transmission, conversions between optical signals and electrical signals are carried out beyond the terminal end of the optical fiber. Specifically, at the exit end of an optical fiber, light is detected from the optical fiber by a
Ref. 251581
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transducer receptor and converted to an electrical signal for further downstream data processing (i.e. electrical optical conversion). At the input end of the fiber optic, electrical signals are converted into light to be input into the fiber optic by a translation transmitter (i.e., electrical to optical conversion).
The electronic devices (receiver and transmitter and associated optical elements and electronic hardware) are contained in an opto-electronic module or package. The optical fiber is introduced from outside the housing of the opto-electronic module, through an opening provided in the housing wall. The end of the optical fiber is optically coupled to the opto-electronic devices retained within the housing. A feeder element supports the portion of the optical fiber through the wall opening. For a variety of applications, it is desirable to hermetically seal opto-electronic devices within the opto-electronic module housing, to protect components from corrosive media, moisture, and the like. Since the opto-electronic module package must be hermetically sealed as a whole, the feeder element must be hermetically sealed, so that the electro-optical components within the opto-electronic module housing are reliably and continuously protected from the environment .
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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
Until now, the hermetic feeder is in the form of a cylindrical sleeve that defines a large gap through which a section of the optical fiber passes. The optical fiber extends beyond the sleeve into the opto-electronic module. The end of the fiber optic ends in a ferrule (separate from the sleeve) that is aligned with the opto-electronic devices provided there. A sealing material such as epoxy is applied to seal the gap between the fiber optic and the inner wall of the sleeve. The sleeve is inserted into the opening in the housing of the opto-electronic module, and the opening is sealed, typically by welding the outer wall of the sleeve to the housing. The outer wall of the sleeve can can be gold plated to facilitate welding and improve corrosion resistance.
Given the large gap between the sleeve and the optical fiber and the use of epoxy to seal such a gap (i.e. an epoxy layer between the outer wall and the inner wall of the sleeve), the sleeve does not support the optical fiber with any positional alignment with respect to the sleeve. Since the sealing material provides stress and strain relief for the fiber optic section retained there, the brittle fiber does not break easily during handling. The sleeve easily functions as a plastic ring or conduit that is sealed to the opto-electronic module housing and which
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY passes through the optical fiber in an airtight seal inside the sleeve. As noted below, the end of the optical fiber needs to be aligned to the optoelectronic devices to be within acceptable tolerances by means of a ferrule.
To optically couple the input / output of the optical fiber to the opto-electronic devices in the opto-electronic module, optical elements such as lenses and mirrors are required to collimate and / or focus light from a light source (for example, a laser) inside the input end of the optical fiber, and to collimate and / or focus light from the output end of the optical fiber to the receiver. To achieve acceptable signal levels, the end of the optical fiber must be precisely aligned at high tolerance to the transmitters and receivers, so that the optical fiber is precisely aligned to the supported optical elements with respect to the transmitters and receivers. In the past, since internal optical elements and structures need to achieve the required optical alignments to acceptable tolerance, coupling structures are provided including a connection port within the hermetically sealed opto-electronic module housing to which a terminating ferrule is coupled. at the end of the optical fiber. The associated transmitters and receivers and optical elements and connection structures are therefore
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generally bulky, taking up significant space, consequently making them unsuitable for use on smaller electronic devices. So far, opto-electronic modules containing transmitters and receivers are generally very expensive and comparatively large in size for a given port count. Since optical fibers are brittle, they must be handled carefully during and after physical connection to the mating structure within the opto-electronic module and to avoid breakage in the feeder sleeve. In the event of fiber optic breakage, it has been industry practice to replace the entire opto-electronic module to which the sealed fiber optic feeder is soldered. The optical connection and alignment of the optical fibers with respect to the transmitters and receivers must be assembled and the components must be manufactured with sub-micron precision, and must be capable of being produced economically in a fully automated, high-speed process.
The previously noted disadvantages of existing fiber optic data transmission are exacerbated in multichannel fiber transmission.
OZ Optics Ltd produces glass-welded multi-fiber hermetically sealable patch cord that has multiple optical fibers passing through a sleeve, with the optical fibers extending beyond
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INSTITUTO .mexicano Dz THE PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL
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of the sleeve, with the ends of the optical fibers retained in a separate alignment sleeve of the sleeve. OZ Optics Ltd also produces a metallic weld multi-fiber hermetically sealable patch cord, where the optical fibers are clad with a metal (metallic fibers). The optical fibers are terminated with a silicon ferrule that is supported within a sleeve, which is a separate component of the ferrule. The outer wall of the sleeve is gold plated to seal into an optoelectronic module housing. However, these multiple fiber hermetic feeder configurations do not appear to resolve the prior art disadvantages noted above, and introduce additional complexity and cost at least from a production feasibility perspective.
What is needed is an improved watertight fiber optic alignment assembly, which improves optical alignment, production feasibility, ease of use, functionality, and reliability at reduced costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved watertight fiber optic alignment assembly, which improves optical alignment, production feasibility, ease of use, functionality, and reliability at reduced costs, thereby overcoming many of the disadvantages of prior art structures.
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In one aspect, the present invention provides a watertight fiber optic alignment assembly, comprising: a first ferrule portion having a first surface provided with a plurality of grooves receiving at least the end sections of a plurality of optical fibers , where the grooves define the location and orientation of the end sections with respect to the first ferrule portion; a second ferrule portion having a second surface facing the first surface of the first ferrule, wherein the first ferrule portion is attached to the second ferrule portion with the first surface against the second surface, where a cavity is defined between the first ferrule portion and the second ferrule portion, where the cavity is wider than the grooves, and where a suspended section of each optical fiber is suspended in the cavity, and where the cavity is sealed with a sealant. The sealant extends around the suspended sections of the optical fibers within the cavity. At least the first surface of the first ferrule portion is provided with a well defining a first gap in the first ferrule portion, wherein the first gap and the second ferrule section together define the cavity. An opening is provided in at least one of the first ferrule portion and the second ferrule portion, exposing the cavity, where the sealant is fed through the opening.
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In another aspect of the present invention, the hermetic fiber optic alignment assembly provides optical alignment and a hermetic feeder for an opto-electronic module. In a further aspect of the present invention, the hermetic fiber optic alignment assembly provides alignment and a terminal for access to an opto-electronic module.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, an improved watertight fiber optic alignment assembly includes an integrated optical element for coupling the input / output of an optical fiber to the kptoelectronic devices in the opto-electronic module. In one embodiment, the integrated optical element comprises a reflector element that is etched with the alignment slot for the optical fiber.
In one embodiment, the watertight fiber optic alignment assembly comprises a first ferrule portion defining an optical element and a fiber optic retention structure (eg, an alignment slot having an open structure) such that a end face of the optical fiber is located at a predetermined distance from the optical element along the axis of the optical fiber, wherein an end face of the optical fiber is located at a predetermined distance from the optical element along the axis of the optical fiber, and where the retention structure of
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optical fiber precisely aligns the optical fiber with respect to the optical element, so that output light can be directed from the optical fiber by the optical element to the outside of the first ferrule portion or input light from the outside of the first incident splint portion on the optical element can be reflected back to the optical fiber; and a second ferrule portion hermetically attached to the second ferrule portion, wherein the first ferrule includes a portion extending beyond one edge of the second ferrule portion, on which the optical element is located beyond the edge of the second portion of splint.
In another modality, the watertight fiber optic alignment assembly comprises a first ferrule portion having a first surface defining at least one groove that receives at least one end section of a fiber optic, where the groove defines the location and orientation of the end section with respect to the first ferrule portion; a second ferrule portion having a second surface facing the first surface of the first ferrule, wherein the first ferrule portion is tightly attached to the second ferrule portion with the first surface against the second surface, where the first ferrule includes a portion extended beyond an edge of the second portion of ίο
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INDUSTRIAL ferrule, over which the groove extends and terminates in an optical element located beyond the edge of the second ferrule portion, where an end face of the optical fiber is located at a predetermined distance from the optical element to the along the axis of the optical fiber, and where the slot precisely aligns the optical fiber with respect to the optical element, so that output light from the optical fiber can be directed by the optical element towards the outside of the ferrule or input light from the outside of the ferrule incident on the optical element can be directed towards the optical fiber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
For a more complete understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, as well as the preferred mode of use, reference should be made to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In the following figures, similar reference numbers designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures.
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an opto-electronic module housing, to which fiber optic assemblies are hermetically sealed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an optical bridge connection cable having hermetic fiber optic assemblies in accordance with a
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INDUSTRIAL modality of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a diagram of the optical jumper connection cable in Figure 2 with the hermetic fiber optic assembly hermetically sealed to an opto-electronic module housing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4A to 4C are perspective views of the hermetic fiber optic assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 5A to 5D are plan views of the watertight fiber optic assembly of Figures 4A-4C; Figure 5D illustrates an alternate embodiment.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the hermetic fiber optic assembly in Figures 4A-4C, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 7A to 7E are flat views of the cover of the sealed fiber optic assembly.
Figures 8A through 8E are plan views of the ferrule of the hermetic fiber optic assembly.
Figures 9A to 9E are sectional views taken along lines 9A-9A 9E-9E in Figure 5A.
Figures 10A and 10B are perspective views of a light direction element at the exit end of the optical fibers in the sealed optical fiber assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
schematic illustrating
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Figure 10C is a sectional view taken along line 10C-10C in Figure 10B.
FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an opto-electronic module housing, to which hermetic fiber optic assemblies are hermetically sealed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a photographic sectional view of a prototype of the hermetic fiber optic assembly.
Figure 13 is a sectional view showing additional detail of the assembly of the hermetic fiber optic assembly to the opto-electronic module housing, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of a hermetic fiber optic alignment assembly having an integral optical element, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of the underside of the watertight fiber optic alignment assembly of Figure 14.
Figure 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the extended portion of the splint, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17A is a sectional view of the fiber alignment groove along a longitudinal axis of
IMPIfiM
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Of the property
INDUSTH.IAL - the fiber optic, Figure 17B is a perspective sectional view thereof.
Figure 18 is a sectional view illustrating light reflection between fiber optics and an opto-electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 19 is a sectional view illustrating light reflection between fiber optics and an opto-electronic device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention is described below with reference to various embodiments with reference to the figures. Although this invention is described in terms of the best way to achieve the objectives of this invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations in view of these teachings can be achieved without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
The present invention provides an improved watertight fiber optic assembly, which improves optical alignment, production feasibility, ease of use, functionality, and reliability at reduced costs, thereby overcoming many of the disadvantages of prior art structures.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an opto-electronic module 12, to which are sealed airtight fiber optic assemblies 10, in accordance with
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one embodiment of the present invention. The optoelectronic module 12 includes a housing 14, which includes a base 16 and a cover hermetically sealed to the housing, which protects the interior of the housing from the external environment of the housing. For simplicity, the cover of the opto-electronic module 12 is omitted in Figure 1. Embedded within chambers in the housing are optoelectronic devices 17 and 18 (eg, transmitter and receiver and associated electronics and / or optical elements (not specifically shown in Figure 1, but schematically shown in Figure 3). The electronics within the Opto-electronic module 12 is coupled to an external circuit card 20 through flexible electrical connection terminals 19.
In the illustrated embodiment, the housing base 16 includes two openings 21 and 22 through which the fiber optic assemblies 10 are inserted. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, each fiber optic assembly 10 serves as a feeder sealed for optical fibers 24 in a fiber flat cable 23. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four optical fibers 24 in the fiber flat cable 23. The hermetic fiber optic assembly 10 also serves as a ferrule, supporting the ends (i.e., a section or end section) of the optical fibers 24 in a fixed position relative to each other and with respect.
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to the external surfaces of the tight fiber optic assembly 10. As will be further elaborated below, once the tight fiber optic assembly 10 is attached to the housing 14 (eg, by opening brazing (21, 22) on the base 16), the ends of the optical fibers 24 would be fixed in position (i.e. precisely aligned) with respect to the opto-electronic devices (17, 18) in the housing 14.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an optical jumper connection cable 30 having hermetic fiber optic assemblies 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the optical jumper connection cable 30 with the hermetic fiber optic assemblies 10 hermetically sealed to an optoelectronic module housing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical bridge connection cable 30 includes two flat fiber cables 23, each terminating at one end with a watertight fiber optic assembly 10, and commonly terminating at the other end with a connector 25 for coupling to a fiber network. The connector and opto-electronic module 12 may be part of an auto-electronic peripheral card, which comprises a circuit card (not shown) supporting the opto-electronic module 12 and connector 25 on one edge of the card.
<img file="MX338574B_D0020.tif" />
circuit. In which case, the optical jumper connection cable 30 serves as a short fiber optic connection from the optoelectronic module 12 to a built-in terminal (i.e., connector 25) of the autoelectronic peripheral card for external connection to the network fiber or motherboard printed circuit board.
Figures 4A to 9E illustrate the detailed structures of the hermetic fiber optic assembly 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The hermetic fiber optic assembly 10 is essentially a ferrule assembly, having parallel open grooves provided therein to align the ends of the fiber optics 24.
Figures 4A to 4C are perspective views of the hermetic fiber optic assembly 10. Figures 5A to 5C are plan views of the hermetic fiber optic assembly 10. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the hermetic fiber optic assembly 10. Figures 9A to 9E are sectional views taken along lines 9A-9A to 9E-9E in Figure 5A. In the illustrated embodiment, the ferrule assembly 10 comprises two ferrule portions, of which a first ferrule portion (hereinafter referred to as a ferrule 40) is provided with fiber optic alignment grooves 34 and a second portion of ferrule (hereinafter referred to as a cover 42) is not
ΙΜΡΪ
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
<img file="MX338574B_D0021.tif" />
provided with none of the alignment slots. Each of the ferrule portions has a generally flat structure (when compared to a tube or sleeve).
Figures 7A-7E are flat views of cover 42 of the sealed fiber-optic assembly 10. Referring to Figure 7A, the underside 38 of cover 42 (the side facing ferrule 40) is provided with a well surface forming a gap 44 near the center and a cutout 45 at a longitudinal end of the cover 42. Bevels 46 are provided on the longitudinal edges.
Figures 8A to 8E are flat views of ferrule 40 of sealed fiber-optic assembly 10. Referring to Figure 8A, underside 39 of ferrule 40 (side facing casing 42) is provided with a well gap that forming a gap 54 near the center and a cutout 55 at a longitudinal end of the ferrule 40, which coincides with the gap 44 and cutout 45. Parallel longitudinal grooves 34 in a horizontal plane parallel to bottom side 39 are provided between end face 56 and gap 54. Additional parallel longitudinal grooves 35 in a horizontal plane parallel to bottom side 39 are provided between gap 54 and cutout 55. Referring also to Figure 9E, slots 34 and 35 are sized to receive the terminal end sections of each optical fiber 24 (i.e., a short section of each end
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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
<img file="MX338574B_D0022.tif" />
fiber optic exposed, in its exposed state exposing the coating layer, with protective buffer layer and removed cover). Specifically, the grooves 34 are precisely dimensioned to precisely position the ends of optical fibers 24 relative to one another and the outer surfaces of ferrule 40. By attaching the watertight fiber optic assembly 10 to the housing 14 (for example, by welding in the opening (21, 22) in the base 16), the ends of the optical fibers 24 would be fixed in place (i.e. precisely aligned) with respect to the opto-electronic devices (17, 18) in the housing.
As shown more clearly in Figure 9E, when cover 42 and ferrule 40 are coupled together with underside 38 of cover 42 and underside 39 of ferrule 40 against each other, gaps 44 and 45 together define a cavity 48 through which a section of each optical fiber 24 is suspended (ie, without touching ferrule 40 and cover 42. Ferrule 40 is provided with an opening 41 through which sealant can be fed into the cavity 48. Also referring to Figure 9B, the width of the opening 41 is substantially wider than the diameter of an optical fiber 24, and extends through the ferrule to expose all of the parallel optical fibers 24 (see Figure 4C). ; that is to say,
<img file="MX338574B_D0023.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL
<img file="MX338574B_D0024.tif" />
the width of the opening 41 is wider than all the combined grooves in the plane of the ferrule 40). In addition, the cutouts 45 and 55 together form a gap 49 that receives a strain relief 43, which supports the fiber flat cable 24 (including protective layers on the exposed optical fibers 24) at the other end of the assembly 10.
Referring to Figures 8D and 9A, the walls of the grooves 34 define a generally U-shaped cross section. The depth of each groove 34 is dimensioned to fully retain an optical fiber without protruding over the groove 34, with the part top of the optical fiber substantially aligned with the top of the slot (ie, substantially at the same level as the underside surface 39). When cover 42 and ferrule 4 0 are coupled together with underside 38 of cover 42 and underside 39 of ferrule 40 against each other, underside 48 of cover 42 touches the top wall of the optical fibers as it covers the grooves 34, thereby retaining the optical fibers 24 in the grooves 34.
The grooves 34 are structured to securely retain the optical fibers 24 (exposed section with exposed coating, without protective buffer and sheath layers) by clamping the optical fibers 24, for example, by mechanical or interference fit (or fit to
<img file="MX338574B_D0025.tif" />
OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY pressure). For example, the width of the grooves 34 can be dimensioned slightly smaller than the diameter of the optical fibers 24, so that the optical fibers 24 are fairly maintained in the grooves 24 by an interference fit. The interference fit ensures that the optical fibers 24 are held in place and consequently the position and orientation of the ends of the optical fibers 24 are established by the location and longitudinal axis of the grooves 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 34 they have a U-shaped cross section that fairly receive the exposed optical fibers 24 (ie, with the coating exposed, without the protective buffer and sheath layers). The side walls of groove 34 are substantially parallel, where the opening of the grooves may be slightly narrower than the parallel spacing between the side walls (i.e. with a slightly C-shaped cross section) to provide mechanical fit or Interference Interference for Optical Fibers 24. Additional details of the open slot structure can be found in the
US Patent Application pending resolution No. 13 / 440,970 filed on April 5, 2012, which is fully incorporated by reference here. The ferrule 40 having the grooves 34 is effectively a one-piece open ferrule supporting the optical fibers 24 with their ends in
<img file="MX338574B_D0026.tif" />
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY precise location and alignment with respect to xx_j¿na_-a_JLa-- © fcjí * --- and · to the external geometry of the ferrule 40.
The grooves 34 may be provided with a rounded cross-sectional bottom (see, Figure 9A), which would adaptively contact as much as half of the cylindrical wall (i.e. semicircular cylindrical wall) of the optical fibers. In either case, the wall of the optical fibers 24 would contact (for example, compression contact) with at least the side walls of the grooves 34, with at least the lateral sides of the optical fibers in fair contact (for example, substantially tangential cross-sectional contact) with the side walls of the grooves 34. Such lateral contact between the optical fibers and adjacent side walls of the grooves 34 ensure a geometry defining the required horizontal alignment positioning / spacing of the optical fibers 24 with respect to each other and with respect to at least the lateral sides of the splint 40. The precise dimensioning of the depth of the grooves 34 in the ferrule 40 ensure a geometry with reference to the cover 42 that defines the necessary vertical alignment positioning of the optical fibers 24 with respect to at least the external surface (upper surface opposite to the side bottom 39) of splint 40.
With respect to the grooves 35 to retain the section of the optical fibers 24 beyond the ends of
<img file="MX338574B_D0027.tif" />
the optical fibers 24 on the other side of the cavity 48, may have geometries and / or design considerations similar to the grooves 34. However, it is noted that for the purpose of optical alignment of the optical fibers, it is only necessary to provide grooves of Alignment 34 having fair tolerance to support the terminal end section of the optical fibers 24. The grooves 35 provided closer to the strain relief 43 need not have such a tight tolerance when compared to that of the grooves 34, since the groove tolerance would not bear on the optical alignment of the ends of the optical fiber 24 with respect to an external optical component.
The hermetic sealing of assembly 10 can be implemented by the following procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. With the protective cushioning and sheath layers removed in the end section, the optical fibers 24 are placed within the grooves 34 and 35 in the ferrule 40. The cover 42 is coupled against the ferrule (eg, by a fastening accessory external) in the configuration generally illustrated by Figure 9E. Cover 42 and ferrule 40 are welded together using gold-tin solder. Bevel 46 provides some clearance to allow excess weld purge. It is noted that bevel 46 is not shown to extend to the
IΜ ΡI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE
OF THE PROPERTY <O * w »--- & K.-ÍL ·. ·;
INDUSTRIAL full length of cover 42, to reduce potential clearance to facilitate soldering between assembly 10 and module housing 14.
Also referring to Figure 13, a sealant 37 such as glass solder (or other suitable sealant for hermetic sealing) is fed through opening 41 in ferrule 40 as vacuum is applied to gap 49, drawing from It forms glass weld to fill cavity 43 and available gaps / gap between optical fibers 23, grooves 35 and cover 42, since the grooves are generally U-shaped in cross section. (See Figure 13). Some of the glass solder also flows to fill available gaps between the optical fibers, alignment grooves 34, and cover 42. It is not necessary to completely remove glass solder through grooves 34 and 35, as long as sufficient sealant is removed. at a sufficient distance to cover available spaces at least in one region near the entrance from the cavity within the respective grooves. Since the holes 44 and 54 have depths greater than the depths of the grooves 34 and 35, the sealant moves around the sections of the fiber optic 24 suspended in the cavity 48. The sealant essentially forms an airtight plug in the cavity 48, restricted filtration through assembly 10. The structure of assembly 10 can
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY hermetically sealed without requiring any external sleeve, beyond the two portions of the ferrule (ferrule 40 and covered in the manner described above). The structure of the hermetic assembly in this way is very simple, which provides an effective hermetic seal.
It is noted that given just contact between the wall of the optical fibers and the walls of at least the grooves 34, the sealant does not come between the contact surfaces between the optical fibers 24, the cover 42 and the groove walls 34 that are present before applying sealant. The sealant is intended to cover available gaps and / or gap between the optical fibers 24, grooves 34 and cover 42, but does not form an intermediate layer between the optical fibers and the slot walls at the contact points before applying the sealant, which could otherwise affect the alignment of the optical fibers through the slots 34.
After sealing with the glass weld, an epoxy material is applied within the gap 49 to form the stress release 43. The opposite ends of the optical fiber 24 can be polished to be substantially coplanar with the end face 56 of the ferrule 4 0 to finish the hermetic assembly 10. The ends of the fibers may protrude slightly (maximum by few wedges) beyond the end face 56 of the ferrule 40 but not
<img file="MX338574B_D0028.tif" />
<img file="MX338574B_D0029.tif" />
extend appreciably beyond the end face 56 because there is no protective buffer and sheath at the respective ends of the optical fibers 24. To facilitate soldering the assembly to the module housing 14 and to improve corrosion resistance , the surfaces of the cover 42 and / or the ferrule 40 can be gold plated.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, ferrule 40 and / or cover 42 can be formed by precision etching a metal material. In one embodiment, the metal material can be chosen to have high hardness (eg, stainless steel), chemical inertness (eg, titanium), high temperature stability (nickel alloy), low thermal expansion (eg, Invar) , or to match thermal expansion with other materials (for example, Kovar for matching glass). Alternatively, the material may be silicon, hard plastic, or another hard polymeric material.
The previously described open structure of ferrule 40 and cover 42 lends itself to mass production processes such as etching, which are low cost, high performance processes. A precision engraving process and apparatus has been described in US Patent No. 7,343,770, which was commonly assigned to the session of the present invention. This patent is fully incorporated
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE of la ropiedap
INDUSTRIAL
<img file="MX338574B_D0030.tif" />
by reference as if fully described here. The engraving process and apparatus described therein can be adapted to accurately engrave the characteristics of ferrule 40 and cover 42 of the present invention. The engraving process and system can produce parts with a tolerance of at least lOOOnm.
Figure 5D illustrates an alternate embodiment, in which complementary alignment grooves 34 'and 34 (eg, grooves having a C-shaped or semicircular cross section) are provided on ferrule portions 40' and 42 ', respectively. Grooves 34 'and 34 may be symmetrical or asymmetric with respect to the interface of contact between ferrule portions 40' and 42 in the end view of Figure 5D (or sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the groove). Ferrule portions 40 'and 42 may be identical in an alternate embodiment. Alternatively, grooves having a V-shaped cross section could be used in place of U-shaped or C-shaped grooves in ferrule 40, shell 42, and / or ferrule portions 40 'and 42'.
Instead of providing an opening in ferrule 40 to feed glass weld, such an opening may be provided in cover 42 in turn, or in addition. Furthermore, cavity 48 can be defined by a gap provided only in one of ferrule 40 and cover 42.
<img file="MX338574B_D0031.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
Alternatively, instead of wells defining gaps 44 and 54, significantly larger grooves may be provided in cover 42 and / or ferrule 40 by joining grooves 34 and 35 (i.e., large gaps between optical fibers 24 and larger grooves to facilitate flow of sealant to tightly cap internally to assembly).
Although the foregoing embodiments are directed to a watertight multiple fiber ferrule assembly, the present inventive concept is equally applicable to a watertight single fiber ferrule assembly.
Figures 10A and 10B are perspective views of a light direction element at the end of the optical fibers 24 in the sealed optical fiber assembly 10 discussed above; Figure 10C is a sectional view taken along line 10C-10C in Figure 10B. A separate mirror assembly 57 (schematically shown) is positioned and aligned with the ends of the optical fibers 24, to direct light input / output between the fiber ends and an opto-electronic device 58 (shown schematically), such as a transmitter (for example, a laser such as a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL)) or a receiver (photodetector). These opto-electronic devices convert between electrical signals and optical signals, and are contained in the opto-electronic module 12. Figure
<img file="MX338574B_D0032.tif" />
it is a sectional view showing additional detail of the mounting of the hermetic fiber optic assembly 10 through the openings 21, 22) in the base 16 of the opto-electronic module housing 14, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Mirror assembly 57 may be attached to assembly 10, and / or the input / output of mirror assembly 57 is positioned and aligned with respect to optoelectronic device 58. Alternatively, mirror assembly 57 is supported within module 12 and aligned with respect to the opto-electronic device 58, with the hermetic assembly aligned to the mirror assembly 57. Reference is also made to Figure 3, the watertight assembly 10 is hermetically sealed to the module 16 housing base. The watertight assembly 10 can be considered to operate both with a feeder and as an alignment ferrule for the flat fiber cable optics 23.
Although the embodiments described above are described with reference to an airtight ferrule assembly having a generally rectangular cross section, another cross sectional geometry may be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
When referring to the modality illustrated in
Figure 11, the watertight ferrule assembly may have a generally oval cross section. The structure of the
IMPI | N3T ', -' JT3 MEXICANO CE LA l'SONhDAD INDUSTRIAL hermetic assembly 60 can be similar to the hermetic assembly
<img file="MX338574B_D0033.tif" />
in the first modalities, except that the external cross sectional profile is generally oval. The watertight assembly 60 includes two ferrule portions which together form the watertight assembly having the oval cross section. One of the ferrule portions may correspond to the cover 42 in the previous embodiment (which has similar surface characteristics to the underside 38) and the other of the ferrule portions may correspond to the ferrule 40 in the previous embodiment (which has characteristics surface similar to bottom side 39).
In this embodiment, instead of providing the hermetic ferrule assembly connected to a flat fiber optic cable 23 as in previous embodiments, the hermetic ferrule assembly 60 is hermetically attached to housing 14 of the opto-electronic module 12, which has only Bare optical fibers 24 (i.e., without buffer and protective layers) retained within assembly 60 without appreciably extending at both ends beyond assembly 60 (i.e. the optical fibers retained in assembly 60 terminate substantially coplanar with both end faces of assembly 60; one of the end faces of assembly 60 is within module housing 14). In this embodiment, the fiber alignment grooves would be precisely formed (eg, by etching) at
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY high tolerance for both ends of the optical fibers. Alternatively, the oval hermetic assembly in Figure 11 may be replaced with the hermetic assembly 10 in the previous embodiment, in which case an alignment sleeve having a generally rectangular cross section would be required.
Accordingly, in this embodiment, the watertight ferrule assembly 60 provides a removable terminal for module 12, for coupling to another optical device, such as a flat fiber optic cable (eg, a connection cable 63 having similar ferrules formed having oval cross section), when using an alignment sleeve 62 (for example, a split sleeve having a complementary shape dimensioned to receive the ferrule assembly 60 and the ferrule on the connection cable 63). In this embodiment, the watertight assembly 60 can be considered to be a watertight terminal of module 12 having an alignment ferrule for optical alignment to external devices. With this modality, a faulty external fiber optic ribbon cable can be replaced by plugging a replacement fiber ribbon cable over the watertight ferrule terminal.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, an improved watertight fiber optic alignment assembly includes an integrated optical element to couple the
<img file="MX338574B_D0034.tif" />
IMPI
<img file="MX338574B_D0035.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
<img file="MX338574B_D0036.tif" />
electronic in the opto-electronic module. Instead of a separate, external optical module (eg, mirror module 57) in the embodiments of Figures 10A-10C and 13, the improved watertight fiber optic alignment assembly includes an integrated optical element (eg, the element optic and splint portion are part of the same monolithic structure). In one embodiment, the integrated optical element comprises a reflector element that is etched with the alignment slot for the optical fiber in the ferrule portion of the sealed optical fiber alignment assembly.
In the embodiments discussed below, the optical element is a structured reflective surface that is an integral extension of the alignment groove in the ferrule in the previously discussed embodiments of hermetic fiber optic alignment assemblies. The end of the optical fiber is at a defined distance to and aligned with the structured reflective surface. The reflective surface directs light to / from the input / output ends of the optical fiber by reflection. The open structure of the structured reflective surface and fiber alignment groove lends itself to mass production processes such as precision engraving.
The present invention adopts the concept of engraving optical elements described in the Patent Application of
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL
<img file="MX338574B_D0037.tif" />
USA pending resolution previously filed NoT 13 / 736,448 (to which priority has been claimed), which has been fully incorporated here by reference.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the watertight fiber optic alignment assembly 110 has a similar structure to the watertight assembly 10 described above, with the exception that instead of terminating the optical fibers 24 on one end face of the assembly, the ferrule extends so that the alignment grooves extend to structured reflective surfaces and the ends of the optical fibers 24 are positioned relative to the structured reflective surfaces. The hermetic fiber optic alignment assembly 110 includes a ferrule 14 0 and a cover 142, which are essentially similar in structure to ferrule 40 and cover 142 in the previous embodiments, with the exception of the extended ferrule structure 140. The end of the ferrule 140 near the terminal ends of the optical fibers 24 is not coplanar with the end of the cover 142. The ferrule 142 has a portion 40 that extends beyond the adjacent end of the cover 142. In reference to the figure
15, ferrule 142 is provided with fiber alignment grooves 134 that extend beyond the edge of the sheath toward extended portion 70. Each groove 134 terminates in a structured reflective surface 113 located beyond
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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL of the adjacent edge of the cover 142. Each optical fiber 124 extends in the slot 134 beyond the edge of the cover 142, closer to the structured reflective surface 113. Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged view of the extended portion 70.
Figure 17A is a sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber 10. Figure 17B is a perspective sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot Fiber Alignment 134 positively receives the optical fiber 24 in a shape with the end of the optical fiber 24 at a defined distance to and aligned with the structured reflective structure 113. The location and orientation of structured reflective surface 113 is relative to fiber alignment groove 134. In the illustrated embodiment, slot 134 and structured reflective surface 113 are defined in the same ferrule 14 0 (eg, monolithic) . Slot 134 has a section 124 that defines a space between the end face 15 of the optical fiber 24. In the illustrated embodiment, this section 124 has a similar width but a shallower bottom than the remaining sections of the slot 134. Section 124 defines an edge 125 that provides a stop against which a portion (end) of the face is butted. of end 113 of the optical fiber 24. Therefore, a distance is defined
IMPI
MEXICAN INVITATION [} £ THE PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL (eg 245 μτη) along the optical axis between end face 115 and structured reflective surface 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical fiber is fully received in slot 134, with the outer surface of the fiber Optic 24 leveled with upper surface 139 of splint 140. Since an optical fiber has a diameter of 125 μπΑ, and a VCSEL 158 light source at an effective distance (for example, from the flat surface of VCSEL 158 along the optical axis) of 100 μτη from the structured reflective surface 113 , the distance from the flat surface of the VCSEL 158 from the upper surface 139 of the ferrule would be approximately 3 7.5 μτη.
Open slot design considerations
134 they are similar to grooves 34 in the first embodiments (eg, a generally U-shaped cross section that fairly receives exposed optical fiber 24, etc. Design considerations for the structured reflective surface are similar to those described in US Patent Application pending resolution No. 13 / 786,448.
Airtight assembly 110 is attached to opening (21, 22) at base 16 of optoelectronic module housing 14, with extended portion 70 within module housing 14. Reflective surface 103 is in optical alignment with the opto device -electronic 58.
<img file="MX338574B_D0038.tif" />
Figure 18 illustrates a sectional close-up view of the structured reflective surface region. In this embodiment, the structured reflective surface is a flat mirror surface, which reflects light 159 to / from the optical fiber 24 from / to the optoelectronic device 58. FIG. 19 is a sectional view illustrating light reflection between fiber optics 24 and optoelectronic device 58 through structured reflective surface 113 in extended portion 70, which is a concave reflective surface reflecting incident light in a convergent form.
Airtight assembly 110 can be considered to function as a feeder with built-in optics and an alignment ferrule for fiber optic ribbon cable 23, eliminating the need for separate optical elements for optical coupling with opto-electronic devices (eg, transmitter and receiver) on the opto-electronic module 12.
The structured reflective surface 113 and the alignment grooves 134 can be integrally formed by precision etching of a ferrule of a metallic material. A precision engraving process and apparatus has been described in US Patent No. 7,343,770, which was commonly assigned to the session of the present invention. This patent is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if it were fully described herein. The engraving process and apparatus described herein can be adapted to engrave by
<img file="MX338574B_D0039.tif" />
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY specifies the characteristics of ferrule 140 and / or cover 142 of the present invention (including structured reflective surfaces and fiber optic alignment grooves). The engraving process and system can produce parts with a tolerance of at least lOOOnm.
For the hermetic assemblies described above that are configured for optical alignment / coupling to optical fibers in another fiber optic ribbon cable, the outer surfaces of the hermetic assemblies must be maintained at high tolerance as well as for alignment using an alignment sleeve. In the embodiments described above, an alignment terminal is not required for alignment of the splints. Accordingly, for etching of the ferrule portions (ferrules and sheath), which would include etching the entire body of the ferrule portions, including forming the grooves, mating surfaces of the ferrule portions, and external surfaces contacting sleeves. . The sleeves can also be precision formed by engraving. This maintains the required dimensional relationship between the grooves and external alignment surfaces of the hermetic assemblies, to facilitate alignment using alignment sleeves only without relying on alignment terminals.
In all of the embodiments described above, the structured reflective surface 113 may be configured to be flat, concave, or connected, or a combination of such
IMPI
DELA PSOPIFRAU MEXICAN INSTITUTE
INDUSTRIAL ““ - to structure a reflective composite surface. In modality, the structured reflective surface has a smooth mirror surface (polished finish). In turn it can be a textured surface that is reflective. The structured reflective surface may have a uniform surface characteristic, or variable surface characteristics, such as varying degree of uniformity and / or textures across the surface, or a combination of various smooth and textured surface regions that form the reflective surface. structured. The structured reflective surface may have a surface profile and / or optical characteristic corresponding to at least one of the following equivalent optical elements: mirror, focusing lens, diverging lens, diffraction grating, or a combination of the foregoing. The structured reflective surface may have a composite profile that defines more than one region corresponding to a different equivalent optical element (eg, a center region that is in focus surrounded by an annular region that is divergent). In one embodiment, the structured reflective surface is defined on an opaque material that does not transmit light through the surface.
The hermetic assemblies described in previous embodiments may further be provided with an integral optical element in the same way. For example, the hermetic assembly 60 in Figure 11 may adopt an optical element
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
<img file="MX338574B_D0040.tif" />
integral (for example, an etched structured reflective surface) similar to assembly 110.
The watertight fiber optic alignment assembly in accordance with the present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings of the prior art, that it provides precise alignment, high reliability against environmental conditions, and can be manufactured at low cost. The alternate hermetic assembly may be configured to support a single or multiple fiber, for optical alignment and / or hermetic feeder which may include integral optical elements.
Although the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit, scope, and teaching of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosed invention is to be considered merely as illustrative and limited in scope only as specified in the appended claims.
<td>I know</td><td>states that</td><td colspan="2">in relation to this date,</td><td>the</td>
<td>best method</td><td>known for the</td><td>applicant for</td><td>carry</td><td>the</td>
<td>practice the</td><td>cited invention,</td><td>is the one that turns out</td><td>clear of</td><td>the</td>
present description of the invention.
IMPI
ΕΧΐΤίΤ;, ™ MEXICAN OF THE TNDLSTRIAL F AITY
<img file="MX338574B_D0041.tif" />
Contents64
56 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12 Sheet 13 Sheet 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Sheet 17 Sheet 18 Sheet 19 Sheet 20 Sheet 21 Sheet 22 Sheet 23 Sheet 24 Sheet 25 Sheet 26 Sheet 27 Sheet 28 Sheet 29 Sheet 30 Sheet 31 Sheet 32 Sheet 33 Sheet 34 Sheet 35 Sheet 36 Sheet 37 Sheet 38 Sheet 39 Sheet 40 Sheet 41 Sheet 42 Sheet 43 Sheet 44 Sheet 45 Sheet 46 Sheet 47 Sheet 48 Sheet 49 Sheet 50 Sheet 51 Sheet 52 Sheet 53 Sheet 54 Sheet 55 Sheet 56
176 members in 14 offices
Priority claims19
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
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| 201261623027 | United States of America | P | |
| 61623027 | United States of America | – | |
| 201261699125 | United States of America | P | |
| 201261699125 | United States of America | P | |
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| WO2013US36227 | – | – | – |
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| WO2013134326A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| CA2869678A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2013155337A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| US2013294732A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2013322818A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CA2869742A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| CA2869770A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2014011282A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| WO2014011283A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
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| WO2014011282A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| US2014205246A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| AU2013230056A1 | Australia | A1 | |
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| KR20140146647A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| KR20140146648A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| EP2823344A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| CN104335089A | China | A | |
| CN104364689A | China | A | |
| EP2836865A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| EP2836866A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| EP2836868A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| CN104412143A | China | A | |
| JP2015509619A | Japan | A | |
| CN104487879A | China | A | |
| JP2015513125A | Japan | A | |
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| US2016238803A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2016238804A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2016274310A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2016274318A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CA2978955A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| CA2978957A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2016154229A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| WO2016154233A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| CN104364689B | China | B | |
| US2016377821A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| AU2015258866A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| AU2015258871A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| KR20170007429A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| KR20170007430A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| IL248777A0 | Israel | A0 | |
| IL248777D0 | Israel | D0 | |
| IL248892A0 | Israel | A0 | |
| IL248892D0 | Israel | D0 | |
| AU2013245808B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| AU2013289174B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| AU2017200052A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| AU2013289173B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| WO2017027864A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| MX2016014546A | Mexico | A | |
| CN106461887A | China | A | |
| CN106461889A | China | A | |
| MX2016014893A | Mexico | A | |
| CN104335089B | China | B | |
| CN104487879B | China | B | |
| EP3142810A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| EP3142811A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| CA3040861A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2017070713A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| US2017131474A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2017131492A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CN106842440A | China | A | |
| JP2017516150A | Japan | A | |
| JP2017517031A | Japan | A | |
| US9782814B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| BR112014025229A2 | Brazil | A2 | |
| AU2016235238A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| AU2016235324A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| KR20170127566A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| KR20170129236A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| CN107407785A | China | A | |
| IL254362A0 | Israel | A0 | |
| IL254362D0 | Israel | D0 | |
| IL254364A0 | Israel | A0 | |
| IL254364D0 | Israel | D0 |
1 legal event, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Events
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Grant or registrationFG | FG |
Numbers
- Publication
- 338574
- Publication, DOCDB
- 338574
- Publication, EPODOC
- MX338574
- Application
- 2014012166
- Application, DOCDB
- 2014012166
- Application, EPODOC
- MX20140012166
Titles
- Spanish
- ENSAMBLE DE ALINEACION DE FIBRA OPTICA HERMETICO QUE TIENE ELEMENTO OPTICO INTEGRADO.
Classification
- CPC, 13
- G02B6/3636
- G02B6/4248
- G02B6/36
- G02B6/3839
- G02B6/3861
- G02B6/4214
- Y10T29/4998
- G02B6/42
- G02B6/3838
- G02B6/4219
- G02B6/3885
- G02B6/4253
- G02B6/4292
- IPC, 2
- G02B6 36
- G02B6 42