Ferrule assembly, connector, multi-core optical fiber and optical fiber interface structure

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application discloses a ferrule assembly, a connector, a multi-core optical fiber and an optical fiber interface structure, including a tail handle, a ferrule, a first positioning portion and a multi-core optical fiber; the ferrule is fixed on one end of the tail handle; the first positioning portion is fixed on the tail handle; a second positioning portion is formed on the end of the tail handle away from the ferrule; the multi-core optical fiber includes a cladding, at least two fiber cores arranged in the cladding, and a second fixing portion; the fiber cores are sequentially passed through the tail handle and the ferrule; the second positioning portion is anti-rotationally matched with the second fixing portion, and the fixing portion is anti-rotationally matched with the first positioning portion, so that the circumferential position of the multi-core optical fiber in the optical fiber adapter is fixed. The ferrule assembly, the connector, the multi-core optical fiber and the optical fiber interface structure of the embodiment of the present application can effectively realize the circumferential position fixation of the multi-core optical fiber in the optical fiber adapter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical communications, and in particular to a ferrule assembly, a connector, a multi-core optical fiber, and an optical fiber interface structure. Background Art

[0002] Multi-core fiber (Multi Core Fiber) is an optical fiber with multiple cores in a common cladding area. Because it can improve the integration density per unit area of ​​the transmission line, it has the characteristics of multiple physical channels, low crosstalk between cores, and good attenuation consistency of each core. It is increasingly widely used in ultra-large capacity fiber-optic communication systems, new large-capacity multi-service access networks, distributed fiber-optic sensor systems, and medical equipment.

[0003] Unlike a single-core optical fiber whose core is in the center, a multi-core optical fiber has multiple cores that are circumferentially arranged around the center of the multi-core optical fiber. When two sections of multi-core optical fiber are connected, a fiber optic adapter is usually provided with a connector with a multi-core optical fiber at each end. The multi-core optical fiber of the connector is highly precisely rotated and aligned, that is, the cores of the array are set at predetermined array positions around the axial direction of the multi-core optical fiber, so that the cores of the two sections of multi-core optical fiber are aligned with each other, thereby achieving smooth flow of each channel. Therefore, achieving circumferential positioning of the multi-core optical fiber is crucial for signal transmission in each channel of the multi-core optical fiber. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application hope to provide a ferrule assembly, a connector, a multi-core optical fiber, and an optical fiber interface structure to solve the circumferential positioning problem of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is implemented as follows:

[0006] A connector ferrule assembly, the connector is used to cooperate with an optical fiber adapter, the optical fiber adapter includes a body and a fixing part, the ferrule assembly includes a tail handle, a ferrule, a first positioning part and a multi-core optical fiber; the ferrule is fixed on one end of the tail handle; the first positioning part is fixed on the tail handle; a second positioning part is formed on the end of the tail handle away from the ferrule; the multi-core optical fiber includes a cladding, at least two fiber cores arranged in the cladding, and a second fixing part; the fiber core passes through the tail handle and the ferrule in sequence; the second positioning part is in anti-rotation cooperation with the second fixing part, and the fixing part is in anti-rotation cooperation with the first positioning part, so that the circumferential position of the multi-core optical fiber in the optical fiber adapter is fixed.

[0007] Furthermore, the second positioning portion is a groove, and the second positioning portion extends from an end of the tail handle away from the ferrule to an end of the tail handle close to the ferrule; the second fixing portion is a protrusion arranged on the cladding and extending along the axial direction of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0008] Furthermore, the first positioning portion is a positioning column or a positioning hole.

[0009] Further, when the first positioning portion is a positioning column, a cone section is provided at one end of the first positioning portion away from the tail handle; when the first positioning portion is a positioning hole, a bell mouth is provided at an entrance end of the first positioning portion.

[0010] A connector comprises a shell component and the above-mentioned plug core component; the shell component comprises a receiving space which passes through from front to back; the tail handle is received in the receiving space.

[0011] Furthermore, the shell assembly includes an outer shell, a rear sleeve, a tail sleeve and an elastic member, the outer shell and the rear sleeve are nested to form the accommodating space that passes through from front to back, and the end of the plug away from the tail handle protrudes from the accommodating space; the elastic member is arranged in the accommodating space, one end of the elastic member abuts against the rear sleeve, and the other end abuts against the tail handle; the tail sleeve is nested on the end of the rear sleeve away from the outer shell.

[0012] Further, the first positioning portion is a positioning column, the tail handle is formed with a protrusion in a radially outward direction, the protrusion is formed with a mounting hole along the axial direction of the tail handle, and the first positioning portion is inserted into the mounting hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the first positioning portion is a positioning column, and a yielding portion for yielding to the first positioning portion is formed on a wall surface of the accommodating space.

[0014] A fiber optic interface structure comprises a fiber optic adapter and the above-mentioned connector; the fiber optic adapter comprises a body and a fixing portion; a sub-mounting hole is formed in the body, and the sub-mounting hole is plugged into the shell component.

[0015] Furthermore, the optical fiber adapter includes a supporting portion and a sleeve; an axially through channel is formed in the main body; the supporting portion is supported in the channel and divides the channel into at least two sub-mounting holes for plugging with the shell assembly; the sleeve is hollow and arranged along the axial direction of the channel, the sleeve is fixed on the supporting portion and connects the two sub-mounting holes, and one end of the core is inserted in the sleeve; the fixing portion is arranged on the main body or the supporting portion.

[0016] A multi-core optical fiber comprises a cladding, at least two fiber cores arranged in the cladding, and at least one second fixing portion, wherein the second fixing portion can be anti-rotatably matched with the second positioning portion of the above-mentioned core insertion assembly.

[0017] The ferrule assembly, connector and optical fiber interface structure of the connector of the embodiment of the present application enable multiple fiber cores located in the cladding to be circumferentially positioned with the tail handle by setting a second positioning portion and a second fixing portion to prevent rotation; by setting a fixing portion and a first positioning portion to prevent rotation, the tail handle and the ferrule are restricted from circumferential rotation in the optical fiber adapter, and circumferential positioning is performed directly through the tail handle and the optical fiber adapter, thereby reducing the process of multiple circumferential positioning through intermediate parts such as the outer shell in the prior art. The circumferential positioning has high accuracy, and the circumferential position fixation of the multi-core optical fiber, the tail handle of the connector, and the optical fiber adapter is effectively achieved in sequence, ensuring that the transmission channels between multiple sections of multi-core optical fibers are unobstructed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of D;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-core optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present application; wherein part of the plastic outer layer, the cladding, and the second fixing portion are stripped off, and the fiber cores are simplified into a bundle;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of E;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 An exploded diagram of the connector;

[0024] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber interface structure of an embodiment of the present application, wherein the connector is separated from the optical fiber adapter;

[0025] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the optical fiber interface structure of an embodiment of the present application, wherein the connector is plugged into the optical fiber adapter;

[0026] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber adapter according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 AA view of the . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other, and the detailed descriptions in the specific implementation methods should be understood as explanations of the present application and should not be regarded as improper limitations on the present application.

[0029] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the directions or positional relationships of "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", and "rear" are based on the attached Figure 1 Regarding the orientation or positional relationship shown, it should be understood that these orientation terms are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, a ferrule assembly of a connector includes a tail handle 21, a ferrule 22, a first positioning portion 23 and a multi-core optical fiber 9. The ferrule assembly 2 is used to cooperate with an optical fiber adapter 8 (mentioned below).

[0031] The multi-core optical fiber 9 includes a cladding 92, at least two cores 91 disposed in the cladding 92, and a second fixing portion 94. The core 91 may be a glass core. Usually, the cores 91 may be arranged in a four-core rectangular arrangement or a seven-core circular arrangement depending on the number. Taking seven cores as an example, the plurality of cores 91 may be arranged in a polar array, including a central core 91a, and other cores 91b, 91c, 91d, etc. surrounding the central core in a satellite manner. The radial distances of the other cores 91b, 91c, 91d to the central core 91a may usually be set to be equal for ease of design. In addition, the multi-core optical fiber 9 also includes a plastic sheath 93 wrapped around the cladding 92 to provide protection.

[0032] The ferrule 22 is fixed on one end of the tail handle 21; a second positioning portion 24 is formed on the end of the tail handle 21 away from the ferrule 22. Multiple fiber cores 91 are sequentially inserted into the tail handle 21 and the ferrule 22; thereby, the circumferential positions of the tail handle 21 and the ferrule 22 relative to the fiber core 91 are fixed, and when the tail handle 21 rotates around its own axis 21a, the circumferential positions of the ferrule 22 and the multiple fiber cores 91 relative to the axis 21a also change. It can be understood that the plastic sheath 93 of the multi-core optical fiber 9 is usually not inserted into the tail handle 21 and the ferrule 22, and the cladding 92 with the plastic sheath 93 stripped off is inserted into the tail handle 21 and the ferrule 22 together with the fiber core 91 until the fiber core 91 is flush with the end of the ferrule 22 away from the tail handle 21.

[0033] The second positioning portion 24 is engaged with the second fixing portion 94 to prevent rotation; so that the cladding 92 can be circumferentially positioned with the tail handle 21, and then the multiple fiber cores 91 located in the cladding 92 can be circumferentially positioned with the tail handle 21. When the tail handle 21 rotates circumferentially, the fiber cores 91 are driven to rotate circumferentially together. When the circumferential position of the tail handle 21 is fixed, the circumferential position of the fiber cores 91 is also fixed; the first positioning portion 23 is fixed on the tail handle 21; the fixing portion 84 (mentioned below) of the optical fiber adapter 8 (mentioned below) is engaged with the first positioning portion 23 to prevent rotation, thereby limiting the circumferential rotation of the tail handle 21 and the ferrule 22 in the optical fiber adapter 8, and directly performing circumferential positioning with the optical fiber adapter 8 through the tail handle 21, reducing the process of multiple circumferential positioning through intermediate parts such as the shell in the prior art, and the circumferential positioning accuracy is high.

[0034] Therefore, through the anti-rotation cooperation between the second positioning part 24 and the second fixing part 94, and the anti-rotation cooperation between the fixing part 84 and the first positioning part 23, the circumferential position of the multi-core optical fiber and the tail handle of the connector, as well as the optical fiber adapter are effectively fixed in sequence, ensuring that the transmission channel between the multiple sections of multi-core optical fibers 9 is unobstructed.

[0035] According to the processing technology and the properties of the material, the core 22 can be made of ceramic, plastic or metal; the tail handle 21 can also be made of ceramic, plastic or metal. The core 22 and the tail handle 21 can be integrally formed or connected by welding or gluing.

[0036] The first positioning portion 23 and the fixing portion 84 can be made of ceramic, plastic or metal. The first positioning portion 23 is one of the positioning column and the positioning hole; correspondingly, the fixing portion 84 is the other of the positioning column and the positioning hole. When the first positioning portion 23 is a positioning column, a cone section is provided at one end of the first positioning portion 23 away from the tail handle 21; when the first positioning portion 23 is a positioning hole, a bell mouth is provided at the entrance end of the first positioning portion 23; so that the plug-in cooperation between the first positioning portion 23 and the fixing portion 84 has a guide to prevent misalignment.

[0037] A possible embodiment is as follows Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the second positioning portion 24 is a groove, and the second positioning portion 24 extends from one end of the tail handle 21 away from the ferrule 22 to the other end of the tail handle 21 close to the ferrule 22; the second fixing portion 94 is a protrusion arranged on the cladding 92 and extending along the axial direction of the multi-core optical fiber 9. Of course, the second positioning portion 24 can also be a protrusion, and the second fixing portion 94 can also be a groove matched therewith. The key grooves of the two cooperate to achieve circumferential anti-rotation.

[0038] The second fixing portion 94 may be integrally connected to the cladding 92 , that is, directly cast on the cladding 92 by a mold or other means, so that the connection strength is good.

[0039] Here, a connector is provided for cooperating with the optical fiber adapter 8. Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the connector includes a shell assembly 71 and a ferrule assembly 2; the shell assembly 71 includes a receiving space 711 that passes through from front to back; the tail handle 21 is received in the receiving space 711 (mentioned below) of the optical fiber adapter 8; the shell assembly 71 can be plugged into the sub-mounting hole 811a (mentioned below) of the optical fiber adapter 8 to achieve the docking of two sections of multi-core optical fibers. The circumference of the receiving space 711 can be closed to achieve the sealing of the multi-core optical fibers during the contact process to prevent dust.

[0040] A possible embodiment is as follows Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the shell assembly 71 includes an outer shell 712, a rear sleeve 713, a tail sleeve 714 and an elastic member 715. The outer shell 712 can be a shell with a through hole, and the rear sleeve 713 can be a column with a through hole. The two are fixed by snapping, and the outer shell 712 and the rear sleeve 713 are nested to form a front-to-back through-accommodation space 711, which is convenient for accommodating the ferrule assembly 2.

[0041] It is understandable that the structural design is diverse, so not all components in the ferrule assembly 2 are necessarily in the accommodating space 711 . They only need to be fixed in the accommodating space 711 by setting the tail handle 21 , and the remaining components can be directly or indirectly fixed to the tail handle 21 .

[0042] The end of the ferrule 22 away from the tail handle 21 protrudes from the accommodating space 711, and the ferrule 22 protrudes from the end of the housing 712 away from the rear sleeve 713, so that the end of the ferrule 22 away from the tail handle 21 is conveniently inserted into the sleeve 83 (mentioned below) of the optical fiber adapter 8. The ferrules 22 of the ferrule assemblies 2 of the two connectors 7 can be inserted from both sides of the sleeve 83 to achieve docking, and the sleeve 83 provides functions such as sealing, protection and guidance.

[0043] The elastic member 715 can be a spring. The elastic member 715 is arranged in the accommodation space 711, one end of the elastic member 715 abuts against the rear sleeve 713, and the other end abuts against the tail handle 21; the tail sleeve 714 is nested on the end of the rear sleeve 713 away from the housing 712. The elastic member 715 provides a force to the ferrule 22 through the tail handle 21. When the ferrules 22 of the ferrule assemblies 2 of the two connectors 7 are respectively inserted from both sides of the sleeve 83, the elastic member 715 can change the volume so that the two will not be in hard contact, and the two ferrules 22 can be closely connected by relying on the force of the elastic member 715.

[0044] A possible embodiment is as follows Figures 1 to 6As shown, the first positioning portion 23 is a positioning column, and the tail handle 21 is formed with a protrusion 2121 along the radial outward protrusion, and the protrusion 2121 is formed with a mounting hole 2122 along the axial direction of the tail handle 21. The first positioning portion 23 is inserted into the mounting hole 2122 to facilitate the processing of the first positioning portion 23 and ensure that it has a high dimensional accuracy, so as to facilitate the hole-axis matching of the fixing portion 84 of the optical fiber adapter 8.

[0045] A possible embodiment is as follows Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first positioning portion 23 is a positioning column, and a clearance portion 716 for avoiding the first positioning portion 23 is formed on the wall surface of the accommodating space 711. Specifically, the clearance portion 716 can be formed by a concave portion of the outer shell 712, or by a perforation of the rear cover 713, as long as it can prevent interference with the first positioning portion 23.

[0046] A possible embodiment is as follows Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the outer side of the shell 712 includes an elastic clamping plate 7121 , and the body 81 is formed with an axial limiting hole (not marked) that cooperates with the elastic clamping plate 7121 to limit the axial displacement of the shell 712 and the body 81 .

[0047] Here we provide a multi-core optical fiber, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the multi-core optical fiber 9 includes a cladding 92, at least two fiber cores 91 disposed in the cladding 92, and at least one second fixing portion 94. The second fixing portion 94 can be anti-rotatably matched with the second positioning portion 24 of the ferrule assembly 2, so that the cladding 92 can be circumferentially positioned with the tail handle 21, and further, the plurality of fiber cores 91 located in the cladding 92 can be circumferentially positioned with the tail handle 21.

[0048] Here we provide another optical fiber interface structure, such as Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the optical fiber interface structure includes an optical fiber adapter 8 and the connector 7 mentioned above.

[0049] The optical fiber adapter 8 includes a body 81 and a fixing portion 84 . A sub-mounting hole 811 a is formed in the body 81 , and the sub-mounting hole 811 a can be plugged and fixed to the shell assembly 71 .

[0050] Specifically, the optical fiber adapter 8 may include a body 81, a supporting portion 82, a sleeve 83 and a fixing portion 84. The sleeve 83 may be made of ceramic.

[0051] An axially penetrating channel 811 is formed in the main body 81; the support portion 82 is supported in the channel 811 and divides the channel 811 into at least two sub-mounting holes 811a for plugging with the shell assembly 71; the sleeve 83 is hollow and arranged along the axial direction of the channel 811, and the sleeve 83 is fixed on the support portion 82 and connects the two sub-mounting holes 811a.

[0052] The end of the ferrule 22 away from the tail handle 21 can be inserted into the sleeve 83; the fixing portion 84 is arranged on the body 81 or the supporting portion 82;

[0053] The fixing portion 84 can cooperate with the first positioning portion 23 to prevent rotation, thereby limiting the circumferential movement of the first positioning portion 23, and further limiting the circumferential rotation of the tail handle 21 and the ferrule 22 in the optical fiber adapter 8. As a result, the circumferential positioning is directly performed through the tail handle 21 and the optical fiber adapter 8, reducing the process of multiple circumferential positioning through the outer shell in the middle, so that the circumferential positioning accuracy is high.

[0054] A possible embodiment is as follows Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the fixing portion 84 is arranged on the supporting portion 82 along the axial direction of the channel 811, and the two ends of the fixing portion 84 extend into the two sub-mounting holes 811a respectively, so that one fixing portion 84 can cooperate with the first positioning portions 23 of the plug core assemblies 2 of the two connectors 7 respectively, so that the circumferential accuracy of the plug core assemblies 2 at both ends is good.

[0055] The various embodiments / implementations provided in this application can be combined with each other without causing any contradiction.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A connector core assembly, the connector is used to cooperate with an optical fiber adapter, the optical fiber adapter comprises a body (81), a sleeve (83) and a fixing part (84), characterized in that: The ferrule assembly (2) comprises a tail handle (21), a ferrule (22), a first positioning portion (23) and a multi-core optical fiber (9); the ferrule (22) is fixed on one end of the tail handle (21); the first positioning portion (23) is fixed on the tail handle (21); a second positioning portion (24) is formed on one end of the tail handle (21) away from the ferrule (22); the multi-core optical fiber (9) comprises a cladding (92), at least two fiber cores (91) arranged in the cladding (92), and a second fixing portion (94); the fiber core (91) passes through the tail handle (21) and the ferrule (22) in sequence; The second positioning portion (24) is anti-rotationally matched with the second fixing portion (94), and the fixing portion (84) and the sleeve (83) are respectively coupled with the first positioning portion (23) and the ferrule (22) to jointly form an anti-rotational match, so that the circumferential position of the multi-core optical fiber (9) in the optical fiber adapter is fixed; The first positioning portion (23) is a positioning column, the tail handle (21) is formed with a protrusion (2121) protruding outwardly in the radial direction, the protrusion (2121) is formed with a mounting hole (2122) along the axial direction of the tail handle (21), and the first positioning portion (23) is inserted into the mounting hole (2122).

2. The ferrule assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second positioning portion (24) is a groove, and the second positioning portion (24) extends from an end of the tail handle (21) away from the ferrule (22) to an end of the tail handle (21) close to the ferrule (22); The second fixing portion (94) is a protrusion arranged on the cladding (92) and extending along the axial direction of the multi-core optical fiber (9).

3. The ferrule assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first positioning portion (23) is a positioning column or a positioning hole.

4. The ferrule assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the first positioning portion (23) is a positioning column, a conical section is provided at one end of the first positioning portion (23) away from the tail handle (21); When the first positioning portion (23) is a positioning hole, the inlet end of the first positioning portion (23) is provided with a bell mouth.

5. A connector, characterized in that: The connector comprises a shell assembly (71) and a core assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4; The shell component (71) comprises a receiving space (711) that penetrates front to back; the tail handle (21) is received in the receiving space (711).

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The shell assembly (71) comprises an outer shell (712), a rear sleeve (713), a tail sleeve (714) and an elastic member (715); the outer shell (712) and the rear sleeve (713) are nested to form a front-to-back through-containment space (711); an end of the insert (22) away from the tail handle (21) protrudes from the containment space (711); The elastic member (715) is arranged in the accommodating space (711), one end of the elastic member (715) abuts against the rear sleeve (713), and the other end abuts against the tail handle (21); the tail sleeve (714) is nested on an end of the rear sleeve (713) away from the outer shell (712).

7. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first positioning portion (23) is a positioning column, and a clearance portion (716) for avoiding the first positioning portion (23) is formed on the wall surface of the accommodating space (711).

8. An optical fiber interface structure, characterized in that: It comprises an optical fiber adapter (8) and a connector as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7; the optical fiber adapter (8) comprises a main body (81) and a fixing portion (84); a sub-mounting hole (811a) is formed in the main body (81), and the sub-mounting hole (811a) is plugged into the shell assembly (71).

9. The optical fiber interface structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The optical fiber adapter (8) comprises a supporting portion (82) and a sleeve (83); an axially penetrating channel (811) is formed in the body (81); the supporting portion (82) is supported in the channel (811) and divides the channel (811) into at least two sub-mounting holes (811a) for plugging with the shell assembly (71); The sleeve (83) is hollow and arranged along the axial direction of the channel (811); the sleeve (83) is fixed on the support portion (82) and communicates with the two sub-mounting holes (811a); one end of the insert (22) is inserted into the sleeve (83); The fixing portion (84) is arranged on the main body (81) or the supporting portion (82).

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