Polarization maintaining connector assembly, polarization maintaining connector and method of assembling the same

Abstract

The application discloses a polarization maintaining connector assembly, a polarization maintaining connector and an assembling method thereof. The polarization maintaining connector assembly comprises a sleeve, a retaining member, a ferrule and an adjusting member. The sleeve has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; the ferrule is accommodated in the sleeve and extends outward from the first end, and the ferrule comprises an optical fiber; and the adjusting member is attached to the ferrule and is configured to control the rotation of the ferrule. The retaining member is arranged between the sleeve and the adjusting member and is configured to limit the rotation of the adjusting member and the ferrule when the adjusting member is connected. According to the polarization maintaining connector assembly, the adjusting member is used for adjusting the optical axis angle of the optical fiber, and the retaining member is used for locking the optical axis angle, so that the optical fiber can be fixed to the ferrule and polishing can be completed in the production process of the polarization maintaining connector assembly, and finally the optical axis angle of the optical fiber is adjusted, thereby greatly improving the production efficiency and the yield of the polarization maintaining connector assembly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of fiber optic connectors, and in particular to a polarization maintaining connector assembly for polarization maintaining optical fiber, a polarization maintaining connector and an assembling method of the polarization maintaining connector. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a special optical fiber, polarization maintaining optical fiber (also known as PM fiber) is designed by the geometric size of the optical fiber to produce a stronger birefringence effect to eliminate the influence of stress on the polarization state of the incident light, thereby solving the problem of polarization state change. Polarization maintaining optical fiber has strong birefringence. As long as the polarization direction of the light in the incident optical fiber is parallel to one axis of the polarization maintaining optical fiber, the polarization state of the light will not change even if the optical fiber is bent. The polarization maintaining function is particularly important for some special applications that require polarization light input.

[0003] Due to the excellent environmental stability of polarization maintaining jumpers, they are mainly used in the production of fiber lasers / fiber amplifiers and the application of test instruments, such as fiber sensors, fiber gyroscopes, fiber hydrophones, fiber current sensors, and polarization division multiplexers. They also have some applications in the fields of high-speed optical fiber communication, integrated optical packaging, and interferometer-type sensors.

[0004] In order to ensure the alignment of the polarization maintaining optical fiber jumper and the adapter to obtain good extinction ratio repeatability and low insertion loss, the direction of the polarization maintaining optical axis needs to be ensured. Therefore, it is very important to conveniently and accurately adjust the optical axis angle of the polarization maintaining optical fiber when manufacturing the polarization maintaining jumper, otherwise it will affect the quality of the product and the transmission of optical signals. Currently, the production process of the polarization maintaining jumper is to first adjust the angle of the ceramic ferrule, then solidify the ceramic ferrule on the metal flange with glue, and then grind the ferrule after solidification. Therefore, once the angle deviates greatly due to vibration during solidification or external force during solidification and grinding, the ferrule and the entire connector will be scrapped.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a polarization maintaining connector assembly and a polarization maintaining connector and an assembling method thereof to at least partially solve the above problems. SUMMARY

[0006] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the summary section, which will be further described in detail in the detailed description section. The summary section of the present application does not mean to attempt to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor to determine the protection scope of the claimed technical solution.

[0007] In order to at least partially solve the problems in the background art, the first aspect of the present application provides a polarization maintaining connector assembly, which comprises:

[0008] a sleeve having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end;

[0009] a ferrule accommodated in the sleeve and extending outwardly from the first end, the ferrule comprising an optical fiber;

[0010] an adjustment member attached to the ferrule and configured to manipulate rotation of the ferrule;

[0011] wherein the polarization maintaining connector assembly comprises a retaining member disposed between the sleeve and the adjustment member and configured to limit rotation of the adjustment member and the ferrule when connected to the adjustment member.

[0012] According to the polarization maintaining connector assembly of the present application, the rotation of the ferrule is controlled by the adjustment member, and the retaining member can limit the rotation of the adjustment member and the ferrule relative to the sleeve, so that the angle of the optical fiber optical axis cannot be changed relative to the sleeve through the retaining member and the adjustment member.

[0013] Optionally, the ferrule comprises a first clamping portion, and the adjustment member comprises a second clamping portion, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion cooperate to enable the ferrule to rotate with the adjustment member.

[0014] According to the polarization maintaining connector assembly of the present application, the ferrule is clamped with the adjustment member, so that the ferrule cannot rotate relative to the adjustment member.

[0015] Optionally, one of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion is provided as a clamping protrusion, and the other of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion is provided as a clamping slot for accommodating the clamping protrusion.

[0016] According to the polarization maintaining connector assembly of the present application, the clamping operation of the ferrule with the adjustment member is simple and convenient.

[0017] Optionally, the adjustment member and the retaining member are attached together through interference fit or glue joint.

[0018] According to the polarization maintaining connector assembly of the present application, the adjustment member is fixed to the retaining member in multiple ways.

[0019] Optionally, the sleeve comprises a first limiting portion, and the retaining member comprises a second limiting portion, and the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion cooperate to position the retaining member at a position of the sleeve.

[0020] According to the polarization maintaining connector assembly of the present application, the retaining member cannot rotate relative to the sleeve, so that the adjustment member cannot rotate relative to the sleeve, and further so that the ferrule and the optical fiber cannot rotate relative to the sleeve.

[0021] Optionally, the ferrule includes a flange in the form of a truncated cone or a step.

[0022] According to the polarization maintaining connector assembly of the present application, the ferrule is abutted against the inner wall of the outer sleeve in various forms.

[0023] Optionally, the polarization maintaining connector assembly further includes a spring.

[0024] According to the polarization maintaining connector assembly of the present application, the components are stably connected by the spring.

[0025] Optionally, the outer sleeve further includes a latching mechanism, so that the polarization maintaining connector assembly is connected and separated from the adapter.

[0026] According to the polarization maintaining connector assembly of the present application, the outer sleeve is firmly attached to the adapter by the latching mechanism and can be separated from the adapter.

[0027] Optionally, the first clamping part and the second clamping part cooperate to enable the ferrule to move axially.

[0028] According to the polarization maintaining connector assembly of the present application, the ferrule can move axially to achieve a tight fit with the mating connector, preventing the occurrence of gaps.

[0029] The second aspect of the present application provides a polarization maintaining connector which can be assembled into the polarization maintaining connector assembly according to the present application described above, and the polarization maintaining connector according to the present application includes:

[0030] an outer sleeve having a first end and a second end opposite thereto;

[0031] a ferrule accommodated in the outer sleeve, the ferrule being provided with a passage, at least a portion of the ferrule being exposed from the first end; and

[0032] an adjusting member connected with the ferrule,

[0033] wherein the polarization maintaining connector includes a retaining member accommodated in the outer sleeve and accommodating the adjusting member, the adjusting member being configured to control the circumferential rotation of the ferrule, so that the ferrule can rotate together with the adjusting member when the adjusting member is actuated.

[0034] With the polarization maintaining connector according to the present application, when assembling and producing the polarization maintaining connector assembly, the optical fiber can be fixed in the ferrule and polished in advance, and then the ferrule is rotated by the adjusting member, that is, the angle of the optical fiber optical axis is conveniently adjusted by rotating the adjusting member, and the angle of the optical fiber optical axis is 360 degrees adjustable, and after the angle is adjusted in place, the ferrule is relatively fixed, which greatly improves the assembly efficiency and yield of the polarization maintaining connector assembly.

[0035] Optionally, the sleeve includes a first clamping portion, the adjusting member includes a second clamping portion, and the first clamping portion cooperates with the second clamping portion to enable the sleeve to rotate together with the adjusting member.

[0036] According to the polarization maintaining connector of the present application, the sleeve and the adjusting member are clamped to each other to enable the sleeve to rotate together with the adjusting member.

[0037] Optionally, one of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion is provided as a clamping protrusion, and the other of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion is provided as a clamping slot for accommodating the clamping protrusion.

[0038] According to the polarization maintaining connector of the present application, the clamping operation of the adjusting member and the sleeve is easy to implement.

[0039] Optionally, the retaining member includes a connecting portion configured to be selectively locked with the adjusting member.

[0040] According to the polarization maintaining connector of the present application, when the angle of the optical fiber is adjusted to be in place, the adjusting member is locked with the retaining member, so that the optical fiber cannot rotate relative to the retaining member.

[0041] Optionally, the connecting portion is configured to selectively receive the adjusting member, so that the rotation of the adjusting member relative to the retaining member is inhibited; or

[0042] The retaining member includes an injection hole, so that the adjusting member and the retaining member are selectively connected by means of adhesion.

[0043] According to the polarization maintaining connector of the present application, the adjusting member and the retaining member can be fixed to each other by various methods.

[0044] Optionally, the outer sleeve includes a first limiting portion to position the retaining member at a position of the outer sleeve.

[0045] Optionally, the retaining member includes a second limiting portion configured to cooperate with the first limiting portion to limit the rotation of the retaining member relative to the outer sleeve.

[0046] According to the polarization maintaining connector of the present application, the retaining member cannot rotate relative to the outer sleeve.

[0047] Optionally, the sleeve includes a flange, and the flange includes a form of a truncated cone or a step.

[0048] According to the polarization maintaining connector of the present application, the structure of the sleeve abutting against the outer sleeve can have various forms.

[0049] Optionally, the outer sleeve further includes a latching mechanism to enable the polarization maintaining connector to be connected with and separated from an adapter.

[0050] According to the polarization maintaining connector of the present application, the outer sleeve is firmly attached to the adapter by the latch mechanism and can be separated from the adapter.

[0051] The third aspect of the present application provides an assembling method of a polarization maintaining connector, comprising the following steps:

[0052] S10, inserting the ferrule into the outer sleeve so that at least part of the ferrule extends out of the outer sleeve from the front end of the outer sleeve;

[0053] S20, inserting the retaining member into the outer sleeve so that the retaining member is located between the outer sleeve and the ferrule;

[0054] S30, inserting the adjusting member into the retaining member so that the adjusting member is connected with the ferrule, and when the adjusting member is actuated, the ferrule can rotate with the adjusting member;

[0055] S40, rotating the adjusting member to drive the ferrule to rotate, so as to adjust the angle of the optical fiber;

[0056] S50, locking the adjusting member and the retaining member so that the adjusting member cannot move relative to the retaining member.

[0057] According to the assembling method of the polarization maintaining connector of the present application, the optical fiber can be fixed in the ferrule in advance and polished, and then the ferrule is rotated by the adjusting member, that is, the angle of the optical axis of the optical fiber is conveniently adjusted by rotating the adjusting member, and the angle of the optical axis is 360 degrees adjustable, and after the angle is adjusted to the position, the ferrule is relatively fixed, which greatly improves the assembling efficiency and yield of the polarization maintaining connector assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0058] The following drawings of the present application are hereby incorporated as a part of the present application for understanding the present application. The specific embodiments of the present application and the description thereof shown in the drawings are used to explain the principles of the present application.

[0059] In the drawings:

[0060] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the polarization maintaining connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 It is a perspective exploded view of the polarization maintaining connector assembly shown;

[0062] Figure 3 It is Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the retaining member shown;

[0063] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the ferrule and the adjusting member according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 5 It isFigure 4 Figure 6 is a top view of the ferrule and adjustment member shown connected;

[0065] Figure 6 Figure 7 is a perspective view of a ferrule and adjustment member according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 7 Figure 8 is a perspective view of the adjustment member shown; Figure 6 Figure 9 is an axial cross-sectional view of the ferrule and adjustment member shown connected;

[0067] Figure 8 Figure 10 is a perspective view of the adjustment member shown; Figure 4

[0068] Figure 9 Figure 11 is an assembly view of the retaining member and outer sleeve shown; Figure 2

[0069] Figure 10 Figure 12 is an axial cross-sectional view of a polarization maintaining connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 11 Figure 13 is an axial cross-sectional view of a polarization maintaining connector assembly according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 12 Figure 14 is an axial cross-sectional view of a polarization maintaining connector assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0072] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] 15: polarization maintaining connector assembly

[0074] 20: outer sleeve

[0075] 21: outer sleeve through hole

[0076] 23: ferrule stop

[0077] 25: window

[0078] 27: outer sleeve first end

[0079] 28: outer sleeve second end

[0080] 29: detent spring

[0081] 30: protective clip

[0082] 31: protective clip through hole

[0083] 35: clamping portion

[0084] 39: pressure plate

[0085] 40: ferrule

[0086] 41: channel ​​

[0087] 42: first detent portion

[0088] 42a: detent protrusion

[0089] 42b: detent slot

[0090] 43: ferrule flange

[0091] 46: pin

[0092] 49: handle

[0093] 50: spring

[0094] 60: retainer

[0095] 61: retainer through hole

[0096] 62: retainer first end

[0097] 63: retainer second end

[0098] 64: injection hole

[0099] 65: mating flange

[0100] 66: chamfered surface

[0101] 67: detent recess

[0102] 68: connecting portion

[0103] 70: adjustment member

[0104] 72: second detent portion

[0105] 72a: detent slot

[0106] 72b: detent protrusion

[0107] 73: adjustment surface

[0108] 74: nesting portion

[0109] 80: boot

[0110] 81: boot through hole

[0111] 87: detent flange

[0112] 90: optical fiber DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present application. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present application can be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the present application.

[0114] To thoroughly understand the present application, a detailed description will be rendered in the following description. It is to be understood that the present application is not limited in its application to the particular details set forth in the description below.

[0115] To solve the technical problems set forth in the background, the present application provides a polarization maintaining fiber polarization maintaining connector assembly, a polarization maintaining connector and an assembling method of the polarization maintaining connector. The polarization maintaining connector assembly according to the present application can be obtained by assembling the polarization maintaining connector according to the present application using the assembling method of the polarization maintaining connector according to the present application.

[0116] In the present application, the axial direction is parallel to the direction in which the optical fiber extends, and the axial direction is also referred to as the front-rear direction, wherein the end of the polarization maintaining connector used for engaging with the adapter is referred to as the front end or the front, and the end opposite to the front is referred to as the rear end or the rear. The cross section is a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0117] As shown in Figure 1 , the polarization maintaining connector assembly 15 according to the present application comprises a ferrule 20, a protection clip 30 and a boot 80. The protection clip 30 can be configured to be disposed between the ferrule 20 and the boot 80, and a portion of the protection clip 30 can be sleeved on the circumferential outer surface of the ferrule 20. As shown in Figure 2 , the protection clip 30 has a protection clip through hole 31 for accommodating the ferrule 20. The polarization maintaining connector assembly 15 further comprises a latch mechanism, so that the polarization maintaining connector assembly 15 can be connected and disconnected with the adapter (correspondingly, the polarization maintaining connector according to the present application can also be connected and disconnected with the adapter). The latch mechanism comprises a spring piece 29 provided on the ferrule 20 and a pressing piece 39 provided on the protection clip 30. In use, the user presses the latch mechanism, and the polarization maintaining connector assembly 15 can be inserted into or pulled out of the adapter by the cooperation of the spring piece 29 and the pressing piece 39.

[0118] Figure 2 The polarization maintaining connector assembly 15 shown in the figure further comprises a ferrule sleeve 40, a spring 50, a retaining member 60 and an adjusting member 70. The ferrule 20 has a first end 27 (i.e. the front end of the ferrule 20) and a second end 28 opposite to the first end 27 (i.e. the rear end of the ferrule 20). The ferrule sleeve 40 is disposed in the ferrule 20 and extends from the first end 27 by a portion. The ferrule sleeve 40 can comprise an optical fiber 90 (see Figure 11 ), for the convenience of description, Figure 2The optical fiber is not shown. In this application, the optical fiber 90 is a polarization-maintaining fiber, and the sleeve 40 is provided with a channel 41 for the optical fiber 90 to pass through. The sleeve 40 also includes a spring 50, which allows the sleeve 40 to move axially within the outer sleeve 20, ensuring that the polarization-maintaining connector assembly 15 mates with the mating optical device, thereby forming a light transmission channel. The sleeve 40 also includes a flange 43, a pin 46, and a tail 49. Preferably, the pin 46 is made of ceramic material, and the tail 49 is made of metal material.

[0119] Adjusting member 70 is connected to sleeve 40 such that the circumferential rotation of sleeve 40 is controlled by adjusting member 70, but the movement of sleeve 40 within outer sleeve 20 is unaffected. The specific connection between adjusting member 70 and sleeve 40 will be described in detail later. Retaining member 60 is disposed around adjusting member 70 and housed within outer sleeve 20, and the dimensions of retaining member 60 are configured to allow adjusting member 70 to rotate freely within retaining member 60.

[0120] Figure 3 The retainer 60 shown has a first end 62 and a second end 63 opposite to the first end 62, and includes a retainer through hole 61 extending between the first end 62 and the second end 63. The retainer 60 includes a connecting portion 68 provided at the second end 63, the connecting portion 68 being provided with an injection hole 64, and a portion of the adjusting member 70 can extend from the second end 63. A portion of the sleeve 40 is also accommodated within the retainer 60, so that the adjusting member 70 can drive the sleeve 40 to rotate within the retainer 60.

[0121] The connection between adjusting component 70 and sleeve 40 is described in detail below. Figure 4 In this assembly, the sleeve 40 has a first locking portion 42, which is disposed at the tail shank 49 of the sleeve 40. The adjusting member 70 has a second locking portion 72. The first locking portion 42 and the second locking portion 72 cooperate with each other, so that the adjusting member 70 rotates together with the sleeve 40. That is, the adjusting member 70 is configured to control the circumferential rotation of the sleeve 40, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the optical axis.

[0122] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first locking part 42 may have a protrusion 42a, and the second locking part 72 may have a groove 72a. The protrusion 42a may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 40 and has a certain height. The groove 72a is constructed as an axial groove on the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting member 70 and has a corresponding length. The groove 72a may extend a certain thickness through the wall of the adjusting member 70 or extend through the entire wall. When the adjusting member 70 and the sleeve 40 are attached to each other, such as Figure 5As shown, the latching protrusion 42a is aligned with and cooperates with the latching slot 72a, and the protrusion 42a is received in the latching slot 72a, so that the adjuster 70 rotates together with the ferrule 40. Since the latching slot 72a has a certain axial length, the latching protrusion 42a can move axially in the slot 72a, so that the ferrule 40 can move axially under the action of the spring. At the same time, due to the cooperation of the latching protrusion 42a and the latching slot 72a, the ferrule 40 cannot rotate independently of the adjuster 70.

[0123] Those skilled in the art should understand that there are many ways to connect the adjuster 70 and the ferrule 40, and the adjuster 70 can also be connected to the ferrule 40 in other ways. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first latching part 42 can be provided with a slot 42b, and the second latching part 72 can be provided as a protrusion 72b.

[0124] It can be understood that the above-mentioned latching protrusion can be configured in various shapes such as a cube, a cuboid, a prism, a hemisphere, etc., and the present application does not make specific limitations thereto.

[0125] It can be understood that the slot opening of the above-mentioned latching slot is arranged near the end for connection, and can act as a guide member, thereby facilitating the cooperation of the latching protrusion and the latching slot when the ferrule 40 and the adjuster 70 are attached to each other.

[0126] By rotating the adjuster 70, the ferrule 40 can be rotated, thereby rotating the optical fiber 90 in the ferrule 40, so that the optical axis angle of the optical fiber can be adjusted in place. According to the present application, the adjuster 70 can rotate the ferrule 40 (and the optical fiber 90) by 360 degrees. In order to facilitate adjustment, as shown in Figure 8 The adjuster 70 is provided with an adjustment surface 73 configured in a planar form, and the outer circumferential surface of the adjuster 70 is arranged in a racetrack shape (oblong circle). The adjustment surface 73 is used to cooperate with a tool (such as a clamp, pliers), so that the user can use the tool to manipulate the adjuster 70 and then rotate the adjuster 70. When the adjuster 70 is received in the holder 60, the adjustment surface 73 is exposed from the holder 60, i.e. the adjustment surface 73 does not enter the holder through-hole 61 and is covered by the holder 60. For example, the outer diameter of the adjuster 70 at the adjustment surface 73 can be arranged to be larger than the hole diameter of the holder through-hole 61, so as to prevent the adjustment surface 73 from entering the holder through-hole 61.

[0127] As shown in Figure 5 In order to facilitate the adjustment of the adjuster 70, the adjustment surface 73 can be arranged correspondingly with the second latching part 72, i.e. arranged on the same axis.

[0128] Once the optical fiber angle is rotated to the correct position (e.g., by adjusting the optical axis angle using a calibration device), the fiber needs to be fixed to maintain that angle. Therefore, after the clamp 40 and the adjusting member 70 have completed the angle adjustment (rotation), the position of the adjusting member 70 needs to be locked to prevent it from changing. Those skilled in the art will understand that the retaining member 60 and the adjusting member 70 can be locked together in various ways. For example, by applying adhesive to the injection hole 64, the adjusting member 70 and the retaining member 60 can be bonded together (the adjusting member 70 and the retaining member 60 are locked together), thus locking the adjusting member 70 within the retaining member 60 and preventing rotation, i.e., it is in a holding state. Understandably, in the holding state, neither the clamp 40 nor the adjusting member 70 can rotate relative to the retaining member 60, and the angle of the optical fiber no longer changes.

[0129] Or, such as Figure 8 As shown, the adjusting member 70 is provided with a nesting portion 74, which is located close to the adjusting surface 73. The outer diameter of the nesting portion 74 can be set to be larger than the inner diameter of the retaining member through hole 61 at the connecting portion 68. When the angle of the sleeve 40 is adjusted by the adjusting member 70, the nesting portion 74 is pressed into the retaining member through hole 61, so that the nesting portion 74 is embedded in the connecting portion 68 of the retaining member 60. That is, the retaining member 60 receives the adjusting member 70 by an interference fit, so that the adjusting member 70 is in a retained state. For example, both the adjusting member 70 and the retaining member 60 are made of metal, and the two are locked by an interference fit of metal parts.

[0130] To facilitate fiber adjustment and ensure that the angle of the fiber does not change after adjustment, the retaining member 60 needs to be locked inside the outer sleeve 20. In this invention, the outer sleeve 20 is provided with a first limiting part, and the retaining member 60 is provided with a second limiting part. In the holding state, that is, when the outer sleeve 20 is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the retaining member 60, the first limiting part and the second limiting part cooperate with each other to prevent the retaining member 60 from rotating relative to the outer sleeve 20, thereby ensuring the angle of the fiber 90.

[0131] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the outer casing 20 is provided with a window 25, which can function as a first limiting part. Figure 3 As shown, the retainer 60 includes a mating flange 65, which can be configured, for example, to project radially outwards and can function as a second limiting portion. When the retainer 60 is fitted into the outer sleeve through hole 21, the position of the retainer 60 can be adjusted via the window 25, such that the mating flange 65 and the window 25 (see...) Figure 2 Alignment, so that a portion of the mating flange 65 enters the window 25 (e.g.) Figure 9 (As shown). Typically, the outer jacket 20 is made of plastic material with a certain degree of elasticity, while the retainer 60 is made of metal material. Figure 12As shown, the outer diameter of the retaining member 60 at the mating flange 65 is greater than the inner diameter of the sleeve through hole 21, when the retaining member 60 is inserted into the sleeve 20 from the second end 28, the sleeve 20 can be elastically deformed when the mating flange 65 enters the sleeve through hole 21, the mating flange 65 enters the sleeve 20 forwardly and is then accommodated in the window 25, thereby limiting the position of the retaining member 60 in the sleeve 20 against rotation. It can be understood that the first and second limiting portions can also be configured in other forms, so that the sleeve 20 and the retaining member 60 cannot rotate relative to each other.

[0132] Preferably, as shown, a chamfer surface 66 is provided on the side of the front end of the mating flange 65 for insertion into the sleeve through hole 21. Figure 3

[0133] It can be understood that the above method not only prevents the retaining member 60 from rotating relative to the sleeve 20, but also prevents the retaining member 60 from moving axially in the sleeve 20, or can only move a limited distance relative to the sleeve 20.

[0134] In Figure 12 , the inner wall of the protection clip through hole 31 is provided with a clamping portion 35 protruding radially, when the protection clip 30 is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 20, the clamping portion 35 is located in the window 25. Preferably, in the cross section of the sleeve 20, the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 20 is square; in the cross section of the protection clip 30, the protection clip through hole 31 is square. The protection clip 30 can cover the window 25, so that foreign matter can be prevented from entering the polarization maintaining connector assembly 15 through the window 25. One end of the spring 50 abuts against the flange 43, and the other end abuts against the retaining member 60, so that the sleeve 40 can move axially in the sleeve 20 under the action of the spring 50.

[0135] In order to prevent the sleeve 40 from moving away from the sleeve 20, the flange 43 can include a step, and the sleeve through hole 21 is provided with a sleeve limiting portion 23, as shown in Figure 10 , the sleeve limiting portion 23 is also configured in the form of a step, thereby limiting the movement of the flange 43 (i.e. the sleeve 40) towards the first end 27. In Figure 11 the embodiment shown, the flange 43 and the sleeve limiting portion 23 are configured in the form of a truncated cone.

[0136] Therefore, since the clamping groove 72a (or 42b) has a certain axial length, the axial movement of the sleeve 40 can prevent the occurrence of a gap at the connection, thereby achieving a tight fit with the optical device being connected.

[0137] Generally, the tail sleeve 80 can be made of plastic material and has a certain elasticity. As shown in Figure 11 ​As shown, a portion of the retainer 60 is received within the tail sleeve 80. To ensure that the tail sleeve 80 can securely clamp the retainer 60, the tail sleeve 80 is provided with a locking flange 87, and the retainer 60 is provided with a locking groove 67 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). The locking flange 87 is a circumferentially extending, radially inwardly protruding structure provided on the wall of the through hole 81 of the tail sleeve (the inner surface of the tail sleeve 80). The locking groove 67 is a circumferentially extending, radially inwardly recessed structure provided on the outer surface of the retainer 60. The inner diameter of the locking flange 87 matches the outer diameter of the locking groove 67. When the tail sleeve 80 is pushed towards the outer sleeve 20, utilizing the elasticity of the tail sleeve material, the locking flange 87 can squeeze through the portion of the retainer 60 whose outer diameter is larger than that of the locking groove 67 on the second end 63 side, and then be accommodated in the locking groove 67, thereby fixing the tail sleeve 80 relative to the retainer 60.

[0138] It is understood that the polarization-maintaining connector according to the present invention can be used for connectors including LC type sleeves, such as various types of polarization-maintaining connectors and polarization-maintaining connector assemblies, such as LC type, SC type, etc.

[0139] The assembly method for the polarization-maintaining connector is as follows:

[0140] S10. Insert the clamp 40 into the outer sleeve 20, so that at least a portion of the clamp 20 extends out of the outer sleeve 20 from the front end of the outer sleeve 20;

[0141] S20. Insert the retainer 60 into the outer sleeve so that the retainer 60 is located between the outer sleeve 20 and the clamp 40.

[0142] S30. Insert the adjusting member 70 into the retaining member 60 so that the adjusting member 70 is connected to the sleeve 40. When the adjusting member 70 is actuated, the sleeve 40 can rotate together with the adjusting member 70.

[0143] S40. Rotate the adjusting component 70 to drive the sleeve 20 to rotate, thereby adjusting the angle of the optical fiber 90;

[0144] S50, locking the adjusting member 70 and the retaining member 60, so that the adjusting member 70 cannot move relative to the retaining member 60.

[0145] Specifically, after the optical fiber 90 is connected to the sleeve 40, the sleeve 40 is inserted into the outer sleeve 20 from the second end 28, so that at least a portion of the sleeve 20, i.e., at least a portion of the pin 46, protrudes from the first end 27 of the outer sleeve 20. The spring 50 and the retainer 60 are then inserted into the outer sleeve 20 from the second end 28 in sequence, with the retainer 60 positioned between the outer sleeve 20 and the sleeve 40. One end of the spring 50 abuts against the sleeve 40, and the other end of the spring 50 abuts against the retainer 60. Simultaneously, the first limiting portion (e.g., window 25) of the outer sleeve 20 and the second limiting portion (e.g., mating flange 65) of the retainer 60 are mutually limited, preventing the retainer 60 from rotating relative to the outer sleeve 20.

[0146] The adjusting member 70 is inserted from the second end 63 of the holder 60, and the first clamping portion 42 of the ferrule 40 and the second clamping portion 72 of the adjusting member 70 are clamped to each other, so that the ferrule 40 rotates together with the adjusting member 70. The adjusting member 70 is rotated to drive the ferrule 40 to rotate, thereby driving the optical fiber 90 to rotate. The angle of the optical fiber 90 is adjusted to be in place through monitoring of the calibration equipment, and then the adjusting member 70 is fixed to the holder 60 (for example, by interference fit or adhesion). After that, the protection clip 30 and the tail sleeve 80 are installed, which are conventional operations in the art and will not be described in detail.

[0147] The polarization maintaining connector and the assembling method of the polarization maintaining connector according to the present application can be used to assemble the polarization maintaining connector assembly according to the present application. In the assembling and production of the polarization maintaining connector assembly, the optical fiber can be fixed in the ferrule and polished in advance, and then the ferrule is rotated by the adjusting member to conveniently adjust the angle of the optical fiber, the angle adjustment range being 360 degrees. Compared with the conventional process, the calibration of the optical axis angle is finally performed, which greatly improves the assembling and production efficiency of the polarization maintaining connector assembly and the product qualification rate.

[0148] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present application.

[0149] The present application has been described by the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are only for the purpose of example and illustration, and are not intended to limit the present application to the described embodiments. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that more variants and modifications can be made according to the teachings of the present application, and these variants and modifications all fall within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A polarization maintaining connector assembly, characterized by, The polarization maintaining connector assembly comprises: a jacket having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the jacket further comprising a first limiting portion; a ferrule housed in the jacket and extending outwardly from the first end, the ferrule comprising an optical fiber; an adjustment member attached to the ferrule and configured to manipulate rotation of the ferrule; a retaining member disposed between the jacket and the adjustment member, the retaining member further disposed between the jacket and the ferrule and configured to limit rotation of the adjustment member and the ferrule when connected to the adjustment member, wherein a portion of the adjustment member is exposed from the retaining member, the retaining member comprising a second limiting portion configured to cooperate with the first limiting portion to position the retaining member at a location of the jacket; and a protection clip configured to be fitted on a circumferential outer surface of the second end of the jacket and cover the first limiting portion.

2. The polarization maintaining connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The ferrule comprises a first catch portion and the adjustment member comprises a second catch portion, the first catch portion and the second catch portion cooperate to enable the ferrule to rotate with the adjustment member.

3. The polarization maintaining connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, One of the first catch portion and the second catch portion is configured as a catch protrusion and the other of the first catch portion and the second catch portion is configured as a catch slot to receive the catch protrusion.

4. The polarization maintaining connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The adjustment member and the retaining member are attached together by interference fit or glue joint.

5. The polarization maintaining connector assembly of any of claims 1-4, wherein, The ferrule comprises a flange, the flange comprises a form of truncated cone or step.

6. The polarization maintaining connector assembly of claim 5, wherein, The polarization maintaining connector assembly further comprises a spring.

7. The polarization maintaining connector assembly of any of claims 1-4, wherein, The jacket further comprises a latching mechanism to enable the polarization maintaining connector assembly to connect and disconnect with an adapter.

8. The polarization maintaining connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, The first catch portion and the second catch portion cooperate to enable the ferrule to move axially.

9. A polarization maintaining connector, comprising: The polarization maintaining connector assembly comprises: a jacket having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the jacket further comprising a first limiting portion; a ferrule housed in the jacket, the ferrule being provided with a channel, at least a portion of the ferrule being exposed from the first end; an adjustment member connected to the ferrule; a retaining member housed in the jacket and accommodating a portion of the adjustment member and a portion of the ferrule, the adjustment member being configured to manipulate circumferential rotation of the ferrule such that the ferrule is rotatable with the adjustment member when the adjustment member is actuated, wherein another portion of the adjustment member is exposed from the retaining member, the retaining member comprising a second limiting portion configured to cooperate with the first limiting portion to limit rotation of the retaining member relative to the jacket; and a protection clip configured to be fitted on a circumferential outer surface of the second end of the jacket and cover the first limiting portion.

10. The polarization maintaining connector of claim 9, wherein, The ferrule comprises a first catch portion and the adjustment member comprises a second catch portion, the first catch portion and the second catch portion cooperate to enable the ferrule to rotate with the adjustment member.

11. The polarization maintaining connector of claim 10, wherein, One of the first catch portion and the second catch portion is configured as a catch protrusion and the other of the first catch portion and the second catch portion is configured as a catch slot to receive the catch protrusion.

12. The polarization maintaining connector of claim 9, wherein, The retaining member comprises a connecting portion configured to selectively lock with the adjustment member. The polarization maintaining connector assembly comprises: a jacket having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the jacket further comprising a first limiting portion; a ferrule housed in the jacket, the ferrule being provided with a channel, at least a portion of the ferrule being exposed from the first end; an adjustment member connected to the ferrule; a retaining member housed in the jacket and accommodating a portion of the adjustment member and a portion of the ferrule, the adjustment member being configured to manipulate circumferential rotation of the ferrule such that the ferrule is rotatable with the adjustment member when the adjustment member is actuated, wherein another portion of the adjustment member is exposed from the retaining member, the retaining member comprising a second limiting portion configured to cooperate with the first limiting portion to limit rotation of the retaining member relative to the jacket; and a protection clip configured to be fitted on a circumferential outer surface of the second end of the jacket and cover the first limiting portion. The ferrule comprises a first catch portion and the adjustment member comprises a second catch portion, the first catch portion and the second catch portion cooperate to enable the ferrule to rotate with the adjustment member. One of the first catch portion and the second catch portion is configured as a catch protrusion and the other of the first catch portion and the second catch portion is configured as a catch slot to receive the catch protrusion. The retaining member comprises a connecting portion configured to selectively lock with the adjustment member.

13. The polarization maintaining connector of claim 12, wherein: the connector portion is configured to selectively receive the adjustment member such that rotation of the adjustment member relative to the retaining member is inhibited; or the retaining member includes an injection hole such that the adjustment member is selectively connected to the retaining member by adhesion.

14. The polarization maintaining connector of claim 9, wherein, the ferrule includes a flange that includes a frustoconical or stepped form.

15. The polarization maintaining connector of any of claims 9-13, wherein, the boot further includes a latching mechanism such that the polarization maintaining connector is connected and disconnected from an adapter.

16. A method of assembling a polarization maintaining connector, comprising: comprising the steps of: S10, inserting a ferrule into a boot such that at least a portion of the ferrule extends out of the boot from a front end of the boot, wherein the boot includes a first stop; S20, inserting a retaining member including a second stop into the boot such that the retaining member is positioned between the boot and the ferrule and the second stop is connected to the first stop to position the retaining member in place within the boot; S30, inserting an adjustment member into the retaining member such that the adjustment member is connected to the ferrule and a portion of the adjustment member is exposed from the retaining member, wherein the ferrule is rotatable with the adjustment member when the adjustment member is actuated; S40, rotating the portion of the adjustment member exposed from the retaining member to rotate the ferrule to adjust an angle of an optical fiber; S50, locking the adjustment member to the retaining member such that the adjustment member is not movable relative to the retaining member; S69, installing a protective clip to a circumferential outer surface of a rear end of the boot such that the protective clip covers the first stop.

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