A positioning key rotating coupling shaft device for an ST polarization maintaining optical fiber connector

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of tool clamps, and discloses an ST polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector positioning key rotary coupling shaft device, which comprises a connector support frame, an ST rotating flange, an embedded stop ring, two clamping strips, a first adjusting screw and a second adjusting screw; the ST polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector rotary shaft structure is optimized and designed according to the application, so that the accurate positioning between the ST polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector positioning key and the stress axis of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber can be realized, and the positioning key can be fixed after positioning; the structure of the ST polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector positioning key rotary coupling shaft device is simple, the device is easy to assemble, the ST polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector is convenient to install on the device, the alignment between the positioning key and the stress axis of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber can be realized by manually rotating the ST polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector shell, the device is convenient and efficient, and the problem that the ST polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector does not have a matching coupling shaft device in the prior art is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tooling and fixture technology, specifically to a rotary coupling device for positioning keys of ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Polarization-maintaining fiber optic connectors, as a type of active connector for special applications of optical fibers, are widely used in systems such as coherent optical detection, fiber optic sensing, and long-distance bidirectional optical transmission. The market for coupling and alignment equipment used to manufacture these connectors is already mature. There are two main coupling and alignment methods used in this type of equipment: one is based on directly rotating the fiber to align the stress axis, and the other is based on rotating the fiber ferrule. However, the aforementioned equipment and tooling fixtures are currently mostly used for common FC, SC, and LC type polarization-maintaining fiber optic connectors. Due to the structural characteristics of ST type conventional fiber optic connectors, ST type polarization-maintaining fiber optic connectors are currently rare in the market, and there are no matching coupling and alignment devices available.

[0003] This invention provides a rotary coupling alignment device for the positioning key of an ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector. This device allows the positioning key of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector to be rotated to maintain alignment with the stress axis of the polarization-maintaining fiber. It is applicable to the stress axis alignment process of ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connectors, and can achieve efficient alignment of the stress axis of ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connectors, thereby improving production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention proposes a rotary coupling alignment device for the positioning key of an ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector, which solves the problem that there is no matching coupling alignment device for ST type polarization-maintaining fiber optic connectors in the prior art.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A rotary coupling alignment device for positioning keys of ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connectors, comprising:

[0006] The connector support frame is fixed on the three-axis optical adjustment frame of the optical platform, and the whole has a double-layered L-shaped stepped structure.

[0007] The ST rotating flange is axially parallel to the step length direction of the connector support frame and has a hollow T-shaped cylindrical structure.

[0008] An embedded stop ring is fitted to the outside of the ST rotating flange and embedded in the connector support frame, and the whole is in the form of a circular ring structure;

[0009] Two clamping bars are vertically installed on the second step of the connector support frame;

[0010] The first adjusting screw is located on the top of the connector support frame and is used to fix the ST rotating flange.

[0011] The second adjusting screw is located on one side of the second step of the connector support frame to adjust the clamping distance and clamping force of the two clamping bars.

[0012] Preferably, the double-layered steps of the connector support frame are a lower second step and an upper first step. The top of the connector support frame is provided with a semi-circular protrusion, and a T-shaped circular hole is opened at the center of the protrusion, which can be used to install the ST rotating flange and keep it rotating. After the embedded stop ring is riveted in, it can prevent the ST rotating flange from coming out to both sides. The T-shaped circular hole is a small circular hole at one end near the first step and a large circular hole at the other end. A first threaded hole is opened above the large circular hole. A T-shaped waist groove hole is opened at the center of the second step. The upper part of the T-shaped waist groove hole is a large-end waist groove hole and the lower part is a small-end waist groove hole. The top of the first step is provided with a protrusion block. The top of the protrusion block is provided with a square hole. The two narrow sides of the square hole are provided with symmetrical through circular holes.

[0013] Preferably, the ST rotating flange has an axial center hole on its central shaft, a positioning keyway on the end face of the small column of the ST rotating flange, and a vertical marking line on the back of the large column of the ST rotating flange. The vertical marking line is axially aligned with the positioning keyway on the small column of the ST rotating flange and is used to mark the stress axis of the polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector and the positioning keyway axis reference. Two raised dots are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the small column of the ST rotating flange near the opening of the axial center hole.

[0014] Preferably, the diameter of the axial center hole matches the diameter of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector ceramic ferrule tail, so that the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector ceramic ferrule tail can be inserted into the through hole.

[0015] Preferably, the large cylindrical diameter of the ST rotating flange is equal to the large circular diameter of the T-shaped hole, with a negative tolerance fit, so that the ST rotating flange can be installed into the connector support frame and maintain rotation.

[0016] Preferably, the width of the positioning keyway is equal to the width of the positioning key of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector, with a positive tolerance, so that the positioning key of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector can enter the positioning keyway and maintain a left-right sway angle of less than 1°.

[0017] Preferably, the axial direction of the two raised dots is perpendicular to the length direction of the positioning keyway, and the diameter, height, and depth of the two raised dots from the side of the opening match the dimensions of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector bayonet housing parts, so that the ST connector can be fixed on the flange.

[0018] Preferably, the inner and outer ring surfaces of the embedded stop ring are the inner ring surface and the outer ring surface of the stop ring, respectively. The diameter of the inner ring surface of the stop ring is smaller than the diameter of the large column of the ST rotating flange, and the diameter of the outer ring surface of the stop ring is equal to the diameter of the large round hole of the T-shaped hole, with positive tolerance, so that it can be riveted into the large round hole of the T-shaped hole of the connector support frame step to prevent the ST rotating flange from coming out of the connector support frame.

[0019] Preferably, the lower part of both clamping bars is provided with a second threaded hole, the two clamping bars are inserted into the square hole, and the height of the second threaded hole is the same as that of the through round hole.

[0020] Preferably, the first adjusting screw is vertically inserted into the first threaded hole and threadedly connected to the first threaded hole. The first adjusting screw can be screwed in to stop the rotation of the ST rotating flange. The second adjusting screw passes through the through round hole and is threadedly connected to the second threaded hole. A hand-tightening screw is inserted from the narrow side round hole of the rectangular hole and the screws pass through the second threaded hole of the clamping strip, so that the two clamping strips can be tightened.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0022] This invention optimizes the design based on the structural characteristics of the ST-type polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector's rotating shaft, ensuring precise positioning between the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector's positioning key and the polarization-maintaining fiber stress axis, and fixing them after positioning. The structure of this ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector's positioning key rotational coupling axis device is simple, easy to assemble, and facilitates the installation of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector and the device. Alignment between the positioning key and the polarization-maintaining fiber stress axis can be achieved by manually rotating the ST polarization-maintaining connector's outer shell, which is convenient and efficient, solving the problem of the lack of a matching coupling axis device for the existing ST-type polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector positioning key rotation coupling axis device proposed in this invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the rotational coupling alignment device for the positioning key of an ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector proposed in this invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connector support frame structure proposed in this invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ST rotating flange structure proposed in this invention;

[0028] Figure 5This is a front view schematic diagram of the ST rotating flange structure proposed in this invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the rear view of the ST rotating flange structure proposed in this invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the embedded stop ring structure proposed in this invention;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping strip structure proposed in this invention;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation alignment of the present invention with the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector;

[0033] In the picture:

[0034] 1. Connector support frame; 11. First threaded hole; 12. T-shaped round hole; 13. Square hole; 14. Through round hole; 15. First step; 16. T-shaped groove hole; 17. Second step; 18. Protrusion block;

[0035] 2. ST rotating flange; 21. Locating keyway; 22. Raised dot; 23. Axial center hole; 24. Vertical marking line;

[0036] 3. Embedded stop ring; 31. Outer ring surface of the stop ring; 32. Inner ring surface of the stop ring;

[0037] 4. Clamping bar; 41. Second threaded hole;

[0038] 5. First adjusting screw;

[0039] 6. Second adjusting screw. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2This invention provides a technical solution: a rotary coupling alignment device for positioning keys of ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connectors, comprising a connector support frame 1, an ST rotating flange 2, an embedded stop ring 3, two clamping strips 4, a first adjusting screw 5, and a second adjusting screw 6. The ST rotating flange 2 is axially parallel to the step length direction of the connector support frame 1 and has a hollow T-shaped cylindrical structure. An ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector can be installed on the ST rotating flange 2. The embedded stop ring 3 is fitted to the outside of the ST rotating flange 2 and embedded in the connector support frame 1, and has a circular ring structure. The two clamping strips 4 are vertically arranged on the second step of the connector support frame 1. The first adjusting screw 5 is located at the top of the connector support frame 1 to fix the ST rotating flange 2. The second adjusting screw 6 is located on one side of the second step of the connector support frame 1 to adjust the clamping distance and clamping force of the two clamping strips 4. The connector support frame 1 of this device is fixed on the three-axis optical adjustment frame of the optical platform, while the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector is fixed on the ST rotating flange 2 of this device. By rotating the housing of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector under online CCD monitoring, the positioning key can be rotated to align the axis.

[0042] Please see Figure 3 The connector support frame 1 has a double-layered L-shaped stepped structure. Specifically, the double-layered steps of the connector support frame 1 consist of a lower second step 17 and an upper first step 15. The top of the connector support frame 1 has a semi-circular protrusion, and a T-shaped circular hole 12 is formed at the center of the protrusion. One end of the T-shaped circular hole 12 near the first step 15 is a small circular hole, and the other end is a large circular hole. The diameter of the large circular hole is equal to the diameter of the large column of the ST rotating flange 2 with a positive tolerance. The depth is slightly greater than the sum of the height of the large column of the ST rotating flange 2 and the height of the embedded stop ring 3. After the large column of the ST rotating flange 2 is installed, the embedded stop ring 3 can be riveted into the large circular hole of the T-shaped circular hole 12. Figure 7 As shown, the inner and outer ring surfaces of the embedded stop ring 3 are the inner ring surface 32 and the outer ring surface 31 of the stop ring, respectively. The diameter of the inner ring surface 32 of the stop ring is smaller than the diameter of the large column of the ST rotating flange 2, and the diameter of the outer ring surface 31 of the stop ring is equal to the diameter of the large circular hole of the T-shaped circular hole 12. After riveting the embedded stop ring 3, the ST rotating flange 2 can rotate in the T-shaped circular hole 12 and prevent the ST rotating flange 2 from coming off the embedded stop ring 3.

[0043] A first threaded hole 11 is provided above the large circular hole. A first adjusting screw 5 is vertically inserted into the first threaded hole 11 and threadedly connected to it. The first threaded hole 11 can be screwed into the first adjusting screw 5. Tightening the first adjusting screw 5 can stop the rotation of the ST rotating flange 2 at any time. Loosening the first adjusting screw 5 allows the ST rotating flange 2 to rotate in the T-shaped circular hole 12. A T-shaped waist groove hole 16 is provided at the center of the second step 17. The upper part of the T-shaped waist groove hole 16 is a large-headed waist groove hole, and the lower part is a small-headed waist groove hole, used for fixing with the optical triaxial adjustment frame. A protrusion 18 is provided at the top of the first step 15. A square hole 13 is provided at the top of the protrusion 18. Two clamping strips 4 can be inserted into the square hole 13. Symmetrical through circular holes 14 are provided on the two narrow sides of the square hole 13. Figure 8 As shown, the lower part of each of the two clamping bars 4 is provided with a second threaded hole 41. The two clamping bars 4 are inserted into the square hole 13, and the height of the second threaded hole 41 is the same as that of the through round hole 14. The second adjusting screw 6 passes through the through round hole 14 and is threadedly connected to the second threaded hole 41. Rotating the second adjusting screw 6 can make the two clamping bars 4 press together in the middle, which is used to clamp the crimping ring part of the ST connector core and keep the polarization maintaining fiber stationary and prevent axial rotation.

[0044] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The ST rotating flange 2 has an axial center hole 23 on its central axis. A positioning keyway 21 is provided on the end face of the small column of the ST rotating flange 2, allowing the positioning key of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector to pass through. A vertical marking line 24 is provided on the back of the large column of the ST rotating flange 2, axially aligned with the positioning keyway 21 on the small column of the ST rotating flange 2 for angle calibration during CCD image monitoring. Two raised dots 22 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the small column of the ST rotating flange 2 near the opening of the axial center hole 23, for mating and fixing the BNC-type bayonet shell of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector. The axial center hole... The diameter of hole 23 matches the diameter of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector's ceramic ferrule tailstock. The diameter of the large cylindrical surface of the ST rotating flange 2 is equal to the diameter of the large circular hole of the T-hole 12. The width of the positioning keyway 21 is equal to the width of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector's positioning key. The axial direction of the two raised dots 22 is perpendicular to the length direction of the positioning keyway 21, and the diameter, height, and depth of the two raised dots 22 from the side of the opening match the dimensions of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector's bayonet housing parts. The diameter of the axial center hole 23 of the ST rotating flange 2 allows the ceramic ferrule and tailstock cylinder of the polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector to pass through. Figure 9As shown, when the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector is mated to the ST rotating flange 2, the spring of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector itself can cause the ferrule with the positioning key to rotate together with the outer shell. The operator can then rotate the outer shell of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector to align the ferrule positioning key with the stress axis of the polarization-maintaining fiber under the monitoring of the CDD.

[0045] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rotary coupling device for positioning keys of ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connectors, characterized in that, include: The connector support frame (1) is fixed on the three-axis optical adjustment frame of the optical platform, and the whole has a double-layer L-shaped step structure; ST rotating flange (2) is arranged axially parallel to the step length direction of the connector support frame (1), and has a hollow T-shaped cylindrical structure. An embedded stop ring (3) is fitted to the outside of the ST rotating flange (2) and embedded in the connector support frame (1), and the whole is in the form of a circular ring structure; Two clamping bars (4) are vertically arranged on the second step of the connector support frame (1); The first adjusting screw (5) is located on the top of the connector support frame (1) to fix the ST rotating flange (2); The second adjusting screw (6) is located on one side of the second step of the connector support frame (1) to adjust the clamping distance and clamping force of the two clamping bars (4). Rotating the second adjusting screw (6) can make the two clamping bars (4) press together in the middle to clamp the crimping ring part of the ST connector core and keep the polarization-maintaining fiber stationary without axial rotation. The connector support frame (1) has a double-layer step, specifically a lower second step (17) and an upper first step (15). The top of the connector support frame (1) is provided with a semi-circular protrusion, and a T-shaped round hole (12) is opened at the center of the protrusion. The T-shaped round hole (12) is a small round hole at one end near the first step (15) and a large round hole at the other end. A first threaded hole (11) is opened above the large round hole. A T-shaped waist groove hole (16) is opened at the center of the second step (17). The upper part of the T-shaped waist groove hole (16) is a large-head waist groove hole and the lower part is a small-head waist groove hole. A protrusion block (18) is provided at the top of the first step (15). A square hole (13) is opened at the top of the protrusion block (18). A symmetrical through round hole (14) is opened on the two narrow sides of the square hole (13). The ST rotating flange (2) has an axial center hole (23) on its central shaft. The ST rotating flange (2) has a positioning keyway (21) on its small column end face. The ST rotating flange (2) has a vertical marking line (24) on its back side. The vertical marking line (24) is axially aligned with the positioning keyway (21) on the small column of the ST rotating flange (2). The small column of the ST rotating flange (2) has two raised dots (22) symmetrically arranged on both sides of the opening of the axial center hole (23).

2. The ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector positioning key rotary coupling alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the axial center hole (23) matches the diameter of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector ceramic ferrule tail.

3. The ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector positioning key rotary coupling alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the large cylindrical surface of the ST rotating flange (2) is equal to the diameter of the large circular hole of the T-shaped circular hole (12).

4. The ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector positioning key rotary coupling alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the positioning keyway (21) is equal to the width of the positioning key of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector.

5. The ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector positioning key rotary coupling alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial direction of the two raised dots (22) is perpendicular to the length direction of the positioning keyway (21), and the diameter, height, and depth of the two raised dots (22) from the side of the opening match the size of the ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector bayonet housing parts.

6. The ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector positioning key rotary coupling alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner and outer ring surfaces of the embedded stop ring (3) are respectively the inner ring surface (32) and the outer ring surface (31) of the stop ring. The diameter of the inner ring surface (32) of the stop ring is smaller than the diameter of the large column of the ST rotating flange (2), and the diameter of the outer ring surface (31) of the stop ring is equal to the diameter of the large round hole of the T-shaped round hole (12).

7. The ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector positioning key rotary coupling alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower part of each of the two clamping bars (4) is provided with a second threaded hole (41). The two clamping bars (4) are inserted into the square hole (13), and the height of the second threaded hole (41) is the same as that of the through round hole (14).

8. The ST polarization-maintaining fiber optic connector positioning key rotary coupling alignment device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first adjusting screw (5) is vertically inserted into the first threaded hole (11) and threadedly connected to the first threaded hole (11). The second adjusting screw (6) passes through the through hole (14) and is threadedly connected to the second threaded hole (41).

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