Optical splitter, optical network system, and method for assembling optical splitter

Abstract

The invention provides an optical splitter, an optical network system and a manufacturing method of the optical splitter, and belongs to the technical field of optical communication. The optical splitter comprises a first shell, a second shell, an optical splitting chip and a plurality of first optical fiber insertion cores. The first housing has a plurality of coupling structures. The second shell is connected with the first shell, and a containing cavity is formed between the first shell and the second shell. The light splitting chip is located in the containing cavity, the multiple first optical fiber insertion cores are connected with the light splitting chip through optical fibers respectively, and the multiple first optical fiber insertion cores extend into the multiple coupling structures respectively. Wherein the coupling structure is used for coupling the first optical fiber insertion core with a second optical fiber insertion core of an external optical fiber connector. According to the optical splitter provided by the invention, the first shell is provided with the coupling structure, so that the optical splitter does not need to comprise an independent optical fiber adapter, the number of parts included by the optical splitter is reduced, the cost of the optical splitter is reduced, and the assembly process of the optical splitter is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of optical communication technologies, and particularly relates to an optical splitter, an optical network system, and an assembly method of the optical splitter. Background Art

[0002] With the development of fiber to the room (FTTR), the point-to-multipoint (P2MP) fiber networking technology is increasingly applied in home scenarios. Among them, the optical splitter is a key device for implementing the P2MP fiber networking technology. The optical splitter is used to split the downstream optical signal sent by the upper-level device and then send it to multiple lower-level devices respectively; and, combine the upstream optical signals sent by multiple lower-level devices and then send it to the upper-level device.

[0003] In related technologies, in order to realize the docking of the optical splitter with an external optical fiber connector, the optical splitter needs to include multiple optical fiber adapters. However, this makes the number of parts included in the optical splitter relatively large, the cost of the optical splitter high, and the assembly process cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides an optical splitter, an optical network system, and an assembly method of the optical splitter. The first housing of the optical splitter has a coupling structure, and the coupling structure is used to couple the first optical fiber ferrule of the optical splitter and the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector. In this way, the optical splitter does not need to include an independent optical fiber adapter, thereby reducing the number of parts included in the optical splitter, reducing the cost of the optical splitter, and simplifying the assembly process of the optical splitter. The technical solutions of the optical splitter, the optical network system, and the assembly method of the optical splitter are as follows.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an optical splitter. The optical splitter includes a first housing, a second housing, a splitting chip, and multiple first optical fiber ferrules. The first housing has multiple coupling structures. The second housing is connected to the first housing, and an accommodation cavity is formed between the first housing and the second housing. The splitting chip is located in the accommodation cavity, and the multiple first optical fiber ferrules are respectively connected to the splitting chip through optical fibers, and the multiple first optical fiber ferrules respectively extend into the multiple coupling structures. The coupling structure is used to couple the first optical fiber ferrule with the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector.

[0006] Among them, the coupling structure can also be referred to as an optical fiber adapter structure or an optical fiber adapter, etc. The coupling structure is integrated on the first housing instead of being a separate part. The splitting chip is used to realize the functions of splitting and combining light. The first optical fiber ferrule is used to input an optical signal to the splitting chip, or output the optical signal output by the splitting chip.

[0007] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure is such that the first housing of the optical splitter is provided with a plurality of coupling structures, and the coupling structures are used to couple the first fiber ferrule of the optical splitter with the second fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector, so that the optical splitter does not need to include a separate optical fiber adapter. In this way, the number of parts included in the optical splitter is reduced, the cost of the optical splitter is lowered, and the assembly process of the optical splitter is simplified. For example, at least the process of separately installing a plurality of optical fiber adapters on the housing is simplified.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner, one end of the coupling structure for docking with an external optical fiber connector has a standard optical fiber adapter structure. Among them, the type of the optical fiber adapter structure can be a subscriber connector / standard connector / square connector / square couple connector (SC) type, or an XC (xtreme connector) type. The coupling structure can be used to dock with an external SC type optical fiber connector or XC type optical fiber connector.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the first housing is integrally injection-molded. Or, it can be understood that the first housing is an injection-molded part.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, the coupling structure includes a first sleeve and a first locking structure. One end of the first sleeve is for the second fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first fiber ferrule to extend into. The first locking structure is used to lock the external optical fiber connector. The second housing has a second locking structure, and the second locking structure locks the first fiber ferrule.

[0011] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure reduces the complexity and manufacturing difficulty of the coupling structure by setting that the coupling structure only has one first locking structure, and thus reduces the manufacturing cost. And, by providing a second locking structure on the second housing for locking the first fiber ferrule, the fixation of the first fiber ferrule is also ensured.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner, the first locking structure includes two clamping bars, and the two clamping bars are respectively arranged on both sides of the first sleeve.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the first fiber ferrule is a bare ferrule. That is, the outside of the first fiber ferrule does not have the housing part of the optical fiber connector.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first fiber optic ferrule includes a ferrule and a tailstock. The tailstock is coaxial with and fixedly connected to the ferrule, and the tailstock has a limiting convex ring. The second locking structure includes a limiting groove, and the limiting convex ring is located in the limiting groove. The limiting groove and the limiting convex ring are used to limit the axial movement of the first fiber optic ferrule. Among them, the tailstock can be a metal part. The ferrule can be a ceramic ferrule. The inside of the ferrule has a through hole for the fiber to pass through.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the limiting convex ring has one or more stop grooves arranged circumferentially. The second locking structure further includes a limiting post, and the limiting post extends into one of the stop grooves. The limiting post and the stop groove are used to limit the circumferential rotation of the first fiber optic ferrule.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the second locking structure further includes a clamping structure, and the tailstock is clamped with the clamping structure.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the second locking structure includes an abutting portion, and one end of the first sleeve near the outside has a limiting step. The optical splitter further includes a second sleeve, the second sleeve is located in the first sleeve, and one end of the second sleeve abuts against the limiting step, and the other end abuts against the abutting portion of the second locking structure. The first fiber optic ferrule extends into the inside of the second sleeve. Among them, the second sleeve can be a ceramic sleeve, and the first fiber optic ferrule can be in interference fit with the second sleeve.

[0018] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure enables the second sleeve to be conveniently inserted into the first sleeve by setting that only one end of the first sleeve has a limiting step. Moreover, the limiting step and the abutting portion of the second locking structure jointly achieve the limitation of both ends of the second sleeve, preventing the second sleeve from disengaging from the first sleeve. When installing the second sleeve, first insert the second sleeve from one end inside the first sleeve, and then assemble the first housing and the second housing. When the first housing and the second housing are assembled, the second locking structure abuts against the second sleeve and completes the limitation of the second sleeve.

[0019] In a possible implementation, both ends of the first sleeve have limiting steps. The optical splitter further includes a second sleeve, the second sleeve is located in the first sleeve, and both ends of the second sleeve respectively abut against the limiting steps at both ends of the first sleeve. The first fiber optic ferrule extends into the inside of the second sleeve. Among them, the second sleeve can be a ceramic sleeve, and the first fiber optic ferrule can be in interference fit with the second sleeve.

[0020] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure, when installing the second sleeve, use a tool to expand the first sleeve so that the inner diameter of the limiting step is larger than the outer diameter of the second sleeve. Then, insert the second sleeve into the first sleeve, and release the first sleeve, then the inner diameter of the limiting step of the first sleeve decreases, and both ends of the second sleeve abut against the limiting steps at both ends of the first sleeve.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the second sleeve has a slot, the extending direction of the slot is the same as the axial direction of the second sleeve, and the slot penetrates through both ends of the second sleeve.

[0022] In a possible implementation, a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules are fixed to the second housing and protrude from the same side of the second housing. In this way, integrated polishing of the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules can be achieved.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the coupling structure includes a first sleeve. One end of the first sleeve is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule to extend into. During the assembly process of the first housing and the second housing, the first housing and the second housing can slide relative to each other to a locked position, and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules respectively extend into the plurality of first sleeves.

[0024] For the technical solution provided by the present disclosure, before assembling the first housing and the second housing, first fix the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules on the second housing, and then operate the first housing and the second housing to slide relative to each other to the locked position, and make the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules respectively slide into the plurality of first sleeves. In this way, it is not necessary to separately operate each first optical fiber ferrule to insert into the first sleeve, which simplifies the assembly process of the optical splitter.

[0025] In a possible implementation, one of the first housing and the second housing has a sliding groove, and the other has a sliding rail. The sliding rail is located in the sliding groove, and the extending directions of the sliding groove and the sliding rail are parallel to the axial directions of the first sleeve and the first optical fiber ferrule. In this way, the first housing and the second housing can slide relative to each other. Among them, when the sliding rail is located in the sliding groove, the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules respectively align with the plurality of first sleeves, so as to ensure that during the sliding process of the first housing and the second housing, the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules can respectively extend into the plurality of first sleeves.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the first housing has a sliding groove, and the second housing has a sliding rail.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the first groove wall of the sliding groove has a first protrusion, and the first side wall of the sliding rail has a second protrusion. The first groove wall is opposite to the first side wall, the first protrusion abuts against the first side wall, the second protrusion abuts against the first groove wall, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are staggered.

[0028] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure, through the above settings, enables the first side wall and the first groove wall not to be completely in contact, but only partially in contact (the position where the protrusion is located is in contact, and there are gaps at other positions). In this way, on the one hand, the smoothness of the sliding of the first housing and the second housing can be ensured. For example, if the first side wall and the first groove wall are completely in contact, it is easy to get stuck during the sliding process due to the too long mating surface. On the other hand, it can also prevent the first housing and the second housing from shaking relatively, and even cause the first optical fiber ferrule to not slide smoothly into the first sleeve. For example, if the first side wall and the first groove wall are in a completely clearance fit, the alignment accuracy between the first optical fiber ferrule and the first sleeve is poor.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner, the chute has a first end and a second end. The slide rail has a third end and a fourth end. Among them, during the assembly process of the first housing and the second housing, the first end of the chute is first docked with the third end of the slide rail. The first protrusion is close to the second end of the chute, and the second protrusion is close to the fourth end of the slide rail.

[0030] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure, during the assembly process of the first housing and the second housing, since neither the first end of the chute nor the third end of the slide rail has a protrusion, in the initial stage, the chute and the slide rail are in a clearance fit, and the slide rail can slide smoothly into the interior of the chute. After that, when the first protrusion contacts the first side wall of the slide rail, and / or the second protrusion contacts the first groove wall of the chute, the chute and the slide rail are closely fitted, and the slide rail is not easy to shake, improving the alignment accuracy between the first optical fiber ferrule and the first sleeve, and ensuring that the first optical fiber ferrule can slide smoothly into the interior of the first sleeve.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, the part of the first side wall that abuts against the first protrusion has a plurality of grooves arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the slide rail. Among them, the first protrusion can be strip-shaped. In this way, the mating length between the first protrusion and the first side wall can be reduced, ensuring the smoothness of the relative sliding of the first housing and the second housing.

[0032] In a possible implementation manner, the part of the first groove wall that abuts against the second protrusion has a plurality of grooves arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the chute. Among them, the second protrusion can be strip-shaped. In this way, the mating length between the second protrusion and the first groove wall can be reduced, ensuring the smoothness of the relative sliding of the first housing and the second housing.

[0033] In a possible implementation manner, one of the first housing and the second housing has a snap protrusion, and the other has a snap groove. When the first housing and the second housing slide relative to each other to the locking position, the snap protrusion is snapped with the snap groove.

[0034] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure, through the above settings, enables the automatic engagement of the latching protrusion and the latching groove when the first housing and the second housing are slid relative to each other to the locked position, thereby automatically completing the fixed connection between the first housing and the second housing, and further simplifying the assembly process of the optical splitter.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the first housing has a latching protrusion, and the latching protrusion is located between two adjacent coupling structures. The second housing has a latching groove, and the latching groove is located between two adjacent first optical fiber ferrules.

[0036] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure, by setting the latching protrusion between two adjacent coupling structures, enables the latching protrusion to be staggered from the coupling structures, avoiding the latching protrusion from interfering with the formation of the coupling structures.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the first housing has a latching groove, and the latching groove is located before two adjacent coupling structures. The second housing has a latching protrusion, and the latching protrusion is located between two adjacent first optical fiber ferrules.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the coupling structure of the first housing is a first coupling structure, and the first coupling structure includes a first receiving groove. The second housing further has a second coupling structure, and the second coupling structure includes a second receiving groove. The first receiving groove and the second receiving groove form a first sleeve, and the first sleeve is used to accommodate the first optical fiber ferrule of the optical splitter and the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector.

[0039] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure, when assembling the optical splitter, the first optical fiber ferrule and the second sleeve (if any) can be first placed in the first receiving groove or the second receiving groove, and then the first housing and the second housing are assembled in a way of buckling up and down, so that the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove are opposite to each other and form a first sleeve.

[0040] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an optical network system. The optical network system includes the optical splitter according to any one of the first aspect and an optical network unit connected to the optical splitter.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the optical network system includes a main optical network unit (ONU), an optical splitter, and multiple slave ONUs. The main ONU is connected to the input port of the optical splitter, and the multiple output ports of the optical splitter are respectively connected to the multiple slave ONUs.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the main ONU can be a main FTTR device, and the slave ONU can be a slave FTTR device.

[0043] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an assembly method for an optical splitter. The assembly method includes: fixing an optical splitting chip and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules on a second housing, and connecting the optical splitting chip and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules through optical fibers. Assembling a first housing and the second housing, and enabling the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules to extend into a plurality of coupling structures of the first housing respectively. Wherein, the coupling structure is used to couple the first optical fiber ferrule with a second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector. Wherein, this assembly method is used to assemble the optical splitter according to any one of the first aspect.

[0044] In a possible implementation manner, the step of fixing the optical splitting chip and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules on the second housing and connecting the optical splitting chip and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules through optical fibers includes: fixing the optical splitting chip on the second housing; connecting the first ends of a plurality of optical fibers to the optical splitting chip; fixing the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules on the second housing; connecting the second ends of the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules to the plurality of optical fibers respectively.

[0045] In a possible implementation manner, the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules protrude from the same side of the second housing. After connecting the optical splitting chip and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules through optical fibers, the assembly method further includes: integrally grinding the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules.

[0046] In a possible implementation manner, the coupling structure includes a first sleeve. One end of the first sleeve is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule to extend into. The optical splitter further includes a plurality of second sleeves. Before assembling the first housing and the second housing, the assembly method further includes: respectively extending the plurality of second sleeves into the plurality of first sleeves.

[0047] In a possible implementation manner, the coupling structure includes a first sleeve. One end of the first sleeve is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule to extend into. The optical splitter further includes a plurality of second sleeves. Before assembling the first housing and the second housing, the assembly method further includes: respectively sleeving the plurality of second sleeves on the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules.

[0048] In a possible implementation manner, the coupling structure includes a first sleeve. One end of the first sleeve is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule to extend into. The step of assembling the first housing and the second housing and enabling the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules to extend into the plurality of coupling structures of the first housing respectively includes: operating the first housing and the second housing to slide relative to each other to a locked position, and enabling the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules to extend into the plurality of first sleeves respectively. Description of the Drawings

[0049] Figure 1It is a schematic diagram of an optical network system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of an optical splitter provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 3 It is an exploded view of an optical splitter provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 4 It is a top view of a second housing, an optical splitting chip, and a first optical fiber ferrule provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an optical splitter provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a first optical fiber ferrule and a coupling structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a first optical fiber ferrule provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a first optical fiber ferrule and a second locking structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of a second housing, an optical splitting chip, a first optical fiber ferrule, and a second sleeve provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 10 It is provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 9 A partial enlarged view of the framed part;

[0059] Figure 11 It is a sectional view of a first housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 12 It is provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 11 A partial enlarged view of the framed part;

[0061] Figure 13 It is a partial sectional view of an optical splitter provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 14 It is provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 13 A partial enlarged view of the framed part;

[0063] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram of a first sleeve and a second sleeve provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of the first first housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] Figure 17 It is a schematic diagram of the first second housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram of the sliding connection between the first housing and the second housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] Figure 19 It is a schematic diagram of the second first housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 20 It is a schematic diagram of the second second housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] Figure 21 It is a schematic diagram of the docking process between the first housing and the second housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] Figure 22 It is provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 21 A partial enlarged view of part A framed in;

[0071] Figure 23 It is provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 21 A partial enlarged view of part B framed in;

[0072] Figure 24 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly process of an optical splitter provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] Figure 25 It is a schematic diagram of another first housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] Figure 26 It is a schematic diagram of another second housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] Figure 27 It is a flowchart of an assembly method of an optical splitter provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Legend Explanation

[0077] 100, Main ONU, 200, Optical splitter, 300, Slave ONU;

[0078] 1. First housing, 11. Coupling structure, 111a. First receiving groove, 111b. Second receiving groove, 111. First sleeve, 1111. Limiting step, 112. First locking structure, 112a. First sub-locking structure, 112b. Second sub-locking structure, 12. Slide groove, 12a. First end, 12b. Second end, 121. First groove wall, 1211. First protrusion, 122. Second groove wall, 13. Clamping protrusion, 14. Baffle;

[0079] 2. Second housing, 20. Second coupling structure, 21. Second locking structure, 210. Second limiting post, 211. Limiting groove, 212. First limiting post, 213. Clamping structure, 214. Abutting portion, 22. Slide rail, 22a. Third end, 22b. Fourth end, 221. First side wall, 2211. Second protrusion, 2212. Groove, 222. Second side wall, 23. Clamping groove, 24. Baffle groove;

[0080] 3. Splitting chip;

[0081] 4. First fiber optic ferrule, 41. Ferrule, 42. Tail stock, 421. Limiting convex ring, 420. Stopping groove;

[0082] 5. Second sleeve, 51. Slotted opening. Detailed implementation mode

[0083] With the development of fiber to the room (FTTR), the point to multiple point (P2MP) fiber networking technology is more and more applied in the home scenario. Among them, the optical splitter is a key device to realize the P2MP fiber networking technology. The optical splitter is used to split the downstream optical signal sent by the upper-level device and then send it to multiple lower-level devices respectively; and, combine the upstream optical signals sent by multiple lower-level devices and then send them to the upper-level device.

[0084] Exemplarily, as Figure 1 shown, the upper-level device is the main optical network unit (ONU) 100, and the lower-level devices are the slave ONUs 300. Among them, the main ONU 100 can be the main FTTR device, and the slave ONU 300 can be the slave FTTR device.

[0085] The optical splitter 200 in the related art includes an upper shell, a lower shell, a splitting chip, a plurality of fiber optic connectors and a plurality of fiber optic adapters. One end of each of the plurality of fiber optic connectors is connected to the splitting chip through a plurality of optical fibers, and the other end is respectively inserted into the plurality of fiber optic adapters. The fiber optic adapters are fixed between the upper shell and the lower shell. At the same time, the fiber optic adapters also fix the fiber optic connectors. The optical splitter 200 in the related art is assembled according to the following steps.

[0086] First, place the optical splitting chip on the tray. Second, couple the optical splitting chip and the fiber array. Third, glue and fix the optical fiber and the fiber ferrule, so as to realize the connection between the fiber ferrule and the optical splitting chip through the optical fiber. Fourth, grind the fiber ferrule. Fifth, use the housing component of the fiber optic connector to cover the fiber ferrule to obtain the fiber optic connector. Sixth, transfer the optical splitting chip, the fiber optic connector and the optical fiber from the tray to the lower shell, and glue and fix the optical splitting chip. Seventh, install the fiber optic adapter on the lower shell. Eighth, dock the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter, which also realizes the fixation of the fiber optic connector. Ninth, assemble the lower shell and the upper shell together to obtain the optical splitter 200.

[0087] It can be seen that the optical splitter 200 in the related technology includes a large number of parts, which makes the assembly process of the optical splitter 200 cumbersome and also makes the cost of the optical splitter 200 high.

[0088] In view of the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical splitter 200. As Figures 2 - 5 shown, the optical splitter 200 includes a first housing 1, a second housing 2, an optical splitting chip 3 and a plurality of first fiber ferrules 4. The first housing 1 has a plurality of coupling structures 11. The second housing 2 is connected to the first housing 1, and an accommodation cavity 10 is formed between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. The optical splitting chip 3 is located in the accommodation cavity 10, and the plurality of first fiber ferrules 4 are respectively connected to the optical splitting chip 3 through optical fibers, and the plurality of first fiber ferrules 4 respectively extend into the plurality of coupling structures 11. The coupling structure 11 is used to couple the first fiber ferrule 4 with the second fiber ferrule of an external fiber optic connector.

[0089] Among them, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the optical splitter 200 may have an input port (INPUT) and a plurality of output ports ( Figure 2 ports marked 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). The optical splitter 200 can receive a downstream optical signal through the input port, split the downstream optical signal into multiple paths, and output them respectively through the plurality of output ports. The optical splitter 200 can also receive multiple upstream optical signals through the plurality of output ports, combine the multiple upstream optical signals, and output them through the input port. In some examples, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the optical splitter 200 further includes a cascade port (SUB), and the cascade port can be used to connect to another optical splitter 200 or to connect to the slave ONU 300.

[0090] The ports of the optical splitter 200 are docked with external optical fiber connectors through the coupling structure 11. The coupling structure 11 can also be referred to as an optical fiber adapter structure or an optical fiber adapter, etc. The coupling structure 11 is integrated on the first housing 1 instead of being a separate part. In some examples, the first housing 1 is integrally injection-molded.

[0091] The optical splitting chip 3 is used to implement the functions of optical splitting and optical combining. The first optical fiber ferrule 4 is used to input the optical signal input by the external optical fiber connector into the optical splitting chip 3, or output the optical signal output by the optical splitting chip 3 to the external optical fiber connector.

[0092] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure enables the first housing 1 of the optical splitter 200 to have a plurality of coupling structures 11, and the coupling structure 11 is used to couple the first optical fiber ferrule 4 of the optical splitter 200 with the second optical fiber ferrule of the external optical fiber connector, so that the optical splitter 200 can be docked with the external optical fiber connector without including a separate optical fiber adapter. In this way, the number of parts included in the optical splitter 200 is reduced, the cost of the optical splitter 200 is lowered, and the assembly process of the optical splitter 200 is simplified. For example, at least the process of installing a plurality of optical fiber adapters on the housing is simplified.

[0093] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific implementation manner of the coupling structure 11. In some examples, the coupling structure 11 includes a sleeve and two locking structures. One end of the sleeve is for the second optical fiber ferrule of the external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule 4 inside the optical splitter 200 to extend into. The two locking structures are respectively used to lock the external optical fiber connector and the first optical fiber ferrule 4 inside the optical splitter 200.

[0094] Among them, for this implementation manner, the outside of the first optical fiber ferrule 4 of the optical splitter 200 can be coated with the housing of the optical fiber connector (that is, the first optical fiber ferrule 4 is arranged in the optical fiber connector), and the locking structure can lock the first optical fiber ferrule 4 by locking the housing part of the optical fiber connector. That is, both ends of the coupling structure 11 have the structure of a standard optical fiber adapter, and both ends of the coupling structure 11 can be docked with a standard optical fiber connector. In some examples, the type of the optical fiber adapter structure at both ends of the coupling structure 11 is subscriber connector / standard connector / square connector / square couple connector (SC) type, or can also be XC (xtreme connector) type. The coupling structure 11 is used to dock with an SC type optical fiber connector or an XC type optical fiber connector.

[0095] In some other examples, such as Figure 6 shown, the coupling structure 11 includes a first sleeve 111 and a first locking structure 112. One end of the first sleeve 111 is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule 4 of the optical splitter 200 to extend into. The first locking structure 112 is used to lock the external optical fiber connector. That is, one end of the coupling structure 11 has the structure of a standard optical fiber adapter, and this end is used to dock with an external standard optical fiber connector. In some examples, the type of this standard optical fiber adapter structure is SC type or XC type. The coupling structure 11 is used to dock with an SC type optical fiber connector or an XC type optical fiber connector.

[0096] In this way, since the coupling structure 11 only has one first locking structure 112, compared with the implementation manner with two locking structures, the manufacturing difficulty of the coupling structure 11 is reduced. In addition, since the coupling structure 11 can only lock the external optical fiber connector and cannot lock the first optical fiber ferrule 4. Then in some examples, such as Figure 6 shown, the second housing 2 has a second locking structure 21, and the second locking structure 21 is used to lock the first optical fiber ferrule 4. It can be seen that through the above settings, both the simplification of the structure of the coupling structure 11 and the locking of the first optical fiber ferrule 4 are realized.

[0097] In addition, through the reasonable design of the second locking structure 21, the housing part of the optical fiber connector may not be provided on the outside of the first optical fiber ferrule 4, that is, the first optical fiber ferrule 4 can be a bare ferrule. Thus, the cost of the optical splitter 200 is further reduced.

[0098] In some examples, such as Figure 6 shown, the first locking structure 112 includes two clamping bars, and the two clamping bars are respectively arranged on both sides of the first sleeve 111, and the first locking structure 112 is used to clamp with an external optical fiber connector.

[0099] In some examples, such as Figure 4 shown, multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 are fixed to the second housing 2 and protrude from the same side of the second housing 2. In this way, in the assembly process of the optical splitter 200, the integrated grinding of multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 can be realized.

[0100] Next, an exemplary description will be given of the implementation manner of the second locking structure 21 when the first optical fiber ferrule 4 is a bare ferrule.

[0101] In some examples, such as Figure 7 shown, the first optical fiber ferrule 4 includes a ferrule 41 and a tail stock 42. The tail stock 42 is coaxial with and fixedly connected to the ferrule 41, and the tail stock 42 has a limiting convex ring 421. As Figure 8As shown, the second locking structure 21 includes a limiting groove 211, and the limiting convex ring 421 is located in the limiting groove 211. The limiting groove 211 and the limiting convex ring 421 are used to limit the axial movement of the first optical fiber ferrule 4.

[0102] In some examples, as Figure 8 shown, the second locking structure 21 includes two second limiting posts 210, and the two second limiting posts 210 are respectively arranged on both sides of the first optical fiber ferrule 4 to limit the radial movement of the first optical fiber ferrule 4. Limiting grooves 211 are provided on both of the two second limiting posts 210, and both sides of the limiting convex ring 421 are respectively located in the two limiting grooves 211.

[0103] In some examples, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the limiting convex ring 421 has one or more stop grooves 420 arranged circumferentially. The second locking structure 21 further includes a first limiting post 212, and the first limiting post 212 extends into one of the stop grooves 420. The first limiting post 212 and the stop groove 420 are used to limit the circumferential rotation of the first optical fiber ferrule 4. Among them, the first limiting post 212 can be one or more.

[0104] The present disclosure embodiment does not limit the position of the first limiting post 212. In some examples, as Figure 8 shown, the limiting post 212 is located between the two second limiting posts 210 and extends into the stop groove 420 at the bottom of the limiting convex ring 421. In other examples, the first limiting post 212 can also be arranged on the second limiting post 210 and extend into the stop groove 420 on the side of the limiting convex ring 421.

[0105] In some examples, as Figure 8 shown, the second locking structure 21 further includes a clamping structure 213, and the tail handle 42 is clamped with the clamping structure 213. Among them, the clamping structure 213 can prevent the first optical fiber ferrule 4 from detaching from the first housing 1.

[0106] In some examples, to improve the tight coupling between the first optical fiber ferrule 4 of the optical splitter 200 and the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the optical splitter 200 further includes a second sleeve 5. The second sleeve 5 is used to sleeve on the first optical fiber ferrule 4 of the optical splitter 200 and the second optical fiber ferrule of the external optical fiber connector and is in interference fit with the two optical fiber ferrules. Thus, the second sleeve 5 can fix the two optical fiber ferrules and couple them tightly together. Among them, the second sleeve 5 can be a ceramic sleeve. The second sleeve 5 is a separate part.

[0107] In the related art, the second sleeve 5 is directly limited in a standard optical fiber adapter. However, in the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical fiber adapter is no longer used. Therefore, a corresponding limiting structure needs to be designed to limit the second sleeve 5. Hereinafter, an exemplary description of the limiting method of the second sleeve 5 will be given.

[0108] In some examples, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the second locking structure 21 includes an abutting portion 214. As Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, one end of the first sleeve 111 close to the outside has a limiting step 1111. As Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, the second sleeve 5 is located in the first sleeve 111, and one end of the second sleeve 5 abuts against the limiting step 1111, and the other end abuts against the abutting portion 214 of the second locking structure 21. Among them, the limiting step 1111 protrudes toward the inside of the first sleeve 111.

[0109] Among them, when installing the second sleeve 5, the second sleeve 5 is inserted into the inside of the first sleeve 111 from one end inside the first sleeve 111, and the second sleeve 5 is made to abut against the limiting step 1111. After that, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are assembled. When the assembly is completed, the abutting portion 214 automatically abuts against the first sleeve 111, and the limiting of the first sleeve 111 is achieved.

[0110] In some examples, such as Figure 10 shown, the second locking structure 21 includes two abutting portions 214, and the two abutting portions 214 are respectively arranged on both sides of the first optical fiber ferrule 4. Among them, as Figure 10 shown, the abutting portion 214 can be a boss on the second limiting post 210.

[0111] In other examples, such as Figure 15 shown, both ends of the first sleeve 111 have limiting steps 1111. The second sleeve 5 is located in the first sleeve 111, and both ends of the second sleeve 5 respectively abut against the limiting steps 1111 at both ends of the first sleeve 111.

[0112] Among them, when installing the second sleeve 5, the first sleeve 111 needs to be expanded so that the inner diameter of the limiting step 1111 is larger than the outer diameter of the second sleeve 5. Then, the second sleeve 5 is inserted into the inside of the first sleeve 111, and the first sleeve 111 is loosened, then the inner diameter of the limiting step 1111 of the first sleeve 111 decreases, and both ends of the second sleeve 5 abut against the limiting steps 1111 at both ends of the first sleeve 111.

[0113] In some examples, such as Figure 10 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, the second sleeve 5 has a slot 51 that extends along the axial direction of the second sleeve 5 and penetrates both ends of the second sleeve 5.

[0114] Next, an exemplary description of the assembly process of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 will be given.

[0115] Since the coupling structure 11 has a first sleeve 111, and the first sleeve 111 is a closed structure (or it can be said that the cross-section of the first sleeve 111 is annular, such as a circular ring or a square ring, etc.), therefore, the first optical fiber ferrule 4 needs to be placed in the first sleeve 111 by being inserted from one side.

[0116] It should be noted that the specific form of the first sleeve 111 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some other examples, the barrel wall of the first sleeve 111 has an opening, but the size of the opening is smaller than the size of the first optical fiber ferrule 4 and the size of the second sleeve 5. That is, the first optical fiber ferrule 4 and the second sleeve 5 cannot be placed in the first sleeve 111 through the opening in the barrel wall of the first sleeve 111.

[0117] In order to simplify the assembly process of the optical splitter 200, in some examples, as Figure 5 and Figure 21 shown, during the assembly process of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can slide relative to each other to the locking position, and multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 respectively extend into the first sleeve 111. Among them, in the related art, multiple fiber optic connectors need to be inserted into multiple fiber optic adapters respectively, and then the housing is assembled. However, in the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, while the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are assembled, multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 are uniformly extended into the interiors of multiple first sleeves 111 at the same time. The assembly process of the optical splitter 200 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure is relatively simple.

[0118] In some examples, as Figure 16 and Figure 17 shown, one of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 has a chute 12, and the other has a slide rail 22. As Figure 18 shown, the slide rail 22 is located in the chute 12, and the extending directions of the chute 12 and the slide rail 22 are parallel to the axial direction of the first sleeve 111 and the first optical fiber ferrule 4. Thus, the relative sliding of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 is achieved. In addition, when the slide rail 22 is located in the chute 12, multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 are respectively aligned with multiple first sleeves 111.

[0119] In some examples, as Figure 16 shown, the first housing 1 has a chute 12. As Figure 17 shown, the second housing 2 has a slide rail 22.

[0120] In some examples, asFigure 19 As shown, the chute 12 has opposite first and second chute walls 121 and 122. The first chute wall 121 of the chute 12 has a first protrusion 1211. As Figure 20 shown, the slide rail 22 has opposite first and second side walls 221 and 222, and the first side wall 221 has a second protrusion 2211. As Figure 21 shown, the first side wall 221 faces the first chute wall 121, and the second side wall 222 faces the second chute wall 122. The first protrusion 1211 abuts against the first side wall 221, the second protrusion 2211 abuts against the first chute wall 121, and the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 2211 are offset.

[0121] In this way, the first side wall 221 and the first chute wall 121 do not fully abut, but only partially abut (the positions where the protrusions are located abut, and there are gaps at other positions), which can ensure both the smoothness of the sliding of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 and prevent relative shaking between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0122] The first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 2211 can be rib-shaped or convex points. In some examples, as Figure 19 shown, the first protrusion 1211 is rib-shaped. As Figure 20 shown, the second protrusion 2211 is a convex point.

[0123] The present disclosure embodiment does not limit the positions of the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 2211. In some examples, as Figures 21 - 23 shown, the chute 12 has a first end 12a and a second end 12b. The slide rail 22 has a third end 22a and a fourth end 22b. Among them, during the assembly process of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the first end 12a of the chute 12 is first docked with the third end 22a of the slide rail 22. Then the first protrusion 1211 is close to the second end 12b of the chute 12, and the second protrusion 2211 is close to the fourth end 22b of the slide rail 22.

[0124] In the technical solution provided by the present disclosure embodiment, during the assembly process of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, since neither the first end 12a of the chute 12 nor the third end 22a of the slide rail 22 has a protrusion, in the initial stage, the chute 12 and the slide rail 22 are in clearance fit, and the slide rail 22 can slide smoothly into the interior of the chute 12. After that, when the first protrusion 1211 contacts the first side wall 221 of the slide rail 22, and / or when the second protrusion 2211 contacts the first chute wall 121 of the chute 12, the chute 12 and the slide rail 22 are closely fitted, and the slide rail 22 is not prone to shaking, thereby improving the alignment accuracy between the first optical fiber ferrule 4 and the first sleeve 111 and ensuring that the first optical fiber ferrule 4 can smoothly slide into the interior of the first sleeve 111.

[0125] It can be understood that if the above-mentioned first protrusion 1211 and second protrusion 2211 are not provided, if all parts of the sliding groove 12 and the sliding rail 22 are in a clearance fit state, it will cause the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 to be prone to relative shaking, and the alignment accuracy of the first optical fiber ferrule 4 and the first sleeve 111 is relatively low. If all parts of the sliding groove 12 and the sliding rail 22 are in a tight fit state, it will cause poor sliding smoothness between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and it is easy to get stuck during the sliding process, affecting the assembly efficiency.

[0126] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the shapes of the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 2211. In some examples, as Figure 21 and Figure 22 shown, the first protrusion 1211 is in a strip shape, and the portion of the first side wall 221 that abuts against the first protrusion 1211 has a plurality of grooves 2212 arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the sliding rail 22. In this way, the mating length between the first protrusion 1211 and the first side wall 221 can be reduced, ensuring the smoothness of the relative sliding of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0127] Of course, in some other examples, the second protrusion 2211 can also be in a strip shape, and the portion of the first groove wall 121 that abuts against the second protrusion 2211 has a plurality of grooves 2212 arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the sliding groove 12. In this way, the mating length between the second protrusion 2211 and the first groove wall 121 can be reduced, ensuring the smoothness of the relative sliding of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0128] In some examples, as Figure 16 shown, the first housing 1 has a baffle 14. As Figure 17 shown, the second housing 2 has a baffle groove 24. As Figure 18 shown, the baffle 14 is located in the baffle groove 24.

[0129] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the locking method after the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 slide relative to each other to the locking position. In some examples, after the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 slide to the locking position, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be locked by screws or bolts.

[0130] In some other examples, as Figure 19 and Figure 20 shown, one of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 has a clamping protrusion 13, and the other has a clamping groove 23. When the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 slide relative to each other to the locking position, the clamping protrusion 13 is clamped with the clamping groove 23.

[0131] That is, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 slide relative to each other to the locking position, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are simultaneously and automatically locked, which further simplifies the assembly process of the optical splitter 200.

[0132] In some examples, such as Figure 19 shown, the first housing 1 has a snap projection 13. As Figure 20 shown, the second housing 2 has a snap groove 23.

[0133] In some examples, such as Figure 19 shown, the snap projection 13 is located between two adjacent coupling structures 11. In this way, it is possible to avoid the snap projection 13 affecting the formation of the coupling structure 11 and reduce the injection molding difficulty of the first housing 1.

[0134] Next, with reference to Figure 24 , an exemplary description will be given of the assembly process of the optical splitter 200 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0135] The first step is to fix the optical splitting chip 3 on the second housing 2 by dispensing glue. The second step is to couple the optical splitting chip 3 and the fiber array. The third step is to fix the first fiber ferrule 4 on the second housing 2 by dispensing glue and fix the optical fiber to the first fiber ferrule 4 so that the first fiber ferrule 4 is connected to the optical splitting chip 3 through the optical fiber. Then, integrated grinding is performed on a plurality of first fiber ferrules 4. The fourth step is to place a plurality of second sleeves 5 in a plurality of coupling structures 11 of the first housing 1. The fifth step is to assemble the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 to obtain the optical splitter 200.

[0136] It can be seen that when assembling the optical splitter 200 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is not necessary to transfer the optical splitting chip 3, etc. from the tray to the housing, nor is it necessary to fix a plurality of optical fiber adapters and insert a plurality of optical fiber connectors into the plurality of optical fiber adapters respectively. Compared with the assembly process of the optical splitter in the related art, the assembly process of the optical splitter 200 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure is relatively simple.

[0137] It should be noted that after integrated grinding of a plurality of first fiber ferrules 4, a plurality of second sleeves 5 can also be sleeved on the plurality of first fiber ferrules 4. Then, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are assembled.

[0138] In addition to the above implementation manners of the coupling structure 11, in some other examples, such as Figure 25 shown, the coupling structure 11 of the first housing 1 is a first coupling structure, and the first coupling structure includes a first receiving groove 111a. As Figure 26As shown, the second housing 2 further has a second coupling structure 20, and the second coupling structure 20 includes a second receiving groove 111b. The first receiving groove 111a and the second receiving groove 111b form a first sleeve 111, and the first sleeve 111 is used to receive the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector and the first optical fiber ferrule 4 inside the optical splitter 200.

[0139] For Figure 25 and Figure 26 the illustrated optical splitter 200, during assembly, the first optical fiber ferrule 4 (and the second sleeve 5) can be first placed in the first receiving groove 111a or the second receiving groove 111b, and then the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are assembled in a snap - fitting manner, so that the first receiving groove 111a and the second receiving groove 111b are opposite to each other and form the first sleeve 111.

[0140] In some examples, as Figure 25 shown, the first coupling structure further includes a first sub - locking structure 112a. As Figure 26 shown, the second coupling structure 20 further includes a second sub - locking structure 112b. After the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are assembled, the first sub - locking structure 112a and the second sub - locking structure 112b form a first locking structure 112, and the first locking structure 112 is used to lock an external optical fiber connector.

[0141] In a possible implementation manner, both the first sub - locking structure 112a and the second sub - locking structure 112b are snap - fit strips, and then the first locking structure 112 can be used to lock an SC - type optical fiber connector.

[0142] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an optical network system. As Figure 1 shown, the optical network system includes the above - mentioned optical splitter 200.

[0143] In some examples, as Figure 1 shown, the optical network system includes a main ONU 100, an optical splitter 200, and multiple slave ONUs 300. The main ONU 100 is connected to the input port of the optical splitter 200, and multiple output ports of the optical splitter 200 are respectively connected to the multiple slave ONUs 300.

[0144] In some examples, as Figure 1 shown, the cascading port (SUB port) of the optical splitter 200 is connected to the input port of another optical splitter 200. In this way, by cascading two optical splitters 200, a larger splitting ratio can be achieved.

[0145] In some examples, the main ONU 100 can be a main FTTR device, and the slave ONU 300 can be a slave FTTR device.

[0146] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides an assembly method for an optical splitter. This assembly method is used to assemble the above-mentioned optical splitter 200. As Figure 27 and Figure 24 shown, this assembly method includes the following steps.

[0147] In step 2701, the optical splitting chip 3 and multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 are fixed on the second housing 2, and the optical splitting chip 3 and multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 are connected by optical fibers.

[0148] In some examples, step 2701 can be executed according to the following steps: fix the optical splitting chip 3 on the second housing 2; connect the first ends of the optical splitting chip 3 with multiple optical fibers; fix multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 on the second housing 2; and connect the second ends of multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 with multiple optical fibers respectively.

[0149] In some examples, after connecting the optical splitting chip 3 and multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 by optical fibers, multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 can be integrally polished.

[0150] In step 2702, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are assembled, and multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 are respectively extended into multiple coupling structures 11 of the first housing 1. Among them, the coupling structure 11 is used to couple the first optical fiber ferrule 4 with the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector.

[0151] In some examples, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are operated to slide relative to each other to the locking position, and the first optical fiber ferrule 4 is slid into the first sleeve 111.

[0152] In some examples, for the case where the optical splitter 200 further includes a second sleeve 5, before assembling the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, multiple second sleeves 5 are respectively extended into multiple first sleeves 111. Then, during the process of assembling the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 are respectively extended into multiple second sleeves 5.

[0153] Alternatively, in some other examples, for the case where the optical splitter 200 further includes a second sleeve 5, before assembling the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, multiple second sleeves 5 are respectively sleeved on multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4. Then, during the process of assembling the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 and multiple second sleeves 5 are respectively extended into multiple first sleeves 111 together.

[0154] The terms used in the embodiments section of this disclosure are only for explaining the embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure should have the ordinary meaning understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The "first", "second" and similar terms used in the specification and claims of this disclosure do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, words such as "a" or "an" do not denote a quantity limitation, but mean that there is at least one. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or items appearing before "include" or "comprise" cover the elements or items listed after "include" or "comprise" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or items. "Upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc. are only used to indicate relative positional relationships, and when the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationships may also change accordingly. "Plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly defined.

[0155] The above are only optional embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the principles of this disclosure shall be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An optical splitter, characterized in that, The optical splitter includes a first housing (1), a second housing (2), an optical splitting chip (3), and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4); The first housing (1) has a plurality of coupling structures (11); The second housing (2) is connected to the first housing (1), and an accommodation cavity (10) is formed between the first housing (1) and the second housing (2); The optical splitting chip (3) is located in the accommodation cavity (10), the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) are respectively connected to the optical splitting chip (3) through optical fibers, and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) respectively extend into the plurality of coupling structures (11); Wherein, the coupling structure (11) is used to couple the first optical fiber ferrule (4) with a second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector.

2. The optical splitter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling structure (11) includes a first sleeve (111) and a first locking structure (112); One end of the first sleeve (111) is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule (4) to extend into; The first locking structure (112) is used to lock the external optical fiber connector; The second housing (2) has a second locking structure (21), and the second locking structure (21) locks the first optical fiber ferrule (4).

3. The optical splitter according to claim 2, wherein The first optical fiber ferrule (4) includes a ferrule (41) and a tail handle (42), the tail handle (42) is coaxially and fixedly connected to the ferrule (41), and the tail handle (42) has a limiting convex ring (421); The second locking structure (21) includes a limiting groove (211), the limiting convex ring (421) is located in the limiting groove (211), and the limiting groove (211) and the limiting convex ring (421) are used to limit the axial movement of the first optical fiber ferrule (4).

4. The optical splitter according to claim 3, wherein The limiting convex ring (421) has one or more stop grooves (420) arranged circumferentially; The second locking structure (21) further includes a limiting post (212), the limiting post (212) extends into one of the stop grooves (420), and the limiting post (212) and the stop groove (420) are used to limit the circumferential rotation of the first optical fiber ferrule (4).

5. The optical splitter according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The second locking structure (21) further includes a clamping structure (213), and the tail handle (42) is clamped with the clamping structure (213).

6. The optical splitter according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The second locking structure (21) includes an abutting portion (214), and one end of the first sleeve (111) close to the outside has a limiting step (1111); The optical splitter further includes a second sleeve (5), the second sleeve (5) is located in the first sleeve (111), and one end of the second sleeve (5) abuts against the limiting step (1111), and the other end abuts against the abutting portion (214); The first optical fiber ferrule (4) extends into the interior of the second sleeve (5).

7. The optical splitter according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, Both ends of the first sleeve (111) have limiting steps (1111); The optical splitter further includes a second sleeve (5), the second sleeve (5) is located in the first sleeve (111), and both ends of the second sleeve (5) are respectively abutted against the limiting steps (1111) at both ends of the first sleeve (111); The first optical fiber ferrule (4) extends into the interior of the second sleeve (5).

8. The optical splitter according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) are fixed to the second housing (2) and protrude from the same side of the second housing (2).

9. The optical splitter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling structure (11) includes a first sleeve (111), one end of the first sleeve (111) is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule (4) to extend into; During the assembly process of the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) can slide relative to each other to a locked position, and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) respectively extend into the plurality of first sleeves (111).

10. The optical splitter according to claim 9, wherein One of the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) has a sliding groove (12), and the other has a sliding rail (22); The sliding rail (22) is located in the sliding groove (12), and the extending directions of the sliding groove (12) and the sliding rail (22) are parallel to the axial direction of the first sleeve (111) and the first optical fiber ferrule (4).

11. The optical splitter according to claim 10, wherein, The first groove wall (121) of the sliding groove (12) has a first protrusion (1211), and the first side wall (221) of the sliding rail (22) has a second protrusion (2211); The first groove wall (121) is opposite to the first side wall (221), the first protrusion (1211) abuts against the first side wall (221), the second protrusion (2211) abuts against the first groove wall (121), and the first protrusion (1211) and the second protrusion (2211) are staggered.

12. The optical splitter according to claim 11, wherein, The sliding groove (12) has a first end (12a) and a second end (12b), and the sliding rail (22) has a third end (22a) and a fourth end (22b). Among them, during the assembly process of the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), the first end (12a) of the sliding groove (12) is first docked with the third end (22a) of the sliding rail (22); The first protrusion (1211) is close to the second end (12b) of the sliding groove (12), and the second protrusion (2211) is close to the fourth end (22b) of the sliding rail (22).

13. The optical splitter according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The portion of the first side wall (221) abutting against the first protrusion (1211) has a plurality of grooves (2212) arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the sliding rail (22); and / or, The portion of the first groove wall (121) abutting against the second protrusion (2211) has a plurality of grooves (2212) arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the sliding groove (12).

14. The optical splitter according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, One of the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) has a clamping protrusion (13), and the other has a clamping groove (23); When the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) slide relative to each other to the locking position, the clamping protrusion (13) is clamped with the clamping groove (23).

15. The optical splitter according to claim 14, wherein The first housing (1) has the clamping protrusion (13), and the clamping protrusion (13) is located between two adjacent coupling structures (11); The second housing (2) has the clamping groove (23), and the clamping groove (23) is located between two adjacent first optical fiber ferrules (4).

16. The optical splitter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling structure (11) of the first housing (1) is a first coupling structure, and the first coupling structure includes a first receiving groove (111a); The second housing (2) further has a second coupling structure (20), and the second coupling structure (20) includes a second receiving groove (111b); The first receiving groove (111a) and the second receiving groove (111b) form a first sleeve (111), and the first sleeve (111) is used to accommodate the first optical fiber ferrule (4) and the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector.

17. An optical network system, characterized in that, The optical network system includes the optical splitter (200) according to any one of claims 1-16 and an optical network unit connected to the optical splitter.

18. An assembling method of an optical splitter, characterized in that The assembling method includes: Fixing the optical splitting chip (3) and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) on the second housing (2), and connecting the optical splitting chip (3) and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) through optical fibers; Assembling the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), and respectively extending the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) into a plurality of coupling structures (11) of the first housing (1), wherein the coupling structure (11) is used to couple the first optical fiber ferrule (4) with the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector.

19. The assembly method according to claim 18, wherein The fixing the optical splitting chip (3) and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) on the second housing (2), and connecting the optical splitting chip (3) and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) through optical fibers includes: Fixing the optical splitting chip (3) on the second housing (2); Connecting the first ends of the plurality of optical fibers to the optical splitting chip (3); Fixing the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) on the second housing (2); Connecting the second ends of the plurality of optical fibers to the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) respectively.

20. The assembly method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) protrude from the same side of the second housing (2); After connecting the optical splitting chip (3) and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) through optical fibers, the assembling method further includes: Integrally grinding the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4).

21. The assembly method according to any one of claims 18 - 20, characterized in that, The coupling structure (11) includes a first sleeve (111), one end of the first sleeve (111) is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule (4) to extend into. The optical splitter further includes a plurality of second sleeves (5); Before assembling the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), the assembling method further includes: Insert the plurality of second sleeves (5) into the plurality of first sleeves (111) respectively.

22. The assembly method according to any one of claims 18-20, characterized in that, The coupling structure (11) includes a first sleeve (111). One end of the first sleeve (111) is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule (4) to extend into. The optical splitter further includes a plurality of second sleeves (5); Before assembling the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), the assembling method further includes: Sheath the plurality of second sleeves (5) on the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) respectively.

23. The assembly method according to any one of claims 18-22, characterized in that, The coupling structure (11) includes a first sleeve (111). One end of the first sleeve (111) is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule (4) to extend into; Assembling the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), and inserting the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) into the plurality of coupling structures (11) of the first housing (1) respectively, includes: Operate the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) to slide relative to each other to a locked position, and make the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) extend into the plurality of first sleeves (111) respectively.

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