An optical fiber self-adapting alignment structure, an optical fiber connector and an assembling method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, and proposes an optical fiber adaptive alignment structure, an optical fiber connector, and its assembly method. The structure includes a first connector, a second connector, a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, an identification cylinder, and an external sleeve. The first and second connectors are inserted into each other, and both have tapered ends. The tapered end of the second connector is an inner tapered surface, and the second connector is made of transparent material. The first optical fiber is inserted into the first connector, with its end face flush with the first connector. The second optical fiber is inserted into the second connector. The identification cylinder is fitted onto the second optical fiber and is inserted into the second connector with a sliding fit. The external sleeve is fitted onto both the first and second connectors. This invention facilitates observation of the alignment status of the second and first optical fibers, which helps ensure connection quality. The external sleeve is then used to fix the first and second connectors. The overall structure is simple and compact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, and in particular to an optical fiber adaptive alignment structure, an optical fiber connector, and an assembly method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of related technologies, optical fiber has been increasingly used due to its advantages such as strong anti-interference ability and high transmission rate. It is mainly used in the fields of communication and sensing and has become an indispensable part of information transmission. In optical fiber applications, there are often scenarios where it is necessary to connect two optical fiber segments. Currently, there are two main methods for connecting optical fibers: one is to use an optical fiber fusion splicer for discharge splicing, and the other is to use a connector for cold splicing.

[0003] An existing invention patent with authorization announcement number CN117055172B discloses an automatic alignment fiber optic connector, including an autonomous dustproof self-locking plug and a passive automatic alignment socket, which are used together.

[0004] As described in the above technical solution, an automatic alignment structure is incorporated to prevent misalignment between the two optical fiber segments. The automatic alignment clamping device includes clamping arms, push rods, and springs, while the self-contained dustproof housing includes a hockey stick dustproof arm, a torsion spring, and a horizontal axis. This results in a complex overall structure. Furthermore, the width of the optical fiber connector is typically only a few millimeters, leading to assembly difficulties and compromised structural strength. Increasing the volume and weight could cause optical fiber bending fatigue, affecting information transmission. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a superior optical fiber alignment structure and connector. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, on the one hand, the present invention proposes a simple, easy-to-assemble, and small-sized optical fiber adaptive alignment structure, optical fiber connector, and assembly method, thereby solving the problems of complex structure and difficult assembly of existing optical fiber alignment structures and connectors.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows:

[0007] On one hand, the present invention provides an optical fiber adaptive alignment structure, including a first connector, a second connector, a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, an identification cylinder, and an external sleeve, wherein,

[0008] The first connector and the second connector are plugged into each other, and both the first connector and the second connector have a conical surface at their plug-in ends. The conical surface of the second connector is an inner conical surface, and the second connector is made of transparent material.

[0009] The first optical fiber is inserted into the first connector, and the first optical fiber is flush with the end face of the first connector.

[0010] The second optical fiber is inserted into the second connector.

[0011] The identification cylinder is sleeved on the second optical fiber, and the identification cylinder is inserted into the second connector and slidably fitted, with the end face of the identification cylinder being flush with the end face of the second optical fiber.

[0012] An external sleeve is fitted onto the first and second connectors.

[0013] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the first joint includes a small-diameter section, a conical section, and a large-diameter section, wherein,

[0014] Both the small-diameter section and the tapered section are inserted into the second connector;

[0015] The large-diameter section fits into the inner wall of the outer sleeve. The large-diameter section has a first stepped groove and a second stepped groove. The outer sleeve is partially inserted into the first stepped groove, and the first optical fiber is inserted into the second stepped groove.

[0016] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the second connector has a cylindrical structure, and the identification cylinder includes a support cylinder and a color mark, wherein...

[0017] The support cylinder is inserted into the second connector and sleeved on the second optical fiber;

[0018] The color mark is fitted onto the end of the second optical fiber and inserted into the support cylinder. The color mark is flush with the end of the second optical fiber and protrudes relative to the support cylinder.

[0019] On the other hand, the present invention provides an optical fiber connector including the aforementioned optical fiber adaptive alignment structure, wherein the external sleeve includes a first section, a second section, and a third section, wherein...

[0020] The first tube segment is connected to the first optical fiber and fitted with the second tube segment;

[0021] The second cylindrical section is partially sleeved on the first optical fiber and partially sleeved on the first connector, and the second cylindrical section slides in conjunction with the first cylindrical section and the first optical fiber.

[0022] The third section is partially sleeved on the second connector and partially sleeved on the second optical fiber, and the third section and the second section are connected by a threaded connection.

[0023] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the first cylinder section includes a plastic section and a positioning section, wherein,

[0024] The plastic segment is fitted onto the first optical fiber;

[0025] The positioning section is connected to the plastic section and fits into the second cylindrical section;

[0026] The third section has the same structure as the first section, and the third section is fitted with the second optical fiber and the second connector.

[0027] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the first cylinder section and the third cylinder section further include a connecting section, one end of which is connected to the plastic section and the other end is connected to the positioning section, and the connecting section is conical to form a cavity;

[0028] The second connector and the identification cylinder both correspond to the cavity.

[0029] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the cladding end of the first optical fiber is located in the second stepped groove, the first connector is sleeved on the bare fiber core of the first optical fiber, and the first and second cylindrical sections are connected to the cladding of the first optical fiber.

[0030] The identification tube is installed on the bare fiber core of the second optical fiber, and the third tube section is connected to the cladding of the second optical fiber.

[0031] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, it also includes a connecting seat, a locking strip, and a limiting block, wherein,

[0032] There are two connecting seats, one of which is connected to the first cylindrical section and the other is connected to the third cylindrical section;

[0033] Each end of the card strip is connected to a connector.

[0034] The limiting block is connected to the card strip, and the limiting block abuts against the end of the second cylinder section away from the first cylinder section.

[0035] In another aspect, the present invention provides an assembly method for the above-mentioned fiber optic connector, comprising the following steps:

[0036] S1. Install the first and second cylindrical sections onto the first optical fiber, integrate the first connector into the end of the first optical fiber, and grind the end face of the first optical fiber and the small-diameter section together synchronously, and then clean and dry.

[0037] S2. Install the third tube section and the second connector on the second optical fiber to integrate the second optical fiber and the identification tube into a single structure. Grind the color mark and the end of the second optical fiber simultaneously to make them flush and protrude from the support tube. Then clean and dry them.

[0038] S3. Slide the second connector and the third tube onto the identification tube, and then mate the second connector with the first connector so that the end faces of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber correspond.

[0039] S4. Slide the second cylinder section onto the first and second joints, and connect the second and third cylinder sections by threaded engagement.

[0040] S5. Slide the first cylinder section so that the first cylinder section is partially fitted onto the second cylinder section. The length of the exposed part of the second cylinder section is greater than the length of the threaded section on the second cylinder section.

[0041] S6. Clamp the first cylindrical section with flat-nose pliers to deform the first cylindrical section and achieve relative fixation with the first optical fiber.

[0042] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, step S3 further includes a pre-step and a post-step, wherein...

[0043] The preliminary steps include: injecting adhesive into the second connector and the third cylindrical section;

[0044] The subsequent steps include: pushing the second optical fiber and the identification cylinder to align the end faces of the second optical fiber with the first optical fiber, clamping the third cylinder segment with flat-nose pliers to deform the third cylinder segment and achieve relative fixation with the second optical fiber.

[0045] The fiber adaptive alignment structure, fiber connector, and assembly method of the present invention have the following advantages over the prior art:

[0046] (1) By setting the first connector and the second connector, two optical fibers can be connected and automatic centering can be achieved by the conical face connection; at the same time, the second optical fiber is equipped with an identification cylinder, and the corresponding second connector is made of transparent material and has an inner conical face, so it is convenient to observe the docking status of the second optical fiber and the first optical fiber, which is conducive to ensuring the connection quality. Then, the first connector and the second connector can be fixed by the external sleeve. The whole structure has the advantages of simple structure and compact size, and it is lightweight and does not easily interfere with the optical fiber, and has good application effect.

[0047] (2) The first connector is provided with a small diameter section. When polishing the optical fiber, the bare core of the first optical fiber and the small diameter section can be polished simultaneously, which helps to ensure the flatness. Firstly, it is convenient to connect the second optical fiber. Secondly, the small diameter section can be inserted into the second connector, thereby ensuring the coaxiality of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, so as to ensure the coupling of light. At the same time, the first connector is provided with a first stepped groove for inserting the external sleeve, which helps to ensure the radial stability of the external sleeve and the first connector. The first connector is also provided with a second stepped groove for inserting the first optical fiber, which can reduce the stress at the boundary between the bare core and the cladding of the first optical fiber, thereby ensuring the structural stability.

[0048] (3) The external sleeve is composed of a first section, a second section and a third section. In application, the third section can position the second connector, the second section can connect to the third section to achieve a stable connection between the first connector and the second connector, and between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, while the first section can limit the second section. Since the second section and the third section are connected by a threaded connection, it also has the advantage of easy disassembly.

[0049] (4) The identification tube is equipped with a support tube and a color mark, wherein the color mark protrudes relative to the support tube. In this way, during grinding, the color mark and the end face of the second optical fiber can be ground synchronously to ensure that the color mark can accurately mark the end face of the second optical fiber. By using the second connector made of transparent material, it is beneficial to observe the docking status of the second optical fiber and the first optical fiber. At the same time, the identification tube and the second connector slide together, which makes it easy to adjust the relative position of the second optical fiber and the second connector to compensate for the length error generated during the grinding of the first connector and the first optical fiber, thereby ensuring optical coupling.

[0050] (5) Both the first and third cylindrical sections are composed of a plastic section, a positioning section and a connecting section. In this way, when in application, the plastic section can be clamped with flat-nose pliers to achieve a stable connection between the first cylindrical section and the first optical fiber, and a stable connection between the third cylindrical section and the second optical fiber, which has the advantage of convenient assembly. The third connecting section is set to be tapered. In this way, when the connection structure needs to be glued, the cavity formed by the tapered connecting section can accommodate excess glue to avoid interfering with the sliding of the second cylindrical section or the identification cylinder during assembly.

[0051] (6) The fiber optic connector is equipped with a connector, a locking strip and a limiting block. In this way, four optical fibers can be integrated through the connector, and the locking strip can connect two connectors to ensure structural stability. The limiting block can hold the external sleeve to prevent the external sleeve from rotating and moving axially under the influence of external forces, which would cause the optical coupling quality of the two optical fibers to deteriorate. Attached Figure Description

[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the fiber adaptive alignment structure of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the fiber adaptive alignment structure of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the middle;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the first connector of the optical fiber adaptive alignment structure of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the fiber adaptive alignment structure of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 7 This is a front view of the fiber optic connector of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 7 Sectional view along the AA direction;

[0061] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the fiber optic connector of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 10 This is a top view of the fiber optic connector of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 11 The assembly process of the fiber optic connector of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0064] Figure 12 The assembly process of the fiber optic connector of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0065] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the disassembly process of the fiber optic connector of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of another connection structure of the optical fiber connector of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the third cylindrical section in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0068] In the diagram: 1. First connector; 11. Small diameter section; 12. Conical section; 13. Large diameter section; 131. Fixed section; 132. Rotating section; 1301. First stepped groove; 1302. Second stepped groove; 101. Conical surface; 2. Second connector; 3. First optical fiber; 4. Second optical fiber; 5. Identification cylinder; 51. Support cylinder; 52. Color mark; 6. External sleeve; 61. First cylinder section; 611. Plastic section; 612. Positioning section; 6121. Threaded section; 6122. Limiting section; 613. Connecting section; 62. Second cylinder section; 63. Third cylinder section; 601. Cavity; 7. Connecting seat; 8. Locking strip; 9. Limiting block. Detailed Implementation

[0069] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the 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.

[0070] Example 1:

[0071] like Figures 1-13 As shown, the fiber adaptive alignment structure of the present invention includes a first connector 1, a second connector 2, a first optical fiber 3, a second optical fiber 4, an identification cylinder 5, and an external sleeve 6.

[0072] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are inserted into each other, and both the insertion ends of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are provided with a conical surface 101. The conical surface 101 of the second connector 2 is an inner conical surface, and the second connector 2 is made of transparent material. The first optical fiber 3 is inserted into the first connector 1, and the end face of the first optical fiber 3 is flush with the end face of the first connector 1. The second optical fiber 4 is inserted into the second connector 2. The identification cylinder 5 is sleeved on the second optical fiber 4, and the identification cylinder 5 is inserted into the second connector 2 and slides in fit. The end face of the identification cylinder 5 is flush with the end face of the second optical fiber 4. The external sleeve 6 is sleeved on the first connector 1 and the second connector 2.

[0073] As described above, when this optical fiber adaptive alignment structure is applied, the first connector 1 is integrated into the end of the first optical fiber 3, and the first connector 1 and the first optical fiber 3 are polished to achieve flush end faces; the second connector 2 is disposed at the end of the second optical fiber 4, and an identification cylinder 5 is disposed between the second connector 2 and the second optical fiber 4, and the identification cylinder 5 and the second optical fiber 4 are polished to achieve flush end faces.

[0074] Then, the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are connected. Since both the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are provided with a conical surface 101, the end faces of the first optical fiber 3 and the second optical fiber 4 can be self-aligned.

[0075] In order to ensure that the optical fiber is in place, the second connector 2 is made of transparent material. Since the identification cylinder 5 and the second optical fiber 4 are polished at the same time to achieve the end face flush, and the cone surface 101 of the second connector 2 is an inner cone surface, the position of the identification cylinder 5 can be clearly observed. After the identification cylinder 5 contacts the first connector 1, it indicates that the end faces of the first optical fiber 3 and the second optical fiber 4 are aligned.

[0076] The identification cylinder 5 is slidably engaged with the second connector 2, which can drive the second optical fiber 4 to move axially. After the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 come into contact, the second optical fiber 4 and the identification cylinder 5 are then pushed to move so that the end face of the second optical fiber 4 comes into contact with the end face of the first optical fiber 3. This structure compensates for polishing errors, improves connection quality, and ensures good optical coupling. It has the advantages of simple structure, compact size, light weight, and low interference with optical fibers, and has good application effects.

[0077] Specifically, the integration of the first connector 1 with the first optical fiber 3, and the integration of the second connector 2 with the second optical fiber 4, can be achieved by adhesive bonding. The adhesive pack formed by the curing of the adhesive is removed simultaneously during the grinding process.

[0078] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the first connector 1 includes a small diameter section 11, a conical section 12, and a large diameter section 13. The small diameter section 11 and the conical section 12 are both inserted into the second connector 2. The large diameter section 13 fits against the inner wall of the outer sleeve 6. The large diameter section 13 has a first stepped groove 1301 and a second stepped groove 1302. The outer sleeve 6 is partially inserted into the first stepped groove 1301, and the first optical fiber 3 is inserted into the second stepped groove 1302.

[0079] As described above, the first connector 1 is configured with three parts: a small diameter section 11, a conical section 12, and a large diameter section 13. The small diameter section 11 faces the second connector 2. When the first optical fiber 3 is polished, the small diameter section 11 is polished simultaneously to achieve a flush end face, which facilitates subsequent connection with the second optical fiber 4 and the identification cylinder 5.

[0080] During specific assembly, the small-diameter section 11 is inserted into the second connector 2 to ensure the coaxiality of the first optical fiber 3 and the second optical fiber 4, thereby ensuring the coupling of light.

[0081] The conical section 12 is provided with a conical surface 101 for automatic alignment when connected to the second connector 2. Meanwhile, the first connector 1 is provided with a first stepped groove 1301 for inserting the outer sleeve 6, which helps to ensure the radial stability of the outer sleeve 6 and the first connector 1. The first connector 1 is also provided with a second stepped groove 1302 for inserting the first optical fiber 3, which can reduce the stress at the boundary between the bare fiber core and the cladding of the first optical fiber 3, thereby ensuring structural stability.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the second connector 2 has a cylindrical structure. The identification cylinder 5 includes a support cylinder 51 and a color mark 52. The support cylinder 51 is inserted into the second connector 2 and sleeved on the second optical fiber 4. The color mark 52 is sleeved on the end of the second optical fiber 4 and inserted into the support cylinder 51. The color mark 52 is flush with the end of the second optical fiber 4 and protrudes relative to the support cylinder 51.

[0083] As described above, the identification cylinder 5 consists of a support cylinder 51 and a color mark 52. Specifically, the color mark 52 is an opaque ring with a color that fits into the end of the support cylinder 51.

[0084] When integrating the second optical fiber 4, the second optical fiber 4 extends from the end of the color mark 52, and then the two are ground together to be flush.

[0085] Among them, the support cylinder 51 is slidably engaged with the second connector 2, and the color mark 52 protrudes relative to the support cylinder 51, thus leaving a grinding allowance and preventing the support cylinder 51 from affecting the observation of the docking state between the color mark 52 and the first connector 1.

[0086] This structure ensures the connection between the first optical fiber 3 and the second optical fiber 4 by visual observation, achieving good coupling of optical energy from one optical fiber to the other, eliminating the need for light transmission detection, effectively improving the connection yield and simplifying the detection steps.

[0087] Specifically, the thickness of the support cylinder 51 and the second connector 2 should be set as thin as possible; preferably, during polishing, the end faces of the second optical fiber 4 and the color mark 42 should be as flush as possible with the end face of the support cylinder 51, so that excessive protrusion will affect the optical path reflection interface.

[0088] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the fiber optic connector of the present invention includes the above-described fiber adaptive alignment structure, and also includes a connector 7, a retaining strip 8, and a limiting block 9.

[0089] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the external sleeve 6 includes a first cylindrical section 61, a second cylindrical section 62, and a third cylindrical section 63. The first cylindrical section 61 is connected to the first optical fiber 3 and fits onto the second cylindrical section 62. The second cylindrical section 62 is partially fitted onto the first optical fiber 3 and partially fitted onto the first connector 1, and the second cylindrical section 62 slides with the first cylindrical section 61 and the first optical fiber 3. The third cylindrical section 63 is partially fitted onto the second connector 2 and partially fitted onto the second optical fiber 4, and the third cylindrical section 63 is connected to the second cylindrical section 62 by a threaded connection.

[0090] As described above, the external sleeve 6 adopts a split structure, wherein one end of the third sleeve 63 is connected to the second optical fiber 4 and the other end is connected to the second connector 2 so that the three are relatively fixed.

[0091] The second cylindrical section 62 slides with the first optical fiber 3, and can also fit the first connector 1 and the second connector 2, and is threadedly connected to the third cylindrical section 63. Through this structure, the stability of the docking between the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 can be guaranteed.

[0092] The second cylindrical section 62 is configured as a stepped cylindrical structure. The stepped surface of the second cylindrical section 62 is provided with a protruding ring structure to insert into the first stepped groove 1301 of the first connector 1. This can ensure the relative radial stability of the outer sleeve 6, the first connector 1 and the first optical fiber 3, and avoid fatigue damage caused by the shaking of the mating gap.

[0093] The second cylindrical section 62 is rotatable, and therefore, by means of a threaded connection structure, it can be separated from the third cylindrical section 63, so that the first connector 1 and the second connector 2, and the first optical fiber 3 and the second optical fiber 4 can be separated.

[0094] To prevent the second section 62 from sliding freely after separation, a first section 61 is provided to limit the movement of the second section 62. One end of the first section 61 is connected to the first optical fiber 3, and the other end is fitted with the small diameter section of the second section 62. In this way, the sliding stroke of the second section 62 can be limited.

[0095] like Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the first cylindrical section 61 includes a plastic section 611 and a positioning section 612, wherein the plastic section 611 is sleeved on the first optical fiber 3; the positioning section 612 is connected to the plastic section 611 and sleeved on the second cylindrical section 62; the third cylindrical section 63 has the same structure as the first cylindrical section 61, and the third cylindrical section 63 is sleeved on the second optical fiber 4 and the second connector 2.

[0096] As described above, since both the first cylindrical section 61 and the third cylindrical section 63 serve a positioning function and need to be connected to the first optical fiber 3 and the second optical fiber 4, they are provided with two parts: a plastic section 611 and a positioning section 612.

[0097] In this section, the plastic section 611 of the first cylindrical section 61 is connected to the cladding of the first optical fiber 3, while the positioning section 612 is sleeved with the second cylindrical section 62.

[0098] Among them, the plastic section 611 of the second cylindrical section 63 is connected to the cladding of the second optical fiber 4, while the positioning section 612 is sleeved with the second connector 2.

[0099] Specifically, the plastic segment 611 is made of metal, and it is clamped with flat-nose pliers to deform the plastic segment 611 and achieve a stable connection with the optical fiber.

[0100] In some embodiments, the second connector 2 and the third cylindrical section 63 are integrated into a single structure.

[0101] like Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the first cylindrical section 61 and the third cylindrical section 63 also include a connecting section 613. One end of the connecting section 613 is connected to the plastic section 611, and the other end is connected to the positioning section 612. The connecting section 613 is conical to form a cavity 601. The second connector 2 and the identification cylinder 5 all correspond to the cavity 601.

[0102] As described above, in order to accommodate the diameter changes between the first optical fiber 3 and the second cylindrical section 62, and between the second connector 2 and the second optical fiber 4, tapered connecting sections 613 are provided on the first cylindrical section 61 and the third cylindrical section 63 to realize the connection between the plastic section 611 and the positioning section 612.

[0103] The connecting section 613 forms a cavity 601, and the ends of the second connector 2 and the identification cylinder 5 correspond to the cavity 601. When adjusting the position of the second optical fiber 4 and the identification cylinder 5 relative to the second connector 2, the end of the second optical fiber 4 and the identification cylinder 5 are first completely passed through the second connector 2. Then, glue is injected into the second connector 2, and the second optical fiber 4 and the identification cylinder 5 are pulled back. This pushes the glue to the position of the cavity 601. Some glue remains between the identification cylinder 5 and the second connector 2. At this time, the third cylinder section 63 is separated from the second connector 2. The second connector 2 is then connected to the first connector 1. The second optical fiber 4 and the identification cylinder 5 are pushed towards the first optical fiber 3 to achieve connection. The glue is then cured with a curing device. Since the second connector 2 is made of transparent material, it will not interfere with the curing process. After the glue is cured, a glue pack will form in the cavity 601. Finally, the third cylinder section 63 is pushed to connect to the second connector 2, and the second optical fiber 4 is clamped and fixed by the plastic section 611 of the third cylinder section 63.

[0104] During the glue application process, the glue gun is inserted into the second connector 2 to apply the glue without any glue stringing, in order to ensure the quality of the glue application and prevent it from adhering to the end of the optical fiber.

[0105] In some embodiments, the connecting section 613 has an opening for injecting adhesive into the cavity 601 to achieve bonding and fixing of the third cylindrical section 63, the second connector 2, the second optical fiber 4, and the identification cylinder 5.

[0106] like Figure 2 The cladding end of the first optical fiber 3 is located in the second stepped groove 1302. The first connector 1 is sleeved on the bare fiber core of the first optical fiber 3. The first cylindrical section 61 and the second cylindrical section 62 are connected to the cladding of the first optical fiber 3. The identification cylinder 5 is sleeved on the bare fiber core of the second optical fiber 4. The third cylindrical section 63 is connected to the cladding of the second optical fiber 4.

[0107] As described above, when this fiber optic connector is integrated, the cladding is stripped from the end of the first fiber 3, and the bare fiber core is connected to the first connector 1; the cladding is stripped from the end of the second fiber 4, and the bare fiber core is connected to the identification cylinder 5, which facilitates subsequent polishing of the fiber ends.

[0108] The cladding of the first optical fiber 3 is connected to the first cylindrical section 61 and slides with the small-diameter section of the second cylindrical section 62; the cladding of the second optical fiber 4 is connected to the third cylindrical section 63 to avoid damage to the internal core.

[0109] like Figures 6-10 As shown, there are two connecting seats 7, one of which is connected to the first cylindrical section 61 and the other is connected to the third cylindrical section 63; each end of the retaining strip 8 is connected to one of the connecting seats 7; the limiting block 9 is connected to the retaining strip 8 and abuts against the end of the second cylindrical section 62 away from the first cylindrical section 61.

[0110] As described above, in order to facilitate the integration of multiple optical fibers to form a duplex connector, a connector 7, a locking strip 8, and a limiting block 9 are provided.

[0111] The connecting seat 7 is connected to the first section 61 or the third section 63 of the two external sleeves 6. Then, the two connecting seats 7 that connect the first section 61 and the third section 63 are clamped together by the clamping strip 8, so as to ensure that the relative position of the two connecting seats 7 is stable.

[0112] Furthermore, a limit block 9 is provided on the card strip 8. The limit block 9 is used to hold the end of the second cylinder section 62 away from the third cylinder section 63, so as to avoid the second cylinder section 62 from rotating and moving axially under the influence of external force factors, which would cause the optical coupling quality of the two optical fibers to deteriorate.

[0113] Specifically, the card strip 8 is connected to the connector 7 by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0114] In some embodiments, a heat insulation layer is provided outside the optical fiber cladding. The plastic sections 611 of the first cylindrical section 61 and the third cylindrical section 63 are made of thermoplastic material and are fitted onto the heat insulation layer. In this way, they can be fixed to the optical fiber cladding by heating and melting, without the need to use flat-nose pliers to clamp the plastic section 611 to avoid deformation, which helps to avoid damage to the optical fiber. At the same time, the heat insulation layer can reduce the impact of heat on the optical fiber and improve the ease of assembly to a certain extent.

[0115] In some embodiments, such as Figure 14 As shown, the retaining strip 8 is connected and fixed to the connecting seat 7 by bolts, thereby reducing the risk of the retaining strip 8 falling off and ensuring the stability of the connection structure.

[0116] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the assembly method of the fiber optic connector of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0117] like Figure 11 As shown, S1, the first cylindrical section 61 and the second cylindrical section 62 are mounted on the first optical fiber 3, the first connector 1 is integrated into the end of the first optical fiber 3, and the end face of the first optical fiber 3 and the small diameter section 11 are ground flush, and then cleaned and dried.

[0118] S2. Install the third cylindrical section 63 and the second connector 2 on the second optical fiber 4 to integrate the second optical fiber 4 and the identification cylinder 5 into a single structure. Grind the color mark 52 and the end of the second optical fiber 4 simultaneously to make them flush and protrude from the support cylinder 51. Then clean and dry.

[0119] S3. Slide the second connector 2 and the third tube 63 onto the identification tube 5, and then mate the second connector 2 with the first connector 1 so that the end faces of the first optical fiber 3 and the second optical fiber 4 correspond.

[0120] like Figure 12 As shown, in step S4, the second cylindrical section 62 is slid onto the first connector 1 and the second connector 2, and the second cylindrical section 62 is connected to the third cylindrical section 63 by threaded engagement.

[0121] S5. Slide the first cylindrical section 61 so that the first cylindrical section 61 is partially fitted onto the second cylindrical section 62. The length of the exposed part of the second cylindrical section 62 is greater than the length of the threaded section on the second cylindrical section 62.

[0122] S6. Clamp the first cylindrical section 61 with flat-nose pliers to deform the first cylindrical section 61 and achieve relative fixation with the first optical fiber 3.

[0123] Furthermore, step S3 also includes a pre-step and a post-step, wherein,

[0124] The preliminary steps include: injecting adhesive into the second connector 2 and the third cylindrical section 63;

[0125] This step, through the glue filling method, can further ensure the stability of the connection between the second connector 2 and the identification cylinder 5;

[0126] In some embodiments, the adhesive dries naturally, at which point the adhesive will bond and fix the second optical fiber 4, the identification tube 5, the second connector 2 and the third tube segment 63 within the cavity 601, thereby improving the overall structural strength.

[0127] The subsequent steps include: pushing the second optical fiber 4 and the identification cylinder 5 to align the end faces of the second optical fiber 4 with the first optical fiber 3, and clamping the third cylinder segment 63 with flat-nose pliers to deform the third cylinder segment 63 and achieve relative fixation with the second optical fiber 4.

[0128] As described above, by adjusting the relative positions of the second optical fiber 4 and the identification cylinder 5 with the first optical fiber 3, the error caused by end face grinding can be compensated to achieve error compensation and ensure good optical coupling.

[0129] like Figure 13 As shown, when it is necessary to disconnect the connection between the two optical fibers, the second cylindrical section 62 is rotated and retracted into the first cylindrical section 61, disengaging from the third cylindrical section 63. At this time, the separation of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 can be completed, and the first optical fiber 3 and the second optical fiber 4 will then separate.

[0130] Example 2:

[0131] like Figure 15 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the positioning section 612 of the third cylindrical section 63 is set as two parts: a threaded section 6121 and a limiting section 6122. The limiting section 6122 is integrated with the connecting section 613 and the second connector 2 into a single structure, and the threaded section 6121 is rotatably mounted on the second connector 2.

[0132] Specifically, the end of the threaded section 6121 near the limiting section 6122 is made into a polygon to facilitate the use of a wrench, so as not to affect the screw-in connection with the second cylindrical section 62;

[0133] In practical applications, after the first optical fiber 3 and the second optical fiber 4 are separated, the first optical fiber 3 can be connected to other optical fiber devices by relying on the internal thread of the second cylindrical section 62, while the second optical fiber can be connected to other optical fiber devices by relying on the external thread of the threaded section 6121. During assembly, the wrench can be used to drive the polygonal structure at the end of the threaded section 6121, thus effectively expanding the application environment.

[0134] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is 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 fiber self-aligning structure, characterized by: Including first joint (1), second joint (2), first optical fiber (3), second optical fiber (4), identification cylinder (5) and external sleeve (6), wherein, The first joint (1) is inserted with the second joint (2), and the insertion end of the first joint (1) and the second joint (2) is provided with a taper surface (101), the taper surface (101) of the second joint (2) is an inner taper surface, and the second joint (2) is a transparent material; The first optical fiber (3) is inserted in the first joint (1), and the end surface of the first optical fiber (3) is flush with the end surface of the first joint (1); The second optical fiber (4) is inserted in the second joint (2); The identification cylinder (5) is sleeved on the second optical fiber (4), and the identification cylinder (5) is inserted in the second joint (2) and is slidingly fitted, the end surface of the identification cylinder (5) is flush with the end surface of the second optical fiber (4); The external sleeve (6) is sleeved on the first joint (1) and the second joint (2); The first joint (1) includes a small diameter section (11), a taper section (12) and a large diameter section (13), wherein the small diameter section (11) and the taper section (12) are inserted in the second joint (2); the large diameter section (13) is attached to the inner wall of the external sleeve (6), the large diameter section (13) is provided with a first stepped groove (1301) and a second stepped groove (1302), a part of the external sleeve (6) is inserted into the first stepped groove (1301), and the first optical fiber (3) is inserted into the second stepped groove (1302); The second joint (2) is in a cylindrical structure, the identification cylinder (5) includes a support cylinder (51) and a color mark (52), wherein the support cylinder (51) is inserted into the second joint (2) and is sleeved on the second optical fiber (4); the color mark (52) is sleeved on the end of the second optical fiber (4) and is inserted into the support cylinder (51), the color mark (52) is flush with the end of the second optical fiber (4) and protrudes relative to the support cylinder (51).

2. A fiber optic connector comprising the fiber optic self-adapting alignment structure of claim 1, characterized by: The external sleeve (6) includes a first cylinder section (61), a second cylinder section (62) and a third cylinder section (63), wherein, The first cylinder section (61) is connected with the first optical fiber (3) and is sleeved with the second cylinder section (62); The second cylinder section (62) is partially sleeved on the first optical fiber (3) and is partially sleeved on the first joint (1), and the second cylinder section (62) is slidingly fitted with the first cylinder section (61) and the first optical fiber (3); The third cylinder section (63) is partially sleeved on the second joint (2) and is partially sleeved on the second optical fiber (4), and the third cylinder section (63) is connected with the second cylinder section (62) by screwing.

3. The fiber optic connector of claim 2, wherein: The first cylinder section (61) includes a plastic section (611) and a positioning section (612), wherein, The plastic section (611) is sleeved on the first optical fiber (3); The positioning section (612) is connected with the plastic section (611) and is sleeved with the second cylinder section (62); The third barrel section (63) is identical in structure to the first barrel section (61), and the third barrel section (63) is sleeved with the second optical fiber (4) and the second connector (2).

4. The fiber optic connector of claim 3, wherein: The first barrel section (61) and the third barrel section (63) further comprise a connecting section (613), one end of the connecting section (613) is connected with the plastic section (611), the other end is connected with the positioning section (612), and the connecting section (613) is tapered to form a cavity (601); The end of the second connector (2) and the identification barrel (5) correspond to the cavity (601).

5. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 2-4, wherein: The cladding end of the first optical fiber (3) is located in the second stepped groove (1302), the first connector (1) is sleeved with the bare core of the first optical fiber (3), and the first barrel section (61) and the second barrel section (62) are connected with the cladding of the first optical fiber (3); The identification barrel (5) is sleeved on the bare core of the second optical fiber (4), and the third barrel section (63) is connected with the cladding of the second optical fiber (4).

6. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 2-4, wherein: Further comprising a connecting seat (7), a clamping strip (8) and a limiting block (9), wherein, The connecting seat (7) is provided with two, one of which is connected with the first barrel section (61), and the other is connected with the third barrel section (63); Both ends of the clamping strip (8) are connected with one of the connecting seats (7); The limiting block (9) is connected with the clamping strip (8), and the limiting block (9) abuts against one end of the second barrel section (62) away from the first barrel section (61).

7. A method of assembling an optical fiber connector as defined in claim 6, wherein, The following steps are included: S1, the first barrel section (61) and the second barrel section (62) are sleeved on the first optical fiber (3), the first connector (1) is integrated at the end of the first optical fiber (3), and the end face of the first optical fiber (3) and the small diameter section (11) are ground synchronously and flat, and then washed and dried; S2, the third barrel section (63) and the second connector (2) are sleeved on the second optical fiber (4), the second optical fiber (4) and the identification barrel (5) are integrated into an integral structure, the color mark (52) and the end of the second optical fiber (4) are ground synchronously and flat, and the support barrel (51) is protruded, and then washed and dried; S3, the second connector (2) and the third barrel section (63) are slid onto the identification barrel (5), and then the second connector (2) is connected with the first connector (1) to make the end faces of the first optical fiber (3) and the second optical fiber (4) correspond; S4, slide the second barrel section (62) to the first connector (1) and the second connector (2), and make the second barrel section (62) and the third barrel section (63) connected by screw thread; S5, slide the first barrel section (61) to make the first barrel section (61) sleeved with part of the second barrel section (62), and the length of the exposed part of the second barrel section (62) is greater than the length of the threaded section on the second barrel section (62). S6, clamping the first barrel section (61) with a flat-nose plier to deform the first barrel section (61) and achieve relative fixation with the first optical fiber (3).

8. The method of assembling a fiber optic connector of claim 7, wherein, The step S3 further comprises a pre-step and a post-step, wherein, the pre-step comprises injecting glue into the second joint (2) and the third barrel section (63); the post-step comprises pushing the second optical fiber (4) and the identification barrel (5) to make the end face of the second optical fiber (4) abut against the end face of the first optical fiber (3), clamping the third barrel section (63) with a flat-nose plier to deform the third barrel section (63) and achieve relative fixation with the second optical fiber (4).

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