High-precision optical fiber coupling device with automatic alignment function

By introducing fine-tuning, anti-loosening, and disassembly components into the fiber optic coupling device, the stability and compatibility issues of the connector were resolved, achieving high-precision automatic alignment and anti-loosening functions, and improving the device's vibration resistance.

CN120847951APending Publication Date: 2025-10-28WUHAN CENTIMETER AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511258811.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-04
Publication Date
2025-10-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional fiber optic coupling devices suffer from poor connection stability when the connector is inserted, are prone to loosening and signal interruption, and are incompatible with connectors of different specifications.

Method used

It employs a coupling mechanism and a stable connection mechanism, including fine-tuning components, anti-loosening components, and disassembly/assembly components. Through components such as guide grooves, guide bars, anti-loosening springs, reset springs, and linkage gears, it achieves automatic alignment and anti-loosening functions.

Benefits of technology

It improves the stability and vibration resistance of the connector, enhances compatibility with connectors of different specifications, and prevents loosening and signal interruption.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of optical fiber coupling devices, and discloses a high-precision optical fiber coupling device with an automatic alignment function, and the device comprises a coupling mechanism which comprises a coupling device housing, a butt joint port disposed on the surface of the coupling device housing, and a connector inserted in the butt joint port. And the stable connection mechanism comprises a fine adjustment component used for being compatible with installation of butt joint ports of different specifications, and an anti-falling component used for improving the anti-falling performance of the connector. The beneficial effects of the invention are that the fine tuning part is used for fine tuning of the upper buckle so as to be suitable for connection of connectors of different specifications, the problem that a traditional coupling device cannot achieve compatible connection of the connectors of different specifications is solved, and the universality of the device is improved; the anti-loosening part is used for preventing the connector from loosening and falling off, and the force generated by loosening of the connector is utilized to drive the limiting plate to extend out to block the connector, so that the effect that the larger the force generated by loosening is, the better the anti-loosening effect on the connector is is achieved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of fiber optic coupling devices, and more particularly to a high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional fiber optic coupling devices rely on clips for connection and fixation when the connector is inserted. This single clip fixation is insufficient in terms of vibration resistance and preventing loosening, which can easily lead to poor connection between the connector and the coupling device. In addition, the preload of the clips varies when connectors of different specifications are inserted into the coupling device, which can easily lead to poor connection stability of the connector, potentially causing the connector to loosen and signal interruption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the problems existing in the above-mentioned high-precision fiber optic coupling devices with automatic alignment function, the present invention is proposed.

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: including,

[0006] The coupling mechanism includes a coupling device housing, a mating interface formed on the surface of the coupling device housing, a connector inserted into the mating interface, a mounting plate disposed on the surface of the connector, a metal spring fixed to the top of the connector, a lower latch fixed to the top of the metal spring, and an upper latch fixed to the inside of the mating interface and used in conjunction with the lower latch to engage with the connector.

[0007] The connector includes a connector head, two guide grooves symmetrically formed on the surface of the connector head, and an alignment arc groove formed at the end of the connector head for automatic alignment with the inside of the interface.

[0008] The interface has two guide strips fixedly installed inside for positioning and inserting the connector head using guide grooves;

[0009] The stable connection mechanism includes a fine-tuning component for compatible installation of interfaces of different specifications, an anti-disengagement component for improving the anti-disengagement performance of the connector, and a disassembly and assembly component for facilitating quick assembly and disassembly of the mounting plate.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function described in this invention, the fine-tuning component includes two connecting posts fixed to the top of the upper buckle, a connecting plate fixed to the top of the two connecting posts, and a stud rotatably mounted on the top of the coupling device housing for fine-tuning the position of the upper buckle.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function described in this invention, two anti-loosening springs are fixedly installed between the top of the coupling device housing and the connecting plate, respectively sleeved on the surface of the connecting column. The anti-loosening springs are used to prevent the upper buckle from becoming loose.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function described in this invention, the top of the upper buckle is fixedly equipped with a plurality of positioning protrusions for limiting the fine adjustment of the upper buckle, and the top of the coupling device housing is provided with a plurality of positioning holes for use with the positioning protrusions.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function described in this invention, the anti-disengagement component includes two reset springs, a sliding plate fixed to the other end face of the reset springs, an active rack fixed to the surface of the sliding plate, a linkage gear meshing with the active rack, a driven rack meshing with the linkage gear, and a limiting plate fixed to the surface of the driven rack and used to block the connector to prevent it from falling off.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function described in this invention, wherein: side slots are respectively opened on both sides inside the interface, the reset spring is fixed inside the side slot, the sliding plate is slidably installed inside the side slot, the linkage gear is rotatably installed inside the side slot, and the linkage gear is located between the driving rack and the driven rack.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function described in this invention, wherein: a pulley is rotatably mounted on one end of the sliding plate, and the end of the mounting plate is inclined.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function described in this invention, the inner wall of the interface is provided with a storage groove, which is used to store the limiting plate.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function described in this invention, the disassembly and assembly components include a first strip groove opened on the top of the mounting plate, two movable rods slidably installed inside the first strip groove, a second strip groove opened inside the mounting plate and communicating with the first strip groove, an extension rod slidably installed inside the second strip groove and fixedly connected to the movable rods, and an empty groove opened on the surface of the connector.

[0018] The two extension rods are engaged inside the slot.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function described in this invention, the following is provided: two symmetrical slots are formed inside the empty slot; a locking block is fixedly installed at the end of the extension rod, and the locking block is engaged inside the slot; a compression spring is fixedly installed between the two extension rods, and the compression spring is located inside the second strip groove.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The fine-tuning component allows for adjustments to the upper latch to accommodate connectors of different specifications, solving the problem of incompatibility between traditional coupling devices and connectors of different specifications, thus improving the device's versatility. The anti-detachment component prevents connector loosening and detachment. The force generated by connector loosening drives the limiting plate to extend and block the connector, achieving a greater anti-detachment effect with greater loosening force. Compared to traditional latch-fixed connections, this invention offers significant improvements in vibration resistance and anti-loosening. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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. Wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the coupling device housing and connector structure of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connector structure of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the coupling device housing of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fine-tuning component structure of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the side groove of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-detachment component of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly and assembly components of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0032] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0033] Secondly, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When detailing the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged, not according to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, actual fabrication should include three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] Reference Figure 1-5 This is the first embodiment of the present invention, which provides a high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function. This device includes...

[0036] The coupling mechanism 100 includes a coupling device housing 110, a mating interface 120 formed on the surface of the coupling device housing 110, a connector 130 inserted into the mating interface 120, a mounting plate 140 disposed on the surface of the connector 130, a metal spring 150 fixed to the top of the connector 130, a lower latch 160 fixed to the top of the metal spring 150, and an upper latch 170 fixed inside the mating interface 120 and used in conjunction with the lower latch 160 to latch the connector 130.

[0037] The connector 130 includes a connector head 131, two guide grooves 132 symmetrically formed on the surface of the connector head 131, and an alignment arc groove 133 formed at the end of the connector head 131 for automatic alignment with the inside of the interface 120.

[0038] Two guide strips 180 are fixedly installed inside the interface 120 for positioning and inserting the connector 131 into the guide grooves 132.

[0039] The stable connection mechanism 200 includes a fine-tuning component 210 for compatible installation of different specifications of the interface 120, an anti-disengagement component 220 for improving the anti-disengagement performance of the connector 130, and a disassembly and assembly component 230 for facilitating quick disassembly and assembly of the mounting plate 140.

[0040] The fine-tuning component 210 is used to fine-tune the upper buckle 170 to accommodate connectors 130 of different specifications, which solves the problem that traditional coupling devices cannot achieve compatible connection with connectors 130 of different specifications, and improves the versatility of the device.

[0041] Specifically, the fine-tuning component 210 includes two connecting posts 211 fixed to the top of the upper buckle 170, a connecting plate 212 fixed to the top of the two connecting posts 211, and a stud 213 rotatably mounted on the top of the coupling device housing 110 for fine-tuning the position of the upper buckle 170.

[0042] The connecting plate 212 has threaded holes on its surface that are used to engage with the stud 213. The top of the stud 213 is fixedly equipped with an anti-slip button. The fine-tuning component 210 is used to fine-tune the upper buckle 170 to accommodate different specifications of connectors 130, thereby improving the versatility of the device.

[0043] Furthermore, two anti-loosening springs 214 are fixedly installed between the top of the coupling device housing 110 and the connecting plate 212, respectively sleeved on the surface of the connecting post 211. The anti-loosening springs 214 are used to prevent the upper buckle 170 from becoming loose.

[0044] The anti-loosening spring 214 is used to prevent loosening between the stud 213 and the connecting plate 212. During long-term use, wear occurs between the threaded holes on the stud 213 and the connecting plate 212, resulting in an increase in the thread gap. This increases the loosening of the stud 213 on the connecting plate 212, thereby affecting the fine adjustment accuracy of the upper buckle 170.

[0045] Preferably, the top of the upper buckle 170 is fixedly equipped with several positioning protrusions 215 for fine-tuning and limiting the upper buckle 170, and the top of the coupling device housing 110 is provided with several positioning holes for use with the positioning protrusions 215.

[0046] The positioning protrusion 215 and the positioning hole are used to limit the upper buckle 170, thereby improving the stability of the upper buckle 170 during fine adjustment.

[0047] Before inserting the connector 130 into the interface 120, the mounting plate 140 needs to be removed from the connector 130. Then, the position of the upper clip 170 is finely adjusted according to the different specifications of the connector 130. The stud 213 is rotated by the anti-slip button block. The stud 213 drives the connecting plate 212 and the two anti-loosening springs 214 to move. In turn, the anti-loosening springs 214 drive the upper clip 170 to be finely adjusted up and down to adapt to the different specifications of the connector 130.

[0048] Insert the connector 130 into the interface 120. Align the arc groove 133 with the opening of the interface 120 automatically. Align the guide groove 132 with the guide bar 180. Insert the connector 130 completely into the interface 120. Under the elastic force of the metal spring 150, the lower latch 160 engages with the upper latch 170.

[0049] In summary, by using the fine-tuning component 210 to fine-tune the upper latch 170 to accommodate connectors 130 of different specifications, the problem of incompatibility between traditional coupling devices and connectors 130 of different specifications is solved, thus improving the versatility of the device.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the anti-detachment component 220 includes two return springs 221, a sliding plate 222 fixed to the other end face of the return springs 221, an active rack 223 fixed to the surface of the sliding plate 222, a linkage gear 224 meshing with the active rack 223, a driven rack 225 meshing with the linkage gear 224, and a limiting plate 226 fixed to the surface of the driven rack 225 and used to block the connector 130 to prevent it from falling off.

[0052] Among them, the anti-detachment component 220 is used to prevent the connector 130 from loosening and falling off. The force generated by the loosening of the connector 130 drives the limiting plate 226 to extend out and block the connector 130. The greater the force generated by the loosening, the better the anti-detachment effect of the connector 130. Compared with the traditional snap-fit ​​connection, it has a significant improvement in vibration resistance and anti-loosening.

[0053] Specifically, side slots are provided on both sides inside the interface 120. The reset spring 221 is fixed inside the side slot, the sliding plate 222 is slidably installed inside the side slot, and the linkage gear 224 is rotatably installed inside the side slot. The linkage gear 224 is located between the driving rack 223 and the driven rack 225.

[0054] Furthermore, a pulley 227 is rotatably mounted on one end of the sliding plate 222, and the end of the mounting plate 140 is set with an inclined surface.

[0055] The pulley 227 reduces the contact friction between the end of the sliding plate 222 and the inclined surface of the mounting plate 140. When the connector 130 shows signs of loosening, the inclined surface of the mounting plate 140 will press against the pulley 227, which can sensitively extend the limiting plate 226 into the interface 120 to block the connector 130 and prevent it from loosening further and falling off.

[0056] Preferably, a storage groove is provided on the inner wall of the interface 120, and the storage groove is used to store the limiting plate 226.

[0057] The storage slot is used to store the limiting plate 226, so as to prevent the limiting plate 226 from protruding and affecting the interior of the interface 120 and thus affecting the insertion of the connector 130.

[0058] When the connector 130 becomes loose during use, it tends to detach from the interface 120. This causes the mounting plate 140 to shift slightly, resulting in the inclined surface of the mounting plate 140 pressing against the pulley 227. The pulley 227 then pushes the sliding plate 222 to move, which in turn moves the drive rack 223. The drive rack 223 then rotates the linkage gear 224, which in turn moves the driven rack 225. This causes the limiting plate 226 to extend into the interface 120 and block and limit the loose connector 130 to prevent it from falling off.

[0059] In summary, the anti-detachment component 220 is used to prevent the connector 130 from loosening and falling off. The force generated by the loosening of the connector 130 drives the limiting plate 226 to extend and block the connector 130. The greater the force generated by the loosening, the better the anti-detachment effect of the connector 130. Compared with the traditional snap-fit ​​connection, it has a significant improvement in vibration resistance and anti-loosening.

[0060] Example 3

[0061] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8 This is the third embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that the disassembly and assembly component 230 includes a first strip groove 231 formed on the top of the mounting plate 140, two movable rods 232 slidably installed inside the first strip groove 231, a second strip groove 233 formed inside the mounting plate 140 and communicating with the first strip groove 231, an extension rod 234 slidably installed inside the second strip groove 233 and fixedly connected to the movable rods 232, and a hollow groove 235 formed on the surface of the connector 130.

[0062] Two extension rods 234 are engaged inside the slot 235.

[0063] The mounting plate 140 can be installed and removed by the disassembly component 230. After the connector 130 is inserted into the interface 120, the mounting plate 140 is then installed on the connector 130 to avoid interfering with the insertion of the connector 130 into the interface 120, thereby improving the installation rationality of the device.

[0064] Specifically, two symmetrical slots 236 are provided inside the slot 235. A locking block 237 is fixedly installed at the end of the extension rod 234. The locking block 237 is engaged inside the slot 236. A compression spring 238 is fixedly installed between the two extension rods 234. The compression spring 238 is located inside the second strip groove 233.

[0065] The extension rod 234 can be engaged inside the empty slot 235 through the cooperation between the slot 236 and the block 237, thereby engaging the mounting plate 140 on one side of the connector 130 to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the connector 130. The compression spring 238 is used to maintain the elastic force on the two extension rods 234, thereby making the slot 236 firmly engaged inside the block 237.

[0066] When using the mounting plate 140, it is necessary to move the two sliding plates 222 to the sides to avoid interfering with the installation of the mounting plate 140. Insert the two extension rods 234 into the empty slot 235 and push the mounting plate 140 so that the extension rods 234 move into the empty slot 235 until the locking block 237 is engaged in the slot 236, thus completing the installation of the mounting plate 140. To remove the mounting plate 140, simply press the two moving rods 232 towards the middle and move the extension rods 234 and the locking block 237 so that the locking block 237 is disengaged from the slot 236. Then, pull the mounting plate 140 out of the connector 130.

[0067] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0068] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the currently considered best mode for carrying out the invention, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the invention) may be omitted.

[0069] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function, characterized in that: include, The coupling mechanism (100) includes a coupling device housing (110), a mating interface (120) formed on the surface of the coupling device housing (110), a connector (130) inserted into the mating interface (120), a mounting plate (140) disposed on the surface of the connector (130), a metal spring (150) fixed to the top of the connector (130), a lower snap (160) fixed to the top of the metal spring (150), and an upper snap (170) fixed inside the mating interface (120) and used in conjunction with the lower snap (160) to snap the connector (130). The connector (130) includes a connector (131), two guide grooves (132) symmetrically opened on the surface of the connector (131), and an alignment arc groove (133) opened at the end of the connector (131) for automatic alignment inside the interface (120). The interface (120) has two mating guide grooves (132) inside which guide strips (180) are used for positioning and insertion of the connector (131); The stable connection mechanism (200) includes a fine-tuning component (210) for compatible installation of different sized interfaces (120), an anti-detachment component (220) for improving the anti-detachment performance of the connector (130), and a disassembly component (230) for facilitating quick disassembly and assembly of the mounting plate (140).

2. The high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fine-tuning component (210) includes two connecting posts (211) fixed to the top of the upper buckle (170), a connecting plate (212) fixed to the top of the two connecting posts (211), and a stud (213) rotatably mounted on the top of the coupling device housing (110) for fine-tuning the position of the upper buckle (170).

3. The high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function according to claim 2, characterized in that: Two anti-loosening springs (214) are fixedly installed between the top of the coupling device housing (110) and the connecting plate (212), respectively sleeved on the surface of the connecting post (211). The anti-loosening springs (214) are used to prevent the upper buckle (170) from loosening.

4. The high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top of the upper buckle (170) is fixedly equipped with several positioning protrusions (215) for limiting the fine adjustment of the upper buckle (170), and the top of the coupling device housing (110) is provided with several positioning holes for use with the positioning protrusions (215).

5. The high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The anti-detachment component (220) includes two return springs (221), a sliding plate (222) fixed to the other end face of the return springs (221), an active rack (223) fixed to the surface of the sliding plate (222), a linkage gear (224) meshing with the active rack (223), a driven rack (225) meshing with the linkage gear (224), and a limiting plate (226) fixed to the surface of the driven rack (225) and used to block the connector (130) to prevent it from falling off.

6. The high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The interface (120) has side slots on both sides. The reset spring (221) is fixed inside the side slot. The sliding plate (222) is slidably installed inside the side slot. The linkage gear (224) is rotatably installed inside the side slot. The linkage gear (224) is located between the driving rack (223) and the driven rack (225).

7. The high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function according to claim 6, characterized in that: A pulley (227) is rotatably mounted on one end of the sliding plate (222), and the end of the mounting plate (140) is set with an inclined surface.

8. The high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner wall of the interface (120) is provided with a storage groove, which is used to store the limiting plate (226).

9. The high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function according to claim 8, characterized in that: The disassembly / assembly component (230) includes a first strip groove (231) opened on the top of the mounting plate (140), two movable rods (232) slidably installed inside the first strip groove (231), a second strip groove (233) opened inside the mounting plate (140) and communicating with the first strip groove (231), an extension rod (234) slidably installed inside the second strip groove (233) and fixedly connected to the movable rods (232), and a slot (235) opened on the surface of the connector (130); The two extension rods (234) are engaged inside the slot (235).

10. The high-precision fiber optic coupling device with automatic alignment function according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cavity (235) has two symmetrical slots (236) inside. The end of the extension rod (234) is fixedly installed with a locking block (237). The locking block (237) is engaged inside the slot (236). A compression spring (238) is fixedly installed between the two extension rods (234). The compression spring (238) is located inside the second strip groove (233).