Optical fiber interfacing device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of optical fiber transmission, and discloses an optical fiber butt joint device, a push block and an optical fiber array constitute an optical fiber positioning assembly, which is arranged in an assembly cavity of a shell, a coupling end of the optical fiber array is exposed from the shell, the push block and the assembly cavity are gap-fitted in X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions respectively, and the optical fiber has sufficient space in the coupling for matching; the push block is pushed to the elastic member to be pushed to the stable assembly in place by the push fork tail piece, the optical fiber positioning assembly is prevented from moving forward and backward, the fork tail piece and the shell are locked at the same time, two optical fiber positioning units are inserted into both ends of a connecting sleeve in opposite directions, the elastic member is pressed to press the corresponding optical fiber positioning assembly in the Z-axis direction, and the optical fiber positioning assembly is prevented from jumping up and down. The positioning groove of the two optical fiber arrays and the pin are relatively slid along the pin axis to butt joint the two coupling ends, the optical fiber positioning assembly is prevented from shaking left and right during assembly, the butt joint precision of the two coupling ends is ensured, the structural stability degree of the optical fiber butt joint device during repeated insertion is improved, and the service life is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber transmission technology, and in particular to an optical fiber docking device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, fiber optic connectors are devices that allow for detachable connections between optical fibers. They are used for repeated mating between fibers, precisely aligning the two end faces of the fibers to maximize the coupling of light energy from the transmitting fiber to the receiving fiber, and minimizing the impact on the system caused by their intervention in the optical link. These are the basic requirements of fiber optic connectors. To a certain extent, fiber optic connectors affect the reliability and performance of optical transmission systems.

[0003] Currently, some fiber optic connectors require repeated plugging and unplugging of the fiber optic splice, which may lead to loosening and instability of the connection structure, or gradually compromise the connection accuracy. This has a significant impact on fiber optic transmission. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a fiber optic splicing device that can effectively solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an optical fiber docking device that ensures accurate and adaptive docking of optical fibers in all directions and front and back, has a stable assembly structure, facilitates repeated insertion and connection, and extends service life.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Fiber optic connection device, including:

[0007] Two fiber optic positioning units, each fiber optic positioning unit comprising a housing, a fiber optic positioning assembly, and a pushing assembly, wherein the housing has an assembly cavity inside, one end of the housing is provided with an installation end, and the other end of the housing is provided with a connecting end, both the installation end and the connecting end being in communication with the assembly cavity;

[0008] The fiber positioning assembly includes a fiber array and a pusher block. The pusher block is fixed to the fiber array. The fiber positioning assembly is placed in the assembly cavity so that the coupling end of the fiber array is exposed at the connection end. The pusher block and the assembly cavity are clearance-fitted in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions respectively. The X-axis direction is the extension direction of the coupling end, and the Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the upper surface of the fiber array near the coupling end.

[0009] The pushing assembly includes a fork tail member and a pushing elastic member connected together. One end of the pushing assembly can pass through the mounting end so that the pushing elastic member abuts against the push block in the direction of the X-axis and the fork tail member is locked to the housing.

[0010] A connecting locking unit is provided, comprising a connecting sleeve, a pin positioning assembly, and two pressing elastic members. The pressing elastic members are disposed on the inner upper surface of the connecting sleeve, and each pressing elastic member corresponds to a housing. The two housings can be inserted into the two ends of the connecting sleeve so that the pressing elastic members abut against the upper surface of the fiber array near the coupling end. The pin positioning assembly comprises a connecting base plate and a pin. The connecting base plate is mounted on the inner lower surface of the connecting sleeve, and the pin is placed in the limiting part of the connecting base plate. The lower surfaces of the two fiber arrays near the coupling end are each provided with a positioning groove for engaging the pin. The pin and the positioning groove can slide relative to each other along the X-axis until the two coupling ends are aligned.

[0011] As an optional technical solution for the fiber optic docking device, the connecting sleeve is selectively locked to the housing.

[0012] As an optional technical solution for the optical fiber docking device, the pressing elastic element is configured as an arc-shaped spring piece, the upper surface of the connecting end of the housing near the coupling end is hollowed out, and the outer arc surface of the arc-shaped spring piece abuts against the upper surface of the optical fiber array near the coupling end.

[0013] As an optional technical solution for the optical fiber docking device, a recess is provided on the upper surface of the optical fiber array near the coupling end, and the outer arc surface of the arc-shaped spring contacts the recess.

[0014] As an optional technical solution for the optical fiber docking device, the arc radius of the arc-shaped spring is 20mm-30mm, and the elastic force between the arc-shaped spring and the optical fiber array is 10N-20N.

[0015] As an optional technical solution for the fiber optic docking device, the fiber optic positioning assembly further includes a positioning plate, which is fixed to the bottom of the fiber optic array. The positioning plate has a slot, and the positioning plate has a flared opening at the end of the slot. The pins are selectively placed in the slot.

[0016] As an optional technical solution for the optical fiber docking device, the connecting substrate and the connecting sleeve are detachably connected.

[0017] As an optional technical solution for the optical fiber docking device, the limiting part protrudes from both sides of the pin, the connecting substrate is provided with a placement groove, and the pin is placed in the placement groove.

[0018] As an optional technical solution for the optical fiber docking device, the tolerance between the push block and the housing at both ends along the X-axis is 0.15mm-0.25mm, and the tolerance between the push block and the housing at both ends along the Y-axis and Z-axis is 0.01mm-0.03mm.

[0019] As an optional technical solution for the fiber optic docking device, the docking tolerance between the two housings in the Y-axis direction is 0.002mm-0.01mm.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] The fiber optic splicing device provided by this invention includes a connection locking unit and two fiber optic positioning units. Each fiber optic positioning unit includes a housing, a fiber optic positioning assembly, and a pushing assembly. The fiber optic positioning assembly includes a fiber optic array and a push block. The fiber optic array is used to integrate and position the fiber optics. The push block is fixed to the fiber optic array. The fiber optic positioning assembly is placed within the assembly cavity of the housing, so that the coupling end of the fiber optic array protrudes from the connection end of the housing. The push block and the assembly cavity are clearance-fitted in the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively, allowing sufficient space for matching of the fiber optics during coupling. The pushing assembly includes a fork-tail member and a pushing elastic member connected together. One end of the pushing assembly can pass through the mounting end of the housing, allowing the pushing elastic member to abut against the push block along the X-axis. While pushing the fork-tail member, the pushing elastic member is pressed to push the push block within the assembly cavity until it is stably assembled in place, preventing the fiber optic positioning assembly from shifting back and forth. Simultaneously, the fork-tail member is locked to the housing. The connection locking unit includes a connecting sleeve, a pin positioning assembly, and two pressing elastic members. Two fiber optic positioning units can be inserted into the two ends of the connecting sleeve, so that the pressing elastic element abuts against the upper surface of the corresponding fiber array near the coupling end. The pressing elastic element presses the fiber optic positioning assembly in the Z-axis direction to prevent the fiber optic positioning assembly from jumping up and down and to stabilize the assembly structure. The pin positioning assembly includes a connecting base plate and a pin. The pin is placed in the limiting part of the connecting base plate to restrict the rolling freedom of the pin in the Y-axis direction. The lower surface of the two fiber arrays near the coupling end is provided with a positioning groove for engaging the pin. The pin and the positioning groove can slide relative to each other along the pin's axial direction until the two coupling ends are aligned, preventing the fiber optic positioning assembly from wobbling left and right during assembly and ensuring the alignment accuracy of the two coupling ends.

[0022] During the docking process between the fiber optic positioning unit and the connecting locking unit, the fiber optic positioning component can ensure that its assembly position in the X, Y, and Z axes can be adaptively adjusted, flexibly and stably to achieve precise docking. By adopting methods such as setting elastic mechanisms and self-locking mechanisms, the structural stability of the fiber optic docking device can be improved when it is repeatedly plugged in, thus extending the service life of the fiber optic docking device. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic positioning component of the fiber optic docking device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the housing and fiber positioning assembly of the fiber optic docking device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a first cross-sectional view of the housing and fiber positioning assembly of the fiber optic docking device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a second cross-sectional view of the housing and fiber positioning assembly of the fiber optic docking device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pushing component of the optical fiber docking device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber positioning unit of the fiber optic docking device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the fiber positioning unit of the fiber optic docking device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the housing and fiber positioning assembly of another fiber optic docking device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connection locking unit of the optical fiber docking device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection locking unit of the optical fiber docking device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber docking device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] In the picture:

[0035] 100, Fiber optic positioning unit; 110, Housing; 111, Assembly cavity; 112, Second self-locking latch; 120, Fiber optic positioning assembly; 121, Fiber optic array; 1211, Coupling end; 1212, Positioning groove; 122, Push block; 123, Positioning plate; 1231, Slot; 130, Pushing assembly; 131, Fork tail piece; 1311, First self-locking latch; 132, Pushing elastic element;

[0036] 200. Connecting locking unit; 210. Connecting sleeve; 220. Pressing elastic element; 230. Connecting base plate; 231. Limiting part; 232. Placement groove; 240. Insertion pin. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0038] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and "left," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the present invention discloses an optical fiber docking device, including a connection locking unit 200 and two corresponding optical fiber positioning units 100. The two optical fiber positioning units 100 are used to fix the transmitting optical fiber and the receiving optical fiber, respectively, and the connection locking unit 200 is used to connect the two to transmit optical energy.

[0042] The fiber optic positioning unit 100 includes a housing 110, a fiber optic positioning assembly 120, and a pushing assembly 130. The housing 110 has an assembly cavity 111 inside. One end of the housing 110 is a mounting end, and the other end is a connecting end. Both the mounting end and the connecting end communicate with the assembly cavity 111. The fiber optic positioning assembly 120 includes a fiber optic array 121 and a pusher block 122. The fiber optic array 121 is used to integrate positioning fibers, and the pusher block 122 is fixed to the fiber optic array 121. The fiber optic positioning assembly 120 is placed inside the assembly cavity 111 so that the coupling end 1211 of the fiber optic array 121 protrudes from the connecting end of the housing 110. The pusher block 122 and the assembly cavity 111 of the housing 110 are clearance-fitted in the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. Simultaneously, the fiber optic array 121 is fitted within the pusher block 122, allowing for a high-precision assembly between the pusher block 122 and the housing 110, ensuring sufficient space for matching of the fibers during coupling. In this design, the X-axis extends from the coupling end 1211, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the upper surface of the fiber array 121 near the coupling end 1211. The X, Y, and Z axes are mutually perpendicular. The pushing assembly 130 includes a fork-tail member 131 and a pushing elastic member 132 connected to each other. One end of the pushing assembly 130 can pass through the mounting end, allowing the pushing elastic member 132 to abut against the push block 122 along the X-axis. While pushing the fork-tail member 131, the pushing elastic member 132 is pressed, pushing the push block 122 into the assembly cavity 111 until it is stably positioned. This controls the stable assembly of the fiber positioning assembly 120 in the X-axis direction, preventing the fiber positioning assembly 120 from shifting back and forth. Simultaneously, the first self-locking buckle 1311 on the fork-tail member 131 locks with the locking hole on the housing 110. It is understood that the fork-tail member 131 is hollow, and the fiber ends of the fiber array 121 pass through the fork-tail member 131.

[0043] The connecting locking unit 200 includes a connecting sleeve 210, a pin positioning assembly, and two pressing elastic members 220. The pressing elastic members 220 are disposed on the inner upper surface of the connecting sleeve 210, and each pressing elastic member 220 corresponds to one housing 110. After the housing 110, the fiber positioning assembly 120, and the pushing assembly 130 are assembled together, the two housings 110, i.e., the two fiber positioning units 100, can be inserted relative to each other into the two ends of the connecting sleeve 210, so that the pressing elastic members 220 abut against the upper surface of the fiber array 121 near the coupling end 1211. The pressing elastic members 220 press the fiber positioning assembly 120 in the Z-axis direction, preventing the fiber positioning assembly 120 from jumping up and down and stabilizing the assembly structure. The pin positioning assembly includes a connecting substrate 230 and a pin 240. The connecting substrate 230 is mounted on the inner lower surface of the connecting sleeve 210. The pin 240 is placed in the limiting part 231 of the connecting substrate 230, which restricts the rolling freedom of the pin 240 in the Y-axis direction. The lower surfaces of the two fiber arrays 121 near the coupling end 1211 are provided with positioning grooves 1212 for engaging the pin 240. The pin 240 and the positioning groove 1212 can slide relative to each other along the axial direction of the pin 240, that is, the X-axis direction, until the two coupling ends 1211 are aligned. This prevents the fiber positioning assembly 120 from wobbling left and right during assembly and ensures the alignment accuracy of the two coupling ends 1211. During the docking process between the fiber optic positioning unit 100 and the connecting locking unit 200, the fiber optic positioning component 120 can ensure that its assembly position in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions can be adaptively adjusted, which is flexible and stable to achieve precise docking. By adopting the use of elastic mechanism and self-locking mechanism, the structural stability of the fiber optic docking device can be improved when it is repeatedly plugged in and out, thus extending the service life of the fiber optic docking device.

[0044] Specifically, a second self-locking buckle 112 is provided on the housing 110. The second self-locking buckle 112 can be engaged with the lock hole on the connecting sleeve 210 so that the connecting sleeve 210 and the housing 110 can be selectively locked. By pressing the second self-locking buckle 112, it can be disengaged from the lock hole on the connecting sleeve 210, thereby separating the connecting locking unit 200 and the fiber optic positioning unit 100.

[0045] In this embodiment, the assembly conditions of the fiber optic positioning assembly 120 and the housing 110 are specified. In particular, the assembly accuracy of the push block 122 is that the tolerance range M between the push block 122 and the housing 110 at both ends along the Y-axis and Z-axis directions is 0.01mm-0.03mm; the tolerance range N between the push block 122 and the housing 110 at both ends along the X-axis direction is 0.15mm-0.25mm. To further control the docking accuracy, after the pin 240 is placed in the positioning groove 1212, the docking tolerance between the two housings 110 in the Y-axis direction is controlled within 0.002mm-0.01mm to control the pass rate during coupling.

[0046] Optionally, the fiber positioning assembly 120 further includes a positioning plate 123, which is fixed to the bottom of the fiber array 121 and bonded to the bottom assembly plate of the fiber array 121. The positioning plate 123 has a slot 1231 and a flared opening at the end of the slot 1231. The flared opening guides the pin 240, making it easy for the pin 240 to be selectively placed in the slot 1231.

[0047] Correspondingly, the limiting part 231 protrudes from both sides of the pin 240, restricting the rolling freedom of the pin 240 in the Y-axis direction within a certain range; at the same time, the connecting substrate 230 is provided with a placement groove 232, and the pin 240 can be placed in the placement groove 232 under normal circumstances to temporarily fix its position, ensuring that the pin 240 adapts to the grounding activity of the fiber optic positioning component 120 without restriction.

[0048] Specifically, for fiber optic splicing devices that require repeated insertion and connection, the connecting substrate 230 and the ferrule 240 will be subject to repeated wear, which can easily lead to a decrease in splicing accuracy. In particular, the connecting substrate 230 is usually made using processes such as injection molding, which is not as stable as the metal ferrule 240. Therefore, the connecting substrate 230 and the connecting sleeve 210 are designed to be detachably connected, which facilitates timely replacement of the connecting substrate 230. Only some parts can be replaced, reducing production costs and better maintaining splicing accuracy.

[0049] In this embodiment, the pressing elastic element 220 is configured as an arc-shaped spring piece. The upper surface of the connecting end of the housing 110 near the coupling end 1211 is hollowed out, allowing the outer arc surface of the arc-shaped spring piece to abut against the upper surface of the fiber array 121 near the coupling end 1211 at the hollowed-out position. Correspondingly, a recess is provided on the upper surface of the fiber array 121 near the coupling end 1211. The outer arc surface of the arc-shaped spring piece contacts and limits contact with the recess, making the docking structure of the locking unit 200 and the fiber positioning unit 100 more stable and preventing slippage. For example, the arc radius of the arc-shaped spring piece is 20mm-30mm, and the elastic force between the arc-shaped spring piece and the fiber array 121 is 10N-20N, so as to stably press down the fiber positioning component 120.

[0050] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical fiber docking device, characterized in that, include: Two fiber optic positioning units (100) are provided. Each fiber optic positioning unit (100) includes a housing (110), a fiber optic positioning component (120), and a pushing component (130). The housing (110) has an assembly cavity (111) inside. One end of the housing (110) is provided with an installation end, and the other end of the housing (110) is provided with a connection end. Both the installation end and the connection end are connected to the assembly cavity (111). The fiber positioning assembly (120) includes a fiber array (121) and a pusher block (122). The pusher block (122) is fixed to the fiber array (121). The fiber positioning assembly (120) is placed in the assembly cavity (111) so that the coupling end (1211) of the fiber array (121) is exposed. The pusher block (122) and the assembly cavity (111) are clearance-fitted in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions respectively. The X-axis direction is the extension direction of the coupling end (1211), and the Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the upper surface of the fiber array (121) near the coupling end (1211). The pushing assembly (130) includes a fork tail (131) and a pushing elastic member (132) connected to each other. One end of the pushing assembly (130) can pass through the mounting end so that the pushing elastic member (132) abuts against the push block (122) in the direction of the X-axis and the fork tail (131) is locked to the housing (110). A connecting locking unit (200) is provided, comprising a connecting sleeve (210), a needle positioning assembly, and two pressing elastic members (220). The pressing elastic members (220) are disposed on the inner upper surface of the connecting sleeve (210), and each pressing elastic member (220) corresponds to a housing (110). The two housings (110) can be inserted into both ends of the connecting sleeve (210) to abut against the upper surface of the fiber array (121) near the coupling end (1211). The needle... The positioning assembly includes a connecting substrate (230) and a pin (240). The connecting substrate (230) is mounted on the inner lower surface of the connecting sleeve (210). The pin (240) is placed in the limiting part (231) of the connecting substrate (230). The lower surfaces of the two fiber arrays (121) near the coupling end (1211) are provided with positioning grooves (1212) for engaging the pin (240). The pin (240) and the positioning groove (1212) can slide relative to each other along the X-axis until the two coupling ends (1211) are connected.

2. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting sleeve (210) is locked to the housing (110).

3. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing elastic element (220) is configured as an arc-shaped spring sheet. The upper surface of the connecting end of the housing (110) near the coupling end (1211) is hollowed out. The outer arc surface of the arc-shaped spring sheet abuts against the upper surface of the fiber array (121) near the coupling end (1211).

4. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fiber array (121) has a recess on its upper surface near the coupling end (1211), and the outer arc surface of the arc-shaped spring contacts the recess.

5. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The arc radius of the arc-shaped spring is 20mm-30mm, and the elastic force between the arc-shaped spring and the fiber array (121) is 10N-20N.

6. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber positioning assembly (120) also includes a positioning plate (123), which is fixed to the bottom of the fiber array (121). The positioning plate (123) has a slot (1231) and a horn-shaped opening at the end of the slot (1231). The pin (240) is placed in the slot (1231).

7. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting base plate (230) is detachably connected to the connecting sleeve (210).

8. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting part (231) protrudes from both sides of the pin (240), and the connecting base plate (230) is provided with a placement groove (232), and the pin (240) is placed in the placement groove (232).

9. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tolerance between the push block (122) and the housing (110) along the X-axis is 0.15mm-0.25mm, and the tolerance between the push block (122) and the housing (110) along the Y-axis and Z-axis is 0.01mm-0.03mm.

10. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mating tolerance between the two housings (110) in the Y-axis direction is 0.002mm-0.01mm.

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