A high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords

Abstract

This invention discloses a multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord and its high-precision manufacturing method, belonging to the field of fiber optic communication technology. The method includes the following steps: (1) determining the actual limit and preset length value of each branch fiber; (2) manufacturing the bundled connector; (3) setting long ferrules; (4) stripping the branch fibers and assembling temporary measuring ferrules; measuring the initial length of each branch fiber and the preset cutting value of at least one branch fiber; (5) determining the number of stripping and cutting operations for each branch fiber and the cutting length at each cutting operation; (6) performing multiple stripping and cutting operations on each branch fiber until the length of each branch fiber reaches its preset cutting value; (7) removing all temporary measuring ferrules, assembling standard-sized ferrules, and completing the manufacturing of each branch connector, thus completing the manufacturing of the multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord. The method in this invention can ensure the accuracy and temperature stability of patch cord manufacturing, reduce the defect rate and cost of patch cord manufacturing, and has excellent application prospects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical fiber communication technology, specifically relating to a multi-core bundled optical fiber patch cord and its high-precision manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of data centers, 5G communications, and supercomputing interconnects, high-precision multi-core optical fibers and their patch cord assemblies have become key technologies for breaking through the bottleneck of single-fiber transmission capacity.

[0003] In existing technologies, multi-core fiber optic patch cords typically employ a structure design with one end bundled and the other end branched. However, the following technical challenges remain to be addressed during their manufacturing process: (1) It is difficult to control the consistency of jumper length. When the traditional process is used to make multi-core optical cable branch ends, it is difficult to ensure the consistency of length of each fiber core in the cutting, stripping, glue injection and curing processes. This results in a large difference in relative length between the fiber cores, usually exceeding 10mm, which cannot meet the requirements of high-precision application scenarios.

[0004] (2) There is a fiber shrinkage problem after the coupling measurement length is solidified during the manufacturing process; after the fiber is coupled, the original short ferrule is directly solidified, which will shrink the fiber to a high extent, further aggravating the difficulty of controlling the length consistency. Moreover, the branch end of the multi-core bundled fiber patch cord needs to be ground and assembled with multiple connectors. If any connector is not qualified in length due to fiber shrinkage, the patch cord will become a defective product. This undoubtedly increases the difficulty of manufacturing multi-core bundled fiber patch cord. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to one or more of the above-mentioned defects or improvement needs of the existing technology, the present invention provides a multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord and its high-precision manufacturing method, which can effectively realize the high-precision manufacturing of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord, control the length difference between each fiber core after patch cord manufacturing, and ensure the use requirements of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord in high-precision application scenarios.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention provides a high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords, comprising the following steps: (1) Determine the length of the multi-core bundled optical cable, and determine the actual limit of the length of each optical fiber and the preset length value when making the multi-core bundled optical fiber patch cord; (2) Fabricate a bundle connector at one end of the multi-core bundled optical cable; (3) Set a temporary measuring ferrule with a length greater than the standard size ferrule length of the branch connector; (4) At the other end of the multi-core bundled optical cable, strip the branch optical fiber, strip the coating layer on the outer periphery of each branch optical fiber and assemble a temporary measurement ferrule; thereafter, measure the length of each branch optical fiber to obtain the initial length of each branch optical fiber and the preset cutting value of at least one branch optical fiber. (5) Determine the number of times the branch fiber is stripped and cut according to the preset value of the branch fiber, and determine the cutting length for each cutting. (6) According to the set number of stripping and cutting times and stripping and cutting length, strip and cut each branch fiber multiple times until the length of each branch fiber reaches its preset cutting value. (7) Remove all temporary measuring ferrules, insert standard-size ferrules into the ends of each branch fiber, remove the bare fiber protruding from the end of the standard-size ferrule, and complete the assembly of the connectors at the ends of each branch fiber to complete the fabrication of the multi-core bundled fiber patch cord.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, in step (5), the number of stripping cuts for all branch optical fibers and the stripping cut length at each cut are obtained according to the preset cut value; and the stripping cut method for each branch optical fiber is one of the following two stripping cut methods: The first method is to simultaneously perform a single stripping and cutting of all branch optical fibers, and then perform the next stripping and cutting process of all branch optical fibers in the same way until all stripping and cutting processes are completed. The second method is to complete the stripping and cutting process of each branch fiber in the order of single-fiber stripping and cutting, and then proceed to the next branch fiber after the previous branch fiber has been stripped and cut, until all branch fibers have been stripped and cut.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, in step (5), at least the number of stripping and cutting operations for a single branch fiber and the length of each stripping and cutting operation are determined, and the stripping and cutting methods for each branch fiber are as follows: The stripping and cutting of each branch fiber is completed sequentially. Before stripping and cutting the nth branch fiber, the shortest length among the n-1 branch fibers that have already been stripped and cut is used as the preset value for the number of stripping and cutting operations and the length of each stripping and cutting operation for the nth branch fiber, where n is an integer greater than 2. Then, the stripping and cutting of all branch fibers is completed.

[0009] As a further improvement to the present invention, a dimensional accuracy verification process for branched optical fibers is also performed, as detailed below: After stripping and trimming the nth branch fiber, determine the shortest length among the n branch fibers, where n is an integer greater than 2; calculate the difference between the length of the remaining branch fibers and the shortest value, and determine the relationship between each difference and a set threshold; if the aforementioned difference of a certain branch fiber is greater than the set threshold, then perform additional stripping and trimming on that fiber until the length difference between any two branch fibers is less than the set threshold.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the number of stripping and cutting operations for a single branch optical fiber is no less than three.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first stripping and cutting process is a measurement and verification process of the initial length of the optical fiber. The set stripping and cutting length is 2mm~3mm, which is used to determine whether the measurement of the initial length of the optical fiber is accurate. and / or The peeling and cutting length set for the final peeling and cutting process shall not exceed 2mm; and / or The peeling and cutting length during a single peeling and cutting process is between 1mm and 10mm.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, in process (1), the length is actually limited to ,in:

[0013] In the formula, The manufacturing length of each branch of the optical fiber in the product is given a value; This represents the upper limit of the product's permissible error. This is the redundancy length based on thermal expansion compensation; Design the length for the branch ends; The coefficient of thermal expansion of the external sleeve; The coefficient of thermal expansion of quartz optical fiber; This represents the maximum temperature difference. This is the shrinkage allowance for the process. For safety margin.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the number of temporary measurement ferrules is the same as the number of branch optical fibers in the multi-core bundled optical cable, and in steps (4) to (6), the temporary measurement ferrules assembled at the ends of each branch optical fiber are never removed. and / or The length of the temporary measuring insert is 1.5mm to 3.0mm longer than the length of the standard-sized insert.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the preset length of each branch optical fiber is 10mm to 20mm smaller than the actual limit of the length; and / or The preset value for cutting the branch fiber is equal to the sum of the length difference between the temporary measuring ferrule and the standard size ferrule and the preset value for the length of the branch fiber.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord, which is manufactured by the high-precision manufacturing method of the multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord described above.

[0017] The aforementioned improved technical features can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0018] In summary, the beneficial effects of the above-described technical solutions conceived by this invention compared with the prior art include: The high-precision manufacturing method of the multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord of the present invention includes the following steps: (1) determining the actual limit of the length of each fiber and the preset length value when manufacturing the multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord; (2) manufacturing the bundle end connector; (3) setting the long ferrule; (4) stripping the branch fiber and assembling the temporary measuring ferrule; measuring the initial length of each branch fiber and the cutting preset value of at least one branch fiber; (5) determining the number of stripping and cutting of the branch fiber and the cutting length at each cutting; (6) according to the set number of stripping and cutting and the stripping and cutting length, stripping and cutting each branch fiber multiple times until the length of each branch fiber reaches its cutting preset value; (7) removing all the temporary measuring ferrules, inserting the standard size ferrule into the end of each branch fiber, and completing the assembly of the connector at the end of each branch fiber to complete the manufacturing of the multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord.

[0019] The high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords in this invention is simple and convenient to operate. It achieves a breakthrough in the length precision of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords, controlling the length difference between any two branch fibers within 5mm, or even within 1mm, fully ensuring the precision of patch cord branch end manufacturing and guaranteeing the temperature stability of the manufactured multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord. Even under extreme temperatures, the length of each branch fiber remains within the acceptable range. Furthermore, based on the design of the method in this invention, the yield of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords is significantly improved, with the mass production yield increasing from 60% to over 98%. This effectively reduces the defect rate and rework rate of patch cord manufacturing, significantly lowering the manufacturing and application costs of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords, resulting in excellent economic benefits and application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in 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.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the high-precision manufacturing method of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a diagram of the test system architecture used to measure the length of each branch optical fiber in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0024] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise expressly and specifically defined.

[0025] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0027] Below, for reference Figures 1-3 A high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the high-precision manufacturing method in the preferred embodiment is designed to achieve, as illustrated, Figure 3 The fabrication steps of the multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord shown are preferably as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the specific process includes the following: (1) Determine the length of the multi-core bundled optical cable, and determine the actual limit of the length of each optical fiber and the preset length value when making the multi-core bundled optical fiber patch cord; Specifically, the length of each fiber refers to the length between the two ends of each fiber after the patch cord is manufactured, that is, the distance between the ferrule end face of the bundled end (referred to as the bundled end face) and the ferrule end face of each branch end (referred to as the branch end face), which can be directly measured by testing equipment.

[0029] For multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords, the manufacturing length of each branch fiber is specified before production. and provide the product's allowable error length. Therefore, as long as the length of each optical fiber in the finished patch cord meets the requirements... If the length of any fiber does not meet the aforementioned range, it indicates that the patch cord product meets the acceptable dimensions. If the length of any fiber does not meet the aforementioned range, it indicates that the patch cord is a non-compliant product.

[0030] For substandard patch cords, if the fiber length is greater than the maximum value of the aforementioned acceptable range, the substandard patch cord can be modified by shortening the branch end; if the fiber length is less than the minimum value of the aforementioned range, the patch cord is scrapped.

[0031] Therefore, when actually manufacturing patch cords, the maximum length of the patch cord product is usually referenced in the design (i.e., ... To determine the length of each branch, when manufacturing each branch, it is preferable to set the preset length of each optical fiber to be close to the aforementioned upper limit of the length design.

[0032] However, for the branch ends where the branch fiber has been stripped and an external sleeve (such as a Hytrel sleeve) is fitted around the branch fiber, the length of the branch end is also affected by thermal expansion. That is, if the patch cord is used in an extreme high-temperature environment, the branch end may extend beyond the maximum acceptable length due to thermal expansion.

[0033] Therefore, when determining the actual length of each jumper, it is preferable to calculate the redundant length of each branch end of the jumper, which is preferably calculated using the following formula:

[0034] In the formula, This is the redundancy length based on thermal expansion compensation; Design the length of the branch end (usually 50-200mm); The coefficient of thermal expansion of the external sleeve; The thermal expansion coefficient of quartz optical fiber is 0.55 × 10⁻⁶. -6 / ℃); The maximum temperature difference is typically determined by the extreme temperature range (-40℃ to +85℃) tested for jumper products. Set the temperature to 125℃; The allowance for shrinkage during the process is generally taken as an empirical value of 1.5mm; For safety margin, the value is determined based on the design accuracy, and is generally taken as 0.5mm.

[0035] Based on the calculation of redundancy length, when determining the upper limit of each fiber length, it is preferable to use [the following]. This serves as the actual limit for the length of each branch fiber.

[0036] Meanwhile, the preset length of each branch fiber is less than and preferably close to the aforementioned actual length limit. More preferably, the preset length of the branch fiber is 10mm to 20mm smaller than the actual length limit.

[0037] (2) Fabricate a bundle connector at one end of the multi-core bundled optical cable; Specifically, the manufacturing process of patch cord bundle connectors generally involves stripping the fiber optic cable end and connecting the multi-core optical fibers in the bundle connector. This manufacturing process is a mature existing technology and will not be elaborated here.

[0038] (3) Set a temporary measuring ferrule with a length greater than the standard size ferrule length of the branch connector; Specifically, in the description of the preferred embodiment, the aforementioned temporary measuring ferrule is defined as a long ferrule, and the standard-sized ferrule in the branch connector is defined as a short ferrule. In the following description, long ferrule and short ferrule are preferred to distinguish between the two types of ferrules.

[0039] More specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the length difference between the long and short ferrules... This length difference is a fixed value. Further preferred is 1.5mm to 3.0mm, for example 2mm.

[0040] As an example, the length of the short ferrule is 7.95±0.05mm, and the length of the long ferrule is 9.95±0.05mm. After assembling the short ferrule and the ferrule tail, the length of the short ferrule assembly is 16±0.3mm, and the length of the long ferrule assembly is 18±0.3mm. Based on the length difference between long and short ferrules By introducing this feature, a preset value for the cutting of the branched fiber can be obtained. This preset value is the fiber length preset value plus the length difference. .

[0041] (4) At the other end of the multi-core bundled optical cable, strip the branch optical fiber, strip the coating layer on the outer periphery of each branch optical fiber according to the length of the temporary measurement ferrule, and insert the stripped bare fiber into the temporary measurement ferrule. Measure the length of the branch optical fiber in the temporary measurement ferrule whose end face is flush with the end face of the bare fiber, and obtain the initial length of each branch optical fiber and the cutting preset value of at least one branch optical fiber. Specifically, during the initial stripping of the outer coating of the branch fiber, the initial stripping length is greater than the bare fiber assembly length of the temporary measuring ferrule. Thus, after the stripped bare fiber is inserted into the temporary measuring ferrule, its end protrudes beyond the ferrule's end face. By cutting off the protruding portion of the bare fiber, it can be quickly ensured that the ferrule's end face is flush with the bare fiber end. Subsequently, the temporary measuring ferrule is assembled with the ranging device to complete the initial length measurement of the branch fiber.

[0042] In practice, the number of temporary measurement ferrules should preferably be equal to the number of optical fibers in the multi-core cable. This allows for the installation of a separate temporary measurement ferrule for each branch fiber. Consequently, during subsequent length-cutting operations, the temporary measurement ferrules can be placed at the ends of each branch fiber without being removed until the final length measurement is completed.

[0043] By sequentially measuring the initial length of each branch fiber, the difference between the initial length of each branch fiber and the preset fiber length value is obtained. Using the relative differences between the branch fibers, data support can be provided for the unified cutting of subsequent ends of the branches.

[0044] It is understandable that, in addition to setting up temporary measurement ferrules for each branch fiber as described above, the initial length of the fiber can also be measured using only a single temporary measurement ferrule or multiple temporary measurement ferrules (less than the number of branch fibers). That is, after measuring the length of a single fiber, the temporary measurement ferrule is removed and then used to measure the initial length of another fiber.

[0045] In more detail, the test system used for measuring the length of each branch fiber in the preferred embodiment is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, a transmitting module is set up for the temporary measurement ferrule inserted at the end of the branch fiber, and a receiving module is set up for the connector at the bundle end. The transmitting module transmits a test signal to the receiving module, and the data processing module processes the signal to complete the measurement of the fiber length.

[0046] (5) Determine the number of times the branch fiber is stripped and cut according to the preset value of the branch fiber, and determine the cutting length for each cutting. Specifically, in actual design, the number of stripping and cutting operations and the length of each cutting operation for one branch fiber can be determined first; alternatively, the number of stripping and cutting operations and the length of each cutting operation for all branch fibers can be determined simultaneously based on the same cutting preset value.

[0047] In practical settings, the number of stripping and trimming operations for each branch fiber is preferably determined by the trimming difference between the branches. When the trimming difference is large, more stripping and trimming operations are performed; when the trimming difference is small, the number of stripping and trimming operations can be set to a smaller value. For example, when the trimming difference is 10mm, 3 stripping and trimming operations (e.g., 3mm / 6mm / 1mm) can be set; when the trimming difference is 20mm, 4 stripping and trimming operations (e.g., 3mm / 10mm / 6mm / 1mm) are preferably set; and so on. When the trimming difference is 30mm, 5 or 6 stripping and trimming operations are preferably set.

[0048] As an example, in a preferred embodiment, the number of peeling and cutting operations is preferably not less than 3. The cutting length for a single peeling and cutting operation is preferably between 1mm and 10mm. Of course, for cutting cases with excessively large cutting differences, the cutting length for a single peeling and cutting operation can also be set to greater than 10mm, such as 15mm, 20mm, or other length dimensions, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0049] More specifically, for the first stripping and cutting process, it is preferably a process of measuring and verifying the initial length of the optical fiber. By setting a small stripping and cutting length and measuring, the accuracy of the initial length measurement of the optical fiber can be determined. The reason for choosing a small stripping and cutting length as the value for the first stripping and cutting is that if the initial length measurement of the optical fiber is incorrect, and the initial stripping and cutting length is too large, the actual length of the cut branch fiber may be lower than the lower limit of the branch fiber length, thus leading to the scrapping of the multi-core optical cable.

[0050] As an example, in a preferred embodiment, the peeling and cutting length of the first peeling and cutting process is 2mm to 3mm.

[0051] By setting up the aforementioned measurement and verification process, the occurrence of scrap can be effectively avoided, and the initial length of the branch fiber can be verified. If the verification is correct, subsequent stripping and cutting operations can be carried out according to the predetermined cutting length; if the verification result shows an error, the stripping and cutting length selected during the first stripping and cutting is used to verify the previous measurement result until the verification is correct.

[0052] It is understandable that, for scenarios involving multiple verifications, the fiber length cut off during these verifications needs to be removed from all stripping and cutting processes except for the initial and final stripping and cutting processes. For example, it could be removed from a single stripping and cutting process, or the fiber length cut off during verification could be distributed across multiple stripping and cutting processes. If the fiber length cut off during multiple verifications exceeds the originally designed second stripping and cutting length, then the number of stripping and cutting operations for that branch and the length of each stripping and cutting operation need to be reset.

[0053] More preferably, for the last peeling and cutting process, the peeling and cutting length is no more than 2mm, that is, the extra length left after the penultimate peeling and cutting is no more than 2mm.

[0054] As an example, in a preferred embodiment, the stripping and trimming length in the final stripping and trimming process is set to 1 mm. That is, as expected, by stripping and trimming a length of 1 mm in the final stripping and trimming process, the length of the branch fiber can be adjusted to the preset length value of the fiber.

[0055] (6) According to the set number of stripping and cutting times and stripping and cutting length, strip and cut each branch fiber multiple times until the length of each branch fiber reaches its preset cutting value. In actual stripping and cutting, the stripping and cutting sequence of multiple branched optical fibers can be designed as needed.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the number of stripping and cutting operations for all branch optical fibers and the length of each stripping and cutting operation are preferably determined simultaneously in process (5); at this time, there are two stripping and cutting methods for each branch optical fiber.

[0057] The first method is to perform a single stripping and cutting of all branch fibers simultaneously. That is, during the first stripping and cutting, multiple branch fibers are cut and tested in sequence. After the first stripping and cutting of all branch fibers is completed, the second stripping and cutting process of all branch fibers is performed in the same way until all stripping and cutting are completed.

[0058] The second method involves sequentially stripping and cutting each branch fiber. That is, the stripping and cutting process for each individual branch fiber is completed in the designated order, proceeding from the previous branch fiber to the next, and so on, until all branch fibers are stripped and cut. For example, the first branch fiber is stripped and cut according to the designed order, then the second branch fiber is stripped and cut in the same way, and so on, until all branch fibers are stripped and cut.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment, only the number of stripping and cutting operations for a single branch fiber and the length of each stripping and cutting operation are determined in process (5); in this case, the stripping and cutting method for each branch fiber is further preferred as follows: The stripping and cutting of each branch fiber is completed sequentially. Before stripping and cutting the nth branch fiber, the shortest length among the n-1 branch fibers that have already been stripped and cut is preferably used as the preset value for determining the number of stripping and cutting operations and the length of each stripping and cutting operation for the nth branch fiber, where n is an integer greater than 2. Then, the stripping and cutting of all branch fibers is completed.

[0060] More preferably, a dimensional accuracy verification process for the branched optical fiber is also performed, as follows: After stripping and trimming the nth branch fiber, determine the shortest length among the n branch fibers, where n is an integer greater than 2; calculate the difference between the length of the remaining branch fibers and the shortest value, and determine the relationship between each difference and a set threshold; if the aforementioned difference of a certain branch fiber is greater than the set threshold, then perform additional stripping and trimming on that fiber until the length difference between any two branch fibers is less than the set threshold.

[0061] More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the set threshold is 2 mm.

[0062] (7) Remove all temporary measuring ferrules and insert standard-size ferrules (i.e. short ferrules) into the ends of each branch fiber. (Cut or grind) remove the bare fiber protruding from the end of the standard-size ferrule and complete the assembly of the connectors at the ends of each branch fiber to complete the production of the multi-core bundled fiber patch cord.

[0063] It is understandable that, since the length of the temporary ferrule is greater than that of the standard-sized ferrule, the stripping length at the ends of each branch fiber is greater than the stripping length required for assembly with the standard-sized ferrule. The extra length is the difference between the two ferrules. At this point, after the standard-sized ferrule is inserted into the end of each branch fiber, a length of bare fiber will extend from the end face of the ferrule. After cutting it, the assembly of the standard-sized ferrule and the branch fiber can be completed.

[0064] In actual assembly, standard-sized ferrules are bonded to optical fibers through processes such as applying adhesive, curing, and polishing. This is a common practice in the industry and is not the focus of the preferred embodiment of this invention, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0065] Based on the aforementioned process (1) to (7), the precise preparation of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords can be accurately completed, ensuring that after the preparation of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords, the length of each branch fiber can meet the preset length value of the patch cord product, and ensuring that the difference between any two branch fibers does not exceed the set threshold, such as not exceeding 2mm, thereby ensuring the preparation accuracy of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords and improving the pass rate of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord preparation.

[0066] As another aspect of the present invention, a multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord prepared based on the aforementioned high-precision manufacturing method is further proposed.

[0067] More preferably, the multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord in the preferred embodiment is a nine-core bundled fiber optic patch cord.

[0068] The high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords in this invention is simple and convenient to operate. It achieves a breakthrough in the length precision of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords, controlling the length difference between any two branch fibers within 5mm, or even within 1mm, fully ensuring the precision of patch cord branch end manufacturing and guaranteeing the temperature stability of the manufactured multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord. Even under extreme temperatures, the length of each branch fiber remains within the acceptable range. Furthermore, based on the design of the method in this invention, the yield of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords is significantly improved, with the mass production yield increasing from 60% to over 98%. This effectively reduces the defect rate and rework rate of patch cord manufacturing, significantly lowering the manufacturing and application costs of multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords, resulting in excellent economic benefits and application prospects.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. 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 present invention.

Claims

1. A high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords, characterized in that, include: Step (1): Determine the actual limit and preset length value of each branch fiber; Step (2): Fabricate a bundle connector at one end of the multi-core bundled optical cable; Step (3): Set a temporary measuring ferrule with a length greater than the standard size ferrule length of the branch connector; wherein: the length of the temporary measuring ferrule is 1.5mm~3.0mm longer than the length of the standard size ferrule; Step (4): Strip the branch fiber at the other end of the multi-core bundled optical cable and assemble a temporary measurement ferrule; thereafter, measure the length of the branch fiber on the temporary measurement ferrule whose end face is flush with the end face of the bare fiber, and measure the initial length of each branch fiber and the preset cutting value of at least one branch fiber. Step (5): Determine the number of stripping cuts and the cut length for each cut based on the preset cut value of the branch fiber. Step (6): According to the set number of stripping and cutting times and stripping and cutting length, strip and cut each branch fiber multiple times until the length of each branch fiber reaches its preset cutting value. Step (7): Remove all temporary measuring ferrules and insert standard-size ferrules into the ends of each branch fiber, remove the bare fiber protruding from the end of the standard-size ferrule, and complete the assembly of the connectors at the ends of each branch fiber; during assembly, the standard-size ferrule and the fiber are subjected to a process of applying glue, curing, and polishing, and finally the multi-core bundled fiber patch cord is made.

2. The high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (5), the number of stripping cuts for all branch fibers and the stripping cut length for each cut are obtained according to the preset cutting value; and the stripping cut method for each branch fiber is one of the following two stripping cut methods: The first method is to simultaneously perform a single stripping and cutting of all branch optical fibers, and then perform the next stripping and cutting process of all branch optical fibers in the same way until all stripping and cutting processes are completed. The second method is to complete the stripping and cutting process of each branch fiber in the order of single-fiber stripping and cutting, and then proceed to the next branch fiber after the previous branch fiber has been stripped and cut, until all branch fibers have been stripped and cut.

3. The high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (5), only the number of stripping and cutting operations for a single branch fiber and the length of each stripping and cutting operation are determined, and the stripping and cutting methods for each branch fiber are as follows: The stripping and cutting of each branch fiber is completed sequentially. Before stripping and cutting the nth branch fiber, the shortest length among the n-1 branch fibers that have already been stripped and cut is used as the preset value for the number of stripping and cutting operations and the length of each stripping and cutting operation for the nth branch fiber, where n is an integer greater than 2. Then, the stripping and cutting of all branch fibers is completed.

4. A high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The dimensional accuracy verification process for branched optical fibers was also conducted, as detailed below: After stripping and trimming the nth branch fiber, determine the shortest length among the n branch fibers, where n is an integer greater than 2; calculate the difference between the length of the remaining branch fibers and the shortest value, and determine the relationship between each difference and a set threshold; if the aforementioned difference of a certain branch fiber is greater than the set threshold, then perform supplementary stripping and trimming on that branch fiber until the length difference between any two branch fibers is less than the set threshold.

5. A high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The number of stripping and cutting operations for a single branch optical fiber shall not be less than three.

6. The high-precision manufacturing method of the multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cord according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first stripping and cutting process is a measurement and verification process for the initial length of the optical fiber. The set stripping and cutting length is 2mm~3mm, which is used to determine whether the measurement of the initial length of the optical fiber is accurate. and / or The peeling and cutting length set for the final peeling and cutting process shall not exceed 2mm; and / or The peeling and cutting length during a single peeling and cutting process is between 1mm and 10mm.

7. A high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6, characterized in that, In step (1), the length is actually limited to ,in: In the formula, The manufacturing length of each branch of the optical fiber in the product is given a value; This represents the upper limit of the product's permissible error. This is the redundancy length based on thermal expansion compensation; Design the length for the branch ends; The coefficient of thermal expansion of the external sleeve; The coefficient of thermal expansion of quartz optical fiber; This represents the maximum temperature difference. This is the shrinkage allowance for the process. For safety margin.

8. A high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6, characterized in that, The number of temporary measurement ferrules is the same as the number of branch optical fibers in the multi-core bundled optical cable, and in steps (4) to (6), the temporary measurement ferrules assembled at the ends of each branch optical fiber are never removed.

9. A high-precision manufacturing method for multi-core bundled fiber optic patch cords according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6, characterized in that, The preset length of each branch optical fiber is 10mm to 20mm smaller than the actual maximum length. and / or The preset value for cutting the branch fiber is equal to the sum of the length difference between the temporary measuring ferrule and the standard size ferrule and the preset value for the length of the branch fiber.

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