An optical splitter for optical fiber communication networks and a method of manufacturing the same

CN122802099APending Publication Date: 2026-09-22JIANGSU NANFANG INFORMATION TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202611250554.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-08-18
Publication Date
2026-09-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

然而,该类粘贴式标签易受环境温湿度、油污、灰尘以及机械摩擦等因素影响,容易出现翘边、脱落、污损或标识内容失效等问题,导致端口对应链路信息难以长期可靠识别

Benefits of technology

[0016]本发明的有益效果为:本发明通过将电子标签直接成型于壳体上并与多功能插针的第二端形成电连接,使电子标签与壳体一体化,从根本上解决了粘贴式标签易受环境影响而脱落、标识不可靠的问题;通过多功能插针的第一端对输出端端口连接器进行定位、第二端与壳体固定连接,实现了一件多用,无需额外设置独立的定位结构与导电连接结构,简化了器件内部结构,提升了装配精度;通过光分路器模块承载光传输通路、多功能插针与电子标签承载识别电气通路,二者物理隔离,保障了器件光学性能与长期使用可靠性。

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Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of optical fiber communication, in particular to an optical splitter for an optical fiber communication network and a preparation method thereof, which comprises the following steps: packaging an optical splitter module in a shell; packaging an input end port connector and at least one group of output end port connectors in the shell; the input end of the optical splitter module is in optical path communication with the input end port connector, and the output end of the optical splitter module is in optical path communication with the output end port connector; a multifunctional pin is used for positioning the output end port connector at a first end, and the second end of the multifunctional pin is fixedly connected with the shell; and an electronic tag is formed on the shell and is electrically connected with the second end of the multifunctional pin. The multifunctional pin and the electronic tag are integrated, the problems of easy falling off of a pasted label and unreliable identification are solved, the positioning and conductive functions of the multifunctional pin simplify the device structure and improve the assembly precision, the optical transmission path and the identification electrical path are physically isolated, and the reliability of long-term use of the device is guaranteed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, and more particularly to an optical splitter for optical fiber communication networks and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] An optical splitter is a passive optical device in fiber optic communication networks, primarily used to distribute one or more input optical signals to multiple output ports according to a predetermined ratio. It is a core component for optical signal power distribution in passive optical networks and is widely used in FTTH, communication equipment rooms, and fiber optic distribution networks. Since optical splitters typically have multiple output ports, accurate identification and management of the link information corresponding to each output port are necessary for ease of construction, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

[0003] In existing technologies, labels are typically affixed to the exterior of the optical splitter housing or near the ports to identify the output ports. However, these adhesive labels are susceptible to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, oil, dust, and mechanical friction, leading to problems like peeling, detachment, damage, or invalidation of the label content. This makes it difficult to reliably identify the link information corresponding to the port over a long period. For example, Chinese invention patent application WO2011050704A1, published on October 25, 2010, describes an optical splitter, an optical splitter port identification method, and a device. While it proposes the idea of ​​setting electronic tags on the port connectors of the optical splitter to achieve automatic identification, it only addresses the functional requirement of port identification. It does not disclose any specific mechanical support structure, the integration method of the tag and the port, the electrical connection form, or a mass-producible manufacturing process. Therefore, it fails to solve the core problems of easy detachment and poor identification reliability of adhesive labels and lacks a practical implementation path.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an optical splitter and its fabrication method for optical fiber communication networks to improve the technical effects of port identification resistance to detachment, resistance to environmental impact, and long-term identification reliability. This would facilitate construction and maintenance personnel to quickly and accurately identify the link information corresponding to each output port, thereby improving the maintenance efficiency and operational reliability of optical fiber communication networks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of at least one of the above technical problems, the present invention provides an optical splitter for optical fiber communication networks and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an optical splitter for an optical fiber communication network is provided, comprising: case; The optical splitter module is encapsulated within the housing; The input port connector and at least one set of output port connectors are encapsulated within the housing. The input end of the optical splitter module is optically connected to the input port connector, and the output end of the optical splitter module is optically connected to the output port connector. The multi-functional pin has a first end for positioning the output port connector and for electrical connection with an external identification device, and a second end for fixed connection with the housing. The electronic tag is directly molded onto the housing and forms an electrical connection with the second end of the multifunctional pin.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the housing includes an end cap and a bottom shell that overlap each other, and the bottom shell has a groove on its inner surface facing the interior of the housing; The electronic tag is printed on the bottom shell; The second end of the multifunctional pin is embedded in the groove and positioned by interference fit.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of positioning grooves are provided on the side wall of the bottom shell, one end of the output port connector is positioned and connected to the positioning groove, and the other end is positioned and connected to the bottom shell through the first end of the multifunctional pin.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first end of the multifunctional pin penetrates vertically through the bottom shell to be electrically connected to the external identification device, and is positioned and connected to the bottom shell by interference fit.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second end of the multifunctional pin extends a predetermined length along the length direction of the groove and is interference-fitted with the groove. The electronic tag covers the portion of the second end of the multifunctional pin that extends into the groove, forming the electrical connection.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electronic tag is a printed electronic tag made of conductive ink.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for fabricating an optical splitter for an optical fiber communication network is also provided, comprising the following steps: Provide the output port connector and complete its connection to the optical fiber; The output port connector is positioned and fixed using a fixture, and the multi-functional pin is pre-installed on the fixture. The tooling drives the housing and the multi-functional pin to move relative to the output port connector, thereby positioning the output port connector, the housing, and the multi-functional pin in place. When the pin is in the correct position, the first end of the multi-functional pin positions the output port connector, and the second end of the multi-functional pin is fixedly connected to the housing. An electronic tag is formed on the housing, and the electronic tag is electrically connected to the second end of the multifunctional pin.

[0013] The step of moving the housing and the multi-functional pin relative to the output port connector via the tooling drive specifically includes: The output port connector is clamped and fixed using a clamping device to keep the output port connector in a fixed position. The lifting device drives the housing to move toward the output port connector, and simultaneously the pressing device drives the multi-functional pin to move toward the housing.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the multi-functional pin further includes a transition section, which is positioned in a longitudinal guide groove on the pressing device. The longitudinal guide groove is perpendicular to the axial direction of the output port connector. After the output port connector, the housing, and the multi-functional pin are positioned in place, the pressing device is slid out along the longitudinal guide groove to separate the pressing device from the multi-functional pin.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electronic tag is printed with conductive ink; the method further includes: The output port connector and optical fiber are bonded together using glue. The printed adhesive and conductive ink are simultaneously heated and cured.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By directly molding the electronic tag onto the housing and forming an electrical connection with the second end of the multi-functional pin, the electronic tag and the housing are integrated, fundamentally solving the problems of adhesive tags being easily detached due to environmental influences and unreliable identification; by positioning the output port connector with the first end of the multi-functional pin and fixing the second end to the housing, multiple uses are achieved with one piece, eliminating the need for additional independent positioning and conductive connection structures, simplifying the internal structure of the device and improving assembly accuracy; by using the optical splitter module to carry the optical transmission path and the multi-functional pin and electronic tag to carry the identification electrical path, the two are physically isolated, ensuring the optical performance and long-term reliability of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical splitter used in an optical fiber communication network in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 As described in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point A; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tooling and structural assembly of the optical splitter used in the optical fiber communication network fabrication method in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As described in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point B; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pressing device, clamping device, and optical splitter in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 As described in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 5 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point C; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping device and the output port connector in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the pressing device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a step diagram illustrating the method for preparing an optical splitter for an optical fiber communication network in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Reference numerals: 1. Housing; 11. Bottom shell; 11a. Groove; 12. Positioning groove; 2. Optical splitter module; 3. Input port connector; 4. Output port connector; 5. Multifunctional pin; 51. First end; 52. Second end; 53. Transition section; 6. Electronic tag; 7. Pressing device; 71. Longitudinal guide groove; 8. Clamping device. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0021] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] Optical splitters used in fiber optic communication networks, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, it includes: Casing 1; Optical splitter module 2 is encapsulated within housing 1; The input port connector 3 and at least one set of output port connectors 4 are encapsulated within the housing 1. The input end of the optical splitter module 2 is optically connected to the input port connector 3, and the output end of the optical splitter module 2 is optically connected to the output port connector 4. The optical splitter module 2 is used to proportionally distribute the input optical signal to each output port. The input port connector 3 is used to connect the input optical fiber, and the output port connector 4 is used to connect each output optical fiber. The housing 1 encapsulates and protects the internal optical splitter module 2, the input port connector 3, and the output port connector 4. The optical signal enters from the input port connector 3, is proportionally distributed by the optical splitter module 2, and is output from each output port connector 4.

[0024] The multi-functional pin 5 has a first end 51 for positioning the output port connector 4 for electrical connection with an external identification device, and a second end 52 for fixed connection to the housing 1. The positioning between the multi-functional pin 5 and the output port connector 4 provides mechanical positioning, ensuring the consistency of port assembly and structural stability. The fixed connection between the multi-functional pin 5 and the housing 1 can be achieved through various methods, including but not limited to: the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 being fixed by interference fit into a slot 11a in the housing 1, or the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 being fixedly connected to the housing 1 by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0025] The electronic tag 6 is directly molded onto the housing 1 and electrically connected to the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5. The second end 52 is fixed to the housing 1 and electrically connected to the electronic tag 6, while port identification information is led out through the first end 51. External identification devices connect to the electronic tag 6 via the multi-functional pin 5 to read the corresponding port's identification information, achieving automated port information reading and batch management. The multi-functional pin 5 serves as the electrical connection bridge between the electronic tag 6 and the external identification device, eliminating the need for separate positioning and conductive connection structures, significantly simplifying the internal structure of the device, saving installation space, and adapting to the miniaturized, high-density port layout requirements of optical splitters. The integrated molding of the electronic tag 6 and housing 1 also solves the problems of easy detachment and unreliable identification associated with adhesive tags. The direct molding method for the electronic tag 6 can include, but is not limited to, molding by conductive ink printing, or molding conductive material onto the surface of the housing 1 through vapor deposition or transfer processes, as long as it achieves integration of the electronic tag 6 and housing 1 and electrical connection with the multi-functional pin 5.

[0026] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the housing 1 includes end caps and bottom shell 11 that fit together. A groove 11a is formed on the inner surface of the bottom shell 11 facing the inside of the housing 1. The possible implementations of the groove 11a include, but are not limited to: the groove 11a is a rectangular groove extending along the length of the inner surface of the bottom shell 11, or the groove 11a is a circular or square recess formed on the inner surface of the bottom shell 11, as long as it can accommodate the second end 52 of the multifunctional pin 5 and achieve an interference fit.

[0027] The second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 is embedded in the groove 11a and positioned by an interference fit. Within the housing 1, the multi-functional pin 5 positions the output port connector 4 and, through its embedding in the groove 11a, connects to the electronic tag 6 to form an electrical connection. The multi-functional pin 5 is securely assembled with the housing 1, ensuring no loosening or displacement. The electrical connection between the electronic tag 6 and the multi-functional pin 5 is stable and reliable, and the assembly process is simple, requiring no additional connectors. The interference fit between the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 and the groove 11a can be achieved in various ways, including but not limited to: the width of the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 is slightly larger than the width of the groove 11a; during assembly, the second end 52 is pressed into the groove 11a by external force, relying on the elastic deformation of the material to achieve the interference fit; or the groove 11a has inwardly protruding positioning ribs on both sides, and the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 forms an interference fit with the positioning ribs when pressed in.

[0028] To ensure that the output port connector 4 is stably installed inside the housing 1 and does not shift during use, such as... Figures 1 to 4As shown, several positioning grooves 12 are provided on the side wall of the bottom shell 11. One end of the output port connector 4 is positioned and connected to the positioning groove 12, and the other end is positioned and connected to the bottom shell 11 through the first end 51 of the multi-functional pin 5. The positioning groove 12 limits one end of the output port connector 4, and the multi-functional pin 5 positions the other end of the output port connector 4 on the bottom shell 11. By limiting both ends simultaneously inside the shell 1, the technical problems of poor assembly consistency and easy displacement of the port connector are solved.

[0029] Regarding the structural form of the positioning groove 12, the possible implementation methods include, but are not limited to: the positioning groove 12 is a U-shaped slot opened on the side wall of the bottom shell 11, and one end of the output port connector 4 is inserted into the U-shaped slot to achieve positioning connection.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first end 51 of the multi-functional pin 5 is positioned and connected to the other end of the output port connector 4, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the following can be specifically adopted: the first end 51 of the multi-functional pin 5 vertically penetrates the bottom shell 11 and is positioned and connected to the bottom shell 11 by an interference fit. After the first end 51 of the multi-functional pin 5 vertically penetrates the bottom shell 11, the exposed section is used to connect with an external identification device. Its penetration direction is perpendicular to the bottom shell 11. The first end 51 is fixedly connected to the bottom shell 11 and is engaged with the second end 52 in the groove 11a of the bottom shell 11. The first end 51 and the second end 52 are respectively fixed to the bottom shell 11 by an interference fit. The two interference fits work together to form a stable two-point fixing structure between the multi-functional pin 5 and the bottom shell 11, further ensuring the positional stability of the output port connector 4 during long-term use.

[0031] The interference fit between the first end 51 of the multi-functional pin 5 and the bottom shell 11 can be achieved in the following ways: the outer diameter of the first end 51 of the multi-functional pin 5 is slightly larger than the diameter of the through hole on the bottom shell 11 through which it passes. During assembly, the first end 51 is pressed vertically into the through hole by external force, and the interference fit is achieved by the elastic deformation of the materials of the bottom shell 11 and the first end 51. Alternatively, an annular protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the through hole on the bottom shell 11 through which the first end 51 of the multi-functional pin 5 passes. The annular protrusion is made of rubber. When the first end 51 of the multi-functional pin 5 is pressed in, it forms an interference fit with the annular protrusion. The annular protrusion can provide a better sealing effect through greater elastic deformation.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2The second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 extends a predetermined length along the length direction of the groove 11a and is interference-fitted with the groove 11a. The electronic tag 6 covers the portion of the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 that extends into the groove 11a, forming an electrical connection. On the one hand, by extending the second end 52 within the groove 11a, the connection between the multi-functional pin 5 and the housing 1 is made more stable. On the other hand, by extending the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5, the contact area between the electronic tag 6 and the conductive structure is increased, thereby improving the stability and long-term reliability of the electrical connection.

[0033] The preset length of the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 extending along the length direction of the slot 11a can be achieved by dividing the slot 11a equally according to the number of output port connectors 4. It needs to meet the requirement that the preset length is sufficient to meet the positioning and electrical connection requirements, and also ensure that the interval between two adjacent multi-functional pins 5 is sufficient. Specifically, it needs to be set by taking into account the size of the housing 1 and the number of output port connectors 4, so as to avoid contact connection between two electronic tags 6 and avoid the degradation of electrical connection performance.

[0034] The electronic tag 6 can cover the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 in several ways, including but not limited to: the electronic tag 6 covering the entire portion of the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 extending into the groove 11a to form a surface contact electrical connection; or the electronic tag 6 covering only a partial area of ​​the extended portion of the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 to form a point contact electrical connection. A larger contact area results in lower electrical connection resistance and more stable signal transmission. Furthermore, the conductive ink can completely cover the area of ​​the groove 11a in one step during the forming of the electronic tag 6, simplifying the process and eliminating the need for precise alignment control of the covered area.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electronic tag 6 is a printed electronic tag 6 made of conductive ink.

[0036] Regarding the specific material type of conductive ink, possible implementation methods include, but are not limited to: silver-based conductive ink, copper-based conductive ink, and carbon-based conductive ink. Of course, other ink materials capable of achieving conductive printing functions are also within the scope of protection of this application. After printing, the conductive ink is cured by heat or ultraviolet light, firmly bonding with the housing 1 to form a printed electronic tag 6 integrated with the housing 1. Under conditions such as changes in environmental temperature and humidity, oil stains, and mechanical friction, the tag will not peel off or fall off, ensuring the long-term reliability of the identification information.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for fabricating an optical splitter for an optical fiber communication network is also provided, such as... Figure 9 As shown, it includes the following steps: S10: Provide an output port connector 4 and complete its connection with the optical fiber; the connection method between the output port connector 4 and the optical fiber may include, but is not limited to: fixing by adhesive bonding or by heat fusion, and other methods that can achieve a reliable connection between the optical fiber and the connector are also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] S20: Position and fix the output port connector 4 using a fixture, and pre-install the multi-function pin 5 on the fixture; first, accurately position the output port connector 4 to provide a reference for subsequent assembly. The multi-function pin 5 is also pre-installed on the fixture, completing the preparation work. The positioning and fixing method of the output port connector may include, but is not limited to: clamping and fixing the connector using a clamping device, or adsorbing and fixing the connector using a vacuum adsorption method, as long as the connector position can be stable.

[0039] S30: The tooling drives the housing 1 and the multi-function pin 5 to move relative to the output port connector 4, positioning the output port connector 4, housing 1, and multi-function pin 5 into place. After pre-installation preparations are completed, the tooling drives the relative displacement between the components for assembly, ensuring precise positioning during assembly. The driving method for the tooling to move the housing 1 and multi-function pin 5 relative to the output port connector 4 can include, but is not limited to: keeping the output port connector 4 in a fixed position while driving the housing 1 to move towards the output port connector 4, simultaneously driving the multi-function pin 5 to move towards the housing 1; or keeping the housing 1 in a fixed position while the output port connector 4 and multi-function pin 5 move towards the housing 1.

[0040] S40: In the positioning state, the first end 51 of the multi-functional pin 5 positions the output port connector 4, and the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 is fixedly connected to the housing 1. After positioning, the output port connector 4 is precisely positioned at both ends. One end is positioned by the positioning groove 12 on the side wall of the housing 1, and the other end is positioned by the multi-functional pin 5, ensuring the consistency of the assembly and the structural stability of the output port connector 4. As described in the above embodiment, the multi-functional pin 5 is fixed on the housing 1, and the first end 51 penetrates vertically through the bottom of the housing 1. The outer surface of the first end 51 is positioned by interference fit with the inner wall of the through hole on the housing 1. The second end 52 is embedded in the groove 11a of the bottom shell 11 and positioned by interference fit, forming a stable double-point fixing structure. like Figure 8 As shown, the first end 51, the second end 52, and the transition section 53 of the multi-functional pin 5 are distributed in the same plane; in this case, see Figure 6The first end 51 will penetrate the bottom shell 11 through the through hole opened in the groove 11a, that is, the through hole for the first end 51 to pass through is opened at the bottom of the groove 11a.

[0041] S50: An electronic tag 6 is formed on the housing 1, and an electrical connection is formed between the electronic tag 6 and the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5. The electronic tag 6 is formed by printing with conductive ink. During printing, the conductive ink covers the part of the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5 that is embedded in the groove 11a, and a stable electrical connection is formed after curing.

[0042] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the steps of moving the housing 1 and the multi-functional pin 5 relative to the output port connector 4 via the tooling drive specifically include: The output port connector 4 is clamped and fixed by the clamping device 8, so that the output port connector 4 remains in a fixed position. The specific form of the clamping device 8 and the possible implementation methods include, but are not limited to, pneumatic grippers, hydraulic grippers, and electric grippers. Of course, other devices that can reliably clamp and fix the output port connector 4 are also within the protection scope of this application.

[0043] The lifting device drives the housing 1 to move toward the output port connector 4, and simultaneously the pressing device 7 drives the multi-functional pin 5 to move toward the housing 1. The specific types of the lifting device and the pressing device 7 can be cylinder-driven, hydraulic cylinder-driven, or electric push rod-driven, as long as they can achieve linear reciprocating motion.

[0044] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, when the clamping device 8 clamps and fixes the output port connector 4, the jaws contact the outer peripheral surface of the connector, providing a uniform clamping force, so that the connector remains in a constant position throughout the assembly process, providing a stable positioning reference for the synchronous movement of the housing 1 and the multi-functional pin 5. Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the lifting device and the pressing device 7 operate synchronously. When the lifting device drives the housing 1 to move from bottom to top toward the output port connector 4, the pressing device 7 synchronously drives the multi-functional pin 5 to move from top to bottom toward the housing 1. The upward movement of the housing 1 and the downward movement of the pin are completed within the same time window, so that one end of the output port connector 4 enters the positioning groove 12 on the side wall of the housing 1 and the other end contacts and is positioned with the multi-functional pin 5. The first end 51 of the multi-functional pin 5 vertically penetrates the bottom of the housing 1. The outer surface of the first end 51 is positioned with the inner wall of the through hole on the housing 1 through which it penetrates by interference fit. The second end 52 is embedded in the groove 11a of the bottom shell 11 and is positioned by interference fit. All three complete the alignment and assembly in one synchronous action. The assembly rhythm is compact, the positioning is accurate, and the consistency is good.

[0045] In existing technologies, separating the tooling from the pins can easily disturb the already assembled pins, affecting assembly accuracy. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the multi-functional pin 5 also includes a transition section 53, which is positioned in the longitudinal guide groove 71 opened on the pressing device 7. The longitudinal guide groove 71 is opened in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the output port connector 4. After the output port connector 4, the housing 1 and the multi-functional pin 5 are positioned in place, the pressing device 7 is slid out along the longitudinal guide groove 71 to separate the pressing device 7 from the multi-functional pin 5.

[0046] The structural form of the transition section 53 of the multi-functional pin 5 can be implemented in ways including but not limited to: the cross-section of the transition section 53 can be a cylindrical section or a flat square section, and its cross-sectional dimensions are adapted to the longitudinal guide groove 71. During pre-installation, the transition section 53 is embedded in the longitudinal guide groove 71 to achieve positioning. The positioning method can also be an interference fit, but the interference amount needs to be controlled so that after the interference fit between the two ends of the multi-functional pin 5 and the housing 1 is completed, the transition section 53 can be smoothly separated from the longitudinal guide groove 71.

[0047] During pre-installation, the transition section 53 of the multi-functional pin 5 is pushed into the groove along the longitudinal guide groove 71 from the edge of the pressing device 7. During the pressing process, the pressing device 7 drives the multi-functional pin 5 towards the housing 1. After all three are in position, the multi-functional pin 5 is fixedly connected to the housing 1 through an interference fit. At this time, the movement of the pressing device 7 allows the multi-functional pin 5 to slide out and disengage along the extension direction of the longitudinal guide groove 71. Under the premise that the interference fit positioning of the two ends of the multi-functional pin 5 is stable, it will not cause any pulling or skew to the positioned multi-functional pin 5. The separation process between the pressing device 7 and the multi-functional pin 5 is smooth and interference-free, ensuring the positioning accuracy and structural stability after assembly. At the same time, the shape of the multi-functional pin 5 is compatible with that of the output port connector 4, which can ensure better fitting and positioning of the output port connector 4.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electronic tag 6 is printed with conductive ink; the method further includes: Use glue to bond the output port connector 4 and the optical fiber; The adhesive and conductive ink are simultaneously heated and cured after printing.

[0049] After the electronic tag 6 is printed in step S40, the assembled housing 1 is placed into a heating device. The heating device controls the temperature at a preset curing temperature, and simultaneously heats the conductive ink printed on the bottom shell 11 and the adhesive at the connection between the output port connector 4 and the optical fiber. The solvent in the conductive ink evaporates, the resin cross-links and cures, forming a strong mechanical and electrical bond with the bottom shell 11 and the second end 52 of the multi-functional pin 5. The adhesive simultaneously completes the cross-linking reaction, reliably bonding and fixing the optical fiber to the output port connector 4. The curing of the two materials is completed in a single heating process, avoiding the two steps of curing the adhesive first, then printing the electronic tag 6, and then heating and curing again in the traditional process. This shortens the production cycle and reduces the accumulation of thermal stress on the internal optical fiber and optical components of the optical splitter caused by multiple heating processes, ensuring the long-term reliability of the device.

[0050] Those skilled in the art should understand that this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An optical splitter for fiber optic communication networks, characterized in that, include: case; The optical splitter module is encapsulated within the housing; The input port connector and at least one set of output port connectors are encapsulated within the housing. The input end of the optical splitter module is optically connected to the input port connector, and the output end of the optical splitter module is optically connected to the output port connector. The multi-functional pin has a first end for positioning the output port connector and for electrical connection with an external identification device, and a second end for fixed connection with the housing. The electronic tag is directly molded onto the housing and forms an electrical connection with the second end of the multifunctional pin.

2. The optical splitter for optical fiber communication networks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes end caps and a bottom shell that fit together, and the bottom shell has a groove on its inner surface facing the interior of the housing; The electronic tag is printed on the bottom shell; The second end of the multifunctional pin is embedded in the groove and positioned by interference fit.

3. The optical splitter for optical fiber communication networks according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom shell has several positioning slots on its side wall. One end of the output port connector is positioned and connected to the positioning slot, and the other end is positioned and connected to the bottom shell through the first end of the multi-functional pin.

4. The optical splitter for optical fiber communication networks according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first end of the multifunctional pin penetrates vertically through the bottom shell to be electrically connected to the external identification device, and is positioned and connected to the bottom shell by interference fit.

5. The optical splitter for optical fiber communication networks according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second end of the multifunctional pin extends a predetermined length along the length direction of the groove and is interference-fitted with the groove. The electronic tag covers the portion of the second end of the multifunctional pin that extends into the groove, forming the electrical connection.

6. The optical splitter for optical fiber communication networks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic tag is a printed electronic tag made of conductive ink.

7. A method for fabricating an optical splitter for optical fiber communication networks, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Provide the output port connector and complete its connection to the optical fiber; The output port connector is positioned and fixed using a fixture, and the multi-functional pin is pre-installed on the fixture. The tooling drives the housing and the multi-functional pin to move relative to the output port connector, thereby positioning the output port connector, the housing, and the multi-functional pin in place. When the pin is in the correct position, the first end of the multi-functional pin positions the output port connector, and the second end of the multi-functional pin is fixedly connected to the housing. An electronic tag is formed on the housing, and the electronic tag is electrically connected to the second end of the multifunctional pin.

8. The method for fabricating an optical splitter for an optical fiber communication network according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of moving the housing and the multi-functional pin relative to the output port connector via the tooling drive specifically includes: The output port connector is clamped and fixed using a clamping device to keep the output port connector in a fixed position. The lifting device drives the housing to move toward the output port connector, and simultaneously the pressing device drives the multi-functional pin to move toward the housing.

9. The method for manufacturing an optical splitter for an optical fiber communication network according to claim 8, characterized in that, The multi-functional pin also includes a transition section, which is positioned in a longitudinal guide groove on the pressing device. The longitudinal guide groove is perpendicular to the axial direction of the output port connector. After the output port connector, the housing, and the multi-functional pin are positioned, the pressing device is slid out along the longitudinal guide groove to separate the pressing device from the multi-functional pin.

10. The method for fabricating an optical splitter for an optical fiber communication network according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electronic tag is printed with conductive ink; the method further includes: The output port connector and optical fiber are bonded together using glue. The printed adhesive and conductive ink are simultaneously heated and cured.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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