A multi-fiber fiber optic connector ferrule

Abstract

The application discloses a multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule, which comprises a ferrule body, a front end surface of the ferrule body is provided with a guide structure for cooperating with a guide needle on a mating piece to realize mistaken insertion prevention, the guide structure is non-uniform arrangement of two large guide holes and two small guide holes or two non-circular cross-section guide holes, a rear end surface of the ferrule body is provided with a guide part, a micro hole is provided with an introduction structure at one end of the guide part, and the introduction structure is a spherical recess or a three-stage stepped structure. The ferrule can effectively prevent mistaken insertion between different specifications of ferrules and insertion and connection torsion, meanwhile, end face damage during optical fiber insertion is avoided, and the assembly reliability and service life of the connector are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber connector technology, and more particularly to a multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic connectors are widely used in optical communication systems to achieve detachable optical connections between optical fibers and between optical fibers and devices. In multi-fiber cable connections, the ferrule, as the core component of the fiber optic connector, typically has multiple micro-holes on its front end to accommodate and position multiple optical fibers, while the rear end is used to introduce and bond the fibers. With the increasing demands for fiber optic connection density in scenarios such as data centers and 5G base stations, miniaturization and high reliability of connectors have become important development trends.

[0003] A multi-fiber ferrule structure already exists in the technology, which has a guide section and a tapered separator on the rear end face of the ferrule to guide the optical fiber from the rear end into the corresponding micro-aperture. This type of solution uses the tapered surface to guide off-center optical fibers into the micro-aperture, thus solving the problem of difficult fiber insertion to some extent. However, this type of existing solution still has the following drawbacks: Existing ferrules only have standard circular guide pin holes on their front end face for alignment with the guide pins of mating ferrules. The diameter, position, and number of these holes all conform to general interface standards, lacking the ability to differentiate between different models or application scenarios. In high-density cabling environments such as data centers or equipment racks, multiple fiber optic connector specifications may exist in the same area. Operators are highly susceptible to forcing incompatible ferrules into the connectors, causing irreversible plastic deformation of the guide holes or guide pins, and even damaging the fiber optic micro-perforations on the end face. Furthermore, when ferrules are used with mating components with non-standard guide pins (such as optical modules or testing equipment), existing standard hole positions cannot provide effective error-proofing, limiting the versatility and safety of ferrules in different application scenarios.

[0004] Existing solutions use a tapered, tapered surface for fiber guidance at the micro-aperture end. While the tapered surface achieves the guiding function, when the fiber end is significantly off-center, the fiber and the tapered surface form line or even point contact. This causes stress concentration in a localized area of ​​the fiber end face, easily leading to micro-cracks or coating damage, affecting the transmission quality of the optical signal. This problem is particularly pronounced for bend-insensitive or ultra-fine diameter fibers. Furthermore, some solutions use right-angled steps or sharp edges as fiber stops and guides, which can easily scratch the fiber during insertion.

[0005] In summary, existing fiber optic connector ferrules have insufficient anti-misinsertion capabilities during the insertion process, and the micro-aperture tail guide structure provides inadequate protection for the optical fiber, which urgently needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule.

[0007] Technical solutions for preventing mis-insertion and torsion of ferrule connectors To address the technical problem that existing ferrules only have standard circular guide pin holes at the front end and lack anti-misinsertion function, which makes it easy for ferrules of different specifications to be forcibly mixed and damaged the guide structure and fiber micropores, the present invention provides a guide structure on the front end face of the ferrule for cooperating with guide pins on the mating parts to achieve anti-misinsertion.

[0008] The first implementation of this guiding structure includes two large guide holes and two small guide holes. The two large guide holes are located on the left and right sides of the micro-aperture group, respectively, while the two small guide holes are located on the top and bottom sides of the micro-aperture group, respectively. The large and small holes have significantly different diameters. The non-uniform arrangement of the large and small holes in different orientations creates a specific hole position code, ensuring that only ferrules with the same hole position code can be inserted into the connector, thus preventing mis-insertion. Simultaneously, the large and small holes are located in different orientations within the micro-aperture group. During insertion, the four guide holes apply constraint forces to the ferrule from both the horizontal and vertical directions, effectively suppressing torsional misalignment during insertion and use, and ensuring the axial accuracy and long-term stability of the fiber optic connection.

[0009] As a preferred implementation method, the ratio of the diameters of the two large guide holes to the two small guide holes can be limited to 2:1 to 4:1. Within this ratio range, the size difference between the large and small holes is significant and easy to identify. Different specifications of ferrules can be distinguished by using different diameter ratios without changing the position and layout of the guide holes. Multiple specifications can be derived from the same mold by adjusting the diameter, which effectively reduces the mold development cost and inventory management difficulty.

[0010] The second implementation of this guiding structure includes two non-circular cross-section guide holes, located on the left and right sides of the micropore group, respectively. The non-circular cross-section guide holes possess directional mating characteristics, ensuring the ferrule can only be inserted into the mating component in a single direction. Compared to circular cross-section guide holes, they lack rotational freedom, fundamentally eliminating the risk of reversed fiber polarity due to ferrule flipping, thus achieving a foolproof design at the structural level. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the non-circular cross-section guide hole is D-shaped. The planar and curved sides of the D-shaped cross-section provide clear directional indication, allowing operators to quickly determine the insertion direction by touch or sight during insertion. Furthermore, the D-shaped cross-section processing technology is mature and has high forming precision, which helps reduce manufacturing costs and ensures a proper fit between the guide hole and the guide pin.

[0011] Technical solutions to the problem of easy damage to the fiber end face when fiber is inserted into a micro-aperture To address the technical problem that existing micro-hole guides for optical fibers using tapered or right-angled steps, where the fiber end deviates significantly from the center and makes line or even point contact with the tapered surface, leading to stress concentration and potentially causing micro-cracks or coating damage on the fiber end face, this invention provides an introduction structure at one end of the micro-hole facing the guide portion for guiding the optical fiber into the micro-hole.

[0012] The first implementation of this introductory structure is a spherical recess, with the largest surface of the recess facing the guide portion, and the spherical top of the recess communicating with the micropore. Regardless of the direction from which the fiber end enters the recess, it is contained and guided by the inner wall of the recess. The fiber and the inner wall of the recess have spherical contact, resulting in a large and uniform stress distribution area, avoiding stress concentration. Furthermore, the spherical structure eliminates sharp edges, fundamentally eliminating the risk of scratching the fiber coating.

[0013] The second implementation of this structure is a three-tiered stepped structure, with a rounded transition between each tier and adjacent tiers, and also a rounded transition between the innermost tier and the microaperture. The three tiers gradually decrease in size from the guide section towards the microaperture. As the fiber end advances, it passes through each of the three tiers, gradually releasing insertion resistance and avoiding jamming caused by a large-scale contraction at once. Combined with the rounded transitions at each tier's connection, this further eliminates scratch damage to the fiber from sharp edges.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the two implementation methods mentioned above, the guide portion of the rear end face of the ferrule can be configured as a flared groove that is recessed from the rear end face of the ferrule toward the front end face of the ferrule. The large opening of the flared groove faces the outside of the ferrule. When the optical fiber is inserted, it first enters the wider opening area and is then gradually guided to the entrance of each micro-hole, which further reduces the initial insertion difficulty of the optical fiber and improves the smoothness of operation when multiple optical fibers are inserted at the same time.

[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Compared with existing technologies, this multi-fiber fiber optic connector ferrule features a guide structure on its front end face for engaging with guide pins on the mating component to prevent mis-insertion. This changes the traditional ferrule's single-mode design with only standard circular guide pin holes, preventing interchangeable insertion of ferrules of different specifications. It avoids the problem of operators forcibly inserting incompatible ferrules during connection, which could cause plastic deformation of the guide holes or guide pins or even damage to the fiber micropores, significantly improving the safety and reliability of the connection process. Its guide structure can also employ a non-uniform arrangement of two large guide holes and two small guide holes, using the large and small holes in different orientations... The distribution forms a specific hole position code, ensuring that only ferrules with the same hole position code can be inserted into the connector. This effectively suppresses torsional misalignment during insertion and guarantees the axial accuracy of the fiber optic connection. Alternatively, two non-circular cross-section guide holes can be used. The directional fit characteristics of the non-circular cross-section ensure that the ferrule can only be inserted into the connector in a single direction, fundamentally eliminating the risk of reversed fiber polarity due to ferrule flipping. This achieves a foolproof design at the structural level. Furthermore, by limiting the diameter ratio of the large and small guide holes, various specifications can be derived from the same mold by adjusting the hole diameter, reducing mold development costs.

[0016] 2. Compared with existing technologies, this multi-fiber fiber optic connector ferrule has an introduction structure at the end of the micro-hole facing the guide section for guiding the fiber into the micro-hole. This effectively solves the problem of guiding and protecting the fiber when it enters the micro-hole from the guide section, ensuring smooth guidance of the fiber end during insertion and avoiding hard collisions between the fiber and the ferrule body. This introduction structure can be configured as a ball-and-socket-shaped recess, so that the fiber end is contained and guided by the inner wall of the ball-and-socket regardless of the direction from which it enters, resulting in more uniform force distribution, avoiding stress concentration, and effectively protecting the fiber end face. Alternatively, it can be configured as a three-step structure, with rounded transitions between each step and adjacent steps, as well as between the innermost step and the micro-hole, allowing the insertion resistance of the fiber end to be released step by step, avoiding jamming caused by one-time shrinkage, and eliminating scratch damage to the fiber coating caused by sharp edges. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule proposed in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rear side of the overall structure of a multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule proposed in this invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a ferrule structure with a non-circular cross-section guide hole for a multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule proposed in this invention. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the internal structure of a multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule proposed in this invention. Figure 5This invention provides a multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule. Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the internal structure of a multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule proposed in this invention. Figure 7 This invention provides a multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule. Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle.

[0018] Legend: 1. Fuse; 101. Front face of ferrule; 102. Rear face of ferrule; 103. Micro-hole; 1031. Introducing structure; 104. Guide part; 105. Large guide hole; 106. Small guide hole; 107. Non-circular cross-section guide hole. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] This invention provides a multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ferrule of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of the ferrule of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a ferrule structure with a non-circular cross-section guide hole. Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the ferrule of the present invention. Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another internal structure of the ferrule of the present invention. Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of section B in the middle. The following will describe in detail each component, its connections, and its working principle, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the multi-fiber fiber optic connector ferrule includes a ferrule body 1, which is rectangular in shape and integrally molded from liquid crystal polymer material or polyetheretherketone material using an injection molding process. The ferrule body 1 has a front ferrule face 101 facing the mating side and a rear ferrule face 102 for introducing the optical fiber. The ferrule body 1 contains a group of micropores extending through the front ferrule face 101 and towards the rear ferrule face 102. The micropore group includes multiple micropores 103. In this embodiment, there are 16 micropores 103, arranged in two rows of eight each, with equal center-to-center distances between adjacent micropores 103. The micropores 103 extend from the front ferrule face 101 into the interior of the ferrule body 1, their inner diameter matching the outer diameter of the accommodated optical fiber. After the optical fiber passes through the micropore 103, its end protrudes from the front ferrule face 101. The rear end face 102 of the ferrule is provided with a guide portion 104 for the optical fiber to enter. The guide portion 104 is a flared groove that is recessed from the rear end face 102 of the ferrule toward the front end face 101 of the ferrule. The large opening of the flared groove faces the rear end face 102 of the ferrule, and its bottom is converging toward the entrance direction of each microhole 103.

[0022] Figure 1 The diagram also illustrates one embodiment of the front-end anti-misinsertion structure of the present invention. The front end face 101 of the ferrule is further provided with a guide structure for engaging with a guide pin on the mating member to achieve anti-misinsertion. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the guiding structure includes two large guide holes 105 and two small guide holes 106. The two large guide holes 105 are located on the left and right sides of the micropore group, respectively, and the two small guide holes 106 are located on the top and bottom sides of the micropore group, respectively. The inner diameter of the large guide holes 105 is larger than the inner diameter of the small guide holes 106, and the ratio of their diameters can be any value between 2:1 and 4:1, such as 2.5:1, 3:1, or 3.5:1. The distribution of the large guide holes 105 and small guide holes 106 in different orientations constitutes a specific hole position code. The mating parts are provided with guide pin groups that are adapted to the hole position code. Insertion can only be completed when the diameter and position of each guide pin in the guide pin group are completely matched with the guide holes of the ferrule, thereby realizing the prevention of mis-insertion between ferrules of different specifications. At the same time, the four guide holes apply loads to the ferrule from the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively, which can effectively suppress the rotation of the ferrule relative to the mating parts around the axial direction during insertion and use.

[0023] As another implementation of the front-end anti-misinsertion structure, such as Figure 3As shown, the guiding structure may also include two non-circular cross-section guide holes 107, which are located on the left and right sides of the micropore group, respectively. The cross-sectional shape of the non-circular cross-section guide hole 107 is non-circular, and in this embodiment, it is preferably D-shaped. The docking component is provided with a guide pin whose cross-sectional shape is adapted to the non-circular cross-section guide hole 107. Since the D-shaped cross-section has a planar side and an arc side, the ferrule can only be inserted into the docking component in a single direction and does not have rotational freedom, thus structurally eliminating the risk of reversed fiber polarity caused by ferrule flipping.

[0024] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the end of the micro-hole 103 facing the guide portion 104 is provided with an introduction structure 1031 for introducing optical fiber into the micro-hole. Figure 4 and Figure 5 One embodiment of the introduction structure 1031 is shown, wherein the introduction structure 1031 is a spherical recess. The largest surface of the spherical recess faces the guide portion 104, and the spherical apex of the spherical recess communicates with the micro-hole 103. The inner wall of the spherical recess is hemispherical or approximately hemispherical in shape, and the spherical apex of the hemisphere smoothly connects with the entrance of the micro-hole 103. When the optical fiber enters from the rear end face 102 of the ferrule through the guide portion 104, the end of the optical fiber first touches the inner wall of the spherical recess. During the continued advancement, the end of the optical fiber slides smoothly along the inner wall of the spherical recess, and is gradually guided to the spherical apex and enters the micro-hole 103. Because the inner wall of the spherical recess and the end of the optical fiber are in spherical contact, the contact area is large and the stress distribution is uniform, effectively avoiding stress concentration and coating scratches at the end of the optical fiber.

[0025] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another embodiment of the insertion structure 1031 is shown, wherein the insertion structure 1031 is a three-step structure. The three steps gradually decrease in size from the guide portion 104 toward the micro-aperture 103. Each step has an annular end face perpendicular to the fiber insertion direction and an annular transition surface connecting adjacent steps. An arc transition is provided between each step and adjacent steps, and an arc transition is also provided between the innermost step and the micro-aperture 103. When the fiber tip enters from the guide portion 104, it first passes through the arc transition of the first step, and its diameter is initially reduced; it continues through the arc transition of the second step, and its diameter is further reduced; finally, it passes through the arc transition of the third step and enters the micro-aperture 103. The three steps allow the diameter change of the fiber tip to be completed in three steps, and the insertion resistance is released step by step, avoiding the jamming phenomenon caused by a large one-time diameter reduction. The arc transitions at each connection eliminate sharp edges, effectively protecting the fiber coating from scratches.

[0026] In the manufacturing process of this invention, the insert body 1 can be manufactured as a single piece using injection molding. Corresponding inserts or molding cores are provided in the cavity of the injection mold for the large guide hole 105, small guide hole 106, non-circular cross-section guide hole 107, micro-hole 103, spherical recesses or three-tiered stepped structures, and flared grooves. All holes and cavities can be formed in a single injection molding process. The molding material can be a liquid crystal polymer or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which possesses excellent dimensional stability and heat resistance, ensuring the dimensional accuracy of the micro-hole 103 and guide holes.

[0027] The following is combined with Figures 4 to 7 The working principle of the present invention will be explained. During the fiber insertion stage, the operator feeds the fiber ribbon into the guide portion 104 from one side of the ferrule rear end face 102. The large opening of the flared groove of the guide portion 104 provides a large operational tolerance, and the operator does not need to precisely align the fiber end with the entrance of the micro-hole 103, but only needs to feed the fiber ribbon roughly into the range of the flared groove. As the fiber continues to advance, the tapering sidewall of the flared groove gradually gathers the fiber ribbon, so that each fiber end approaches the entrance of the corresponding micro-hole 103. Subsequently, each fiber end enters the corresponding introduction structure 1031. When the introduction structure 1031 is a spherical recess, the fiber end slides smoothly into the micro-hole 103 along the inner wall of the spherical recess; when the introduction structure 1031 is a three-step structure, the fiber end enters the micro-hole 103 step by step through the three steps. Under the guidance of the introduction structure 1031, the fiber end is accurately guided into the micro-hole 103, avoiding hard collision between the fiber end and the edge of the ferrule body 1. After the optical fiber is fully inserted, adhesive can be injected into the guide portion 104. The adhesive penetrates into the gap between the micropore 103 and the optical fiber through the introduction structure 1031, and after curing, it fixes the optical fiber in the ferrule body 1. Subsequently, the front end face 101 of the ferrule is ground and polished so that the end face of the optical fiber is flush with the front end face 101 of the ferrule, thus completing the ferrule termination preparation.

[0028] During the ferrule and connector insertion stage, the operator positions the ferrule's front end face 101 towards the connector, aligning the guide holes on the ferrule's front end face 101 with the guide pins on the connector. If the guide structure uses two large guide holes 105 and two small guide holes 106, the combination of the diameters of the two large guide holes 105 and the two small guide holes 106 forms a unique hole position code. Only when the diameter configuration of the guide pin group on the connector perfectly matches this hole position code can each guide pin be inserted into its corresponding guide hole, thus achieving the insertion of the ferrule and connector. If the diameter configuration of the guide pin group does not match the guide hole, the large guide pin cannot be inserted into the small guide hole, or the small guide pin cannot form an effective fit with the large guide hole, preventing the insertion action and thus avoiding misinsertion of ferrules of different specifications. After insertion, the large guide holes 105 and small guide holes 106 constrain the ferrule from the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively, ensuring reliable positioning of the ferrule in both the radial and circumferential directions, guaranteeing the axial alignment accuracy of the optical fiber in the micro-hole group and the optical fiber in the connector. If the guide structure uses two non-circular cross-section guide holes 107, the two non-circular cross-section guide holes 107 will cooperate with the guide pins of the corresponding cross-section shape. Due to the orientation characteristics of the non-circular cross-section, the insert can only be inserted into the mating part in a single direction. If the insert is in the wrong direction, the guide pin cannot enter the guide hole, thus achieving the foolproof function.

[0029] The following are several specific embodiments of the present invention. In each embodiment, the front-end guiding structure and the back-end introducing structure can be combined and configured according to actual application requirements. Example

[0030] In this embodiment, the guiding structure of the front end face 101 of the ferrule adopts two large guide holes 105 and two small guide holes 106. The two large guide holes 105 are located on the left and right sides of the micro-hole group, respectively, and the two small guide holes 106 are located on the upper and lower sides of the micro-hole group, respectively. There are 16 micro-holes 103, arranged in two rows. The guide part 104 is a flared groove. The introduction structure 1031 provided at the end of the micro-hole 103 facing the guide part 104 adopts a ball-and-socket shaped recess. In this embodiment, the ferrule body 1 is injection molded from liquid crystal polymer material. In use, the smooth inner wall of the ball-and-socket shaped recess smoothly guides the end of the optical fiber into the micro-hole 103. In this configuration, the large guide holes 105 and small guide holes 106 at the front end provide anti-misinsertion and anti-torsion functions, while the ball-and-socket shaped recess at the rear end provides optical fiber introduction protection. The two functions are independent and do not interfere with each other, which is suitable for application scenarios with high requirements for insertion positioning accuracy and optical fiber protection. Example

[0031] In this embodiment, the guiding structure of the front end face 101 of the ferrule adopts two large guide holes 105 and two small guide holes 106. There are 24 micro-holes 103. The guide portion 104 is a flared groove. The introduction structure 1031 provided at the end of the micro-hole 103 facing the guide portion 104 adopts a three-stage stepped structure, with a rounded transition between each step and the adjacent step, as well as between the innermost step and the micro-hole 103. In this embodiment, the ferrule body 1 is injection molded from polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. During use, the three-stage stepped structure releases the insertion resistance at the fiber end in three stages, and the rounded transition further reduces the risk of scratching the fiber coating. In this configuration, the large guide holes 105 and small guide holes 106 at the front end provide anti-misinsertion and anti-torsion functions, while the three-stage stepped structure at the rear end provides step-by-step guide protection. The two functions complement each other and are suitable for applications with thinner fiber diameters or thinner coatings, and where the force during insertion is more sensitive. Example

[0032] In this embodiment, the guide structure of the front end face 101 of the ferrule adopts two non-circular cross-section guide holes 107, which are located on the left and right sides of the micro-hole group, respectively. The cross-sectional shape of the non-circular cross-section guide holes 107 is D-shaped. There are 16 micro-holes 103. The guide part 104 is a flared groove. The introduction structure 1031 provided at the end of the micro-hole 103 facing the guide part 104 adopts a ball-and-socket shaped recess. In this embodiment, the ferrule body 1 is injection molded from liquid crystal polymer material. In use, the D-shaped guide hole cooperates with the D-shaped guide pin, and the ferrule can only be inserted into the connector in a single direction, realizing the structural level of foolproofing. At the same time, the ball-and-socket shaped recess provides protection for the fiber end. In this configuration scheme, the non-circular cross-section guide hole 107 at the front end provides directional foolproofing, and the ball-and-socket shaped recess at the rear end provides introduction protection. It is suitable for application scenarios with strict requirements for insertion directionality and where operators cannot visually determine the direction, such as blind insertion operation in high-density cabinets. Example

[0033] In this embodiment, the guide structure of the front end face 101 of the ferrule adopts two non-circular cross-section guide holes 107. The number of micro-holes 103 is 32. The guide portion 104 is a flared groove. The introduction structure 1031 provided at the end of the micro-hole 103 facing the guide portion 104 adopts a three-stage stepped structure, with an arc transition between each step and adjacent steps, and between the innermost step and the micro-hole 103. In this embodiment, the ferrule body 1 is injection molded from polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. In this configuration, the non-circular cross-section guide holes 107 at the front end provide directional error prevention, and the three-stage stepped structure at the rear end provides step-by-step insertion protection. The two functions are independent and suitable for complex application scenarios requiring both blind insertion error prevention and high-precision fiber insertion protection.

[0034] In the above embodiments one to four, the two implementation methods of the front-end guidance structure are presented in parallel. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the middle, the two implementations of the backend import structure 1031 are presented in parallel. Figure 5 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, while achieving smooth fiber insertion into the micropore, the front-end guiding structure effectively prevents misinsertion and directional errors between ferrules of different specifications, thus solving the prominent problems of easy fiber damage and insertion errors during existing ferrule assembly processes.

[0035] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule, comprising a ferrule body (1), the ferrule body (1) having a front ferrule face (101) facing the mating side and a rear ferrule face (102) for introducing optical fiber, the ferrule body (1) having a group of micropores extending through the front ferrule face (101) and toward the rear ferrule face (102), the group of micropores including a plurality of micropores (103), the rear ferrule face (102) having a guide portion (104) for allowing optical fiber to enter, characterized in that, The front end face (101) of the ferrule is provided with at least two guide structures with different geometric recognition features. The guide structures form a unique identification code through differences in size, cross-sectional shape, or arrangement position.

2. The multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding structure includes two large guide holes (105) and two small guide holes (106). The two large guide holes (105) are located on the left and right sides of the micropore group, respectively, and the two small guide holes (106) are located on the upper and lower sides of the micropore group, respectively.

3. The multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding structure includes two non-circular cross-section guide holes (107), which are located on the left and right sides of the micropore group, respectively.

4. The multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the non-circular cross-section guide hole (107) is D-shaped.

5. A multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The micro-hole (103) has an introduction structure (1031) for introducing optical fiber into the micro-hole at one end facing the guide (104).

6. A multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule according to claim 5, characterized in that, The introduced structure (1031) is a spherical depression, with the largest surface of the spherical depression facing the guide part (104), and the top of the spherical depression communicating with the micropore (103).

7. A multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule according to claim 5, characterized in that, The introduced structure (1031) is a three-stage stepped structure, with an arc transition between each step and the adjacent step, and an arc transition between the innermost step and the micropore (103).

8. The multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of micropores (103) is any one of 12, 16, 24, 32 or 48.

9. A multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide portion (104) is a flared groove that is recessed from the rear end face (102) of the insert towards the front end face (101) of the insert.

10. A multi-fiber optical fiber connector ferrule according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diameter ratio of the two large guide holes (105) to the two small guide holes (106) is 2:1 to 4:1.

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