Optical fiber patch cord

Abstract

The utility model discloses an optical fiber patch cord comprising at least one transmission optical fiber, and each transmission optical fiber comprises a hollow-core optical fiber used for transmitting optical signals; the single-mode optical fiber is coupled with the hollow-core optical fiber, and the mode field diameter of the hollow-core optical fiber is larger than that of the single-mode optical fiber; the mode field adaptation structure is arranged between the hollow-core optical fiber and the single-mode optical fiber, so that the mode fields of the hollow-core optical fiber and the single-mode optical fiber are matched; and the at least one connector structure is connected with one end, far away from the hollow-core optical fiber, of the single-mode optical fiber of one or more transmission optical fibers in all the transmission optical fibers, and is used for connecting the optical fiber patch cord to external equipment so as to realize optical signal transmission between each transmission optical fiber and the external equipment. According to the scheme, the mode field of the hollow-core optical fiber and the mode field of the single-mode optical fiber of each transmission optical fiber in the optical fiber patch cord can be matched by means of the mode field adaptation structure, so that external equipment can carry out signal transmission which is small in loss, not prone to deformation and higher in transmission speed through the optical fiber patch cord.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model generally relates to the field of cable technology. More specifically, this utility model relates to an optical fiber patch cord. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of emerging technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things, the demand for high-speed, high-capacity, and low-loss optical communication systems is increasing. Fiber optic patch cords, due to their advantages such as low insertion loss, good repeatability, high return loss, and good interlocking performance, are widely used in existing fiber optic communication systems, especially in equipment-to-fiber cabling links.

[0003] Current fiber optic patch cords generally use silicon-based single-mode fiber, silicon-based multimode fiber, and other plastics as transmission media. Traditional glass-core fiber, with glass as the fiber core material, has inherent limitations, such as capacity bottlenecks and performance limitations. For example, the bandwidth of the glass channel limits the amount of information it can transmit, much like the limited flow of water in a pipe. Furthermore, due to theoretical limits in nonlinearity, attenuation, and delay, optical signals transmitted through glass fiber may be distorted, weakened, or slowed down, thus limiting further improvements in transmission performance (such as distance and delay). With the continuous explosive growth of information transmission capacity and increasingly higher requirements for information transmission quality, traditional fiber optic patch cords are struggling to meet communication demands.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide an optical fiber patch cord that can match the mode field of the hollow fiber and the single-mode fiber in each transmission fiber of the optical fiber patch cord, thereby enabling external devices to transmit signals with low loss, less deformation and faster transmission speed through the optical fiber patch cord. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve at least one or more of the technical problems mentioned above, this utility model proposes an optical fiber patch cord.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an optical fiber patch cord, comprising: at least one transmission optical fiber, each transmission optical fiber comprising: a hollow-core optical fiber for transmitting optical signals; a single-mode optical fiber coupled to the hollow-core optical fiber, wherein the mode field diameter of the hollow-core optical fiber is larger than that of the single-mode optical fiber; a mode field matching structure disposed between the hollow-core optical fiber and the single-mode optical fiber to match their mode fields; and at least one connector structure connected to the end of the single-mode optical fiber of one or more of the transmission optical fibers that is away from the hollow-core optical fiber, for connecting the optical fiber patch cord to an external device to realize optical signal transmission between each transmission optical fiber and the external device.

[0007] In one embodiment, the length of the hollow fiber in each transmission fiber is greater than the length of the single-mode fiber in its parent transmission fiber.

[0008] In one embodiment, the mode field adapter structure has two ends, one end of which is closer to the single-mode fiber and is matched with the mode field of the single-mode fiber, and the other end of which is closer to the hollow fiber and is matched with the mode field of the hollow fiber.

[0009] In one embodiment, the mode field adapter structure includes multimode optical fiber.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mode field adapter structure includes a 1 / 4 pitch multimode fiber.

[0011] In one embodiment, the single-mode fiber and the multimode fiber are fused together, and the optical axes of the single-mode fiber and the multimode fiber are located on the same axis.

[0012] In one embodiment, the multimode optical fiber and the hollow-core optical fiber are coupled together.

[0013] In one embodiment, the optical axes of the multimode fiber and the hollow fiber have a non-zero angle, such that their optical axes are located on different straight lines.

[0014] In one embodiment, the end face of the multimode fiber near the hollow fiber is beveled, and the beveled surface matches the end face of the hollow fiber to reduce interface reflection between the multimode fiber and the hollow fiber.

[0015] In one embodiment, a coating is deposited on the end face of the multimode optical fiber near the hollow optical fiber.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fiber optic patch cord includes a fixing structure for securing the single-mode fiber and the hollow fiber to form and maintain angular coupling between the multimode fiber and the hollow fiber.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fixing structure includes a first fixing mechanism for fixing the single-mode optical fiber on one side of the coupling position, a second fixing mechanism for fixing the hollow optical fiber on the other side of the coupling position, and a third fixing mechanism for fixing the first fixing mechanism and the second fixing mechanism to maintain the coupling distance and coupling angle of the single-mode optical fiber and the hollow optical fiber.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first fixing mechanism includes a first sleeve sleeved on one side of the single-mode optical fiber at the coupling position, the second fixing mechanism includes a second sleeve sleeved on the other side of the hollow optical fiber at the coupling position, and the third fixing mechanism includes a third sleeve that spans the coupling position and is sleeved on both sides of the coupling position, outside the first and second sleeves.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first sleeve is fixed to the single-mode fiber on the side away from the multimode fiber, and the end of the multimode fiber near the hollow fiber is exposed outside the first sleeve; the second sleeve is fixed to the hollow fiber on the side away from the multimode fiber, and the end of the hollow fiber near the multimode fiber is exposed outside the second sleeve.

[0020] In one embodiment, sealing structures are respectively provided between the end of the first sleeve away from the coupling position and the single-mode optical fiber, between the end of the second sleeve away from the coupling position and the hollow optical fiber, and between both ends of the third sleeve and the first and second sleeves.

[0021] In one embodiment, a metal encapsulation tube is also provided outside the first sleeve, the second sleeve, and the third sleeve. The two ends of the metal encapsulation tube are respectively connected to the outer sheath of the single-mode optical fiber and the hollow optical fiber exposed outside the fixed structure to protect the coupling connection area.

[0022] In one embodiment, each of the transmission optical fibers includes a first single-mode fiber, a second single-mode fiber, a hollow-core fiber, a first multimode fiber, a second multimode fiber, a first connector structure, and a second connector structure. The first single-mode fiber and the second single-mode fiber are connected through the hollow-core fiber. The first multimode fiber is disposed between one end of the first single-mode fiber and the hollow-core fiber, and the second multimode fiber is disposed between the other end of the second single-mode fiber and the hollow-core fiber. The first connector structure is connected to the end of the first single-mode fiber away from the hollow-core fiber, and the second connector structure is connected to the end of the second single-mode fiber away from the hollow-core fiber.

[0023] In one embodiment, the fiber optic patch cord includes multiple transmission optical fibers and a coupling protection structure corresponding to the multiple transmission optical fibers. The coupling protection structure is used to protect the coupling connection area formed by the coupling connection of the multimode fiber and the hollow fiber in all transmission optical fibers. Each coupling connection area of ​​each transmission optical fiber includes the multimode fiber therein, a portion of the single-mode fiber connected to the multimode fiber near the hollow fiber, and a portion of the hollow fiber near the multimode fiber.

[0024] In one embodiment, the coupling protection structure includes two housings, each housing having two fiber optic holes for optical fibers to pass through; the single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and hollow fiber corresponding to their two coupling positions in all the transmission fibers are each located in one housing.

[0025] In one embodiment, the single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and hollow fiber of each transmission fiber included in one or both of the two housings are coiled therein.

[0026] In one embodiment, one or both of the two housings are provided with a multi-layer clamping mechanism, wherein the single-mode fiber, multi-mode fiber and hollow fiber of each transmission optical fiber in the housing pass through each layer of the multi-layer clamping mechanism so that each coupling position is in each layer.

[0027] In summary, compared with the prior art, the above-described technical solutions conceived by this utility model can achieve mode field matching between the hollow fiber and the single-mode fiber of each transmission fiber in the fiber optic patch cord by means of the mode field adaptation structure, thereby enabling external devices to transmit signals with low loss, less deformation and faster transmission speed through the fiber optic patch cord. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily understood by reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 An exemplary structural diagram of an embodiment of the fiber optic patch cord of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 An exemplary structural diagram of a transmission optical fiber according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 An exemplary structural diagram of an optical fiber patch cord according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 4 An exemplary structural diagram of an optical fiber patch cord according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 An exemplary structural diagram of a box body according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 An exemplary structural diagram of a box body according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0036] It should be understood that the terms "comprising" and "including" used in the specification and claims of this utility model indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0037] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. As used in this specification and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this specification and claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations.

[0038] As used in this specification and claims, the term "if" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "when," "once," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if [described condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "once determined," "in response to determination," "once [described condition or event] is detected," or "in response to detection of [described condition or event]."

[0039] The specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Fiber optic patch cords may include at least one transmission fiber and at least one connector structure. Depending on the transmission requirements, fiber optic patch cords may include one or more (e.g., two, three, or four) transmission fibers and one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, or six) connector structures. Figure 1 An exemplary structural diagram of an optical fiber patch cord 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the structure of the optical fiber patch cord 100 including a transmission optical fiber is shown exemplary. The present invention will be described below with reference to this diagram.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, each transmission fiber may include a hollow-core fiber 103 for transmitting optical signals; a single-mode fiber 101 coupled to the hollow-core fiber 103, wherein the mode field diameter of the hollow-core fiber 103 is larger than that of the single-mode fiber 101; and a mode field matching structure 102 disposed between the hollow-core fiber 103 and the single-mode fiber 101 to match their mode fields. At least one connector structure described above may be connected to the end of the single-mode fiber of one or more of the transmission fibers that is furthest from the hollow-core fiber, for connecting fiber optic patch cords to external devices to enable optical signal transmission between each transmission fiber and the external device. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the transmission optical fiber is connected to a connector structure 104. It should be noted that external devices include optical transceivers, terminal boxes, etc. Existing equipment uses single-mode optical fiber; using fiber optic patch cords with single-mode fiber to connect to external devices does not introduce additional costs. Furthermore, using hollow-core optical fiber as an effective transmission medium can reduce signal loss and improve transmission rate.

[0042] Fiber optic patch cords use hollow-core fiber as the primary effective transmission medium. Therefore, the length of the hollow-core fiber in each transmission fiber is much longer than the length of the single-mode fiber within it, ensuring efficient optical signal transmission. It's understood that the hollow-core fiber is mainly used for signal transmission, while the single-mode fiber (101) is primarily used for connectors to connect to external devices; both lengths can be arbitrary according to design. To leverage the high transmission rate of hollow-core fiber, the larger the proportion of hollow-core fiber in the overall length of the fiber optic patch cord, the lower the latency of the optical signal transmission within the patch cord. For this purpose, the length of the single-mode fiber is much shorter than that of the hollow-core fiber to achieve fiber optic patch cords with lower latency. For example, each segment of single-mode fiber in a fiber optic patch cord is approximately 10 centimeters or even shorter, while the length of the hollow-core fiber can reach several meters, tens, or even hundreds of meters.

[0043] Because the mode field diameters of single-mode fiber 101 and hollow fiber 103 typically differ significantly, they cannot be directly matched for optical signal transmission. Therefore, a mode field matching structure 102 is needed between single-mode fiber 101 and hollow fiber 103 to match their mode fields. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the mode field matching structure 102 has two ends. The end closer to the single-mode fiber 101 is matched with the mode field of the single-mode fiber 101, and the end closer to the hollow fiber 103 is matched with the mode field of the hollow fiber 103. The mode field matching structure 102 enables mode field matching between the hollow fiber 103 and the single-mode fiber 101, allowing optical signals to be transmitted between them.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the mode field adaptation structure 102 may include a multimode fiber, a thermally expanded core portion of a single-mode fiber, a lens (single lens or multiple lenses), or a graded-index fiber. The mode field diameter of the portion of the mode field adaptation structure 102 near the hollow fiber 103 is matched with the mode field diameter of the hollow fiber 103. The mode field diameter of the portion of the graded-index fiber near the single-mode fiber 101 is also matched with the mode field diameter of the portion of the single-mode fiber 101 near the graded-index fiber, thereby achieving mode field adaptation between the single-mode fiber 101 and the hollow fiber 103.

[0045] When multimode fiber is selected as the mode field matching structure, the mode field matching structure 102 may include a 1 / 4 pitch multimode fiber. It can be assumed that the mode field diameter of the multimode fiber with this pitch is close to the mode field diameter of the hollow fiber 103, and the mode field diameter of the multimode fiber with this pitch is matched with the mode field diameter of the single-mode fiber 101. The multimode fiber with this pitch can achieve mode field matching with single-mode fiber and hollow fiber.

[0046] Depending on the requirements, in one embodiment, the connector structure described above may include LC connectors, MPO connectors, MTP connectors, SC connectors, FC connectors, ST connectors, MTRJ connectors, MU connectors, E2000 connectors, or DIN connectors, etc. Depending on the requirements, the external devices described above may include optical transceivers or terminal boxes, etc.

[0047] The scheme in this embodiment can use a mode field matching structure to match the mode fields of the hollow fiber and the single-mode fiber in each transmission fiber in the fiber optic patch cord, thereby enabling external devices (whose mode fields are matched with those of the single-mode fiber) to transmit signals with low loss, less deformation and faster transmission speed through the fiber optic patch cord.

[0048] As described in the above embodiments, the mode field adaptation structure can use multimode optical fiber. The present invention will now describe the structure and working principle of the optical fiber patch cord when multimode optical fiber is used as the mode field adaptation structure, in conjunction with several embodiments. Figure 2 An exemplary structural diagram of a transmission optical fiber 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0049] To ensure reliable signal transmission between single-mode and multimode fibers, in one embodiment, single-mode fiber 201 and multimode fiber 202 can be fused together (e.g., Figure 2 (The part enclosed by the ellipse is fused together), and the optical axes of single-mode fiber 201 and multimode fiber 202 are on the same axis so that the signal will not be lost here. Figure 2 The single-mode fiber 201 and the multimode fiber 202 are enclosed in a square frame.

[0050] Furthermore, since optical signals are transmitted through transmission media such as glass cores in single-mode fiber 201 and multimode fiber 202, but directly through air in hollow fiber 203, interface reflection occurs when the optical signal is transmitted from multimode fiber 202 to hollow fiber 203 or vice versa. To improve the transmission efficiency of the optical signal, a certain angle is set between the end faces of multimode fiber 202 and hollow fiber 203 to reduce interface reflection during optical signal transmission. Figure 2 As shown, multimode fiber 202 and hollow fiber 203 are coupled together at a certain angle. It can be understood that the coupling connection means that the end face of the hollow fiber and the end face of the multimode fiber do not have direct physical contact, but the optical signal can be transmitted from the hollow fiber to the multimode fiber. The coupling connection facilitates the formation of the required coupling angle and coupling distance between the multimode fiber 202 and the hollow fiber 203.

[0051] Because light typically travels through a medium such as glass in multimode fiber, while it travels through air in hollow fiber, this difference in transmission media causes interface reflection. To solve this problem, in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the optical axes of the multimode fiber 202 and the hollow fiber 203 can have a non-zero angle, so that their optical axes are located on different straight lines, thereby ensuring the power requirements of optical signal transmission. The non-zero angle can be, for example, 172°-179°, that is, the angle between the hollow fiber 203 and the single-mode fiber 201 in the figure is 172°-179°, for example, 176°, 177°, or 178°. It can be understood that the angle between the transmission directions of the optical signal in the single-mode fiber 201 and the hollow fiber 203 is the supplementary angle between the single-mode fiber 201 and the hollow fiber 203, i.e., 1°-8°.

[0052] To achieve the aforementioned non-zero angle, in one implementation, the end face of the multimode fiber 202 near the hollow fiber 203 can be set as a bevel, and the bevel matches the end face of the hollow fiber 203 to reduce interface reflection between the multimode fiber 202 and the hollow fiber 203 (e.g., Figure 2(As shown in the diagram). It should be noted that since multimode fiber 202 generally uses glass as its core, it can be processed to obtain a bevel at any angle to its optical axis through grinding and other methods. However, due to its structural characteristics, processing the end face of hollow fiber using grinding and other techniques will cause its internal structure to collapse, affecting the quality of optical signal transmission or even preventing optical signal transmission. Therefore, the end face of hollow fiber 203 is perpendicular to its optical axis. Based on the aforementioned non-zero angle, the end face of multimode fiber 202 near hollow fiber 203 can form an angle of 172°-179° with the optical axis of hollow fiber 203. It is understood that the end face of hollow fiber is not a continuous plane; its specific structure is determined by the structure of the hollow fiber, generally a periodic mesh structure.

[0053] To further reduce the facet reflection between the multimode fiber 202 and the hollow fiber 203, a coating can be applied to the end face of the multimode fiber 202 near the hollow fiber 203.

[0054] Due to the coupling relationship between multimode fiber and hollow fiber, the multimode fiber and hollow fiber do not have direct contact, making it easy for the coupling angle and coupling distance between them to change, especially the coupling angle. Therefore, in one embodiment, the fiber optic patch cord may include a fixing structure for fixing the single-mode fiber and the hollow fiber to form and maintain angular coupling between the multimode fiber and the hollow fiber. Here, angular coupling refers to the non-zero angle formed between the optical axes of the multimode fiber and the hollow fiber, as mentioned above.

[0055] There are many different specific structures for a fixed structure. Figure 3 An exemplary structural diagram of an optical fiber patch cord 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, illustrating a fixing structure. The portion circled by an ellipse in the diagram represents the connection point between the single-mode optical fiber 301 and the multimode optical fiber 302.

[0056] As shown in the figure, the fixing structure may include a first fixing mechanism 304 fixing the single-mode fiber 301 on one side of the coupling position a, a second fixing mechanism 305 fixing the hollow fiber 303 on the other side of the coupling position a, and a third fixing mechanism 306 fixing the first fixing mechanism 304 and the second fixing mechanism 305 to maintain the coupling distance and coupling angle between the single-mode fiber 301 and the hollow fiber 303. The coupling position a is the coupling gap between the multimode fiber 302 and the hollow fiber 303, the coupling distance is the spacing of the coupling gap, and the coupling angle is the non-zero angle between the multimode fiber 302 and the hollow fiber 303.

[0057] like Figure 3As shown, the first fixing mechanism 304 may include a first sleeve fitted over the single-mode fiber 301 on one side of the coupling position a, the second fixing mechanism 305 includes a second sleeve fitted over the hollow fiber 303 on the other side of the coupling position a, and the third fixing mechanism 306 may include a third sleeve spanning the coupling position a and fitted over the first and second sleeves on both sides of the coupling position a. In one implementation, the first, second, and third sleeves may be capillary tubes. The first and second sleeves can fix the second sleeves of the single-mode fiber 301 and the hollow fiber 303, and the third sleeve can fix the first and second sleeves, thereby ensuring that the end faces of the multimode fiber and the hollow fiber are aligned and not easily changed. In addition, the fixing structure can also facilitate the encapsulation of the fiber optic patch cord 300.

[0058] To further ensure stable connections between each sleeve and its corresponding optical fiber, in one embodiment, the first sleeve is fixed to the single-mode optical fiber 301 on the side away from the multimode optical fiber 302, with the end of the multimode optical fiber 302 closest to the hollow-core optical fiber 303 exposed outside the first sleeve; the second sleeve is fixed to the hollow-core optical fiber 303 at the end away from the multimode optical fiber 302, with the end of the hollow-core optical fiber 303 closest to the multimode optical fiber 302 exposed outside the second sleeve. The first sleeve and the single-mode optical fiber 301, as well as the second sleeve and the hollow-core optical fiber 303, can be bonded together with adhesive, or they can be connected using other methods, such as snap-fit ​​connections. This structure not only ensures reliable coupling between multimode fiber 302 and hollow fiber 303, but also avoids contamination of the coupling surfaces of multimode fiber 302 and hollow fiber 303 by the adhesive used to bond the sleeve and the fiber (the coupling surface of multimode fiber 302 is its end face near hollow fiber 303, and the coupling surface of hollow fiber 303 is its end face near multimode fiber 302).

[0059] To protect the coupling surfaces of the multimode fiber 302 and the hollow fiber 303 from contamination, in another embodiment, sealing structures (not shown in the figure) are respectively provided between the end of the first sleeve away from coupling position a and the single-mode fiber 301, between the end of the second sleeve away from coupling position a and the hollow fiber 303, and between the two ends of the third sleeve and the first and second sleeves. The sealing structures may include sealing rings, adhesives, etc. For example, sealing rings can be used to cover the joint between the end of the first sleeve away from coupling position and the single-mode fiber, the joint between the end of the second sleeve away from coupling position and the hollow fiber, and the joint between the two ends of the third sleeve and the first and second sleeves.

[0060] It is understandable that, in addition to sealing rings, other sealing structures can be used for the above-mentioned sealing, such as plastic or rubber sealing rings. Furthermore, this sealing structure can be added to the existing structure where the first sleeve and single-mode fiber are fixed, and the second sleeve and hollow fiber are fixed. For example, after adhesive is used to bond the first sleeve and single-mode fiber, and the second sleeve and hollow fiber, a sealing ring or sealing ring can be added to their outer surfaces.

[0061] In one embodiment, a metal encapsulation tube (not shown in the figure) can be fitted over the first, second, and third sleeves. Both ends of the metal encapsulation tube are connected to the outer sheaths of the single-mode and hollow-core optical fibers exposed outside the fixed structure, respectively, to protect the coupling connection area. In one implementation, the metal encapsulation tube can be connected to the outer sheaths of the single-mode and hollow-core optical fibers using clips or adhesive, thereby better protecting the coupling area and preventing coupling failure due to collisions during transportation and use. The metal encapsulation tube can also be set based on the connection between the first sleeve and the single-mode fiber, and the connection between the second sleeve and the multimode fiber, or based on the connection between the first sleeve and the single-mode fiber, and the connection between the second sleeve and the multimode fiber, with corresponding sealing structures provided, achieving a synergistic effect. As an example, the metal encapsulation tube can be made of copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or alloy materials.

[0062] Since each transmission fiber needs to connect to external devices at both ends to achieve signal transmission between them, it needs to include two single-mode fibers and one hollow fiber. Therefore, in one embodiment, each transmission fiber may include a first single-mode fiber, a second single-mode fiber, a hollow fiber, a first multimode fiber, a second multimode fiber, a first connector structure, and a second connector structure. The first single-mode fiber and the second single-mode fiber can be connected through the hollow fiber. The first multimode fiber is disposed between one end of the first single-mode fiber and the hollow fiber, and the second multimode fiber is disposed between the other end of the second single-mode fiber and the hollow fiber. The first connector structure is connected to the end of the first single-mode fiber away from the hollow fiber, and the second connector structure is connected to the end of the second single-mode fiber away from the hollow fiber. That is, each transmission fiber includes a symmetrical coupling structure to achieve signal transmission between external devices. To illustrate the structure of such a fiber optic patch cord, this utility model will be combined with... Figure 4 Let me explain.

[0063] Figure 4 An exemplary structural diagram of an optical fiber patch cord 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The diagram illustrates the case where the optical fiber patch cord 400 includes a single transmission optical fiber.

[0064] As shown in the figure, the transmission optical fiber includes a first single-mode fiber 401, a second single-mode fiber 402, a hollow-core fiber 403, a first multimode fiber, a second multimode fiber, a first connector structure 404, and a second connector structure 405. The first single-mode fiber 401 is coupled to the second single-mode fiber 402 and the hollow-core fiber 403 to achieve optical signal transmission. The first multimode fiber is disposed between one end of the first single-mode fiber 401 and the hollow-core fiber 403, and the second multimode fiber is disposed between the other end of the second single-mode fiber 402 and the hollow-core fiber 403. The first connector structure 404 is connected to the end of the first single-mode fiber 401 away from the hollow-core fiber 403, and the second connector structure 405 is connected to the end of the second single-mode fiber 402 away from the hollow-core fiber 403. The box in the figure represents a coupling region 406 of the transmission optical fiber, which includes a portion of the first single-mode fiber 401, the entire multimode fiber, and a portion of the hollow-core fiber 403.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first connector structure 404 and the second connector structure 405 are fiber optic connectors. Depending on the requirements, the types of the first and / or second connectors can be the same or different. Specifically, the first connector structure 404 and the second connector structure 405 include LC connectors, MPO connectors, MTP connectors, SC connectors, FC connectors, ST connectors, MTRJ connectors, MU connectors, E2000 connectors, or DIN connectors, etc. For example, when the fiber optic patch cord includes only one transmission fiber, the first connector structure and the second connector structure can each include one LC connector; or, the first connector structure includes one LC connector, and the second connector structure includes one LC connector; or, the first connector structure includes one MPO connector, and the second connector structure includes one LC connector; or, the first connector structure and the second connector structure each include one MPO connector.

[0066] When a fiber optic patch cord includes multiple transmission fibers, the first connector structure may include multiple LC connectors, the same number as the number of transmission fibers, with each LC connector connecting to one end of a transmission fiber, while the second connector structure may include one MPO fiber connector connecting to the other ends of all transmission fibers; or, the first connector structure may include one MPO fiber connector connecting to one end of multiple transmission fibers, and the second connector structure may include multiple LC connectors, each connecting to the other end of a transmission fiber; or, the first connector structure and the second connector structure may include connectors of the same type, for example, the first connector structure and the second connector structure may each include the same number of multiple LC connectors or each include one MPO fiber connector.

[0067] Taking a fiber optic patch cord comprising eight transmission fibers as an example, the first connector structure may include eight LC connectors, each LC connector connecting to one end of a transmission fiber, and the second connector structure includes one MPO fiber optic connector connecting to the other ends of the eight transmission fibers. Alternatively, the first connector structure may include one MPO fiber optic connector connecting to one end of the eight transmission fibers, and the second connector structure may include eight LC connectors, each connecting to the other end of a transmission fiber. Or, the first connector structure and the second connector structure may each include eight LC connectors or one MPO fiber optic connector.

[0068] Understandably, when using MPO fiber optic connectors, different types of MPO fiber optic connectors can be selected depending on the number of transmission fibers included in the fiber optic patch cord. For example, when the fiber optic patch cord includes two transmission fibers, an MPO connector that can accommodate two single-mode fibers can be selected, while when the fiber optic patch cord includes eight transmission fibers, an MPO connector that can accommodate eight single-mode fibers can be selected.

[0069] The above only describes the setup and connection methods when using LC connectors and MPO connectors as the first and second connector structures. It is understood that when selecting other connectors, the corresponding transmission optical fibers can also be connected based on their connection relationship with the cable; this will not be detailed here.

[0070] When an optical fiber patch cord includes multiple transmission optical fibers, in order to protect multiple coupling connection areas of these transmission optical fibers, in one embodiment, the optical fiber patch cord may include multiple transmission optical fibers and a coupling protection structure corresponding to the multiple transmission optical fibers. The coupling protection structure can be used to protect the coupling connection areas formed by the coupling connection of multimode optical fibers and hollow optical fibers in all transmission optical fibers. Each coupling connection area of ​​each transmission optical fiber includes the multimode optical fiber therein, the portion of the single-mode optical fiber connected to the multimode optical fiber near the hollow optical fiber, and the portion of the hollow optical fiber near the multimode optical fiber.

[0071] In one implementation, the coupling protection structure may include two housings, each housing having two fiber optic holes for fiber optic cable entry and exit. The single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and hollow fiber corresponding to their two coupling points are each located in one housing. That is, a portion of the single-mode fiber, the entire multimode fiber, and a portion of the hollow fiber on one side of the hollow fiber are located in one housing, while a portion of the single-mode fiber, the entire multimode fiber, and another portion of the hollow fiber on the other side of the hollow fiber are located in the other housing. The present invention will be described below in conjunction with… Figure 5 This section will explain one of the structures of the box.

[0072] Figure 5An exemplary structural diagram of a housing 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein an exemplary case is shown in which a transmission optical fiber L is included therein.

[0073] As shown in the figure, the housing 500 has two fiber optic holes (501 and 502) for the fiber to pass through, allowing the fiber to enter and exit the housing 500. The single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and hollow fiber in the transmission fiber L corresponding to the coupling position b are located in the housing 500. The portion of the single-mode fiber located on the other side of the hollow fiber, the entire multimode fiber, and another portion of the hollow fiber can be located in another housing (whose structure can be the same as or similar to that of the housing 500, not shown in the figure).

[0074] The following section will further explain the distribution and arrangement of fiber optic patch cords within the housing when multiple transmission fibers are involved.

[0075] For example, a fiber optic patch cord contains eight transmission fibers: eight single-mode fibers on the left (denoted as fiber A), eight single-mode fibers on the right (denoted as fiber B), and eight hollow-core fibers connecting fibers A and B. Each of the eight hollow-core fibers has two coupling connection areas on both sides, connected to fibers A and B respectively. These coupling connection areas are housed in a box, and the multiple coupling connection areas within the box are arranged in a spatial array, such as a 2x4 array. This structure reduces the volume of the coupling connection areas, thereby reducing the overall volume of the fiber optic patch cord. It also prevents external influences or damage to the patch cord and interference from other fibers during encapsulation. The eight hollow-core fibers can be made into a single optical cable or multiple optical cables.

[0076] To prevent changes in the coupling distance and coupling angle of the multimode and hollow fibers during stretching of the transmission optical fibers, in one embodiment, the single-mode, multimode, and hollow fibers of each transmission optical fiber included in one or both of the two housings are coiled therein (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram). The single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and hollow fiber of each transmission fiber in only one housing can be coiled together, or the single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and hollow fiber of each transmission fiber in two housings can all be coiled together. As a preferred embodiment, the coupling positions of the multiple transmission fibers within the housing can be staggered.

[0077] To adapt to different scenarios, in another embodiment, a multi-layer clamping mechanism can be provided in one or both of the two housings. The single-mode fiber, multi-mode fiber, and hollow fiber of each transmission optical fiber in the housing pass through each layer of the multi-layer clamping mechanism, ensuring that each coupling position is located within each layer, thus placing the coupling connection area of ​​each transmission optical fiber within its corresponding layer. The number of layers in the clamping mechanism can be the same as the number of transmission optical fibers, allowing each transmission optical fiber to pass through one layer of the clamping mechanism to fix its coupling position. Depending on the application scenario, the number of layers in the clamping mechanism can also be less than the number of transmission optical fibers, in which case multiple transmission optical fibers can pass through a single layer, thereby simplifying the structure of the multi-layer clamping mechanism.

[0078] The following is a combination of the present invention Figure 6 The structure and working principle of the box with a multi-layer clamping mechanism will be explained. Figure 6 An exemplary structural diagram of a housing 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which four transmission optical fibers L1, L2, L3 and L4 are shown, and the multi-layer clamping mechanism 601 is exemplarily a four-layer clamping mechanism.

[0079] As shown in the figure, the line consisting of single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and hollow fiber in the first transmission fiber L1 passes through the first interlayer M1; the line consisting of single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and hollow fiber in the second transmission fiber L2 passes through the second interlayer M2; the line consisting of single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and hollow fiber in the third transmission fiber L3 passes through the third interlayer M3; and the line consisting of single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and hollow fiber in the fourth transmission fiber L4 passes through the fourth interlayer M4. Thus, the coupling positions of the four transmission fibers can be fixed by the four-layer multi-layer clamping mechanism 601, thereby maintaining a stable coupling relationship.

[0080] In addition to making the coupling position of the transmission optical fibers more stable (protecting the relative positions of the multimode and hollow optical fibers of each transmission optical fiber from shifting during use), this structure can also reduce the space occupied by the transmission optical fibers by arranging them neatly, thereby reducing the size of the fiber optic patch cord.

[0081] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., in the claims, specification, and drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. The terms "comprising" and "including" used in the specification and claims of this utility model indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or collections thereof.

[0082] While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, alterations, and alternatives will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and intent of the present invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be employed in the practice of the present invention. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of protection of the present invention and therefore cover equivalents or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A fiber optic patch cord, characterized in that, include: At least one transmission fiber, each transmission fiber comprising: Hollow-core optical fiber is used for the transmission of optical signals; A single-mode optical fiber coupled to the hollow-core optical fiber, wherein the mode field diameter of the hollow-core optical fiber is larger than the mode field diameter of the single-mode optical fiber; and A mode field matching structure is disposed between the hollow-core fiber and the single-mode fiber to match the mode fields of the two; and At least one connector structure is provided for connecting to the end of the single-mode fiber of one or more of the transmission optical fibers that is away from the hollow fiber, for connecting the fiber optic patch cord to an external device to enable optical signal transmission between each transmission optical fiber and the external device.

2. The fiber optic patch cord according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the hollow fiber in each transmission fiber is greater than the length of the single-mode fiber in its parent transmission fiber.

3. The fiber optic patch cord according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mode field adaptation structure includes a multimode fiber; the single-mode fiber and the multimode fiber are fused together, and the optical axes of the single-mode fiber and the multimode fiber are located on the same axis.

4. The fiber optic patch cord according to claim 3, characterized in that, The optical axes of the multimode fiber and the hollow fiber have a non-zero angle, so that their optical axes are located on different straight lines; the end face of the multimode fiber near the hollow fiber is a slope, and the slope matches the end face of the hollow fiber to reduce interface reflection between the multimode fiber and the hollow fiber.

5. The fiber optic patch cord according to claim 4, characterized in that, It includes a fixing structure for fixing the single-mode fiber and the hollow fiber to form and maintain angular coupling between the multimode fiber and the hollow fiber.

6. The fiber optic patch cord according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixing structure includes a first fixing mechanism for fixing the single-mode optical fiber on one side of the coupling position, a second fixing mechanism for fixing the hollow optical fiber on the other side of the coupling position, and a third fixing mechanism for fixing the first fixing mechanism and the second fixing mechanism to maintain the coupling distance and coupling angle of the single-mode optical fiber and the hollow optical fiber.

7. The fiber optic patch cord according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, Each of the transmission optical fibers includes a first single-mode fiber, a second single-mode fiber, a hollow-core fiber, a first multimode fiber, a second multimode fiber, a first connector structure, and a second connector structure. The first single-mode fiber and the second single-mode fiber are connected through the hollow-core fiber. The first multimode fiber is disposed between one end of the first single-mode fiber and the hollow-core fiber, and the second multimode fiber is disposed between the other end of the second single-mode fiber and the hollow-core fiber. The first connector structure is connected to the end of the first single-mode fiber away from the hollow-core fiber, and the second connector structure is connected to the end of the second single-mode fiber away from the hollow-core fiber.

8. The fiber optic patch cord according to claim 7, characterized in that, The system includes multiple transmission optical fibers and a coupling protection structure corresponding to the multiple transmission optical fibers. The coupling protection structure is used to protect the coupling connection area formed by the coupling connection of the multimode fiber and the hollow fiber in all transmission optical fibers. Each coupling connection area of ​​each transmission optical fiber includes the multimode fiber therein, a portion of the single-mode fiber connected to the multimode fiber near the hollow fiber, and a portion of the hollow fiber near the multimode fiber.

9. The fiber optic patch cord according to claim 8, characterized in that, The coupling protection structure includes two housings, each housing having two fiber optic holes for optical fibers to pass through. All the single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and hollow fiber corresponding to their two coupling points in the transmission optical fiber are each located in a separate housing.

10. The fiber optic patch cord according to claim 9, characterized in that, One or both of the two housings are provided with a multi-layer clamping mechanism, and the single-mode fiber, multi-mode fiber and hollow fiber of each transmission optical fiber in the housing pass through each layer of the multi-layer clamping mechanism so that each coupling position is in each layer.

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