Auxiliary tool for prefabricated terminating photoelectric hybrid cable assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fiber-to-fiber matching devices, in particular to an auxiliary tool for a prefabricated terminating photoelectric hybrid cable assembly. The auxiliary tool for the prefabricated end-forming photoelectric hybrid cable assembly comprises a tool bottom plate provided with an assembly containing base and a pushing mechanism, the assembly containing base is used for containing the photoelectric hybrid cable assembly preassembled with an outer frame sleeve, and a stepped groove is formed in the upper surface of the assembly containing base; the pushing mechanism comprises a horizontal pushing rod, one end of the horizontal pushing rod is used for being inserted into the stepped groove so as to push the outer frame sleeve placed in the stepped groove, and the other end of the horizontal pushing rod is used for pushing the outer frame sleeve placed in the stepped groove. The end portion, in sliding fit with the stepped groove, of the flat push rod is provided with an avoiding groove used for avoiding an optical fiber penetrating through the connector. The auxiliary tool for the prefabricated terminating photoelectric hybrid cable assembly is small in number of parts, simple in structure, low in cost and convenient to use and maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fiber-to-fiber matching device technology, and in particular to an auxiliary tooling for a pre-formed end-mounted optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly. Background Technology

[0002] FTTO (Fiber To The Office) is an access technology that extends fiber optic transmission into offices or commercial buildings, aiming to provide business users with high-speed, reliable internet connectivity. Its key component is the pre-terminated hybrid optical-electrical cable assembly, which handles the transmission of both optical and electrical signals between the active splitter and the optical modem. This pre-terminated hybrid optical-electrical cable assembly consists of connectors attached to the ends of the hybrid optical-electrical cable, enabling quick connection. The hybrid optical-electrical cable is a hybrid cable integrating optical fiber and conductive copper wire, supporting simultaneous transmission of optical and electrical signals. Currently, it is commonly connected to SC-type connectors to form pre-terminated hybrid optical-electrical cable assemblies. The SC-type connector is a fiber optic connector with a rectangular outer frame and an easy-to-operate push-pull locking mechanism. Integrated electrical contacts on the SC-type connector allow for simultaneous transmission of optical and electrical signals. The production of pre-terminated hybrid optical and electrical cable assemblies mainly includes the following processes: fiber threading, glue injection and fixing, outer frame assembly, end face grinding, and performance testing. First, the optical fiber of the hybrid optical and electrical cable is threaded into the connector ferrule. Then, glue is injected into the ferrule to fix the optical fiber to the ferrule. Next, the outer frame is assembled onto the connector ferrule. During the assembly of the outer frame and the ferrule, it is necessary to ensure that the optical fiber is not damaged. After the outer frame is assembled, the end face of the optical fiber is ground to ensure that the end face of the optical fiber meets the requirements for flatness and smoothness. Finally, the performance of the obtained pre-terminated hybrid optical and electrical cable assembly is tested to ensure that it meets the performance requirements.

[0003] During the assembly of the outer frame sleeve, manual assembly by operators is laborious and inefficient. To address this issue, Chinese utility model patent CN216966902U, published on July 15, 2022, discloses a ferrule outer frame sleeve assembly device. This device includes a support base with a positioning block fixedly connected to it. A baffle is fixedly connected to one side of the positioning block, and the baffle has a tapered groove for accommodating the tail end of the ferrule sleeve. A movable seat is slidably connected to the positioning block, with a ferrule positioning plate and an outer frame sleeve respectively connected to its two ends. The abutment plate and the ferrule positioning plate are provided with rectangular grooves for accommodating the front end of the ferrule. The area between the ferrule positioning plate and the outer frame abutment plate constitutes a placement area for placing the outer frame. The movable seat is connected to a drive device, and a transmission column is mounted on the output shaft of the drive device. The transmission column is slidably fitted in the positioning block. At the same time, the movable seat and the transmission column are connected by countersunk screws. When the drive device is working, its output shaft drives the transmission column to move, which in turn drives the movable seat to slide relative to the positioning block, so that the outer frame in the placement area moves and moves closer to the front end of the ferrule until the outer frame and the front end of the ferrule are assembled in place.

[0004] The above solution can improve the assembly efficiency of the outer frame and the ferrule. However, in the process of the outer frame approaching the front end of the ferrule and assembling it, the output shaft of the drive device first needs to drive the transmission column, the transmission column drives the moving seat, and the moving seat drives the outer frame in its placement area to move. Although it can achieve the assembly of the outer frame and the ferrule, the whole device has a large number of parts, a complex structure, and high production and maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an auxiliary tooling for prefabricated optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies, which aims to solve the problems of existing assembly equipment having a large number of parts, complex structure, and high production and maintenance costs.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the auxiliary tooling for the prefabricated terminal optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An auxiliary tooling for prefabricated optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies includes a tooling base plate with an assembly placement seat and a pushing mechanism. The assembly placement seat is used to place the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly pre-installed with an outer frame. The upper surface of the assembly placement seat is provided with a stepped groove. The stepped surface of the stepped groove extends vertically to stop and cooperate with the connector tail end of the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly pre-installed with an outer frame. The pushing mechanism includes a push rod. One end of the push rod is used to insert into the stepped groove to push the outer frame placed in the stepped groove. The end of the push rod that slides in cooperation with the stepped groove is provided with a clearance groove to avoid optical fibers passing through the connector.

[0008] Furthermore, the jacking mechanism also includes a support frame, one end of which is rotatably connected to a force-applying handle, and the other end is fixedly connected to a sliding sleeve. One end of the flat push rod is connected to the force-applying handle via a connecting rod, and the other end passes through the sliding sleeve and is provided with a jacking end. The two ends of the connecting rod are rotatably connected to the flat push rod and the force-applying handle, respectively, and the clearance groove is located on the jacking end.

[0009] Furthermore, the stepped groove includes a large-diameter section for placing the connector pre-installed on the ferrule and a small-diameter section for placing the hybrid optical and electrical cable. The large-diameter section is located close to the push rod and slides in cooperation with the push end when the push rod is inserted.

[0010] Furthermore, the push end extends axially along the push rod, and the clearance groove extends axially along the push end.

[0011] Furthermore, the stepped groove extends horizontally through the component placement seat.

[0012] Furthermore, the clearance groove is a U-shaped groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the support frame is fixedly connected to the tooling base plate by bolts.

[0014] Furthermore, the push rod is anti-rotationally engaged with the sliding sleeve.

[0015] Furthermore, the force-applying handle is a curved handle, and it bends away from the push rod.

[0016] Furthermore, the push rod is a rod of equal diameter.

[0017] Beneficial Effects: The auxiliary tooling for prefabricated optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies of this invention is an improved invention. This auxiliary tooling positions the component placement seat and the pushing mechanism via a tooling base plate, preventing movement of the component placement seat and the pushing mechanism during the assembly of the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly, thus avoiding damage to the assembly. A stepped groove is provided on the component placement seat, allowing the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly with its pre-installed outer frame to be placed within the stepped groove. The stepped surface acts as a stop for the connector tail end of the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly. Then, through the sliding engagement of the push rod with the stepped groove, the push rod inserts into the stepped groove, enabling the pushing of the connector's outer frame within the stepped groove, thereby completing the assembly of the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly and obtaining a prefabricated optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly. During the pushing process, the clearance groove on the push rod avoids the optical fiber passing through the connector core, preventing damage to the optical fiber. The auxiliary tooling of this invention has fewer parts, a simple structure, low cost, and is convenient to use and maintain, thus improving the assembly efficiency of prefabricated optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This is a front view structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the auxiliary tooling for the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the auxiliary tooling for the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the component placement base of an embodiment of the auxiliary tooling for the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the push end of an embodiment of the auxiliary tooling for the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly of this utility model.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Component placement seat; 2. Pushing mechanism; 3. Tooling base plate; 4. Stepped groove; 5. Stepped surface; 6. Push rod; 7. Clearance groove; 8. Support frame; 9. Force application handle; 10. Sliding sleeve; 11. Connecting rod; 12. Pushing end; 13. Large diameter section; 14. Small diameter section. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The features and performance of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0024] As a key component of the FTTO connection scheme, the prefabricated end-mounted hybrid optical cable assembly requires the assembly of the hybrid optical cable connector at the end of the hybrid optical cable during production. This process involves fitting the outer frame of the hybrid optical cable connector onto the ferrule. Existing ferrule outer frame assembly equipment has a complex structure and high production and maintenance costs. To reduce costs and simplify the structure, it is only necessary to set a groove for placing the hybrid optical cable assembly, and to set a stop surface in the groove to prevent the movement of the hybrid optical cable connector. At the same time, a pushing mechanism that can extend into the groove to push the outer frame of the hybrid optical cable connector is set. The assembly of the outer frame and the ferrule is achieved by pushing the outer frame through the pushing mechanism. Based on the above inventive concept, this utility model proposes an auxiliary tooling for prefabricated optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies. By setting a stepped groove on the assembly placement seat for placing the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly, and a pushing mechanism that can extend into the stepped groove to push the optoelectronic hybrid cable connector, the assembly of the outer frame and the core is realized by the cooperation between the pushing mechanism and the stepped surface in the stepped groove. Moreover, the auxiliary tooling has a simple structure, low production and maintenance costs, is easy to use, and can also improve assembly efficiency.

[0025] Implementation method of the auxiliary tooling for prefabricated terminal optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly of this utility model:

[0026] See Figures 1 to 4As a basic embodiment of this utility model, an auxiliary tooling for prefabricated optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies includes a tooling base plate 3 with a component placement seat 1 and a pushing mechanism 2. The component placement seat 1 is used to place the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly pre-installed with an outer frame. The tooling base plate 3 positions the component placement seat 1 and the pushing mechanism 2 to prevent them from moving during the assembly of the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly, which could damage the assembly. The upper surface of the component placement seat 1 is provided with a stepped groove 4, and the stepped surface 5 of the stepped groove 4 extends vertically to stop and engage with the connector tail end of the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly pre-installed with an outer frame. The pushing mechanism 2 includes a flat push rod 6, one end of which is inserted into the stepped groove 4 to push the outer frame placed in the stepped groove 4. The end of the push rod 6 that slides into the stepped groove 4 is provided with a clearance groove 7 for avoiding optical fibers passing through the connector. Through the sliding engagement of the push rod 6 and the stepped groove 4, the push rod 6 slides in the stepped groove 4, which can push the outer frame of the connector in the stepped groove 4, thereby completing the assembly of the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly and obtaining a pre-made optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly. During the pushing process, the clearance groove 7 on the push rod 6 can avoid the connector core and the optical fiber passing through the core, avoiding squeezing or collision of the core and the optical fiber, protecting the performance of the core and the optical fiber from being affected, and at the same time not affecting the pushing end 12 to push the outer frame. The auxiliary tooling of this utility model has fewer parts, simple structure, low cost, and is convenient to use and maintain, which can improve the assembly efficiency of the pre-made optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the pushing mechanism 2 further includes a support frame 8. One end of the support frame 8 is rotatably connected to a force-applying handle 9, and the other end is fixedly connected to a sliding sleeve 10. One end of the flat push rod 6 is connected to the force-applying handle 9 through a connecting rod 11, and the other end passes through the sliding sleeve 10 and is provided with a pushing end 12. The two ends of the connecting rod 11 are rotatably connected to the flat push rod 6 and the force-applying handle 9, respectively. The clearance groove 7 is located on the pushing end 12. In use, the support frame 8 provides stable support for the movement of the flat push rod 6. By rotating the force-applying handle 9, the flat push rod 6 can be driven to move horizontally within the sliding sleeve 10. At the same time, it cooperates with the stepped surface 5 to form a stop for the connector of the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly, which can realize the pushing of the outer frame of the connector in the stepped groove 4, thereby completing the assembly of the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly and obtaining the pre-made optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the stepped groove 4 includes a large-diameter section 13 for placing a connector with an outer frame pre-installed on the ferrule and a small-diameter section 14 for placing a hybrid optical cable. The large-diameter section 13 is located close to the push rod 6 and slides with the push end 12, while the small-diameter section 14 is located away from the push rod 6. The connector with the outer frame pre-installed on the ferrule is placed in the large-diameter section 13, and the hybrid optical cable is placed in the small-diameter section 14, so that the connector and the hybrid optical cable are located in two areas that do not affect each other. This avoids the hybrid optical cable from bending or affecting its performance when the connector is subjected to the pushing force of the push rod 6. It also facilitates the push end 12 to push the outer frame of the connector in the large-diameter section 13, so that the outer frame is assembled with the ferrule.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the push end 12 extends along the axial direction of the push rod 6, and the clearance groove 7 extends along the axial direction of the push end 12, that is, the push end 12 and the push rod 6 are coaxially arranged. The stepped groove 4 is located on the moving path of the push end 12. When the push end 12 moves to enter the large diameter section 13 of the stepped groove 4 that matches it, the outer frame sleeve and the end face of the push end 12 form a surface contact. When the force application handle 9 is rotated to push the push end 12 against the outer frame sleeve, the outer frame sleeve is subjected to uniform force, which can improve the assembly reliability of the pre-terminated optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly. At the same time, the clearance groove 7 has a certain length, which can accommodate the optical fiber that has passed through the ferrule to fully extend into the clearance groove 7, avoiding damage to the optical fiber.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the stepped groove 4 passes horizontally through the component placement seat 1. This arrangement ensures that the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly is always in a horizontal state, preventing the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly from bending during the pushing process.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the clearance groove 7 is a U-shaped groove. As the optical fiber extends into the clearance groove 7, the end face of the pushing end 12 on the outer side of the clearance groove 7 contacts the outer frame and pushes it. In other embodiments, the clearance groove 7 can also be a strip-shaped groove through which the pushing end 12 passes radially, as long as the width of the clearance groove 7 is less than the inner width of the outer frame, and the pushing end face on the outer side of the clearance groove 7 can contact the outer frame during the pushing process.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the support frame 8 is fixedly connected to the tooling base plate 3 by bolts, ensuring that the support frame 8 does not move during the process of rotating the force application handle 9 and driving the flat push rod 6 to move, thereby improving the overall reliability of the tooling.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the push rod 6 and the sliding sleeve 10 are anti-rotationally engaged to ensure that the push rod 6 always slides horizontally within the sliding sleeve 10 without rotation. When the push rod 6 slides horizontally within the sliding sleeve 10, the sliding sleeve 10 provides guidance for the push rod 6, so that the push rod 6 always moves in a horizontal state. This also improves the stability of the outer frame when the push rod 6 and the push end 12 push against the outer frame of the optical fiber hybrid cable connector, thus improving the safety of the optical fiber.

[0034] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the force-applying handle 9 is a curved handle, which is bent away from the flat push rod 6. When in use, when a force is applied to one end of the force-applying handle 9, the bent part of the force-applying handle 9 will move towards the flat push rod 6, thereby driving the flat push rod 6 to move in the same direction, so as to push the outer frame sleeve in the large diameter section 13 of the stepped groove 4.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the push rod 6 is a rod of equal diameter, which ensures that the push rod 6 always forms a stable sliding fit when it moves within the sliding sleeve 10.

[0036] The process of using the auxiliary tooling for the pre-terminated optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly of this utility model is as follows: First, the optical fiber in the optoelectronic hybrid cable is inserted into the ferrule of the optoelectronic hybrid cable connector, and the optical fiber inserted into the ferrule is fixed to the ferrule by glue injection to obtain the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly. Then, the outer frame of the optoelectronic hybrid cable connector is pre-installed on the ferrule to form a preliminary connection between the outer frame and the ferrule. During this process, care should be taken to prevent the optical fiber from being touched by the outer frame. Then, the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly with the pre-installed outer frame is placed in the stepped groove 4 of the assembly placement seat 1, so that the connector with the pre-installed outer frame is located in the large diameter section 13 of the stepped groove 4, and the optoelectronic hybrid cable is located in the small diameter section 14 of the stepped groove 4. At this time, the stepped surface 5 of the stepped groove 4 can block the tail end of the connector. After the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly is placed in the assembly placement seat 1, the operator rotates the force application handle 9 to move the push rod 6 towards the assembly placement seat 1. The push end 12 connected to the push rod 6 is pushed along with the push rod. The rod 6 moves and enters the large-diameter section 13 of the stepped groove 4, pushing the outer frame sleeve pre-installed on the ferrule of the optoelectronic hybrid cable connector within the large-diameter section 13 of the stepped groove 4 until the outer frame sleeve and ferrule are assembled in place. Due to the blocking effect of the stepped surface 5 of the stepped groove 4 on the optoelectronic hybrid cable connector, when the pushing end 12 pushes the outer frame sleeve to the point where it can no longer be pushed, it is known that the outer frame sleeve is assembled in place, and a pre-assembled optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly is obtained. During this process, the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule will extend into the clearance groove 7 of the pushing end 12, without causing damage to the ferrule and the optical fiber. Then, the operator rotates the force application handle 9 in the opposite direction, causing the push rod 6 to move away from the component placement seat 1 and drive the pushing end 12 to move until the pushing end 12 separates from the large-diameter section 13 of the stepped groove 4. The pre-assembled optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly obtained after assembly is taken out from the stepped groove 4, and other optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies to be assembled are put in again. The above operation is repeated.

[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. The patent protection scope of the present utility model shall be determined by the claims. Similarly, any equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present utility model shall also be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An auxiliary tooling for prefabricated terminal optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies, comprising a tooling base plate equipped with an assembly placement seat and a pushing mechanism, characterized in that: The component placement seat is used to place the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly pre-installed with an outer frame. The upper surface of the component placement seat is provided with a stepped groove. The stepped surface of the stepped groove extends vertically to stop and cooperate with the connector tail end of the optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly pre-installed with an outer frame. The pushing mechanism includes a push rod. One end of the push rod is used to insert into the stepped groove to push the outer frame placed in the stepped groove. The end of the push rod that slides with the stepped groove is provided with a clearance groove to avoid optical fibers passing through the connector.

2. The auxiliary tooling for the prefabricated terminal optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The jacking mechanism also includes a support frame, one end of which is rotatably connected to a force-applying handle, and the other end is fixedly connected to a sliding sleeve. One end of the flat push rod is connected to the force-applying handle via a connecting rod, and the other end passes through the sliding sleeve and is provided with a jacking end. The two ends of the connecting rod are rotatably connected to the flat push rod and the force-applying handle, respectively, and the clearance groove is located on the jacking end.

3. The auxiliary tooling for the prefabricated terminal optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The stepped groove includes a large-diameter section for placing the connector pre-installed on the ferrule and a small-diameter section for placing the hybrid optical and electrical cable. The large-diameter section is located close to the push rod and slides with the push end when the push rod is inserted.

4. The auxiliary tooling for the pre-terminated optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The push end extends along the axial direction of the push rod, and the clearance groove extends along the axial direction of the push end.

5. The auxiliary tooling for the pre-terminated optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The stepped groove runs horizontally through the component placement seat.

6. The auxiliary tooling for the pre-terminated optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The clearance groove is a U-shaped groove.

7. The auxiliary tooling for the pre-terminated optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support frame is fixedly connected to the tooling base plate by bolts.

8. The auxiliary tooling for the pre-terminated optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The push rod is anti-rotationally engaged with the sliding sleeve.

9. The auxiliary tooling for the pre-terminated optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The force-applying handle is a curved handle, bent away from the direction of the push rod.

10. The auxiliary tooling for the pre-terminated optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The push rod is a rod of equal diameter.

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