Passive connector for parallel light and optical device

By designing a passive connector for parallel light in optical devices and utilizing a combination of optical transmission channels and collimating lenses, the problem of limited transmission distance in optical devices was solved, achieving efficient optical signal transmission and cost reduction.

CN223941131UActive Publication Date: 2026-02-24DONGGUAN MENTECH OPTICAL & MAGNETIC CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520307092.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-24
Publication Date
2026-02-24
Estimated Expiration
2035-02-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing optical devices have limited transmission distance when transmitting parallel light, which cannot meet the requirements of long-structure connectors. Furthermore, custom-made lenses with longer focal lengths are costly and prone to malfunctions, affecting the light transmission efficiency.

Method used

Design a passive connector for parallel light. By setting an optical transmission channel between a collimating lens and a ferrule, the focal point of the collimating lens is located in the optical transmission channel. The fiber core is connected to the ferrule, and the free end of the fiber core extends into the optical transmission channel, realizing the conversion of parallel light into converged light and entering the optical fiber, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of optical signals.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient coupling between parallel light and optical fiber, ensuring efficient transmission of optical signals, and can adapt to longer optical device structures, meeting the application scenarios of long structures and reducing costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a passive connector for parallel light and an optical device. The passive connector comprises a collimating lens, an insertion core, a lens fixing device, a fiber core and an optical fiber. One end of the lens fixing device is connected with the collimating lens, the other end of the lens fixing device is connected with the insertion core, a light transmission channel is arranged between the collimating lens and the insertion core, and a convergent light focus of the collimating lens is located in the light transmission channel; one end of the fiber core is connected with the optical fiber, and the other end of the fiber core is a free end; the insertion core is provided with a fiber core channel, the fiber core is located in the fiber core channel, and the free end of the fiber core is located in the optical transmission channel. Parallel light can be efficiently transmitted into an optical fiber, and the size of an optical device is not limited by the focal length of a lens any more.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical communication device technology, and in particular to a passive connector for parallel light and an optical device. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to this utility model and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Combo PON optical devices include multiple optical transmitting TO components, optical receiving TO components, and connectors; the connectors include optical fibers, ceramic ferrules, and metal fixing devices; the light emitted by the optical transmitting TO components is converged light, which is converged into the optical fiber to realize the conversion of electrical signals into optical signals. Alternatively, the light transmitted from the optical fiber is converged onto the receiving TO to realize the conversion of optical signals into electrical signals.

[0004] Current connectors directly bond the optical fiber and ceramic ferrule, resulting in converged light that cannot be converted into parallel light. The distance the light converges to the optical fiber is the focal length of the optical transfer element (TO), which limits the transmission distance of the light from the TO to the connector, failing to meet the requirements of long-structure connectors. Even if a longer focal length TO is customized to meet the requirements of long-structure connectors, it is not only costly but also prone to value deviations, affecting the light transmission efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a passive connector and optical device for parallel light, which, while ensuring the efficiency of parallel light transmission, can increase the transmission distance of light within the optical device, thereby enabling it to adapt to longer optical devices.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In the first aspect, a passive connector for parallel light is proposed, including a collimating lens, a ferrule, a lens fixing device, a fiber core, and an optical fiber;

[0008] One end of the lens fixing device is connected to the collimating lens, and the other end of the lens fixing device is connected to the ferrule. A light transmission channel is provided between the collimating lens and the ferrule, and the convergent light focal point of the collimating lens is located in the light transmission channel.

[0009] One end of the fiber core is connected to the optical fiber, and the other end of the fiber core is a free end; a fiber core channel is set on the ferrule, the fiber core is located in the fiber core channel, and the free end of the fiber core is located in the optical transmission channel.

[0010] Furthermore, the converging light exiting surface of the collimating lens is closer to the insert; the parallel light entering surface of the collimating lens is farther away from the insert.

[0011] Furthermore, the collimating lens has a converging focal point located between the free end of the fiber core and the collimating lens, and the converging focal point is collinear with the axis of the fiber core.

[0012] Furthermore, the optical transmission channel is coaxial with the fiber core.

[0013] Furthermore, one end of the insert is connected to the lens fixing device, and the other end of the insert is connected to the insert fixing device; the insert fixing device is bonded to the lens fixing device.

[0014] Furthermore, an optical fiber channel is provided on the ferrule fixing device; the optical fiber passes through the optical fiber channel and is connected to the fiber core.

[0015] Furthermore, the fiber core channel is connected to the fiber optic channel, and the fiber core channel and the fiber optic channel are coaxially arranged.

[0016] Furthermore, a guide angle is set at the end of the fiber core channel facing the fiber channel.

[0017] Furthermore, the lens fixing device is provided with a mounting through hole; the ferrule is connected to one end of the mounting through hole, and the collimating lens is connected to the other end of the mounting through hole; guide angles are provided at both ends of the mounting through hole.

[0018] Secondly, an optical device is proposed, including a passive connector for parallel light proposed in the first aspect.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0020] This invention proposes a passive connector and optical device for parallel light. The passive connector establishes an optical transmission channel between a collimating lens and a ferrule. The focal point of the collimating lens is located in the optical transmission channel, connecting the fiber core and the ferrule. The free end of the fiber core extends into the optical transmission channel, converting the parallel light entering the collimating lens into converged light. The converged light then enters the fiber core and finally the optical fiber, achieving efficient coupling between parallel light and the optical fiber. This ensures efficient transmission of optical signals. Furthermore, by establishing an optical transmission channel between the collimating lens and the ferrule, the length of the connector can be effectively increased, thus adapting to longer optical devices and meeting the application scenarios requiring long-structure optical devices.

[0021] The advantages of this invention in additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a passive connector for parallel light disclosed in an embodiment.

[0024] The components are: 1. collimating lens, 2. ferrule, 3. lens fixing device, 4. ferrule fixing device, and 5. optical fiber. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0026] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0027] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0028] In this utility model, terms such as "fixed connection," "connected," and "joined" should be interpreted broadly, indicating a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be determined according to the specific circumstances, and should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] With the increasing prevalence of broadband access networks and the emergence of new services such as 4K / 8K video, VR, and holographic interaction, the demands on network broadband speeds are becoming increasingly higher. These emerging services require large amounts of data transmission and a low-latency network environment to provide a high-quality user experience.

[0031] When upgrading a network, in order to reduce costs, it is necessary to be compatible with the widely used 2.5G / 10G networks on both the OLT (Optical Line Terminal) and ONU (Optical Network Unit) sides, while moving towards 10G / 25G or higher-level networks. This requirement has spurred the development of single-fiber multi-wavelength optical devices, which can transmit optical signals of multiple wavelengths on a single optical fiber, improving fiber utilization and reducing the cost of network construction and upgrades.

[0032] COMBO PON technology, as a solution that can meet users' needs for multiple speeds such as 2.5G, 10G, 25G or 50G, and is easy to upgrade and replace without the need to install new equipment, has gradually gained attention and begun to be used.

[0033] However, the development of COMBO PON optical devices faces key technological challenges. Conventional optical devices have only two wavelengths that are relatively far apart, making it relatively easy to meet the isolation requirements of their glass slides. The device structure is also relatively short, and the structural requirements can be met by using "converging light + conventional lens focal length". However, COMBO PON optical devices have four or more wavelengths that are closely spaced, making it difficult to split the converged light. Furthermore, the device structure is longer, and the transmission distance of conventional lens focal lengths is limited, making it difficult to meet the requirements for long-distance signal transmission. Even if a longer focal length lens is customized, it is not only costly but also prone to performance issues.

[0034] In summary, Combo PON optical devices suffer from several drawbacks: short intervals between four or more wavelengths affect isolation, and the long device structure makes it difficult to meet lens focal length requirements.

[0035] The passive connector for parallel light proposed in this invention can ensure that parallel light enters the optical fiber efficiently and improves the isolation between wavelengths, which is essential for the entire optical device.

[0036] This embodiment discloses a passive connector for parallel light, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a collimating lens 1, a ferrule 2, a lens fixing device 3, a fiber core, and an optical fiber 5;

[0037] One end of the lens fixing device 3 is connected to the collimating lens 1, and the other end of the lens fixing device 3 is connected to the insert 2. A light transmission channel is provided between the collimating lens 1 and the insert 2, and the focusing point of the collimating lens 1 is located in the light transmission channel.

[0038] One end of the fiber core is connected to the optical fiber, and the other end of the fiber core is a free end; a fiber core channel is provided on the ferrule 2, the fiber core is located in the fiber core channel, and the free end of the fiber core is located in the optical transmission channel.

[0039] In this embodiment, the light-converging exit surface of the collimating lens 1 is close to the insert 2; the light-parallel incident surface of the collimating lens 1 is far away from the insert 2.

[0040] The collimating lens 1 is cylindrical in shape, with a plane and a curved surface at its two ends. The plane serves as the converging light exit surface of the collimating lens, while the curved surface serves as the parallel light entrance surface.

[0041] Accordingly, in this embodiment, a mounting through hole is provided on the lens fixing device 3; the insert 2 is connected to one end of the mounting through hole, and the collimating lens 1 is connected to the other end of the mounting through hole; guide angles are provided at both ends of the mounting through hole so that the insert 2 and the collimating lens 1 can be installed into the lens fixing device 3.

[0042] Preferably, the collimating lens is made of N-SF11 (silicate glass).

[0043] The lens fixing device 3 is a cylindrical metal part made of stainless steel. The size of the lens fixing device 3 can be adjusted as needed. The main function of the lens fixing device 3 is to fix the collimating lens and the ferrule. When the passive connector disclosed in this embodiment is used for optical devices, the lens fixing device 3 is also used to match the main structure of the optical device.

[0044] The size of the collimating lens can be adjusted as needed; the cylinder height is generally not less than 1.0mm to avoid it being too short to be clamped.

[0045] In this embodiment, the fiber core is connected to the optical fiber. After the collimating lens converts the parallel light into the converging light, the converging light enters the fiber core and then enters the optical fiber from the fiber core; or, the light transmitted in the optical fiber enters the optical transmission channel through the fiber core and is then converted into parallel light by the collimating lens.

[0046] In this embodiment, the optical transmission channel is coaxially arranged with the fiber core. The focusing point of the collimating lens 1 is located between the free end of the fiber core and the collimating lens 1, and the focusing point is collinear with the axis of the fiber core. By setting an interval between the collimating lens and the ferrule, an optical transmission channel is formed. The optimal interval is found by coupling and moving the position. Then, the collimating lens is connected to the lens fixing device 3 by adhesive. This allows parallel light to enter the optical fiber more efficiently, improving the transmission efficiency of the optical signal. Compared with the low efficiency of parallel light entering the optical fiber in the traditional method, the present invention significantly improves the performance of the optical communication system.

[0047] In this embodiment, one end of the insert 2 is connected to the lens fixing device 3, and the other end of the insert 2 is connected to the insert fixing device 4; the insert fixing device 4 is bonded to the lens fixing device 3.

[0048] Preferably, the insert 2 is cylindrical and made of ceramic.

[0049] The size of the insert 2 can be adjusted as needed, such as setting the diameter of the insert 2 to 2.5mm.

[0050] The main function of the ferrule 2 is to receive the fiber core; therefore, a through hole is provided along the axial direction of the ferrule 2, which serves as the fiber core channel, through which the free end of the fiber core passes into the optical transmission channel.

[0051] The main function of the ferrule fixing device 4 is to fix the ferrule and the optical fiber, and to clamp the passive connector as a fixture when used in optical devices.

[0052] The ferrule fixing device 4 is provided with an optical fiber channel; the fiber core channel is connected to the optical fiber channel and is coaxial with the optical fiber channel, and the optical fiber 5 passes through the optical fiber channel and is connected to the fiber core.

[0053] Preferably, the insert 2 is press-fitted to the insert fixing device 4; the insert fixing device 4 and the lens fixing device 3 are connected by adhesive.

[0054] The ferrule fixing device 4 is connected to the optical fiber 5 by adhesive.

[0055] Fiber 5 and fiber core are integrated into a single structure. By stripping one end of the fiber to expose the fiber core, fiber 5 and fiber core are connected.

[0056] This embodiment discloses a method for assembling a passive connector for parallel light, which includes:

[0057] The ferrule 2 is pressed into the ferrule fixing device 4 for fixation, ensuring an interference fit between the ferrule and the ferrule fixing device, thus preparing for subsequent fiber optic splicing.

[0058] The fiber core is passed sequentially through the fiber channel of the ferrule fixing device 4 and the fiber core channel of the ferrule until the fiber core enters the optical transmission channel. The fiber 5 is then glued to the ferrule fixing device 4 to achieve a stable connection of the fiber in the ferrule fixing device and ensure a smooth transmission path for the optical signal.

[0059] Insert the insert 2 into the lens fixing device 3, and then glue the lens fixing device 3 to the insert fixing device 4.

[0060] The collimating lens 1 is placed inside the lens fixing device 3 and coupled with the fiber core, so that the converging light from the fiber core can be converted into parallel light through the transposed lens. Light is reversible, and general parallel light can also be converted into converging light from the collimating lens 1 and enter the fiber core, and finally enter the optical fiber 5 to realize the internal light transmission of the optical device; after coupling, the collimating lens 1 is glued to the lens fixing device 3.

[0061] Further reinforce the structure of the entire connector to ensure the stability of each component during use.

[0062] In this embodiment, after assembling a passive connector for parallel light, a quality test is performed on the assembled passive connector. The test process includes: inserting the assembled passive connector into the light source interface; using a fiber optic inspection instrument to detect the quality indicators of the fiber output, return loss, and insertion loss, to evaluate the connector's performance and the quality of optical signal transmission; and then using a spot size meter to measure the size of the light spot transmitted from the fiber, confirming the spot size of the passive adapter for parallel light, and calculating the point accuracy. Measuring the spot size allows us to understand the focusing effect of the parallel light after passing through the connector, and calculating the point accuracy helps to more accurately evaluate the connector's performance.

[0063] This embodiment discloses a passive connector for parallel light. By using a collimating lens to convert parallel light into focused light, the focused light enters the fiber core and ultimately the optical fiber. This allows light to enter the fiber more efficiently, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of optical signals. Compared to the low efficiency of parallel light entering the optical fiber in traditional methods, this invention significantly improves the performance of the optical communication system. The ferrule design better supports the fiber core, ensuring stable transmission of optical signals in the optical fiber and reducing signal loss.

[0064] This embodiment discloses a passive connector for parallel light. By setting an optical transmission channel between the collimating lens and the ferrule, it not only ensures the efficient transmission of parallel light into the optical fiber, but also makes the size of the connector no longer limited by the focal length of the collimating lens, thereby meeting the requirements for the use of long-sized passive connectors.

[0065] This embodiment discloses a passive connector for parallel light, where the materials and dimensions of each component can be adjusted as needed, offering high flexibility and adaptability. For example, the cylindrical ferrule can be made of different materials, such as ceramic, N-SF11, or other suitable materials, depending on the application scenario and requirements; the dimensions of the cylindrical metal lens fixing device and ferrule fixing device can also be customized according to actual conditions, meeting the diverse needs of different users. This flexibility enables the passive connector to be widely used in various optical communication systems and equipment, adapting to different working environments and technical requirements.

[0066] This embodiment discloses a passive connector for parallel light, employing multiple connection methods such as adhesive bonding and press-fitting to ensure a firm and stable connection between components. For example, the collimating lens and lens fixing device are connected by adhesive bonding, the ferrule and ferrule fixing device are tightly connected by press-fitting, and the optical fiber and ferrule fixing device are also fixed by adhesive bonding. These connection methods can maintain stability under different operating conditions, preventing loosening or failure of the connection due to factors such as vibration and temperature changes.

[0067] The stainless steel lens and ferrule fixing devices offer high strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring the connector's reliability during long-term use. The cylindrical ceramic ferrule and optical path conversion device also possess excellent optical performance and stability, further enhancing the overall quality of the connector.

[0068] Therefore, the passive connector for parallel light disclosed in this embodiment has many advantages and beneficial effects, such as improved light transmission efficiency, high flexibility, stability and reliability, and ease of detection and optimization, providing strong support for the development of the optical communication field. In optical communication, this relatively uniform light intensity distribution is beneficial to improving the stability of signal transmission. For example, at the optical transmitter end of optical fiber communication, parallel light can be coupled into the optical fiber more uniformly, reducing signal distortion caused by uneven light intensity.

[0069] Example 2

[0070] In this embodiment, an optical device is disclosed, including a passive connector for parallel light disclosed in Embodiment 1.

[0071] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

[0072] Although the specific embodiments of the present utility model have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solution of the present utility model are still within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A passive connector for parallel light, characterized in that, Includes collimating lens, ferrule, lens fixing device, fiber core and optical fiber; One end of the lens fixing device is connected to the collimating lens, and the other end of the lens fixing device is connected to the ferrule. A light transmission channel is provided between the collimating lens and the ferrule, and the convergent light focal point of the collimating lens is located in the light transmission channel. One end of the fiber core is connected to the optical fiber, and the other end of the fiber core is a free end; the ferrule is provided with a fiber core channel, the fiber core is located in the fiber core channel, and the free end of the fiber core is located in the optical transmission channel.

2. The passive connector for parallel light as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The converging light exiting surface of the collimating lens is close to the insert; the parallel light entering surface of the collimating lens is far from the insert.

3. A passive connector for parallel light as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The collimating lens has a converging focal point located between the free end of the fiber core and the collimating lens, and the converging focal point is collinear with the axis of the fiber core.

4. A passive connector for parallel light as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The optical transmission channel is coaxial with the fiber core.

5. A passive connector for parallel light as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the insert is connected to the lens fixing device, and the other end of the insert is connected to the insert fixing device; the insert fixing device is bonded to the lens fixing device.

6. A passive connector for parallel light as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ferrule fixing device is equipped with an optical fiber channel; the optical fiber passes through the optical fiber channel and is connected to the fiber core.

7. A passive connector for parallel light as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The fiber core channel is connected to the fiber optic channel, and the fiber core channel and the fiber optic channel are coaxially arranged.

8. A passive connector for parallel light as described in claim 7, characterized in that, A guide angle is set at the end of the fiber core channel facing the fiber channel.

9. A passive connector for parallel light as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lens fixing device is provided with a mounting through hole; the ferrule is connected to one end of the mounting through hole, and the collimating lens is connected to the other end of the mounting through hole; guide angles are provided at both ends of the mounting through hole.

10. An optical device, characterized in that, Includes a passive connector for parallel light as described in any one of claims 1-9.