Optical adapter, optical distribution network equipment and optical communication system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides an optical adapter, optical distribution network equipment and an optical communication system, and relates to the optical communication technology. The optical adapter includes an optical adapter body and a support structure. The optical adapter body comprises an insertion core part, a fiber bragg grating and a shell, the fiber bragg grating penetrates through the insertion core part and is used for modulating optical signals incident to the fiber bragg grating, the insertion core part is sleeved with the shell, one end of the insertion core part is used for being in optical butt joint with a connector box, and the other end of the insertion core part is used for being in optical butt joint with the connector box. The other end of the insertion core part is used for being in optical butt joint with a prefabricated cable penetrating into the shell. The supporting structure is provided with an abutting end face used for protruding out of the end face of the shell. The supporting structure sleeves the housing, and the supporting structure is used for abutting against the connector box when the optical adapter body is connected to the network port of the connector box, thereby reducing the lateral displacement of the optical cable when the optical cable of the prefabricated cable is subjected to a lateral load, facilitating the reduction of the position offset during optical butt joint of the insertion core part, and improving the optical butt joint precision. Therefore, the optical loss is reduced, and the optical transmission quality of the optical adapter is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to an optical adapter, an optical distribution network device, and an optical communication system. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demands for high-speed information transmission, optical fiber, as a high-speed information carrier, is being used more and more widely. Especially in the 5G era, the application of optical fiber lines is becoming more and more widespread, and the number of network ports in optical distribution networks (ODNs) is growing exponentially. How to manage network port resources has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0003] In one solution, an optical adapter or other optical connector equipped with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) can be connected to the network port of the ODN device. The FBG is used to modulate the optical signal. The optical signal is reported from the optical network terminal (ONT). After being modulated by the FBG of the ODN device, the optical signal is identified by an optical artificial intelligence (OAI) module connected to the optical switch unit (OSU) on the optical line terminal (OLT) side. The OAI module reads the optical channels to reconstruct the ODN network topology, thus identifying which network ports are in use. However, with existing optical adapters, when connected to the network port and prefabricated cable of the ODN device, if the prefabricated cable is subjected to a slight lateral load (such as pulling), the optical fiber inside the adapter shifts due to positional displacement, resulting in significant optical loss and affecting the optical transmission quality. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an optical adapter, an optical distribution network device, and an optical communication system to reduce optical loss and improve optical transmission quality.

[0005] In a first aspect, one embodiment of this application provides an optical adapter. The optical adapter includes an optical adapter body and a support structure. The optical adapter body includes a ferrule component, a fiber Bragg grating, and a housing. The fiber Bragg grating is disposed within the ferrule component and is used to modulate the optical signal incident on the fiber Bragg grating. The housing is fitted onto the ferrule component. One end of the ferrule component is used for optical docking with a junction box, and the other end of the ferrule component is used for optical docking with a pre-fabricated cable inserted into the housing. The support structure is fitted onto the housing. In the axial direction of the optical adapter, the support structure has a supporting end face that protrudes from the end face of the housing.

[0006] The optical adapter provided in this application, after the optical adapter, junction box, and prefabricated cable are connected, has a support structure that abuts against the junction box, enhancing the connection rigidity between the junction box and the optical adapter. When the prefabricated cable is subjected to a lateral load, the support structure abuts against the junction box, reducing the lateral displacement of the cable. This helps to reduce the positional offset of the ferrule components during optical alignment, thereby reducing the optical loss of the optical adapter under lateral load conditions and improving the optical transmission quality of the optical adapter.

[0007] The abutting end face protrudes from the housing to contact and abut against the end face of the junction box. This ensures that after the optical adapter, junction box, and pre-installed cable are connected, the abutting end face fits snugly against the end face of the junction box. When the pre-installed optical cable is subjected to lateral load, the abutting end face and the junction box abut against each other, preventing the optical adapter from deflecting.

[0008] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, when the abutting end face abuts against the connector box, the distance between the abutting end face and the end face of the housing in the axial direction of the optical adapter ranges from [0.5mm, 4mm].

[0009] In this possible implementation, the distance between the abutting end face and the end face of the housing is limited to [0.5mm, 4mm]. On the one hand, this helps to maintain the positional stability of the optical adapter, and on the other hand, it facilitates the smooth assembly of the optical adapter and the junction box.

[0010] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the outer wall of the housing is provided with external threads, the inner wall of the support structure is provided with internal threads, and the external threads and internal threads are threadedly connected.

[0011] In this possible implementation, by rotating the support structure, the axial position of the support structure in the housing component is adjusted so that the support structure can fit tightly against the end face of the junction box, thereby improving the operator's ease of operation.

[0012] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the support structure includes a base and a handle, both of which are sleeved outside the housing. One end of the base engages with the handle, an internal thread is provided on the inner wall of the base, and an abutment end face is provided on the base.

[0013] In this possible implementation, the abutting end face of the base is used to abut against the junction box, and the handle is used for the operator to operate so as to drive the base to rotate relative to the housing, which helps to improve the operator's ease of operation.

[0014] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, one of the outer wall of the base and the inner wall of the handle is provided with at least two engaging grooves arranged circumferentially along the base, and the other of the outer wall of the base and the inner wall of the handle is provided with an engaging protrusion for engaging with one of the at least two engaging grooves.

[0015] In this possible implementation, if the support structure rotates excessively relative to the housing, the engaging protrusion can slide from one engaging slot into another. By controlling the interference of the engaging protrusion, the torque during the relative movement between the base and the handle can be quantified, thereby controlling the tightening torque of the overall support structure. This helps prevent structural damage to the support structure and / or housing due to excessive tightening, and extends the service life of the optical adapter.

[0016] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, a locking groove is provided on the outer wall of the base, and the locking groove extends through the end face of the base facing the handle to guide the locking protrusion into the locking groove.

[0017] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the outer wall of the base is provided with a receiving groove, and the engaging groove is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove.

[0018] In this possible implementation, the engaging groove is located on the bottom wall of the receiving groove. When the engaging protrusion engages with the engaging groove, it occupies the internal space of the base, which helps to reduce the radial footprint of the optical adapter. When the base and handle are assembled together, the receiving groove can position the elastic arm of the handle to improve the assembly efficiency between the base and the handle.

[0019] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the handle is provided with a through hole that penetrates the inner wall of the handle and the outer wall of the cylinder. An elastic arm is provided on the inner wall of the through hole. One end of the elastic arm is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the through hole, and the other end of the elastic arm is a free end. A locking protrusion is provided on the side of the free end facing the shell.

[0020] In this possible implementation, the elastic arm has a free end, which can increase the amount of elastic deformation.

[0021] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, one of the outer wall of the base and the inner wall of the handle is provided with a limiting protrusion, and the other of the outer wall of the base and the inner wall of the handle is provided with a limiting groove extending circumferentially along the base, and the limiting protrusion is coupled to the limiting groove.

[0022] In this possible implementation, the limiting protrusion cooperates with the limiting groove to restrict the axial movement between the handle and the base along the base, thereby improving the stability of the relative axial position of the base and the handle on the base.

[0023] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, a limiting groove is provided on the inner wall of the handle, and the inner wall of the handle is also provided with a guide groove. One end of the guide groove is connected to the limiting groove, and the other end of the guide groove passes through the side of the handle facing the base. The limiting protrusion can move along the guide groove in the axial direction of the base.

[0024] In this possible implementation, the limiting protrusion can move axially along the guide groove in the base to enter or exit the limiting groove. The guide groove is used to guide the axial movement of the limiting protrusion in the base, which helps to improve the assembly efficiency between the handle and the base.

[0025] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the outer wall of the supporting structure is provided with an identification code to support digital identification.

[0026] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the identification code is a ring structure extending circumferentially along the support structure.

[0027] In this possible implementation, the identification code is a ring structure to increase the coverage of the identification code in the circumference of the support structure. When performing digital identification by the identification device, it is not necessary to align the identification device with a specific area in the circumference of the support structure, thereby improving the convenience of identification.

[0028] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the optical adapter further includes an inner frame and a spindle, the inner frame being fitted onto the ferrule component, the spindle being fitted onto the inner frame, the housing being fitted onto the spindle, and the support structure being fitted onto the housing.

[0029] In this possible implementation, the inner frame is used to fix the ferrule component, and the spindle is used to connect the inner frame to the housing.

[0030] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the inner wall of the inner frame is provided with a first engaging portion, and the main shaft is provided with a second engaging portion, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged and connected.

[0031] In this possible implementation, the inner frame and the main shaft are connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, which facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the optical adapter.

[0032] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the main shaft includes a first cylinder, a flange, and a second cylinder, wherein the flange is fixed to the outer wall of the first cylinder and is connected to the housing, and the second cylinder is fixedly connected to the flange and sleeved on the inner frame.

[0033] In this possible implementation, the second cylinder can be used to connect with the junction box, and the flange can be used to connect with the shell.

[0034] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the second engaging portion is disposed on the first cylinder.

[0035] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the main shaft further includes a third cylinder, which is located on both sides of the flange along the axial direction of the main shaft, and the second cylinder is located on both sides of the flange. The end face of the third cylinder away from the second cylinder is provided with an insertion hole, which is a non-circular hole, and the insertion hole is used to insert a prefabricated cable.

[0036] In this possible implementation, the insertion hole is a non-circular hole. This non-circular hole limits the rotation of the prefabricated cable relative to the spindle, allowing for positioning of the prefabricated cable when it is inserted. The shape of the non-circular hole matches the shape of the prefabricated cable portion that needs to be inserted into the square hole. During assembly, because the spindle has a non-circular insertion hole, when assembling the prefabricated cable and optical adapter together, the prefabricated cable can be directly inserted into the square hole to achieve optical docking between the prefabricated cable and the ferrule component. This avoids multiple adjustments to the positions of the prefabricated cable and optical adapter during assembly, improving assembly efficiency and reducing the possibility of end-face wear on the ferrule component.

[0037] In addition, the insertion hole can prevent the prefabricated cable from rotating relative to the main shaft. When the support structure rotates relative to the housing, since the main shaft and the housing are set separately, the main shaft will not be affected by the support structure or will be less affected. This reduces the possibility of the prefabricated cable confined in the insertion hole deflecting, so as not to affect the ferrule of the junction box, the ferrule component of the optical adapter, the relative position and optical docking between the prefabricated cables, which is conducive to improving the positional stability of the optical docking between the optical adapter and the pre-connected optical connector, thereby improving the optical transmission quality.

[0038] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the outer wall of the third cylinder is provided with a buckle, and the housing is provided with a limiting groove extending circumferentially along the housing. The buckle is received in the limiting groove and can slide along the limiting groove to limit the rotation range of the housing relative to the main shaft.

[0039] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the housing includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion disposed opposite to each other. The inner wall of the first connecting portion is provided with a mating portion and a limiting boss. The flange is axially limited between the mating portion and the limiting boss of the main shaft, so that the housing is connected to the main shaft and the housing can rotate relative to the main shaft.

[0040] In this possible implementation, the flange is axially confined between the mating part and the limiting boss on the main shaft, thereby restricting the axial movement of the housing relative to the main shaft and preventing it from moving along the main shaft's axial direction. The housing can rotate around the handle to facilitate circumferential adjustment when the optical adapter is mated with other optical connectors.

[0041] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the flange is provided with a limiting part, which is a notch that penetrates the flange axially along the main shaft, and the mating part is a protrusion that abuts against the flange.

[0042] During assembly, the spindle is first pushed into the housing along its direction, and the mating part passes through the notch. The flange can be confined between the limiting boss and the mating part, which facilitates the assembly between the spindle and the housing.

[0043] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the optical adapter also includes a sealing ring fitted onto the housing.

[0044] In this possible implementation, when the housing mates with the pre-connected optical connector, a sealing ring is used to seal the connection between the outer wall of the housing and the inner wall of the pre-connected optical connector to maintain airtightness, so that the optical adapter has high waterproof and dustproof performance and can cope with complex outdoor environments.

[0045] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the housing component further includes a first dust cap, which is used to be fitted over the housing and housed within the support structure, and a sealing ring is used to be housed within the first dust cap and to be sealed between the housing and the first dust cap.

[0046] In this possible implementation, the first dust cap is fitted onto the spindle and housed within the housing. The first dust cap prevents dust from entering the optical adapter from the end furthest from the first ferrule, thus preventing contamination. When the optical adapter is not connected to the pre-fabricated cable or connector box, the sealing ring can also seal between the first dust cap and the spindle to maintain airtightness and reduce the entry of moisture into the optical adapter through gaps between the first dust cap and the spindle.

[0047] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the outer wall of the ferrule component is provided with a boss, and the optical adapter also includes an elastic element, which is sleeved on the ferrule component and housed in the inner frame, and the elastic element elastically abuts against the boss and the spindle.

[0048] In this possible implementation, the elastic element is sleeved on the ferrule component and elastically abuts between the ferrule component and the spindle, providing preload force when the ferrule component is optically mated with the optical adapter and / or pre-connected optical connector, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the optical adapter's optical mating.

[0049] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the optical adapter further includes a ferrule sleeve, which is fitted onto the ferrule component and housed within the spindle to protect the ferrule component.

[0050] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the optical adapter further includes a second dust cap for fitting over one end of the ferrule component that protrudes from the housing.

[0051] In this possible implementation, the second dust cap is fitted over the first ferrule and is at least partially housed within the inner frame. The second dust cap prevents dust from entering the optical adapter from the end containing the first ferrule, thereby contaminating the optical adapter.

[0052] According to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the ferrule component includes a first ferrule and a second ferrule connected together, a fiber optic grating passing through the first ferrule and the second ferrule, the first ferrule being used for optical docking with a junction box, and the second ferrule being used for optical docking with a prefabricated cable passing through the housing, the first ferrule and the second ferrule being integrally or separately configured.

[0053] The first and second ferrules are integrated into one unit, and the fiber Bragg grating is housed within the housing component. This integrated design simplifies the structure of the optical adapter and reduces its axial length.

[0054] The first and second ferrules are separate components. This separate design simplifies the manufacturing process of the optical adapter.

[0055] Secondly, one embodiment of this application provides an optical distribution network device, which includes a junction box and an optical adapter according to the first aspect. The junction box is provided with a network port, and one end of the optical adapter is connected to the network port.

[0056] Thirdly, one embodiment of this application provides an optical communication system, which includes an optical distribution network, an optical network terminal, and an optical line terminal. The optical distribution network includes at least one optical distribution network device provided in the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an optical communication system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an optical distribution network device provided in one embodiment of this application connected to a prefabricated cable;

[0059] Figure 3 This is a side view of an optical distribution network device connected to a prefabricated cable according to an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram of a single-core link scenario provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 4BThis is a schematic diagram of a dual-core link scenario provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an optical adapter provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The side view of the optical adapter shown;

[0064] Figure 7A This is a top view of the optical adapter, junction box, and prefabricated cable assembled together according to one embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 7B It is along Figure 7A The sectional view obtained by the line CC;

[0066] Figure 7C yes Figure 7B An enlarged schematic diagram of the local region I1;

[0067] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the support structure of the optical adapter;

[0068] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional exploded view of the supporting structure shown from another perspective;

[0069] Figure 10 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view obtained by line AA;

[0070] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the ferrule component of the optical adapter;

[0071] Figure 12 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view obtained from line BB;

[0072] Figure 13 yes Figure 5 An exploded 3D view of the optical adapter shown.

[0073] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 An exploded three-dimensional diagram of the optical adapter from another perspective;

[0074] Figure 15 yes Figure 7B A magnified schematic diagram of the local region I2;

[0075] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the shell;

[0076] Figure 17 yes Figure 5The diagram shows a partial three-dimensional assembly of the optical adapter.

[0077] Figure label:

[0078] 2000, Cloud Server; 1000, Optical Communication System; 1001, Optical Line Terminal; 1002, Optical Distribution Network; 1003, Optical Network Terminal; 1005, Optical Intelligent Module; 1006, Fiber Optic Distribution Frame; 1008, Feeder Optical Cable; 1009, Access Terminal Box; 100, Optical Distribution Network Equipment; 101, Junction Box; 1011, Network Port; 102, Optical Adapter; 2, Optical Adapter Main Body; 10, Flanged Component; 11, First Flanged Component; 13 15. Second ferrule; 20. Fiber Bragg grating; 30. Housing component; 32. Inner frame; 321. Limiting structure; 323. First engaging part; 33. Main shaft; 331. First cylinder; 3311. Second engaging part; 332. Flange; 3321. Limiting part; 333. Second cylinder; 335. Third cylinder; 3351. Buckle; 3353. Insertion hole; 34. Elastic element; 35. Ferrule sleeve; 36. Housing; 361. First connecting part; 611. External thread; 3613. Mating part; 3615. Limiting boss; 3617. Indicator mark; 363. Second connecting part; 3631. Limiting groove; 3633. Interface channel; 3635. Channel opening; 3637. Slot; 37. Sealing ring; 38. First dust cap; 39. Second dust cap; 5. Support structure; 50. Supporting end face; 501. Groove; 51. Base; 511. Internal thread; 513. First part; 515. Second part; 5 17. Receiving groove; 5171. Engaging groove; 5173. Raised rib; 518. Limiting protrusion; 53. Handle; 531. Third part; 533. Fourth part; 534. Through hole; 535. Limiting groove; 536. Guide groove; 537. Elastic arm; 5371. Engaging protrusion; 538. Identification code; 103. Pre-fabricated cable; 1031. Pre-connected optical connector; 41. Mounting sleeve; 42. Flanged core; 43. Housing; 1033. Optical cable; 104. Optical cable junction box. Detailed Implementation

[0079] With the increasing demands for high-speed information transmission, optical fiber, as a high-speed information carrier, is being used more and more widely. Especially in the 5G era, the application of optical fiber lines is becoming more and more widespread, and the number of network ports in optical distribution networks (ODNs) is growing exponentially. How to manage network port resources has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0080] In one solution, an optical adapter or connector equipped with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) can be connected to the network port of the ODN device. The FBG is used to modulate the optical signal. The optical signal is reported from the optical network terminal (ONT). After being modulated by the FBG of the ODN device, the optical signal is identified by an optical artificial intelligence (OAI) module connected to the optical switch unit (OSU) on the optical line terminal (OLT) side. The OAI module reads the optical channels to reconstruct the ODN network topology, thus identifying which network ports are in use. However, with existing optical adapters, when connected to the network port and prefabricated cable of the ODN device, if the prefabricated cable is subjected to a slight lateral load (such as pulling), the optical fiber inside the adapter bends, resulting in significant optical loss and affecting the optical transmission quality within the adapter.

[0081] Please see Figure 1 This application provides an optical communication system 1000, including an optical line terminal (OLT) 1001, an optical distribution network (ODN) 1002, an optical network terminal (ONT) 1003, and an optical artificial intelligence (OAI) module 1005. The OLT 1001 is connected to the ODN 1002. The OLT 1001 can serve as a medium between other networks and the ODN 1003. The OLT 1001 can forward data received from other networks to the ODN 1003 and forward data received from the ODN 1003 to other networks.

[0082] One or more optical distribution networks 1002 are connected between optical line terminal 1001 and optical network terminal 1003. That is, optical line terminal 1001 and optical network terminal 1003 are connected via optical distribution network 1002. Optical distribution network 1002 is used for data distribution between optical line terminal 1001 and optical network terminal 1003. Optical distribution network 1002 may include cascaded optical distribution network devices 100. Figure 1 The example uses two cascaded optical distribution network devices 100. An optical network terminal 1003 is connected to one optical distribution network device 100. An optical intelligent module 1005 is connected to an optical line terminal 1001. It is understood that the number of optical distribution network devices 100 can also be one or more.

[0083] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The optical distribution network device 100 includes a junction box 101 and an optical adapter 102. The junction box 101 can split a single optical signal into multiple paths. The junction box 101 is used for optical signal coupling, branching, and distribution, and is often built into the supporting equipment of an ODN network. The junction box 101 includes multiple network ports 1011. Depending on whether the optical signal is input or output, the network ports 1011 can be divided into input ports and output ports. The junction box 101 receives optical signals through the input ports and outputs optical signals through the output ports. The optical adapter 102 is an optical iris adapter. The optical adapter 102 contains a fiber Bragg grating 20, which can modulate optical signals.

[0084] One end of the optical adapter 102 is connected to the network port 1011, and the other end of the optical adapter 102 is connected to the pre-fabricated cable 103. The optical distribution network device 100 may also include other necessary or non-essential components such as optical cables, couplers, and splitters, which will not be elaborated here. The optical adapter 102 is detachably connected to the network port 1011; that is, when the junction box 101 is installed in the network, the optical adapter 102 is installed on the network port 1011. When the junction box 101 is not installed in the network, the optical adapter 102 may not be connected to the network port 1011.

[0085] The optical adapter 102 has a fiber optic grating 20 for modulating optical signals, such as Figure 2 As shown. Please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The optical signal uploaded from the optical network terminal 1003 is modulated by the optical adapter 102 and arrives at the optical line terminal 1001. The optical intelligence module 1005 is used to identify and analyze the modulated optical signal and upload it to the cloud server 2000 to indicate the network ports 1011 occupied by each optical distribution network device 100. Users can display the cascaded optical path topology information stored on the cloud server 2000 through cloud application software to achieve segmented optical path operation and maintenance without the need for network modification of the junction box 101. The optical path topology information includes whether each network port 1011 of each optical distribution network device 100 is occupied. When the optical signal modulated by the fiber Bragg grating 20 of the optical adapter 102 is transmitted from the corresponding network port 1011, it means that this network port 1011 is occupied, and this network port 1011 is marked as occupied in the optical path topology information.

[0086] Please see Figure 4AThe optical communication system 1000 provided in this application can be applied in a possible single-core link application scenario, where the junction box 101 is a single-core junction box. The communication equipment room (CO room) is equipped with an optical line terminal 1001 and an optical distribution frame (ODF) 1006. The optical distribution network equipment 100 also includes an optical cable junction box 104. The optical distribution frame 1006 is connected to the optical cable junction box 104 via a feeder cable 1008. The optical cable junction box 104 is optically connected to the junction box 101. At the very end of this link, the junction box 101 is connected to an access terminal box (ATB), which is connected to an optical network terminal 1003. The optical network terminal 1003 is connected to users' mobile phones, televisions, computers, and other devices or apparatuses.

[0087] Please see Figure 4B The optical communication system 1000 provided in this application can be applied in dual-core link application scenarios. The junction box 101 is a dual-core junction box 101, and the junction box 101 includes an expansion port.

[0088] It is understood that this application does not limit the number of optical adapters 102. For example, the number of optical adapters 102 can be one or more, and each optical adapter 102 corresponds to a network port 1011 for connection.

[0089] In some embodiments of this application, the optical adapter 102 can be a male-female optical connector, that is, the optical adapter 102 is an optical connector that integrates the male and female ends into one piece.

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, the optical adapter 102 can be an outdoor fiber optic connector used outdoors. Compared with indoor optical connectors, the optical adapter 102 is used in a relatively open space and needs to have better environmental adaptability to cope with the complex and ever-changing external environment.

[0091] It is understood that this application does not limit the application of the optical adapter 102 to the scenario of interfacing with the network port 1011; it can also be applied to other optical connection scenarios. Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, the optical adapter 102 can also be an indoor optical connector.

[0092] In some embodiments of this application, the optical distribution network device 100 includes a network port 1011, and an optical adapter 102 is provided on the network port 1011.

[0093] In some embodiments of this application, an optical communication system 1000 includes an optical distribution network 1002, an optical network terminal 1003, and an optical line terminal 1001. The optical distribution network 1002 includes at least one optical distribution network device 100.

[0094] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7A and Figure 7B This application provides an optical adapter 102, including an optical adapter body 2 and a support structure 5. The optical adapter body 2 includes a ferrule component 10, a fiber Bragg grating 20, and a housing component 30. The housing component 30 includes a housing 36. The fiber Bragg grating 20 is disposed on the ferrule component 10 and is used to modulate the optical signal incident on the fiber Bragg grating 20. The fiber Bragg grating 20 is a diffraction grating formed by axially periodically modulating the refractive index of the fiber core using a certain method, and is a passive filter device. The housing 36 is sleeved on the ferrule component 10. One end of the ferrule component 10 is used for optical docking with a junction box 101, and the other end of the ferrule component 10 is used for optical docking with a pre-fabricated cable 103 inserted into the housing component 30. The support structure 5 is sleeved on the housing 36 and is used to abut against the junction box 101 when the optical adapter body 2 is connected to the network port 1011 of the junction box 101.

[0095] In some embodiments, the pre-fabricated cable 103 may include a pre-connected optical connector 1031 and an optical cable 1033 mounted on the pre-connected optical connector 1031. The pre-connected optical connector 1031 is used to connect to the optical adapter 102 so that the optical cable 1033 on the pre-connected optical connector 1031 is optically mated with the fiber Bragg grating 20 of the optical adapter 102.

[0096] In one related technology, when the junction box, optical adapter, and prefabricated cable are connected together, one end of the optical adapter needs to be inserted into the junction box for mating, and the other end of the optical adapter is mated with the prefabricated cable. Along the axial direction of the optical adapter, there is a gap between the end face of the optical adapter's housing and the end face of the junction box, i.e., a margin, to facilitate assembly between the optical adapter and the junction box. In practical applications, if the optical cable of the prefabricated cable is subjected to a lateral load, the force transmitted to the optical adapter will cause the optical adapter to deflect, resulting in instability during optical mating of the ferrule components of the optical adapter, leading to greater optical loss and affecting the optical transmission quality of the optical adapter.

[0097] The optical adapter 102 provided in this application, after the optical adapter 102, junction box 101, and prefabricated cable 103 are connected, the support structure 5 abuts against the junction box 101, enhancing the connection rigidity between the junction box 101 and the optical adapter 102. When the optical cable 1033 of the prefabricated cable 103 is subjected to a lateral load, the support structure 5 can reduce the lateral displacement of the optical cable 1033 due to the abutment between the support structure 5 and the junction box 101. This helps to reduce the positional offset of the ferrule component 10 during optical docking, thereby helping to reduce the optical loss of the optical adapter 102 under lateral load conditions and improving the optical transmission quality of the optical adapter 102.

[0098] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to the relevant documentation. Figure 7B and Figure 7C In the axial direction of the optical adapter 102 ( Figure 7C (Indicated by the X-axis) The support structure 5 is provided with a supporting end face 50, which protrudes from the end face of the housing 36 to contact and abut against the end face of the junction box 101. In this way, after the optical adapter 102, junction box 101, and prefabricated cable 103 are connected, the supporting end face 50 and the end face of the junction box 101 are tightly fitted. When the optical cable 1033 of the prefabricated cable 103 is subjected to a lateral load, the supporting end face 50 and the junction box 101 abut against each other, which can prevent the optical adapter 102 from deflecting.

[0099] The structure and shape of the abutting end face 50 are not limited in this application. The abutting end face 50 may include a plane or a curved surface, as long as the abutting end face 50 can abut against the junction box 101.

[0100] When the abutting end face 50 abuts against the end face of the connector box 101, there is a gap between the abutting end face 50 and the end face of the housing 36 in the axial direction of the optical adapter 102. Figure 7C(Indicated by G in the figure), there is a gap between the end face of the junction box 101 and the end face of the housing 36. If the gap is too large, once under force, for example, when the prefabricated cable 103 is subjected to a lateral load, it will affect the positional stability of the optical adapter 102, which may easily lead to the instability between the ferrule component 10 and the fiber optic mating surface of the junction box 101, thereby affecting the optical transmission quality; if the gap is too small, it may affect the assembly between the optical adapter 102 and the junction box 101. In this embodiment, when the abutting end face 50 abuts against the end face of the junction box 101, there is a gap between the abutting end face 50 and the end face of the housing 36 facing the junction box 101 in the axial direction of the optical adapter 102. The width of the gap is in the range of [0.5mm, 4mm], for example, the gap range can be [0.9mm, 2.3mm]. Limiting the distance between the abutting end face 50 and the end face of the housing 36 to [0.5mm, 4mm] helps maintain the positional stability of the optical adapter 102 and facilitates the smooth assembly of the optical adapter 102 and the junction box 101.

[0101] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to the relevant documentation. Figure 7B , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The support structure 5 includes a detachably connected base 51 and a handle 53, both of which are fitted onto the outer surface of the housing 36. One end of the base 51 engages with the handle 53, enabling a detachable connection between the base 51 and the handle 53. The inner wall of the base 51 has an internal thread 511. The housing 36 has an external thread 3611, which is threadedly connected to the internal thread 511, securing the support structure 5 to the housing 36. The end of the base 51 furthest from the handle 53 abuts against the connector box 101. The handle 53 is used by the operator to rotate the base 51 relative to the housing 36, thus improving the operator's ease of use. By rotating the support structure 5, the axial position of the support structure 5 within the housing 36 can be adjusted, ensuring a tight fit between the support structure 5 and the end face of the connector box 101, further enhancing the operator's ease of use. The threaded connection between the support structure 5 and the housing 36 improves the fit stability between the support structure 5 and the junction box 101, and also reduces the possibility of axial movement of the support structure 5 relative to the housing 36.

[0102] It is understandable that the support structure 5 may omit the handle 53, or the handle 53 may be integrated with the base 51.

[0103] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9The base 51 also includes a first part 513 and a second part 515 connected together, wherein the outer diameter of the first part 513 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second part 515. The first part 513 is provided with a receiving groove 517 for engaging with the handle 53. The bottom wall of the receiving groove 517 is provided with at least two engaging grooves 5171 arranged circumferentially along the base 51, which are used for partially engaging with the handle 53. In this embodiment, at least one protruding rib 5173 is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove 517, and the protruding rib 5173 and the inner wall of the receiving groove 517 together form at least two engaging grooves 5171. Figure 8 The example shows two protruding ribs 5173 and three engaging grooves 5171. The outer wall of the first part 513 is also provided with a limiting protrusion 518 for engaging with the handle 53. It is understood that this application does not limit the number of protruding ribs 5173 or the number of engaging grooves 5171. The edge of the abutting end face 50 is also provided with a groove 501 to facilitate removal from the mold after the base 51 is prepared by injection molding. It is understood that this application does not limit the material of the base 51, nor does it limit the preparation method of the base 51; the groove 501 may be omitted.

[0104] The handle 53 includes a third part 531, a fourth part 533, and an elastic arm 537. The outer diameter of the third part 531 is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth part 533. The third part 531 is fitted onto the first part 513. The third part 531 has a through hole 534. The through hole 534 penetrates the inner wall and the outer wall of the third part 531. The through hole 534 is used to house the elastic arm 537. The inner wall of the third part 531 also has a limiting groove 535 extending circumferentially along the handle 53. The limiting groove 535 is used to couple with a limiting protrusion 518, such as... Figure 9 As shown. The limiting groove 535 may or may not penetrate the outer wall of the third part 531. The limiting protrusion 518 is accommodated in the limiting groove 535 and can slide along the limiting groove 535. The limiting protrusion 518 cooperates with the limiting groove 535 to restrict the axial movement between the handle 53 and the base 51 along the base 51, improving the stability of the relative axial position of the base 51 and the handle 53 on the base 51. The inner wall of the third part 531 is also provided with a guide groove 536. One end of the guide groove 536 is connected to the limiting groove 535, and the other end of the guide groove 536 penetrates the side of the third part 531 facing the base 51. The limiting protrusion 518 can move along the guide groove 536 in the axial direction of the base 51 to enter or exit the limiting groove 535. The guide groove 536 is used to guide the axial movement of the limiting protrusion 518 in the base 51, which helps to improve the assembly efficiency between the handle 53 and the base 51.

[0105] In some embodiments of this application, the outer wall of the fourth part 533 may also be provided with an identification code 538, such as Figure 8As shown, this supports digital identification. The identification code 538 can be a laser code, a technology that uses laser technology to encode numbers, letters, symbols, etc., onto materials. This technology can be used to manufacture laser labels, etc. Figure 8 The identification code 538 is shown only by dashed lines as an example. For instance, the identification code 538 is a ring structure extending circumferentially along the support structure 5 to increase the coverage area of ​​the identification code 538 in the circumferential direction of the support structure 5. When performing digital identification by the identification device, it is not necessary to align the identification device with a specific area in the circumferential direction of the support structure 5, thereby improving the convenience of identification. This application does not limit the actual shape of the identification code 538. This application does not limit the identification code 538 to a laser code. For example, the identification code 538 may also be a coating covering the outer wall of the support structure 5, or the identification code 538 may be formed on the handle 53 by adhesive or other mechanical processing.

[0106] Please refer to the following: Figure 8 and Figure 10 One end of the elastic arm 537 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the through hole 534, and the other end of the elastic arm 537 is a free end. This is beneficial to increasing the elastic deformation of the elastic arm 537. A larger elastic deformation results in a greater range of motion for the elastic arm 537, which in turn improves the ease of assembly between the base 51 and the handle 53. The free end protrudes towards the housing component 30 to form a locking protrusion 5371. The locking protrusion 5371 is used to engage with one of at least two locking grooves 5171. In some embodiments of this application, the side of the rib 5173 facing the handle 53 includes a partially cylindrical surface, that is, the cross-section of the rib 5173 includes an arc, so that the outer surface of the rib 5173 is a smooth curved surface, thereby reducing the resistance when the locking protrusion 5371 crosses the rib 5173. It is understood that this application does not limit the shape and structure of the rib 5173.

[0107] When the base 51 and handle 53 need to be assembled together, the third part 531 is fitted onto the first part 513 and can abut against the end face of the second part 515 facing the first part 513. A portion of the elastic arm 537 is received in the receiving groove 517, which can position the handle 53, improving the assembly efficiency of the optical adapter 102. The engaging groove 5171 extends axially through the end face of the base 51 facing the handle 53 to guide the engaging protrusion 5371 into the engaging groove 5171.

[0108] During the rotation of the support structure 5 relative to the housing component 30, the engaging protrusion 5371 can pass over the inner protrusion 5173 of the receiving groove 517, that is, the engaging protrusion 5371 can move from one engaging groove 5171 into another engaging groove 5171. By controlling the interference of the engaging protrusion 5371, the torque during the relative movement between the base 51 and the handle 53 can be quantified, thereby controlling the tightening torque of the overall support structure 5. This helps prevent structural damage to the support structure 5 and / or the housing component 30 due to excessive tightening, and helps extend the service life of the optical adapter 102.

[0109] It is understood that this application does not limit the structure and shape of the base 51, nor does it limit the structure and shape of the handle 53. For example, the outer diameters of the base 51 and the handle 53 can be the same. The receiving groove 517 can be omitted, the elastic arm 537 can be omitted, the engaging groove 5171 can be provided on the inner wall of the handle 53, and the engaging protrusion 5371 can protrude from the outer wall of the base 51. In some possible embodiments of this application, one of the outer wall of the base 51 and the inner wall of the handle 53 is provided with at least two engaging grooves 5171 arranged circumferentially along the base 51, and the other of the outer wall of the base 51 and the inner wall of the handle 53 is provided with an engaging protrusion 5371. The engaging protrusion 5371 is used to engage with one of the at least two engaging grooves 5171.

[0110] Please see Figure 11 and Figure 12 The ferrule component 10 includes an integrally formed first ferrule 11 and a second ferrule 13. The first ferrule 11 and the second ferrule 13 are arranged along the axial direction of the optical adapter 102. The integrally formed first ferrule 11 and second ferrule 13 facilitates the simplification of the structure of the optical adapter 102 and reduces the axial length of the optical adapter 102. A fiber Bragg grating 20 is connected to the first ferrule 11 and the second ferrule 13 respectively, and the fiber Bragg grating 20 can be inserted into the first ferrule 11 and the second ferrule 13. The fiber Bragg grating 20 inserted in the first ferrule 11 is used to connect with the junction box 101 (e.g., ...). Figure 7B (As shown) Optical docking. The fiber optic grating 20, inserted in the second ferrule 13, is used for optical docking with the prefabricated cable 103 (as shown) inserted into the housing 36. Figure 7B (As shown) Optical mating. The fiber Bragg grating 20 and the integrated ferrule component 10 can be, but are not limited to, encapsulated by a fiber-threading curing process, so that the fiber Bragg grating 20 is fixed within the first ferrule 11 and the second ferrule 13. It can be understood that the first ferrule 11 and the second ferrule 13 can be separately configured.

[0111] Please see Figure 12 and Figure 13The housing component 30 also includes an inner frame sleeve 32, a main shaft 33, an elastic element 34, a core sleeve 35, a housing 36, a sealing ring 37, a first dust cap 38, and a second dust cap 39.

[0112] The inner frame sleeve 32 is fitted onto the first insert 11, and the main shaft 33 is fitted onto the first insert 11 and the second insert 13. The inner frame sleeve 32 and the main shaft 33 are connected together to fix the insert component 10 between the inner frame sleeve 32 and the main shaft 33.

[0113] The elastic element 34 is fitted onto the second ferrule 13 and elastically abuts against the ferrule component 10 and the main shaft 33. It provides pre-tightening force when the ferrule component 10 is optically coupled to the optical adapter 102 and / or the pre-connected optical connector 1031, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the optical coupling of the optical adapter 102. In this embodiment, a boss 15 (e.g., ...) is provided on the outer wall of the first ferrule 11. Figure 11 As shown), it is used to connect with the elastic member 34. It can be understood that the boss 15 can also be provided on the outer wall of the second insert 13, or the boss 15 of the insert component 10 can be omitted, and part of the elastic member 34 can be directly fixed to the insert component 10 by means of bonding or the like.

[0114] The ferrule sleeve 35 is fitted over the second ferrule 13 and housed within the main shaft 33 to protect the second ferrule 13. In this embodiment, the ferrule sleeve 35 is a ceramic sleeve. It is understood that this application does not limit the material of the ferrule sleeve 35, and the ferrule sleeve 35 may also be omitted.

[0115] The sealing ring 37 is fitted onto the housing 36. When the housing 36 mates with the pre-connected optical connector 1031, as... Figure 7B As shown, the sealing ring 37 is used to seal the connection between the outer wall of the housing 36 and the inner wall of the pre-connected optical connector 1031 to maintain airtightness, so that the optical adapter 102 has high waterproof and dustproof performance, thus being able to cope with complex outdoor or underground environments.

[0116] This application does not limit the specific structure of the housing 36. For example, in some embodiments of this application, the elastic element 34 and the sealing ring 37 may be omitted.

[0117] Please refer to it again. Figure 12The first dust cap 38 is fitted onto the spindle 33 and housed within the housing 36. The first dust cap 38 prevents dust from entering the optical adapter 102 from the end furthest from the first ferrule 11, thus preventing contamination of the interior of the optical adapter 102. When the optical adapter 102 is not connected to the pre-fabricated cable 103 or the connector box 101, the sealing ring 37 seals the connection between the first dust cap 38 and the spindle 33 to maintain airtightness between them and reduce the entry of moisture and other substances into the interior of the optical adapter 102 through gaps between the first dust cap 38 and the spindle 33.

[0118] The second dust cap 39 is used to cover the first ferrule 11, and the second dust cap 39 is at least partially housed within the inner frame sleeve 32. The second dust cap 39 is used to prevent dust from entering the optical adapter 102 from the end where the first ferrule 11 is located, thereby contaminating the optical adapter 102.

[0119] In this embodiment, a limiting structure 321 is provided on the inner wall of the inner frame sleeve 32, and the limiting structure 321 and the boss 15 (e.g. Figure 12 One end of the insert component 10 (as shown) can abut against each other to prevent it from dislodging from the inner frame sleeve 32. The inner wall of the inner frame sleeve 32 is provided with a first engaging part 323 for engaging with the main shaft 33.

[0120] Spindle 33 can also be called a C-type sleeve. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 The main shaft 33 includes a first cylindrical body 331, a flange 332, a second cylindrical body 333, and a third cylindrical body 335 connected together. The flange 332 protrudes from the outer wall of the first cylindrical body 331, used to fix the first cylindrical body 331, the second cylindrical body 333, and the third cylindrical body 335 together, and to mate with the housing 36. The second cylindrical body 333 and the third cylindrical body 335 are both fixed to the flange 332 and sleeved on the first cylindrical body 331. The third cylindrical body 335, the flange 332, and the second cylindrical body 333 are arranged axially along the main shaft 33. The outer diameter of the flange 332 is larger than the outer diameter of the second cylindrical body 333, and the outer diameter of the flange 332 is larger than the outer diameter of the third cylindrical body 335. The second cylindrical body 333 is used to connect to the junction box 101, and the third cylindrical body 335 is used to connect to the housing 36.

[0121] A portion of the first cylindrical body 331 is housed within the second cylindrical body 333, and a portion of the first cylindrical body 331 is housed within the third cylindrical body 335. A second engaging portion 3311 (e.g., ...) is provided on the outer wall of the first cylindrical body 331. Figure 12(As shown). The second engaging portion 3311 is located inside the second cylindrical body 333. When the inner frame sleeve 32 is housed inside the second cylindrical body 333, the inner frame sleeve 32 is fitted over the first cylindrical body 331, and the inner frame sleeve 32 is located between the first cylindrical body 331 and the second cylindrical body 333. The first engaging portion 323 and the second engaging portion 3311 engage to connect the inner frame sleeve 32 to the main shaft 33. The insert sleeve 35 is housed inside the first cylindrical body 331.

[0122] In this embodiment, the first engaging portion 323 is a groove provided on the inner wall of the inner frame sleeve 32. The groove can be a groove that passes through the inner wall and the outer wall of the inner frame sleeve 32. The second engaging portion 3311 is a protrusion provided on the outer wall of the first cylindrical body 331. For example, the protrusion is a protrusion on the outer wall of the first cylindrical body 331 near the end of the first insert 11. A portion of the second engaging portion 3311 is received within the first engaging portion 323 and engages with the first engaging portion 323. It can be understood that the first engaging portion 323 can be a protrusion provided on the inner wall of the inner frame sleeve 32, and the second engaging portion 3311 can be a groove provided on the outer wall of the first cylindrical body 331. A portion of the first engaging portion 323 is received within the second engaging portion 3311 and engages with the second engaging portion 3311.

[0123] In this embodiment, there can be two first engaging portions 323, located on both sides of the inner frame 32. There are also two second engaging portions 3311, with the two first engaging portions 323 and the two second engaging portions 3311 positioned opposite each other. Each first engaging portion 323 corresponds to one second engaging portion 3311. It is understood that this application does not limit the number or position of the first engaging portions 323, nor does it limit the number or position of the second engaging portions 3311.

[0124] The outer wall of the third cylinder 335 is provided with a buckle 3351 for connecting with the housing 36, which helps to reduce the possibility of the main shaft 33 disengaging from the housing 36 and improves the connection stability between the main shaft 33 and the housing 36. The housing 36 can rotate relative to the main shaft 33 within a preset angle range.

[0125] In related technologies, when prefabricated cables, junction boxes, and optical adapters need to be assembled together, the pre-connected optical connector portion of the prefabricated cable passes through the housing and spindle, and the pre-connected optical connector is coupled to the housing. The housing has a square hole for inserting the pre-connected optical connector and for guiding and limiting the assembly between the pre-connected optical connector and the housing. However, when the ferrule of the pre-connected optical connector inserted into the spindle is optically aligned with the ferrule component of the optical adapter, multiple position adjustments are required to align the 8° angled surface of the pre-connected optical connector ferrule with the 8° angled surface of the ferrule component. This results in low assembly efficiency and causes wear on the mating surfaces of the ferrule and ferrule component.

[0126] The end face of the third cylinder 335 away from the second cylinder 333 is provided with an insertion hole 3353. The insertion hole 3353 is located inside the housing 36 and is used to insert the prefabricated cable 103.

[0127] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 15 The through hole 3353 is a square hole, and its shape matches the shape of the mounting sleeve 41 of the pre-connected optical connector 1031. This application does not limit the through hole 3353 to a square hole; the through hole 3353 can also be other non-circular shapes, such as butterfly holes, triangular holes, etc. When the mounting sleeve 41 of the pre-connected optical connector 1031 enters the spindle 33 through the through hole 3353, the through hole 3353 guides the mounting sleeve 41 of the pre-connected optical connector 1031, enabling the mounting sleeve 41 of the pre-connected optical connector 1031 to quickly reach the preset position. This allows for rapid optical docking between the ferrule 42 of the pre-connected optical connector 1031 and the second ferrule 13 of the optical adapter 102. For example, the 8° angled surface of the second ferrule 13 docks with the 8° angled surface of the ferrule 42, avoiding the problem of multiple position adjustments during optical docking between the ferrule 42 of the pre-connected optical connector 1031 and the ferrule component 10 of the optical adapter 102. This improves the assembly efficiency of the optical adapter 102 and the pre-connected optical connector 1031 and reduces the possibility of wear on the end faces of the ferrule component 10 and the ferrule 42. In addition, the insertion hole 3353 can prevent the mounting sleeve 41 of the pre-connected optical connector 1031 from rotating relative to the main shaft 33. When the support structure 5 rotates relative to the housing 36, since the main shaft 33 and the housing 36 are separately set, the main shaft 33 will not be affected by the support structure 5 or will be less affected. This reduces the possibility of the prefabricated cable 103 being deflected within the insertion hole 3353, so as not to affect the relative position and optical docking between the ferrule of the junction box 101, the ferrule component 10, and the ferrule 42 of the prefabricated cable 103. This is beneficial to improving the positional stability of the optical docking between the optical adapter 102 and the pre-connected optical connector 1031, thereby improving the optical transmission quality.

[0128] It is understood that this application does not limit the through hole 3353 to a square hole; the through hole 3353 can also be a round hole.

[0129] It is understood that this application does not limit the structure of the main shaft 33. For example, the first cylinder 331 and the third cylinder 335 may be omitted from the main shaft 33. An insertion hole 3353 is provided on one end face of the main shaft 33. The insertion hole 3353 is a square hole and is located inside the housing 36. The insertion hole 3353 is used to insert the prefabricated cable 103. The inner frame sleeve 32 is engaged with the inner wall of the second cylinder 333 or connected by other means.

[0130] Please refer to the following: Figure 12, Figure 13 and Figure 14 The housing 36 includes a first connecting portion 361 and a second connecting portion 363. The first connecting portion 361 is sleeved on the main shaft 33, and the first insert 11 and the inner frame sleeve 32 are located inside the first connecting portion 361. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the first connecting portion 361 is larger than the outer diameter of the second connecting portion 363, and the external thread 3611 is provided on the outer wall of the first connecting portion 361. The first insert 11 is a male insert, the second insert 13 is a female insert, the first connecting portion 361 is the male end of the housing 36, and the second connecting portion 363 is the female end of the housing 36. When the junction box 101, the optical adapter 102, and the prefabricated cable 103 are assembled together, the first connecting portion 361 is used to sleeve on part of the structure of the junction box 101, and the second connecting portion 363 is used to accommodate part of the pre-connected optical connector 1031 of the prefabricated cable 103.

[0131] It is understood that this application does not limit the first ferrule 11 to be a male ferrule, does not limit the second ferrule 13 to be a female ferrule, does not limit the first connecting part 361 to be the male end of the housing 36, and does not limit the second connecting part 363 to be the female end of the housing 36.

[0132] Please refer to the following: Figure 12 and Figure 16 The inner wall of the first connecting part 361 is provided with a mating part 3613 and a limiting boss 3615, and the flange 332 is limited between the mating part 3613 and the limiting boss 3615 (e.g. Figure 12 As shown), so that the housing 36 is connected to the main shaft 33, and the housing 36 can rotate relative to the main shaft 33.

[0133] The flange 332 is axially constrained between the mating part 3613 and the limiting boss 3615 on the main shaft 33, so that the axial movement of the housing 36 relative to the main shaft 33 is restricted and cannot move along the axial direction of the main shaft 33, while the housing 36 can rotate around the circumference of the housing 36 to facilitate circumferential adjustment when the optical adapter 102 is docked with the junction box 101 or other optical connection devices.

[0134] In some embodiments of this application, the flange 332 is provided with a limiting portion 3321 for engaging with the housing 36. The limiting portion 3321 is a notch extending through the flange 332 along the axial direction of the main shaft 33, and the mating portion 3613 is a protrusion provided on the inner wall of the housing 36. When the mating portion 3613 is received within the limiting portion 3321, the mating portion 3613 and the limiting portion 3321 are in an interference fit, so that when the flange 332 is located between the mating portion 3613 and the limiting boss 3615, the mating portion 3613 is difficult to disengage from the limiting portion 3321 along the axial direction of the main shaft 33, thereby reducing the possibility of the main shaft 33 disengaging from the housing 36. The number of mating portions 3613 can be two, and the two mating portions 3613 can be arranged opposite to each other. This application does not limit the number of mating portions 3613; for example, the number of mating portions 3613 can be one or more.

[0135] An indicator 3617 is provided on the outer wall of the first connecting part 361 to indicate the assembly between the housing 36 and the main shaft 33, facilitating user assembly. The indicator 3617 can be a graphic such as an arrow; this application does not limit the form (e.g., graphic, structure, material) of the indicator 3617. In the circumferential direction of the housing 36, one end of the mating part 3613 and the indicator 3617 are arranged approximately along the axial direction of the housing 36. It is understood that this application does not limit the arrangement of the mating part 3613 and the indicator 3617 approximately along the axial direction of the housing 36.

[0136] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 17 The second connecting portion 363 is further provided with a limiting groove 3631 penetrating the inner wall of the second connecting portion 363 and the outer wall of the second connecting portion 363. The buckle 3351 can be received in the limiting groove 3631 and can slide along the limiting groove 3631. In some embodiments of this application, the limiting groove 3631 extends circumferentially along the housing 36 to limit the angle at which the housing 36 and the main shaft 33 can rotate relative to each other. The central angle of the limiting groove 3631 may be, but is not limited to, 45 degrees. It is understood that the limiting groove 3631 may be provided on the inner wall of the housing 36 without penetrating the outer wall of the housing 36.

[0137] During assembly, the fiber optic grating 20, ferrule 10, inner frame 32, and spindle 33 are first assembled into a pre-assembled unit. In the circumferential direction of the housing 36, the limiting part 3321 and the indicator 3617 are aligned at an angle. The pre-assembled unit is pushed into the housing 36 from the port of the first connecting part 361. Under the action of external force, the mating part 3613 passes through the limiting part 3321, and the flange 332 is located between the mating part 3613 and the limiting boss 3615, thus connecting the spindle 33 and the housing 36 together. Because the mating part 3613 and the flange 332 abut against each other, after the mating part 3613 passes through the limiting part 3321, the housing 36 cannot move axially along the spindle 33, but the housing 36 can move circumferentially around the housing 36. It is understood that this application does not limit the limiting part 3321 and the indicator 3617 to be at a 45-degree angle.

[0138] Please continue reading. Figure 13 The second connecting portion 363 of the housing 36 is provided with an interface channel 3633 for connecting to the pre-connected optical connector 1031 of the pre-fabricated cable 103 (e.g., Figure 15 It is matched with the outer shell 43 (as shown).

[0139] The interface channel 3633 includes a channel opening 3635 and a slot 3637 communicating with the channel opening 3635. The channel opening 3635 of the second connecting part 363 passes through the end face of the second connecting part 363, and the slot 3637 extends circumferentially along the housing 36. The housing 43 of the pre-connected optical connector 1031 is provided with a coupling interface that mates with the second connecting part 363. The inner wall of the coupling interface is provided with a locking key (not shown) that mates with the interface channel 3633. When the second connecting part 363 needs to be connected to the pre-connected optical connector 1031, the second connecting part 363 is inserted into the coupling interface of the housing 43 of the pre-connected optical connector 1031, and the locking key can enter the interface channel 3633 from the channel opening 3635. By rotating the pre-connected optical connector 1031 relative to the housing 36 in one direction, the locking key enters the slot 3637, and the housing 43 of the pre-connected optical connector 1031 locks into the housing 36. When unlocking is required, the pre-connected optical connector 1031 is rotated in another direction relative to the housing 36, and the locking key can disengage from the slot 3637. Since the limiting part 3321 and the mating part 3613 are interference-fitted, the possibility of the spindle 33 rotating relative to the housing 36 can be reduced when the pre-connected optical connector 1031 and the housing 36 are unlocked.

[0140] In some possible implementations, the limiting part 3321 can also be an elastic snap 3351, and the mating part 3613 can be a groove provided on the inner wall of the housing 36. The mating part 3613 extends along the circumference of the housing 36. For example, the mating part 3613 is a groove that passes through the inner wall and the outer wall of the housing 36. The limiting part 3321 and the mating part 3613 engage with each other to limit the relative movement of the main shaft 33 relative to the housing 36 in the circumferential direction.

[0141] It should be understood that expressions such as “comprising” and “may include” used in this application indicate the existence of the disclosed functions, operations, or constituent elements, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, and constituent elements. In this application, terms such as “comprising” and / or “having” are to be interpreted as indicating a particular characteristic, number, operation, constituent element, component, or combination thereof, but not to exclude the existence or possibility of adding one or more other characteristics, numbers, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0142] Furthermore, in this application, the expression "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed words. For example, the expression "A and / or B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

[0143] In this application, expressions including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may modify the elements. However, such elements are not limited by the foregoing expressions. For example, the foregoing expressions do not limit the order and / or importance of the elements. The foregoing expressions are only used to distinguish one element from other elements. For example, "first user equipment" and "second user equipment" refer to different user equipment, although both "first user equipment" and "second user equipment" are user equipment. Similarly, without departing from the scope of this application, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0144] When a component is referred to as "connected" or "accessed" to other components, it should be understood that this component not only connects directly to or accesses other components, but also that another component may exist between this component and other components. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly accessed" to other components, it should be understood that no component exists between them.

[0145] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An optical adapter (102), characterized in that, The optical adapter (102) includes an optical adapter body (2) and a support structure (5); The optical adapter body (2) includes a ferrule (10), a fiber Bragg grating (20), and a housing (36). The fiber Bragg grating (20) is inserted through the ferrule (10) and is used to modulate the optical signal incident on the fiber Bragg grating (20). The housing (36) is fitted onto the ferrule (10). One end of the ferrule (10) is used for optical docking with the junction box (101), and the other end of the ferrule (10) is used for optical docking with the prefabricated cable (103) inserted into the housing (36). The support structure (5) is sleeved on the housing (36). In the axial direction of the optical adapter (102), the support structure (5) is provided with a supporting end face (50), which is used to protrude from the end face of the housing (36).

2. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the abutting end face (50) abuts against the connector box (101), there is a gap between the abutting end face (50) and the end face of the housing (36) in the axial direction of the optical adapter (102), and the gap ranges from [0.5mm, 4mm].

3. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the housing (36) is provided with an external thread (3611), and the inner wall of the support structure (5) is provided with an internal thread (511). The external thread (3611) is threadedly connected to the internal thread (511).

4. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support structure (5) includes a base (51) and a handle (53). The base (51) and the handle (53) are both sleeved on the outer side of the housing (36). One end of the base (51) is engaged with the handle (53). The internal thread (511) is provided on the inner wall of the base (51). The abutting end face (50) is provided on the end of the base (51) away from the handle (53).

5. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 4, characterized in that, One of the outer wall of the base (51) and the inner wall of the handle (53) is provided with at least two engaging grooves (5171) arranged circumferentially along the base (51), and the other of the outer wall of the base (51) and the inner wall of the handle (53) is provided with an engaging protrusion (5371), which is used to engage with one of the at least two engaging grooves (5171).

6. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The engaging groove (5171) is provided on the outer wall of the base (51), and the engaging groove (5171) passes through the end face of the base (51) facing the handle (53).

7. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer wall of the base (51) is provided with a receiving groove (517), and the engaging groove (5171) is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove (517).

8. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The handle (53) is provided with a through hole (534), which penetrates the inner wall of the handle (53) and the outer wall of the handle (53). An elastic arm (537) is provided on the inner wall of the through hole (534). One end of the elastic arm (537) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the through hole (534), and the other end of the elastic arm (537) is a free end. The engaging protrusion (5371) protrudes from the free end on the side facing the housing (36).

9. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 5, characterized in that, One of the outer wall of the base (51) and the inner wall of the handle (53) is provided with a limiting protrusion (518), and the other of the outer wall of the base (51) and the inner wall of the handle (53) is provided with a limiting groove (535) extending circumferentially along the base (51). The limiting protrusion (518) is used to couple with the limiting groove (535).

10. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The limiting groove (535) is provided on the inner wall of the handle (53). The inner wall of the handle (53) is also provided with a guide groove (536). One end of the guide groove (536) is connected to the limiting groove (535), and the other end of the guide groove (536) passes through the side of the handle (53) facing the base (51). The limiting protrusion (518) can move along the guide groove (536) in the axial direction of the base (51).

11. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the support structure (5) is provided with an identification code (538).

12. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The identification code (538) is a ring structure extending circumferentially along the support structure (5).

13. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical adapter (102) also includes an inner frame (32) and a main shaft (33). The inner frame (32) is fitted on the insert component (10), the main shaft (33) is fitted on the inner frame (32), and the housing (36) is fitted on the main shaft (33).

14. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The inner wall of the inner frame sleeve (32) is provided with a first engaging part (323), and the main shaft (33) is provided with a second engaging part (3311). The first engaging part (323) and the second engaging part (3311) are engaged and connected.

15. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The main shaft (33) includes a first cylinder (331), a flange (332) and a second cylinder (333). The flange (332) is fixed to the outer wall of the first cylinder (331) and is connected to the housing (36). The second cylinder (333) is fixedly connected to the flange (332) and is sleeved on the inner frame (32).

16. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second engaging part (3311) is provided on the first cylinder (331).

17. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The main shaft (33) also includes a third cylinder (335). In the axial direction of the main shaft (33), the third cylinder (335) and the second cylinder (333) are located on opposite sides of the flange (332). The end face of the third cylinder (335) away from the second cylinder (333) is provided with an insertion hole (3353). The insertion hole (3353) is a non-circular hole and is used to insert a prefabricated cable (103).

18. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The outer wall of the third cylinder (335) is provided with a buckle (3351), and the shell (36) is provided with a limiting groove (3631) extending circumferentially along the shell (36). The buckle (3351) is received in the limiting groove (3631) and can slide along the limiting groove (3631).

19. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The housing (36) includes a first connecting part (361) and a second connecting part (363) disposed opposite to each other. The inner wall of the first connecting part (361) is provided with a mating part (3613) and a limiting boss (3615). The flange (332) is axially limited between the mating part (3613) and the limiting boss (3615) of the main shaft (33), so that the housing (36) is connected to the main shaft (33) and the housing (36) can rotate relative to the main shaft (33).

20. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The flange (332) is provided with a limiting part (3332), which is a notch that passes through the flange (332) along the axial direction of the main shaft (33). The mating part (3613) is a protrusion that abuts against the flange (332).

21. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The outer wall of the insert component (10) is provided with a boss (15), and the optical adapter (102) also includes an elastic element (34). The elastic element (34) is sleeved on the insert component (10) and housed in the inner frame sleeve (32). The elastic element (34) elastically abuts against the boss (15) and the main shaft (33).

22. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The optical adapter (102) also includes a ferrule sleeve (35), which is fitted onto the ferrule component (10) and housed within the spindle (33).

23. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical adapter (102) also includes a sealing ring (37) fitted onto the housing (36).

24. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 23, characterized in that, The optical adapter (102) further includes a first dust cap (38), which is used to be fitted over the housing (36) and housed in the support structure (5). The sealing ring (37) is used to be housed in the dust cap and sealed between the housing (36) and the first dust cap (38).

25. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical adapter (102) also includes a second dust cap (39), which is used to fit over one end of the insert component (10) that protrudes from the housing (36).

26. The optical adapter (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ferrule component (10) includes a first ferrule (11) and a second ferrule (13) connected together. The first ferrule (11) and the second ferrule (13) are integrally or separately disposed. The fiber grating (20) passes through the first ferrule (11) and the second ferrule (13). The first ferrule (11) is used for optical docking with the junction box (101). The second ferrule (13) is located inside the housing (36) for optical docking with the prefabricated cable (103) inserted into the housing (36).

27. An optical distribution network device (1), characterized in that, The optical distribution network device (1) includes a junction box (101) and an optical adapter (102) according to any one of claims 1-26. The junction box (101) is provided with a network port (1011), and one end of the optical adapter (102) is connected to the network port (1011).

28. An optical communication system (1000), characterized in that, The optical communication system (1000) includes an optical distribution network (1002), an optical network terminal (1003), and an optical line terminal (1001), wherein the optical distribution network includes at least one optical distribution network device (1) according to claim 27.

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