Adapter for connecting two light guide assemblies

Abstract

The utility model discloses an adapter for connecting two light guide assemblies, which comprises a shell assembly, the shell assembly is provided with a first channel which is through along the front-back direction, a sleeve piece is arranged in the first channel, and the parts of the first channel, which are positioned on the two sides of the sleeve piece, are respectively a first sub-channel and a second sub-channel; the light guide assembly comprises a tail handle, an insertion core and an optical fiber. The end of the fiber core exceeds the end, away from the tail handle, of the insertion core. The first sub-channel and the second sub-channel are each connected with a light guide assembly in an inserted mode, fiber cores of the light guide assemblies on the two sides are in coaxial butt joint in the sleeve piece, and two welding electrodes are symmetrically arranged on the two sides, located at the butt joint position of the fiber cores, of the adapter. The adapter has a welding function, and does not comprise a complex power supply and a control circuit, so that compared with traditional welding equipment, the adapter has the advantages that the size is small, the field welding process is simplified, and the adapter is particularly suitable for rapid repair, specific equipment integration or space-limited environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical fiber connection technology, and more particularly to an adapter for connecting two light guide components. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic scanning display devices utilize the principle of projection display. A light beam from a light source is guided to the scanning system via optical fiber, and the scanned beam is then directly projected onto the target surface to form an image. The separate structure of the light source and scanning device offers many advantages for fiber optic scanning displays: the main heat-generating and energy-consuming light source can be placed in a convenient location away from the projection area, facilitating centralized heat dissipation; it also boasts strong environmental adaptability, allowing the scanning device to be placed in harsh or special environments, while the light source itself remains in a safe environment.

[0003] However, optical fibers, as the devices used to connect the light source and scanning equipment to transmit the light beam, are inherently prone to damage and breakage. Therefore, efficient fiber optic connection methods have a significant impact on the rapid repair of fiber optic scanning display devices. Common fiber optic connection methods include fusion splicing and mechanical connection.

[0004] Fusion splicing uses a high-voltage electric arc to melt the end faces of optical fibers, permanently fusing the two fibers together. This method requires a series of operations, including stripping, cleaning, cutting, splicing, and protection. While it offers reliable connections with low loss, it is complex to operate and requires highly skilled personnel. It necessitates the use of a dedicated fusion splicer, limiting its operation to confined spaces. Furthermore, the protective structure increases the length of the connection point, impacting fiber optic cabling.

[0005] Mechanical connections use fiber optic adapters to connect fiber optic patch cords or pigtails. Mechanical connections require pre-prepared fiber optic patch cords, and on-site operation only requires cleaning the end face and tightening the connection. However, the loss is higher than fusion splicing. Dust, moisture condensation, oil, etc., can contaminate or damage the end face over long-term use, leading to scattering loss and ablation, causing a surge in loss, especially during high-power transmission. Ensuring long-term reliability requires strict sealing of the connector, significantly increasing both size and cost. Furthermore, high-power transmission demands extremely high cleanliness of the fiber end face; exudates from the sealing adhesive can also cause end face ablation. Poor mechanical stability is also a concern; the mechanically fixed connector is susceptible to loosening due to long-term vibration, and external stress can cause misalignment, both increasing loss. Finally, poor adaptability to high and low temperatures is also a factor; thermal expansion and contraction can cause misalignment, further increasing loss. Utility Model Content

[0006] This application provides an adapter for connecting two light guide components, thereby providing a fiber optic connection structure with low loss, high reliability, and easy operation.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned application objectives, this application provides an adapter for connecting two light guide components, which includes a housing assembly, the housing assembly having a first channel extending in the front-rear direction, a sleeve member disposed in the first channel, the sleeve member having a second channel extending in the front-rear direction, the portions of the first channel located on both sides of the sleeve member being a first sub-channel and a second sub-channel, respectively, and the second channel of the sleeve member connecting the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel.

[0008] The light guide assembly includes a tailstock, a ferrule, and an optical fiber. The optical fiber includes a plastic outer layer, a cladding, and a fiber core disposed within the cladding. The ferrule is disposed at one end of the tailstock. The optical fiber is sequentially inserted into the tailstock and the ferrule, with the end of the fiber core extending beyond the end of the ferrule furthest from the tailstock.

[0009] A light guide component is inserted into the first and second sub-channels of the shell assembly.

[0010] The first and second sub-channels are respectively connected to the tails of the corresponding light guide components.

[0011] The ferrule of the light guide assembly in the first sub-channel is inserted into the sleeve from one side, and the ferrule of the light guide assembly in the second sub-channel is inserted into the sleeve from the other side. The fiber cores of the light guide assemblies on both sides are coaxially connected inside the sleeve.

[0012] The adapter has two symmetrically arranged welding electrodes on both sides of the fiber core docking point. The two welding electrodes are used to connect the high-voltage discharge mechanism to generate a high-voltage arc between the two welding electrodes. The docking part of the two fiber cores is located within the range of the high-voltage arc.

[0013] Optionally, the shell assembly and sleeve are each provided with mounting holes for installing welding electrodes at corresponding positions. The welding electrodes are fixedly installed in the mounting holes, with one end of the welding electrode extending into the sleeve located on one side of the fiber core mating point, and the distance from the fiber core mating point meets the welding process requirements. The end of the welding electrode extending outside the shell assembly is used to connect to the high-voltage discharge mechanism via a wire. Generally, the distance between one end of the two welding electrode sleeves is 0.5–5 mm, and the connecting line between the two ends passes through the center of the two fiber core end faces.

[0014] Optionally, the shell assembly and sleeve are provided with mounting holes for installing welding electrodes at corresponding positions. The welding electrodes are detachably installed in the mounting holes. After the welding of the two fiber cores is completed, the welding electrodes are removed, and the mounting holes for installing the welding electrodes are sealed. Further optionally, the shell assembly and / or sleeve are provided with an axial limiting structure that cooperates with the welding electrodes to limit the distance between the end of the welding electrodes extending into the sleeve and the fiber core connection point.

[0015] Optionally, the second channel is provided with a first axial limiting structure that cooperates with the ferrule to complete the axial limiting of the ferrule. The first axial limiting structure can be a positioning step surface, a positioning protrusion, a positioning groove, etc., which cooperate with the positioning surface, positioning groove, positioning protrusion, etc. provided on the ferrule to achieve axial limiting.

[0016] Alternatively, the first and second sub-channels may be equipped with a second axial limiting structure that mates with the tailstock to achieve axial limiting of the tailstock. Similarly, the second axial limiting structure may be a positioning step surface, a positioning protrusion, a positioning groove, etc., which mate with the positioning surface, positioning groove, positioning protrusion, etc., provided on the tailstock to achieve axial limiting.

[0017] The adapter can be equipped with only the first axial limiting structure, only the second axial limiting structure, or both axial limiting structures. The choice can be made based on specific working conditions; there are no restrictions.

[0018] By axially limiting the ferrule or the tailstock, accurate alignment of the two fiber core mating parts is achieved, meeting the welding alignment requirements and ensuring optimal welding results. This means the two fiber cores are coaxial and their end faces are just in contact or have a slight gap.

[0019] Optionally, the sleeve is a C-shaped cylindrical component, and the inner hole of the sleeve is a circular hole with a notch on the side wall. The outer diameter of the ferrule is slightly larger than the inner hole diameter of the sleeve, so that when the ferrule is inserted into the sleeve, the coaxiality of the ferrule and the sleeve can be guaranteed. At the same time, the coaxiality of the fiber core and the ferrule can ensure the coaxiality of the ferrules of the two light guide components.

[0020] Optionally, the end face of the ferrule of the light guide assembly, away from the tailstock, has two lugs located on both sides of the fiber core, with the end faces of the two lugs flush with the end face of the fiber core. Thus, when the ferrules of the two light guide assemblies are inserted into the sleeve from both sides, the end faces of the four lugs are in corresponding contact, ensuring that the end faces of the two fiber cores are in corresponding contact. A notch is formed between the two lugs on the ferrule, and the two notches on the two mating ferrules combine to form a closed notch. This closed notch is used to avoid the welding electrodes, and the two welding electrodes perform high-voltage arc welding on the mating portion of the two fiber cores from both sides of this notch.

[0021] Meanwhile, the structure with lugs on the ferrule end face also facilitates the control of the fiber core extending beyond the ferrule end face. Laser cutting can be used to directly cut the fiber along the lug end face, ensuring that its end face is flush with the lug end face. Alternatively, glue can be temporarily filled at the notch to fix the fiber, and the glue can be removed after the fiber end face is ground to be flush with the lug end face. Or, the fiber end face can be slightly extended beyond the lug end face, and the fiber and ferrule can be fixed with elastic glue, so that the fiber can slide slightly when subjected to external force. Thus, when the ferrules of the two light guide components are inserted into the sleeve from both sides of the sleeve, the end faces of the four lugs are in contact with each other, ensuring that the fiber core end faces of the two fibers are tightly attached.

[0022] One or more technical solutions in this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0023] This application provides an adapter with fusion electrodes for connecting an external high-voltage drive power supply. The current from the external high-voltage drive power supply reaches the end faces of the two optical fibers to be connected through the fusion electrodes, generating a high-voltage arc inside the adapter to fusion-sponge the optical fibers. This gives the adapter itself a fusion-sponge function, and the adapter itself does not contain complex power supply and control circuits. Therefore, compared with traditional fusion splicing equipment, it is smaller in size, simplifies the on-site fusion process, and is particularly suitable for rapid repair, specific equipment integration, or space-constrained environments.

[0024] This application achieves fiber optic fusion splicing with low loss, achieving the same loss as conventional fusion splicing; it also provides long-term reliability, achieving the same reliability as conventional fusion splicing, with permanent end-face fusion splicing, unaffected by external contamination leading to ablation.

[0025] This application is easy to operate and can achieve the same quick connection operation as a conventional adapter; it can be operated in confined spaces, and the external driver can be connected to the adapter through a small connector and lead wire to complete the welding operation, which is especially suitable for automotive wiring harness operation scenarios.

[0026] The welding equipment described in this application has low cost, eliminates the need for the alignment adjustment structure of the welding equipment, and retains only the high-voltage discharge part, which greatly reduces the cost of the welding equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a C-type sleeve component;

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a ferrule with lugs on its end face;

[0031] Figure 5A schematic diagram showing the fitting of a ferrule with lugs on both ends to form a closed notch. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this application provides an adapter for connecting two light guide components, which includes a housing assembly 100. The housing assembly 100 has a first channel 101 extending in the front-rear direction. A sleeve 200 is disposed in the first channel 101. The sleeve 200 has a second channel extending in the front-rear direction. The portions of the first channel 101 located on both sides of the sleeve 200 are respectively a first sub-channel 1011 and a second sub-channel 1012. The second channel of the sleeve 200 connects the first sub-channel 1011 and the second sub-channel 1012.

[0034] The light guide assembly 300 includes a tail shank 301, a ferrule 302, and an optical fiber 303. The optical fiber 303 includes a plastic outer layer 3031, a cladding 3032, and a fiber core 3033 disposed within the cladding 3032. The ferrule 302 is disposed at one end of the tail shank 301. The optical fiber 303 is sequentially inserted into the tail shank 301 and the ferrule 302. The end of the fiber core 3033 extends beyond the end of the ferrule 302 that is furthest from the tail shank 301.

[0035] A light guide assembly 300 is respectively inserted into the first sub-channel 1011 and the second sub-channel 1012 of the shell assembly 100.

[0036] The first sub-channel 1011 and the second sub-channel 1012 are respectively inserted into the tail stalk 301 of the corresponding light guide component 300.

[0037] The ferrule 302 of the light guide assembly 300 in the first sub-channel 1011 is inserted into the sleeve 200 from one side, and the ferrule 302 of the light guide assembly 300 in the second sub-channel 1012 is inserted into the sleeve 200 from the other side. The fiber cores 3033 of the light guide assemblies 300 on both sides are coaxially connected within the sleeve 200.

[0038] The adapter has two symmetrically arranged welding electrodes 400 on both sides of the joint of the fiber core 3033. The two welding electrodes 400 are used to connect the high voltage discharge mechanism to generate a high voltage arc between the two welding electrodes 400. The joint of the two fiber cores 3033 is located within the range of the high voltage arc.

[0039] The general operating procedure for using this application is as follows:

[0040] 1. Fiber optic patch cords for prefabricated light guide components 300. Fiber optic patch cords are prepared in advance. According to specific process requirements, the fiber core 3033 of the fiber 303 extends a certain distance beyond the ferrule 302, with tolerance controlled within 2µm.

[0041] 2. Insert the two light guide components 300 to be connected into the adapter and fix them in place. The adapter and the light guide component 300 cooperate to fix the relative position of the end faces of the fiber cores 3033 of the two optical fibers 303, which shall meet the following requirements: 1) coaxial (within 0.8um for 9um fiber cores 3033), 2) the end faces just touch or leave a slight gap.

[0042] 3. The connection line between the two fusion electrodes 400 extending into one end of the sleeve 200 passes through the center of the end face of the two optical fibers 303 cores 3033, and the distance between the two fusion electrodes 400 extending into one end of the sleeve 200 meets the process requirements, generally within the range of 0.5 to 5 mm.

[0043] 4. Connect the two fusion electrodes 400 to the external high-voltage discharge mechanism to perform high-voltage discharge fusion splicing of the optical fiber.

[0044] 5. Encapsulation and fixation.

[0045] Both the housing assembly and the sleeve are made of high-temperature resistant insulating materials to provide mounting contact for the welding electrodes and a suitable welding environment. Conventional ceramic ferrules can be used.

[0046] Optionally, the shell assembly 100 and the sleeve 200 are each provided with mounting holes for installing the welding electrode 400 at corresponding positions. The welding electrode 400 is fixedly installed in the mounting hole. One end of the welding electrode 400 extending into the sleeve 200 is located on one side of the joint of the fiber core 3033, and the distance from the joint of the fiber core 3033 meets the welding process requirements. The end of the welding electrode 400 extending outside the shell assembly 100 is used to connect to the high-voltage discharge mechanism through a wire. Generally, the distance between one end of the two welding electrodes 400 in the sleeve 200 is 0.5 to 5 mm, and the connecting line between the two ends passes through the center of the end faces of the two fiber cores 3033.

[0047] Optionally, the shell assembly 100 and the sleeve 200 are each provided with mounting holes for installing the welding electrode 400 at corresponding positions. The welding electrode 400 is detachably installed in the mounting hole. After the welding of the two fiber cores 3033 is completed, the welding electrode 400 is removed, and the mounting hole for installing the welding electrode 400 is sealed. Further optionally, the shell assembly 100 and / or the sleeve 200 are provided with an axial limiting structure that cooperates with the welding electrode 400 to limit the distance between the end of the welding electrode 400 extending into the sleeve 200 and the connection point of the fiber cores 3033.

[0048] Optionally, the second channel is provided with a first axial limiting structure that cooperates with the insert 302 to achieve axial limiting of the insert 302. The first axial limiting structure can be a positioning step surface, a positioning protrusion, a positioning groove, etc., which cooperate with the positioning surface, positioning groove, positioning protrusion, etc. provided on the insert 302 to achieve axial limiting.

[0049] Alternatively, the first sub-channel 1011 and the second sub-channel 1012 may be provided with a second axial limiting structure that cooperates with the tailstock 301 to achieve axial limiting of the tailstock 301. Similarly, the second axial limiting structure may be a positioning step surface, a positioning protrusion, a positioning groove, etc., which cooperate with the positioning surface, positioning groove, positioning protrusion, etc. provided on the tailstock 301 to achieve axial limiting.

[0050] The adapter can be equipped with only the first axial limiting structure, only the second axial limiting structure, or both axial limiting structures. The choice can be made based on specific working conditions; there are no restrictions.

[0051] By axially limiting the insert 302 or the tail shank 301, the accurate positioning of the mating parts of the two fiber cores 3033 is achieved, meeting the welding alignment requirements and ensuring optimal welding results. Specifically, the two fiber cores 3033 are coaxial and their end faces are just in contact or have a slight gap.

[0052] Optional, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sleeve 200 is a C-shaped cylindrical component, and the inner hole of the sleeve 200 is a circular hole with a notch on the side wall. The outer diameter of the insert 302 is slightly larger than the inner hole diameter of the sleeve 200, so that when the insert 302 is inserted into the sleeve 200, the coaxiality of the insert 302 and the sleeve 200 can be guaranteed. At the same time, the fiber core 3033 is coaxial with the insert 302, thus ensuring the coaxiality of the inserts 302 of the two light guide components 300.

[0053] Optional, such as Figure 4As shown, the end face of the ferrule 302 of the light guide assembly 300, away from the tail shank 301, has two lugs 3021 located on both sides of the fiber core 3033. The end faces of the two lugs 3021 are flush with the end faces of the fiber core 3033. Therefore, when the ferrules 302 of the two light guide assemblies 300 are inserted into the sleeve 200 from both sides, the end faces of the four lugs 3021 are in contact, ensuring that the end faces of the two fiber cores 3033 are in contact. A notch is formed between the two lugs 3021 on the ferrule 302, and the two notches on the two mating ferrules 302 combine to form a closed notch, as shown... Figure 5 As shown. The closed notch is used to avoid the welding electrode 400, and the two welding electrodes 400 perform high-voltage arc welding on the mating part of the two fiber cores 3033 from both sides of the notch. Meanwhile, the structure of the ear 3021 on the end face of the ferrule 302 also facilitates the control of the fiber core 3033 extending beyond the end face of the ferrule 302. The fiber 303 can be directly cut along the end face of the ear 3021 using a laser cutting method to ensure that its end face is flush with the end face of the ear 3021. Alternatively, glue can be temporarily filled at the notch to fix the fiber 303. After the end face of the fiber 303 is ground to be flush with the end face of the ear 3021, the glue can be removed. Alternatively, the end face of the fiber 303 can be slightly extended beyond the end face of the ear 3021, and the fiber 303 and the ferrule 302 can be fixed with elastic glue, so that the fiber 303 can slide slightly when subjected to external force. Thus, when the ferrules 302 of the two light guide components 300 are inserted into the sleeve 200 from both sides of the sleeve 200, the end faces of the four ears 3021 are in contact, ensuring that the end faces of the fiber cores 3033 of the two fibers 303 are tightly attached.

[0054] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative of this application and not limiting of it, and that those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The words “comprising” or “including” do not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The words “a” or “an” preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order and these words can be interpreted as names.

[0055] All features disclosed in this specification, except for mutually exclusive features, can be combined in any way.

[0056] Any feature disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by other equivalent or similar features, unless specifically stated otherwise. That is, unless specifically stated otherwise, each feature is merely one example of a series of equivalent or similar features.

[0057] This application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. This application extends to any new features or combinations disclosed in this specification, as well as any new steps or combinations of any new methods or processes disclosed.

Claims

1. An adapter for connecting two light guide assemblies, characterized in that, The device includes a shell assembly having a first channel extending in the front-rear direction, a sleeve being disposed within the first channel, and the sleeve having a second channel extending in the front-rear direction. The portions of the first channel located on both sides of the sleeve are respectively a first sub-channel and a second sub-channel, and the second channel of the sleeve connects the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel. The light guide assembly includes a tailstock, a ferrule, and an optical fiber. The optical fiber includes a plastic outer layer, a cladding, and a fiber core disposed within the cladding. The ferrule is disposed at one end of the tailstock. The optical fiber is sequentially inserted into the tailstock and the ferrule, with the end of the fiber core extending beyond the end of the ferrule furthest from the tailstock. A light guide component is inserted into the first and second sub-channels of the shell assembly. The first and second sub-channels are respectively connected to the tails of the corresponding light guide components. The ferrule of the light guide assembly in the first sub-channel is inserted into the sleeve from one side, and the ferrule of the light guide assembly in the second sub-channel is inserted into the sleeve from the other side. The fiber cores of the light guide assemblies on both sides are coaxially connected inside the sleeve. The adapter has two symmetrically arranged welding electrodes on both sides of the fiber core docking point. The two welding electrodes are used to connect the high-voltage discharge mechanism to generate a high-voltage arc between the two welding electrodes. The docking part of the two fiber cores is located within the range of the high-voltage arc.

2. An adapter for connecting two light guide components as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shell assembly and the sleeve are provided with mounting holes for installing welding electrodes at corresponding positions. The welding electrodes are fixedly installed in the mounting holes. One end of the welding electrode extends into the sleeve and is located on one side of the fiber core docking point. The distance between the welding electrode and the fiber core docking point meets the welding process requirements. The other end of the welding electrode extends out of the shell assembly and is used to connect to the high-voltage discharge mechanism through a wire.

3. An adapter for connecting two light guide components as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shell assembly and sleeve are provided with mounting holes for installing welding electrodes at corresponding positions. The welding electrodes are detachably installed in the mounting holes. One end of the welding electrode extends into the sleeve and is located on one side of the fiber core docking point. The distance between the welding electrode and the fiber core docking point meets the welding process requirements. The other end of the welding electrode extends out of the shell assembly and is used to connect to the high-voltage discharge mechanism through a wire. After the welding of the two fiber cores is completed, the welding electrode is removed and the mounting hole for installing the welding electrode is sealed.

4. An adapter for connecting two light guide components as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The second channel is equipped with a first axial limiting structure that cooperates with the ferrule to limit the axial position of the ferrule and achieve accurate alignment of the two fiber core mating parts.

5. An adapter for connecting two light guide components as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first and second sub-channels are equipped with a second axial limiting structure that cooperates with the tailstock to limit the axial position of the tailstock and achieve accurate alignment of the two fiber core docking parts.

6. An adapter for connecting two light guide components as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sleeve is a cylindrical part with a C-shaped cross-section, and the inner hole of the sleeve is a circular hole with a notch on the side wall.

7. An adapter for connecting two light guide components as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The end face of the ferrule of the light guide assembly, away from the tail shank, has two lugs located on both sides of the fiber core, and the end faces of the two lugs are flush with the end face of the fiber core.

8. An adapter for connecting two light guide assemblies as described in claim 7, characterized in that, When the inserts of the two light guide components are inserted into the sleeve from both sides, the end faces of the four lugs will contact each other, and the end faces of the two fiber cores will contact each other.

9. An adapter for connecting two light guide assemblies as described in claim 7, characterized in that, A notch is formed between the two lugs on the same core, and the two notches on the two mating cores are combined to form a closed notch. This closed notch is used to avoid the welding electrode from performing high-voltage arc welding on the mating part of the two fiber cores.

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