Optical fiber connector with automatic calibration function

Abstract

The utility model discloses an optical fiber connector with an automatic calibration function, and relates to the technical field of optical fiber connectors. The plug comprises a male plug and a female plug, an inner cavity of the male plug is fixedly connected with a calibration positioning assembly, and an inner cavity of the female plug is fixedly connected with a limiting fixing assembly. According to the utility model, the inner wall of the male plug is fixedly connected with the positioning columns, the surface of the female plug is provided with the calibration positioning assembly design of the positioning grooves, and the stepped structure at the joint of the male plug and the female plug is matched, so that the automatic calibration function of the connector is realized; a stable triangular positioning structure is formed, deviation can be automatically corrected through the mechanical guiding effect in the plugging process, the problem of deviation caused by errors of manual alignment and external vibration is avoided, the plugging depth and angle are limited on the physical level through the stepped design, the end faces of optical fibers can be in accurate butt joint, the optical fiber coupling efficiency is effectively improved, and the plugging quality is improved. And the optical signal transmission loss is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of optical fiber connector technology, and in particular relates to an optical fiber connector with automatic calibration function. Background Technology

[0002] In today's era of rapid information technology development, optical fiber communication, with its advantages of high speed, large capacity, and low loss, has become a core component of modern communication networks. As a key component enabling detachable connections between optical fibers, the performance of optical fiber connectors directly affects the transmission quality and stability of optical signals. With the booming development of 5G, data centers, and the Internet of Things, higher demands are being placed on the connection accuracy, reliability, and ease of installation of optical fiber connectors.

[0003] Currently, fiber optic connectors on the market face several pressing issues during use. On one hand, traditional fiber optic connector calibration and positioning rely primarily on manual operation or simple mechanical structures, such as manually aligning the fiber end face or using fixed limiting structures for rough positioning. This method is easily affected by factors such as the operator's skill level and environmental vibrations, making accurate calibration and positioning difficult. Misalignment frequently occurs, leading to reduced coupling efficiency between fiber end faces, increased optical signal transmission loss, and severely impacting communication quality. On the other hand, regarding connection robustness, existing fiber optic connectors typically employ snap-fit ​​or threaded connections. Over long-term use, these connections are prone to loosening or even detachment due to external vibrations and temperature changes. This not only causes communication interruptions but may also damage the fiber, increasing maintenance costs and time.

[0004] To address these issues, we provide a fiber optic connector with automatic calibration capabilities. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function. By combining the calibration positioning component and the limiting and fixing component, it solves the problems of existing fiber optic connectors that cannot achieve accurate calibration and positioning, avoid deviation, and lack a structure to prevent loosening and falling off.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0007] This utility model relates to an optical fiber connector with automatic calibration function, including a male plug and a female plug. A calibration positioning component is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the male plug, and a limiting fixing component is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the female plug. A fixing nut is threadedly connected to the surfaces of the male and female plugs. The calibration positioning component includes a positioning post fixedly connected to the inner wall of the male plug and a positioning groove formed on the surface of the female plug. The connection between the male and female plugs adopts a stepped design. The limiting fixing component includes an annular groove formed on the surface of the female plug. A lead screw is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the annular groove via a bearing. A pin is threadedly connected to the surface of the lead screw, and the other end of the pin penetrates into the inner cavity of the positioning post. A driven bevel gear is fixedly connected to the surface of the lead screw, and a drive gear ring meshes with the surface of the driven bevel gear. A drive ring is fixedly connected to the top of the drive gear ring, and the drive ring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the annular groove via a bearing.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that there are three positioning posts and positioning slots, which are distributed equidistantly in a circle. The three positioning posts and positioning slots are equidistantly distributed in a circle to form a stable triangular positioning system. Compared with single-point or two-point positioning, it can effectively offset the offset force in three-dimensional direction, improve the anti-interference ability of the calibration process, and ensure that the connector can achieve accurate alignment when plugged in at multiple angles.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that a through hole is provided between the annular groove and the positioning groove, and a pin hole is provided on the surface of the positioning post. The through hole and the pin hole are connected. The design of the through hole and the pin hole provides a linear movement channel for the pin rod, so that the mechanical locking force of the limiting and fixing component can be directly applied to the positioning post, avoiding locking failure caused by transmission path deviation and enhancing the rigidity of the connection structure.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that the through hole, the pin hole, and the pin are all rectangular in design, and the inner cavity of the pin is provided with a threaded hole for use with the lead screw. The rectangular cross-section through hole, the pin hole, and the pin cooperate to form a planar guide structure, which prevents the pin from rotating and ensures that the rotational motion of the lead screw is accurately converted into the linear motion of the pin. The fit accuracy between the threaded hole and the lead screw meets the millimeter-level transmission requirements, and the locking force is applied evenly.

[0011] The present invention is further provided that the surfaces of the fixing nut and the drive ring are provided with anti-slip ridges. The anti-slip ridges increase the coefficient of friction when the fingers come into contact with them, so that even when wearing gloves or in a wet environment, the operator can still easily apply force to rotate the fixing nut and the drive ring, thereby improving the ease of installation.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that the positioning groove is formed at the step on the surface of the female plug, and the opening design of the positioning groove facilitates the insertion of the positioning post.

[0013] The present invention has the following beneficial effects.

[0014] 1. This utility model achieves automatic calibration of the connector by designing a calibration and positioning component with a positioning post fixedly connected to the inner wall of the male plug and a positioning groove on the surface of the female plug, combined with a stepped structure at the connection between the male and female plugs. The positioning post and positioning groove are arranged in a layout of three circumferentially equidistantly distributed circles to form a stable triangular positioning structure, which can automatically correct deviations through mechanical guidance during the insertion process, avoiding errors caused by manual alignment and deviation caused by external vibrations. The stepped design physically limits the insertion depth and angle, enabling precise alignment of the fiber end faces, effectively improving fiber coupling efficiency, reducing optical signal transmission loss, and meeting the stringent requirements for connection accuracy in high-speed communication scenarios such as 5G and data centers.

[0015] 2. This utility model's limiting and fixing assembly constructs a multi-layered reinforced connection system through the cooperation of a lead screw and pin transmission mechanism with a drive ring. When the drive ring is rotated, the driven bevel gear drives the lead screw to rotate, causing the pin to move laterally along the threaded hole and insert into the pin hole in the positioning pin cavity to form a mechanical lock. At the same time, the threaded connection of the external fixing nut provides initial tightening, and the anti-slip ridges on the surface facilitate operation and force application. This dual fixing method of "mechanical positioning + active locking" can effectively resist the influence of external factors such as vibration and temperature changes compared to traditional snap-fit ​​or threaded connections, preventing the connector from loosening and falling off, ensuring connection stability during long-term use, and reducing the risk of communication interruption and maintenance costs caused by poor contact. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of a fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the connection structure between the male and female plugs in a fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function.

[0020] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the internal connection structure of the female plug in a fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function.

[0021] Figure 5 In a fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of point A.

[0022] In the attached diagram: 1. Male plug; 2. Female plug; 3. Calibration and positioning assembly; 31. Positioning pin; 32. Positioning groove; 4. Limiting and fixing assembly; 41. Annular groove; 42. Lead screw; 43. Pin; 44. Driven bevel gear; 45. Drive gear ring; 46. Drive ring; 47. Through hole; 48. Pin hole; 5. Fixing nut. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] Please see Figure 1-5 This utility model is a fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function, including a male plug 1 and a female plug 2. A calibration positioning component 3 is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the male plug 1, and a limit fixing component 4 is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the female plug 2. A fixing nut 5 is threadedly connected to the surface of the male plug 1 and the female plug 2. The calibration positioning component 3 includes a positioning post 31 fixedly connected to the inner wall of the male plug 1 and a positioning groove 32 opened on the surface of the female plug 2. The connection between the male plug 1 and the female plug 2 adopts a stepped design. The limit fixing component 4 includes an annular groove 41 opened on the surface of the female plug 2. A lead screw 42 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the annular groove 41 through a bearing. A pin 43 is threadedly connected to the surface of the lead screw 42. The other end of the pin 43 passes through the inner cavity of the positioning post 31. A driven bevel gear 44 is fixedly connected to the surface of the lead screw 42. A drive gear ring 45 meshes with the surface of the driven bevel gear 44. A drive ring 46 is fixedly connected to the top of the drive gear ring 45. The drive ring 46 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the annular groove 41 through a bearing.

[0026] Specifically: The inner wall of the male plug 1 is fixed with a cylindrical positioning post 31 by high-precision machining, the axis of which is parallel to the central axis of the male plug 1, and the outer surface is sanded to enhance the friction with the positioning groove 32; the female plug 2 has a positioning groove 32 on the surface corresponding to the positioning post 31, which facilitates automatic alignment during insertion. The connection between the male plug 1 and the female plug 2 adopts a two-stage stepped design, with the diameter difference of each step being 0.5mm. The radial and axial displacement is limited by the precise fit of the stepped surfaces.

[0027] Example 2

[0028] Please see Figure 1-5Based on Embodiment 1, there are three positioning pins 31 and positioning grooves 32, which are distributed equidistantly in a circle. A through hole 47 is provided between the annular groove 41 and the positioning groove 32. A pin hole 48 is provided on the surface of the positioning pin 31. The through hole 47 is connected to the pin hole 48. The through hole 47, the pin hole 48 and the pin rod 43 are all rectangular. The inner cavity of the pin rod 43 is provided with a threaded hole for use with the lead screw 42. The surfaces of the fixing nut 5 and the drive ring 46 are provided with anti-slip ridges. The positioning groove 32 is provided at the step on the surface of the female plug 2.

[0029] Specifically: Three positioning pins 31 and positioning slots 32 are equidistantly distributed around the circumference, forming a stable triangular positioning system. Compared to single-point or two-point positioning, this effectively counteracts offset forces in the three-dimensional direction, improves the anti-interference capability of the calibration process, and ensures accurate alignment of the connector during multi-angle insertion. The interconnected design of the through hole 47 and the pin hole 48 provides a linear movement channel for the pin 43, allowing the mechanical locking force of the limiting and fixing component 4 to directly act on the positioning pins 31, avoiding locking failure due to transmission path deviation, and enhancing the rigidity of the connection structure. (Rectangular...) The through hole 47 and pin hole 48 of the cross section cooperate with the pin 43 to form a planar guide structure, preventing the pin 43 from rotating and ensuring that the rotational motion of the lead screw 42 is accurately converted into the linear motion of the pin 43. The fit accuracy between the threaded hole and the lead screw 42 meets the millimeter-level transmission requirements, realizing the uniform application of locking force. The anti-slip ridge increases the friction coefficient when the fingers are in contact, so that even when wearing gloves or in a humid environment, the operator can still easily apply force to rotate and fix the nut 5 and the drive ring 46, improving the ease of installation. The opening design of the positioning groove 32 facilitates the insertion of the positioning pin 31.

[0030] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: First, the positioning pin 31 of the male plug 1 is aligned with the opening of the positioning groove 32 of the female plug 2. The pin is initially inserted using the guiding effect of the stepped structure. The positioning pin 31 slides along the inner cavity of the positioning groove 32, automatically correcting the radial offset and completing the calibration positioning. Then, the drive ring 46 is rotated, which drives the drive gear ring 45 to rotate synchronously. The rotational motion is converted into the vertical rotation of the lead screw 42 through the driven bevel gear 44, causing the pin 43 to move laterally along the thread of the lead screw 42. After passing through the through hole 47 and the pin hole 48, the pin 43 is inserted into the inner cavity of the positioning pin 31, forming a mechanical lock. Then, the external fixing nut 5 is rotated to firmly lock the male plug 1 and the female plug 2 through the threaded connection. When disassembling, the fixing nut 5 is loosened, and the drive ring 46 is rotated in the opposite direction to make the pin 43 retract, thus separating the male plug 1 and the female plug 2. Throughout the process, the calibration positioning component 3 and the limiting and fixing component 4 work together to achieve high-precision connection and reliable fixation through mechanical guidance, stepped limiting, and active locking.

[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present utility model disclosed above are only used to help illustrate the present utility model. The preferred embodiments do not describe all the details in detail, nor do they limit the present utility model to the specific implementation methods described. The present specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments in order to better explain the principle and practical application of the present utility model, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and utilize the present utility model.

Claims

1. A fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function, comprising a male plug (1) and a female plug (2), characterized in that: The male plug (1) is fixedly connected to a calibration positioning component (3), the female plug (2) is fixedly connected to a limit fixing component (4), and a fixing nut (5) is threadedly connected to the surface of the male plug (1) and the female plug (2). The calibration positioning component (3) includes a positioning post (31) fixedly connected to the inner wall of the male plug (1) and a positioning groove (32) opened on the surface of the female plug (2). The connection between the male plug (1) and the female plug (2) adopts a stepped design. The limiting and fixing assembly (4) includes an annular groove (41) formed on the surface of the female plug (2). A lead screw (42) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the annular groove (41) via a bearing. A pin (43) is threadedly connected to the surface of the lead screw (42). The other end of the pin (43) extends into the inner cavity of the positioning post (31). A driven bevel gear (44) is fixedly connected to the surface of the lead screw (42). A drive gear ring (45) meshes with the surface of the driven bevel gear (44). A drive ring (46) is fixedly connected to the top of the drive gear ring (45). The drive ring (46) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the annular groove (41) via a bearing.

2. The fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of positioning posts (31) and positioning grooves (32) is three, and they are distributed at equal intervals around the circumference.

3. The fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A through hole (47) is provided between the annular groove (41) and the positioning groove (32), and a pin hole (48) is provided on the surface of the positioning post (31). The through hole (47) is connected to the pin hole (48).

4. The fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The through hole (47), the pin hole (48), and the pin (43) are all rectangular in design. The inner cavity of the pin (43) is provided with a threaded hole for use with the lead screw (42).

5. A fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surfaces of the fixing nut (5) and the drive ring (46) are both provided with anti-slip ridges.

6. The fiber optic connector with automatic calibration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning groove (32) is formed at the step on the surface of the female plug (2).

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