Multi-core integrated unitary ceramic fiber ferrule

Abstract

Multi-core integrated all-in-one ceramic fiber ferrule, it relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, especially to a kind of multi-core integrated all-in-one ceramic fiber ferrule structure suitable for high-density optical fiber connection scene.It includes ceramic ferrule body, the inside of ferrule body is uniformly provided with multiple microstructure guide channels, microstructure guide channel is used to accommodate and position corresponding number of optical fibers;The microstructure guide channels are uniformly arranged, the channel axial direction is parallel, and the microstructure guide channels form a multi-core optical fiber channel array structure;The front end of the ceramic ferrule body is provided with an optical fiber outlet face.The middle part of the ceramic ferrule body is provided with a positioning stopper, and the positioning stopper is provided with a positioning enamel slot.It realizes multi-core optical fiber synchronous high-precision coupling connection through structure optimization and micro light path self-alignment design, effectively improves wiring density, reduces insertion loss error and simplifies installation process, and is widely used in complex construction environment and high-speed communication module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, and in particular to a multi-core integrated ceramic optical fiber ferrule structure suitable for high-density optical fiber connection scenarios. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of optical communication networks, especially in 5G base stations, FTTx access networks, data centers, and smart terminal devices, the demand for fiber optic cabling density and transmission bandwidth is constantly increasing. Traditional ceramic ferrules mostly adopt a single-core serial structure, requiring an independent ferrule for each pair of optical fibers. This not only results in large cabling volume and complex assembly, but also low coupling efficiency, easily leading to uneven insertion loss, long assembly time, and high costs.

[0003] In addition, the reliability of traditional ferrules is limited in complex environments (such as construction sites, underground pipelines with high moisture content), making it difficult to meet the actual needs of modern communication networks such as high density, miniaturization, low loss, and rapid deployment. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings and deficiencies of existing technologies by providing a multi-core integrated ceramic fiber optic ferrule. Through structural optimization and micro-optical path self-calibration design, it achieves synchronous high-precision coupling connection of multi-core optical fibers, effectively improving wiring density, reducing insertion loss error, and simplifying installation process. It is widely applicable to complex construction environments and high-speed communication modules.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: it includes a ceramic ferrule body 1, and the ferrule body is uniformly provided with a plurality of microstructure guiding channels 11, which are used to accommodate and position the corresponding number of optical fibers.

[0006] The microstructure guiding channels 11 are evenly arranged, with the channel axes parallel to each other in the same direction, and the microstructure guiding channels 11 form a multi-core fiber channel array structure.

[0007] The ceramic ferrule body 1 has an optical fiber exit surface 12 at its front end.

[0008] A positioning block 2 is provided in the middle of the ceramic insert body 1, and a positioning enamel groove 21 is provided on the positioning block 2.

[0009] The fiber optic outlet surface 12 is coupled to the optical interface of the external adapter, and the ferrule's external dimensions are consistent with those of the traditional SC standard ferrule.

[0010] The ferrule body is prepared by laser sintering to ensure that the coaxiality of the inner hole of the multi-channel structure is less than 0.3μm.

[0011] The microstructure guiding channel 11 has 2, 4, or 8 cores, arranged in a cross, square, or rectangular array.

[0012] The working principle of this invention is as follows: Multiple precision microstructure guide channels 11 are pre-set during the ceramic molding of the ferrule body. The axis of each guide channel is parallel to the central axis of the ferrule, and the channel diameter matches the outer diameter of a standard optical fiber, forming a closed and precise optical fiber guide hole. Multiple optical fibers are inserted from the tail end of the ferrule and pass through their respective channels, achieving stable axial guidance and physical fixation, preventing fiber misalignment or deformation within the ferrule. It integrates an optical path micro-calibration structure inside the ferrule. During manufacturing, this structure uses high-precision control of the guide channel position and angle to ensure that the optical axis of each optical channel's exit end points in the same direction. When the ferrule is connected to an external adapter, it can automatically achieve precise alignment of the emitted beam from each optical fiber with the corresponding receiver's optical axis, controlling insertion loss differences to within 0.05dB.

[0013] The multi-core structure allows a single ferrule to simultaneously complete the optical connection of multiple optical fibers during insertion and removal, eliminating the need for sequential assembly of traditional multi-ferrule systems. After the ferrule is inserted into the adapter, each optical fiber connects to its corresponding receiving module, forming multiple independent but synchronous optical channels. A positioning enamel groove in the center of the ferrule works in conjunction with a limiting structure in the plug housing to ensure the ferrule's orientation remains fixed during insertion, preventing rotation or displacement and thus guaranteeing the consistency and coupling stability of the multi-channel optical path. The overall dimensions of this practical ferrule conform to existing SC-type connector specifications, allowing direct connection to common adapters or connector ports without altering the system interface structure. Its miniaturized and contamination-resistant design further enhances the ferrule's stability in harsh environments, such as dusty, humid, and confined spaces.

[0014] After adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: by integrating multiple optical fibers (such as dual-core and quad-core) in the same ceramic ferrule, it significantly increases the number of optical fiber connections per unit volume. Compared with the traditional single-core ferrule, it can reduce the number of interfaces by more than 50%, which greatly improves the integration density and space utilization of the optical communication system.

[0015] It adopts a parallel fiber threading structure, which can complete the assembly of multiple optical fibers at one time. Compared with the traditional serial assembly method, the assembly time is shortened by more than 60%, and the production efficiency is significantly improved, making it suitable for large-scale and automated production needs.

[0016] This invention effectively controls the insertion loss difference between multiple channels by using a high-precision guiding channel in conjunction with a self-calibrating optical path microstructure. Test data shows that the insertion loss difference can be controlled within 0.05dB, meeting the requirements of high-speed and high-stability optical communication applications.

[0017] The ferrule has a positioning enamel groove in the middle, which can effectively prevent the ferrule from rotating and misaligning during actual assembly, ensure the consistency of the direction of multi-core optical fibers, and improve the overall connection stability and long-term operational reliability.

[0018] The ferrule body has a compact structure and miniaturized size, making it suitable for construction spaces in confined areas such as pipe and wall penetration. At the same time, the ceramic outer surface has good anti-fouling and moisture-proof properties, making it suitable for harsh environments with high dust and moisture content, such as 5G fronthaul pipelines, underground communication facilities, and medical microcatheters.

[0019] The low return loss of multi-core ceramic ferrules (e.g., -60dB for APC type, -50dB for UPC type) significantly improves the overall system transmission quality, extends laser lifespan, and reduces module replacement frequency. It is particularly suitable for applications with high stability and reflection control requirements, such as data centers, FTTx, and PON. The overall dimensions of this ferrule are consistent with traditional SC standard ferrules, allowing for rapid deployment without altering existing equipment and adapter structures, saving on modification costs, and demonstrating excellent versatility and market adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a front view of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The left view.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Ceramic ferrule body; 11. Microstructure guide channel; 12. Optical fiber exit surface; 2. Positioning block; 21. Positioning enamel groove. Detailed Implementation

[0025] See Figure 1-3As shown, the technical solution adopted in this specific embodiment is as follows: It includes a ceramic ferrule body 1, and multiple microstructure guiding channels 11 are uniformly arranged inside the ferrule body. The microstructure guiding channels 11 are used to accommodate and position the corresponding number of optical fibers. The microstructure guiding channels 11 are uniformly arranged, with their axial directions parallel, forming a multi-core optical fiber channel array structure. The front end of the ceramic ferrule body 1 is provided with an optical fiber exit surface 12. The middle part of the ceramic ferrule body 1 is provided with a positioning block 2, and the positioning block 2 is provided with a positioning enamel groove 21. The optical fiber exit surface 12 is coupled to the optical interface of the external adapter, and the ferrule's external dimensions are consistent with those of the traditional SC standard ferrule. The ferrule body is prepared by laser sintering to ensure that the coaxiality of the inner hole of the multi-channel structure is less than 0.3μm. The number of cores in the microstructure guiding channels 11 is 2, 4, or 8, arranged in a cross, square, or rectangular array.

[0026] It features multiple precision microstructure guide channels 11 pre-set during the ceramic molding process of the ferrule body. The axis of each guide channel is parallel to the central axis of the ferrule, and the channel diameter matches the outer diameter of a standard optical fiber, forming a closed and precise optical fiber guide hole. Multiple optical fibers are inserted from the tail end of the ferrule and pass through their respective channels, achieving stable axial guidance and physical fixation, preventing fiber misalignment or deformation within the ferrule. It integrates an optical path micro-calibration structure inside the ferrule. This structure, during manufacturing, uses high-precision control of the guide channel position and angle to ensure that the optical axis of each optical channel's exit end points in the same direction. When the ferrule is connected to an external adapter, it can automatically achieve precise alignment of the emitted beam from each fiber with the corresponding receiver's optical axis, controlling insertion loss differences to within 0.05dB.

[0027] The multi-core structure allows a single ferrule to simultaneously complete the optical connection of multiple optical fibers during insertion and removal, eliminating the need for sequential assembly of traditional multi-ferrule systems. After the ferrule is inserted into the adapter, each optical fiber connects to its corresponding receiving module, forming multiple independent but synchronous optical channels. A positioning enamel groove in the center of the ferrule works in conjunction with a limiting structure in the plug housing to ensure the ferrule's orientation remains fixed during insertion, preventing rotation or displacement and thus guaranteeing the consistency and coupling stability of the multi-channel optical path. The overall dimensions of this practical ferrule conform to existing SC-type connector specifications, allowing direct connection to common adapters or connector ports without altering the system interface structure. Its miniaturized and contamination-resistant design further enhances the ferrule's stability in harsh environments, such as dusty, humid, and confined spaces.

[0028] The above description is only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and is not intended to limit it. Any other modifications or equivalent substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solution of this utility model, as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-core integrated ceramic fiber optic ferrule, characterized in that: It includes a ceramic ferrule body (1), and the ferrule body is uniformly provided with multiple microstructure guide channels (11), which are used to accommodate and position the corresponding number of optical fibers.

2. The multi-core integrated ceramic fiber optic ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microstructure guiding channels (11) are evenly arranged, with the channel axes parallel to each other, forming a multi-core fiber channel array structure.

3. The multi-core integrated ceramic fiber optic ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ceramic ferrule body (1) has an optical fiber exit surface (12) at its front end.

4. The multi-core integrated ceramic fiber optic ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ceramic insert body (1) is provided with a positioning block (2) in the middle, and a positioning enamel groove (21) is provided on the positioning block (2).

5. The multi-core integrated ceramic fiber optic ferrule according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fiber optic outlet surface (12) is coupled to the optical interface of the external adapter, and the ferrule's external dimensions are consistent with those of the traditional SC standard ferrule.

6. The multi-core integrated ceramic fiber optic ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The core body (1) is prepared by laser sintering process to ensure that the coaxiality of the inner hole of the multi-channel structure is less than 0.3μm.

7. The multi-core integrated ceramic fiber optic ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microstructure guiding channel (11) has 2, 4 or 8 cores, arranged in a cross, square or rectangular array.

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