Ferrule docking mechanism for optical fibers

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of ferrule butt joint mechanisms for optical fiber, it is related to optical fiber technical field, including butt joint unit and the protective sleeve installed in butt joint unit both ends, the butt joint unit includes visible cylinder and the projection setting in visible cylinder both ends, outer thread connecting portion is provided on the projection;The protective sleeve includes internal thread connecting portion and positioning part, the internal thread connecting portion is cooperated with the outer thread connecting portion, and the positioning part is used for circumferential positioning;Locking mechanism is further equipped on the projection, for fixing optical fiber in visible cylinder. Operating personnel can observe the butt joint state of optical fiber in cylinder in real time through transparent visible cylinder, it is convenient to fine tune optical fiber position, ensure end face accurate alignment, significantly reduce signal loss and connection failure rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical fiber technology, and more specifically, to an optical fiber ferrule mating mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional fiber optic connections require fabricating ferrules, which involves stripping approximately 5 centimeters of fiber optic cable and connecting two pre-fabricated ferrules using a ferrule socket. This method not only requires fabricating ferrules but also using matching ferrule sockets, making the process cumbersome, inefficient, and prone to signal loss due to misalignment. Furthermore, the traditional method lacks visual alignment methods, making it difficult to ensure precise alignment of the fiber end faces, increasing installation difficulty and failure rate.

[0003] In existing technologies, achieving a fixed connection between two optical fibers typically requires the following cumbersome steps: First, about 5 centimeters of coating is stripped from the end of each optical fiber; then, using specialized equipment and processes, the exposed fiber core is fixed and shaped into a precision ceramic or metal ferrule to create two independent ferrules; finally, these two fabricated ferrules are precisely aligned and inserted into a common ferrule socket, and the two optical fibers are connected through a precision alignment mechanism inside the adapter.

[0004] This traditional method has several inherent technical drawbacks: 1. The production of inserts requires professional grinding machines, adhesives, and skilled operators, and the process is time-consuming and costly.

[0005] 2. In practical use, if an optical fiber is broken due to accidental tension, the break point usually occurs at the stress concentration area between the ferrule and the fiber. This breakage often damages the ferrule itself. Since the ferrule is a pre-fabricated precision component, once damaged, it cannot be repaired on-site. The entire damaged ferrule must be cut off, and a new ferrule must be fabricated. This means repeating a series of complex processes such as stripping, cleaning, threading, applying adhesive, curing, and polishing, which is not only time-consuming and material-intensive but also requires specialized tools and skilled personnel on-site, significantly hindering the rapid restoration of communication lines.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a fiber optic docking mechanism that simplifies operation and improves docking accuracy and efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a fiber optic ferrule connection mechanism to solve the problems of complex fiber optic connection process, low connection accuracy and low operation efficiency.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: This utility model provides a fiber optic ferrule docking mechanism, including a docking unit and protective sleeves installed at both ends of the docking unit. The docking unit includes a viewing tube and protrusions at both ends of the viewing tube, and the protrusions are provided with external threaded connection portions. The protective sleeves include internal threaded connection portions and positioning portions. The internal threaded connection portions cooperate with the external threaded connection portions, and the positioning portions are used for circumferential positioning. The protrusions are also provided with a locking mechanism for fixing the optical fiber inside the viewing tube.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the viewing tube is made of transparent plastic.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the visible tube, protrusion and external threaded connection of the docking unit are integrally formed.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the external threaded connection part is a threaded cylinder with a notch; the internal threaded connection part is a threaded line on the inner wall of the cap; the positioning part includes a positioning ring and a limiting block, the positioning ring is disposed on the end face of the protective sleeve, and the limiting block is disposed on the outer wall of the positioning ring.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism is a locking bolt, which is disposed in the threaded groove on the side of the protrusion.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the positioning ring extends slightly beyond the spiral cap.

[0014] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. In this solution, a transparent viewing tube is installed, which allows operators to observe the splicing status of the optical fiber inside the tube in real time. This facilitates fine-tuning of the optical fiber position, ensures precise alignment of the end faces, and significantly reduces signal loss and connection failure rate.

[0015] 2. In this solution, locking bolts are used to directly fix the optical fiber, eliminating the complicated steps of traditional ferrule fabrication, reducing reliance on special tools, and improving on-site installation efficiency.

[0016] 3. In this solution, the threaded engagement of the threaded cylinder and the screw cap, combined with the circumferential positioning of the positioning ring and the limiting block, enables a quick and accurate connection between the protective sleeve and the docking unit, avoiding offset and loosening during the docking process. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of a fiber optic ferrule docking mechanism according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the docking unit of a fiber optic ferrule docking mechanism according to the present invention; Figure 3This is a structural diagram of a protective sleeve for a fiber optic ferrule docking mechanism according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of an optical fiber ferrule docking mechanism according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is another perspective structural diagram of the docking unit of the optical fiber ferrule docking mechanism of this utility model.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Docking unit; 101. Visible tube; 102. Protrusion; 1021. Threaded groove; 1022. Through hole; 103. Threaded cylinder; 1031. Notch; 2. Protective sleeve; 201. Positioning ring; 202. Limiting block; 203. Wire groove; 204. Rotary cap; 3. Optical fiber; 4. Locking bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0019] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0021] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a fiber optic ferrule mating mechanism, including a mating unit 1 and protective sleeves 2 installed at both ends of the mating unit. The mating unit 1 can be considered as a ferrule socket, and the protective sleeves 2 can be considered as a ferrule tip. Fiber optic cables 3 are inserted into the protective sleeves 2, and the two fiber optic cables 3 are mated together through the mating unit 1.

[0022] Specifically, the docking unit 1 includes a viewing tube 101 and a protrusion 102, with the protrusion 102 fixedly disposed at both ends of the viewing tube 101. A threaded cylinder 103 is provided at the end of the protrusion 102 away from the viewing tube 101, and a notch 1031 is formed on the threaded cylinder 103, extending axially. The end of the protective sleeve 2 that docks with the docking unit 1 has a mating interface. A swivel cap 204 is rotatably connected to the end of the protective sleeve 2 at the mating interface, and a threaded wire adapted to the threaded cylinder 103 is provided on the inner wall of the swivel cap 204. A wire groove 203 for the optical fiber 3 is also provided through the protective sleeve 2. A positioning ring 201 is also provided on the end face of the protective sleeve 2 at the mating interface, and a limit block 202 is provided on the outer wall of the positioning ring 201.

[0023] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, a threaded groove 1021 is formed on the side of the protrusion 102, and a locking bolt 4 is disposed in the threaded groove 1021. Preferably, as shown... Figure 4As shown, the positioning ring 201 extends slightly beyond the cap 204, enabling guidance and alignment during the initial connection process. Figure 5 As shown, a through hole 1022 is provided inside the protrusion 102. This through hole 1022 is adapted to the outer diameter of the optical fiber 3 for the insertion of the optical fiber 3. The outer surface of the screw cap 204 is also provided with anti-slip texture, which facilitates manual tightening and provides a comfortable operating experience.

[0024] During the connection process, first strip 5 to 8 cm of fiber optic cable 3. Pass one end of fiber optic cable 3 through the conductor groove 203 of the protective sleeve 2, allowing it to enter the viewing tube 101. When both fibers 3 are inserted into the viewing tube 101 from both ends, adjust the length of fiber optic cable 3 within the viewing tube 101 to align the two ends. After alignment, secure fiber optic cable 3 within the viewing tube 101 using the locking bolt 4. At this point, the two fibers 3 are successfully connected via the viewing tube 101. The locking bolt uses a standard M3 or M4 specification, and precise control of the tightening force compresses the fiber optic cable 3, ensuring reliable fixation within the viewing tube 101. To protect the outer surface of fiber optic cable 3, a flexible material, such as a silicone pad, can be placed at the end of the locking bolt 4 that abuts against fiber optic cable 3. This direct force-bearing fixation of the fiber optic cable's outer sheath solves the problem of requiring complete replacement of the entire ferrule after damage, as is common in traditional ferrule systems.

[0025] Next, the protective sleeve 2 is moved to one side of the docking unit 1, and the inner wall of the threaded cylinder 103 is aligned with the circumferential outer wall of the positioning ring 201. The notch 1031 on the threaded cylinder 103 is aligned with the limiting block 202 on the outer wall of the positioning ring 201, thus forming a tight fit with the limiting block 202 and achieving reliable circumferential positioning. This also simplifies the complex alignment mechanism between the traditional ferrule and ferrule seat. Since the length of the positioning ring 201 slightly extends beyond the screw cap 204, the threaded cylinder 103 and the protective sleeve 2 are positioned first and then tightened. Tightening the screw cap 204 causes the thread of the screw cap 204 to engage with the external thread of the threaded cylinder 103, so that the screw cap 204 and the threaded cylinder 103 are accurately engaged. When the optical fiber 3 is accidentally broken, there is no need to replace any major components. Only simple stripping and cutting operations are required, and reassembly can restore normal use, greatly improving the maintainability and economy of the system.

[0026] The viewing tube 101 is made of transparent plastic material, such as polycarbonate (PC) and polyarylate (PAR). Furthermore, the viewing tube 101, protrusion 102, and threaded tube 103 of the docking unit 1 are integrally molded to ensure structural stability. This integrated structure eliminates the accumulated errors caused by traditional multi-part assembly, improving the overall structural stability and precision. The protrusion 102 has a through hole 1022 inside, the diameter of which accurately matches the outer diameter of the optical fiber 3, ensuring smooth insertion of the optical fiber 3 and providing good radial positioning.

[0027] The specific steps are as follows: Step 1: Strip 5 to 8 cm of the coating from the fiber 3 to be connected, and clean the end face to ensure it is free of contamination. Unlike traditional methods, this method eliminates the need to make a special ferrule, greatly simplifying the preparation process.

[0028] Step 2: Insert one end of the optical fiber 3 through the wire groove 203 of the protective sleeve 2, extend it through the positioning ring 201, and then insert it into the through hole 1022 of the protrusion 102 of the docking unit 1, finally entering the viewing tube 101. Repeat this operation on the other end of the optical fiber 3.

[0029] Step 3: Observe the position of the two optical fibers 3 inside the transparent viewing tube 101 in real time, and manually fine-tune the length of the optical fibers 3 to ensure that both end faces are precisely aligned in the center area of ​​the viewing tube 101. During the alignment process, a light source can be used to illuminate the viewing tube 101 to enhance the observation effect.

[0030] Step 4: After alignment, tighten the locking bolt 4 to press down on the optical fiber 3 and securely fix it inside the viewing tube 101. The tightening force should be moderate to avoid damage to the optical fiber 3. This step replaces the traditional ferrule fixing method and is key to reducing costs and improving reliability in this solution.

[0031] Step 5: Move the protective sleeve 2 to one side of the docking unit 1, so that the positioning ring 201 is inserted into the threaded cylinder 103, and at the same time, the limiting block 202 is aligned with the notch 1031. Then, turn the screw cap 204 so that the internal thread of the screw cap 204 engages with the external thread of the threaded cylinder 103. The rotational movement of the screw cap 204 drives the protective sleeve 2 forward in a straight line, and finally presses it against the end face of the docking unit to complete the connection.

[0032] Step 6: After the connection is completed, the connection loss can be verified using optical testing equipment to ensure the docking quality.

[0033] When fiber 3 breaks due to unexpected tension, traditional ferrule connection methods typically require replacing the damaged ferrule and remaking it, a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. However, the solution provided here allows for rapid restoration by simply following these steps: Step 1: Loosen the locking bolt 4 and remove the broken optical fiber 3; Step 2: Re-strip and clean fiber optic cable 3; Step 3: Re-thread the processed optical fiber 3 into the mechanism; Step 4: After adjusting the alignment, tighten bolt 4 again.

[0034] The entire process requires no replacement of any major components, significantly reducing repair time and maintenance costs. This solution is suitable for temporary fiber optic 3 applications that require frequent maintenance or are located in vulnerable environments.

[0035] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this solution is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this solution can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects.

Claims

1. A fiber optic ferrule mating mechanism, comprising a mating unit (1) and protective sleeves (2) installed at both ends of the mating unit, characterized in that: The docking unit (1) includes a viewing tube (101) and protrusions (102) at both ends of the viewing tube. The protrusions (102) are provided with external threaded connection parts. The protective sleeve (2) includes an internal threaded connection part and a positioning part. The internal threaded connection part cooperates with the external threaded connection part, and the positioning part is used for circumferential positioning. The protrusions (102) are also provided with a locking mechanism for fixing the optical fiber inside the viewing tube (101).

2. The optical fiber ferrule mating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The viewing tube (101) is made of transparent plastic.

3. The fiber optic ferrule mating mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The visible tube (101), protrusion (102) and external threaded connection of the docking unit (1) are integrally formed.

4. The fiber optic ferrule mating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external threaded connection part is a threaded cylinder (103), and the threaded cylinder (103) has a notch (1031); the internal threaded connection part is a threaded line on the inner wall of the swivel cap (204); the positioning part includes a positioning ring (201) and a limiting block (202), the positioning ring (201) is disposed on the end face of the protective sleeve (2), and the limiting block (202) is disposed on the outer wall of the positioning ring (201).

5. The fiber optic ferrule mating mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking mechanism is a locking bolt (4), which is located in the threaded groove (1021) on the side of the protrusion (102).

6. The fiber optic ferrule mating mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The length of the positioning ring (201) extends slightly beyond the screw cap (204).

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