A precision-mated fiber optic adapter

CN224907082UActive Publication Date: 2026-10-27ZHENJIANG AOBO COMM EQUIP CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522761472.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-26
Publication Date
2026-10-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-12-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0006]本实用新型的目的在于提供一种精准对接的光纤适配器,以解决上述背景技术中提出的现有光纤适配器在高密度布线或频繁插拔工况下难以维持光纤插芯之间精确对准,导致轴向偏移、角度偏差,进而引起插入损耗增大、回波损耗劣化的问题;同时克服现有结构依赖高精度注塑成型、缺乏动态微调能力、浮动机制未作用于核心对接区域等缺陷

Benefits of technology

[0014]本实用新型的有益效果是:通过V形簧片弹性支臂与万向铰接的联动推杆-球座结构,实现陶瓷套管在径向与轴向的动态微调与自对准,有效抑制插拔及高密度布线引起的偏移,该结构提升对接精度,降低插入损耗与回波损耗,同时兼顾装配稳定性与长期可靠性。

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Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of optical fiber communication connecting devices, in particular to a precision butt-joint optical fiber adapter which comprises a main shell, left and right ceramic sleeve assemblies, a double-axial elastic guide frame and a center self-alignment linkage mechanism. Through the linkage push rod-ball seat structure of the V-shaped spring elastic supporting arm and the universal hinge, dynamic fine adjustment and self-alignment of the ceramic sleeve in the radial direction and the axial direction are realized, and the deviation caused by plugging and high-density wiring is effectively inhibited. The structure improves butt-joint precision, reduces insertion loss and return loss, and simultaneously considers assembly stability and long-term reliability.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of optical communication connection device technology, specifically a precise optical fiber adapter. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of optical fiber communication technology, optical fiber adapters, as key components for realizing optical fiber connections and signal coupling, directly affect the stability and loss level of optical signal transmission due to their alignment accuracy. However, existing optical fiber adapters still have many shortcomings in their structural design. Especially in high-density cabling, frequent insertion and removal, or complex installation environments, it is difficult to ensure precise alignment between optical fiber ferrules, which can easily lead to problems such as axial misalignment and angular deviation, thereby increasing insertion loss, degrading return loss, and affecting overall communication quality.

[0003] A search revealed a fiber optic adapter with publication number CN111708125B, published on November 11, 2022. This patent, proposed by Wuhan Fiberhome Technologies Co., Ltd., uses a retainer integrally molded with the housing to form a cavity for accommodating a ceramic sleeve, and a removable retainer cover to seal the opening. While this design improves collimation performance through the integrated retainer, the ceramic sleeve is only limited by the retainer's inner cavity, lacking dynamic fine-tuning capability in the radial and axial directions. Furthermore, when the fiber optic connectors at both ends are inserted, manufacturing tolerances or assembly deviations cannot effectively compensate for alignment errors, potentially leading to incomplete contact between the ferrule ends and affecting docking accuracy. In addition, this structure is highly dependent on the injection molding precision of the housing, making consistency difficult to guarantee in mass production and limiting its reliability in high-precision applications.

[0004] A search revealed a patent application, CN102483496B, entitled "Improved Alignment Fiber Optic Adapter," published on May 20, 2015, proposed by Panduit. This design employs two opposing housing halves and a floating connector, utilizing a gap fit to give the connector a certain degree of floating capability after assembly, thereby improving alignment. Although this design introduces the concept of "floating" to enhance fault tolerance, its floating structure only operates at the connector level and does not directly affect the core ceramic sleeve or ferrule mating area; furthermore, the floating range is limited by a preset gap and cannot actively adapt to minor positional deviations of different connectors. In practical use, if there is asymmetrical insertion or external disturbance at both ends of the fiber optic connectors, this passive floating mechanism cannot achieve true "precise mating" and may instead lead to decreased stability due to excessive loosening, increasing the risk of wear during long-term use.

[0005] The aforementioned problems indicate that while existing fiber optic adapters have made some progress in dustproofing, light shielding, sealing, and structural simplification, they still have significant shortcomings in the core aspect of precise alignment: they either rely on high-precision manufacturing and lack tolerance compensation mechanisms, or they use passive floating and cannot achieve active alignment adjustment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of fiber optic adapter that can balance structural stability and dynamic alignment accuracy to meet the stringent reliability requirements of high-bandwidth, low-loss scenarios such as 5G and data centers. This utility model, "A Precisely Aligned Fiber Optic Adapter," addresses these shortcomings by aiming to achieve automatic correction and high-precision coupling of the fiber optic ferrule during insertion through an innovative guiding and self-aligning structure. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a precise fiber optic adapter to solve the problem mentioned in the background art that existing fiber optic adapters are unable to maintain precise alignment between fiber optic ferrules under high-density cabling or frequent plugging and unplugging conditions, resulting in axial offset and angular deviation, which in turn leads to increased insertion loss and deterioration of return loss; at the same time, it overcomes the defects of existing structures such as reliance on high-precision injection molding, lack of dynamic fine-tuning capability, and floating mechanism not acting on the core docking area.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a precision-connecting fiber optic adapter, comprising a main housing, a left ceramic sleeve assembly, a right ceramic sleeve assembly, a biaxial elastic guide frame, and a center self-aligning linkage mechanism; the main housing is provided with a through-hole connection channel along the axial direction, and an annular mounting step is formed in the middle of the connection channel; the left ceramic sleeve assembly is inserted from the left side of the main housing and abuts against one end face of the annular mounting step, and the right ceramic sleeve assembly is inserted from the right side of the main housing and abuts against the other end face of the annular mounting step; the left and right ceramic sleeve assemblies are arranged opposite to each other, and their inner holes are coaxially arranged to allow the fiber optic connector ferrule to pass through and connect; the biaxial elastic guide frame includes a left guide ring and a right guide ring, the left guide ring being sleeved on the outer periphery of the left ceramic sleeve assembly, and the right guide ring being sleeved on the outer periphery of the right ceramic sleeve assembly; the left and right guide rings are respectively connected by three radially distributed sets of The elastic support arm is connected to the inner wall of the main housing. Each set of elastic support arms consists of a pair of symmetrically arranged V-shaped springs, with the apex of the V-shaped springs facing the outer wall of the ceramic sleeve assembly. Its two ends are fixed to the inner wall of the main housing and the outer wall of the guide ring, respectively. The center self-aligning linkage mechanism includes a center linkage ball seat, a left linkage push rod, and a right linkage push rod. The center linkage ball seat is embedded in the center of the docking channel of the main housing. Its outer contour is a spherical structure, and the spherical surface is provided with an annular groove. One end of the left linkage push rod is fixedly connected to the center of the inner end face of the left guide ring, and the other end is provided with a ball head structure, which is embedded in the ball socket on the left side of the center linkage ball seat. One end of the right linkage push rod is fixedly connected to the center of the inner end face of the right guide ring, and the other end is provided with a ball head structure, which is embedded in the ball socket on the right side of the center linkage ball seat. The left linkage push rod and the right linkage push rod are symmetrically arranged along the axis of the main housing, and their ball heads and the center linkage ball seat form a universal hinge relationship.

[0008] Preferably, the left ceramic sleeve assembly includes a left ceramic sleeve, a left limiting ring, and a left buffer washer; the outer wall of the left ceramic sleeve is provided with an annular positioning flange, the left limiting ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the left ceramic sleeve and closely abuts the left end face of the annular positioning flange, and the left buffer washer is sandwiched between the left limiting ring and the left inner wall of the main housing; the right ceramic sleeve assembly includes a right ceramic sleeve, a right limiting ring, and a right buffer washer; the outer wall of the right ceramic sleeve is provided with an annular positioning flange, the right limiting ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the right ceramic sleeve and closely abuts the right end face of the annular positioning flange, and the right buffer washer is sandwiched between the right limiting ring and the right inner wall of the main housing; the left buffer washer and the right buffer washer are molded from fluororubber material with a thickness of 0.8mm to 1.2mm.

[0009] Preferably, the outer wall of the main housing is provided with an annular assembly groove in the middle, and a metal reinforcing hoop is embedded in the annular assembly groove. The metal reinforcing hoop is formed by stamping stainless steel sheet, and its inner diameter is interference-fitted with the outer diameter of the main housing, with an interference amount of 0.05mm to 0.1mm. The outer surface of the metal reinforcing hoop is provided with anti-slip knurling.

[0010] Preferably, the central linkage ball seat is integrally injection molded from polyetheretherketone material, with a spherical diameter of 6.2 mm and a ball socket depth of 1.5 mm. The inner wall of the ball socket is provided with lubrication micropores, which are distributed in a honeycomb pattern with a pore diameter of 0.15 mm and a pore depth of 0.3 mm. The left linkage push rod and the right linkage push rod are made of beryllium bronze material with a nickel-plated surface, and the rod body has a diameter of 2.0 mm and a length of 8.5 mm.

[0011] Preferably, the V-shaped spring is made of phosphor bronze strip by punching and heat treatment, the spring thickness is 0.3mm, the opening angle is 60°, the distance between the two arms in the free state is 4.8mm, and the restoring force is 0.8N when compressed to 3.2mm; the two V-shaped springs of each set of elastic arms are arranged at a circumferential interval of 120°, and the three sets of elastic arms are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the guide ring.

[0012] Preferably, the main housing is injection molded from liquid crystal polymer material, and its inner wall of the docking channel is provided with an axial guide groove. The outer walls of the left guide ring and the right guide ring are provided with guide rail protrusions that cooperate with the axial guide groove. The guide rail protrusions extend 5mm along the axial direction and have a height of 0.2mm. During the axial movement of the left guide ring and the right guide ring, the guide rail protrusions are always embedded in the axial guide groove.

[0013] Preferably, the inner diameter of both the left and right ceramic sleeves is 2.500±0.002mm, the outer diameter is 4.000±0.005mm, and the length is 12.7mm; the end faces of the left and right ceramic sleeves are subjected to ultra-precision grinding, with a surface roughness Ra≤0.1μm and an end face perpendicularity error of less than 0.5 arcseconds.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: through the linkage push rod-ball seat structure of V-shaped spring elastic support arm and universal hinge, the ceramic sleeve can achieve dynamic fine adjustment and self-alignment in the radial and axial directions, effectively suppressing the offset caused by insertion and removal and high-density wiring. This structure improves docking accuracy, reduces insertion loss and return loss, and at the same time takes into account assembly stability and long-term reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model from another angle.

[0017] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the outer structure of the center-aligned linkage mechanism.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the outer part of the right guide ring.

[0019] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Main housing; 2. Left ceramic sleeve assembly; 3. Right ceramic sleeve assembly; 4. Biaxial elastic guide frame; 5. Center self-aligning linkage mechanism; 6. Annular mounting step; 7. Left guide ring; 8. Right guide ring; 9. Elastic support arm; 10. V-shaped spring; 11. Center linkage ball seat; 12. Left linkage push rod; 13. Right linkage push rod; 14. Ball head structure; 15. Ball socket; 16. Annular positioning flange; 17. Left limit ring; 18. Left buffer washer; 19. Right limit ring; 20. Right buffer washer; 21. Metal reinforcing hoop; 22. Axial guide groove; 23. Guide rail protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0021] Specific implementation examples are given below.

[0022] This utility model provides a precision-connected fiber optic adapter, the overall structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it includes a main housing 1, a left ceramic sleeve assembly 2, a right ceramic sleeve assembly 3, a biaxial elastic guide frame 4, and a center self-aligning linkage mechanism 5. The main housing 1 is a cylindrical structure that runs through the axis and has a docking channel inside. The inner wall of the docking channel is machined to form an annular mounting step 6, which is used to limit the axial position of the left ceramic sleeve assembly 2 and the right ceramic sleeve assembly 3 respectively. The left ceramic sleeve assembly 2 is inserted from the left side of the main housing 1, and its right end face abuts against the left end face of the annular mounting step 6. The right ceramic sleeve assembly 3 is inserted from the right side of the main housing 1, and its left end face abuts against the right end face of the annular mounting step 6. The two are arranged opposite each other inside the main housing 1, and their inner holes are arranged coaxially to form a passage for the two fiber optic connector cores to pass through and achieve physical contact docking. like Figure 2As shown, the left ceramic sleeve assembly 2 consists of a left ceramic sleeve, a left limiting ring 17, and a left buffer washer 18. An annular positioning flange 16 is provided in the middle of the outer wall of the left ceramic sleeve. The left limiting ring 17 is fitted around the outer circumference of the left ceramic sleeve and closely abuts the left end face of the annular positioning flange 16 to limit the axial displacement of the left ceramic sleeve. The left buffer washer 18 is sandwiched between the left limiting ring 17 and the left inner wall of the main housing 1 to absorb the axial impact generated during insertion and removal. The right ceramic sleeve assembly 3 has the same structure as the left ceramic sleeve assembly. 2. Symmetrical, including a right ceramic sleeve, a right limiting ring 19, and a right buffer washer 20. The right limiting ring 19 is tightly attached to the right end face of the annular positioning flange 16 on the outer wall of the right ceramic sleeve. The right buffer washer 20 is sandwiched between the right limiting ring 19 and the right inner wall of the main housing 1. The left buffer washer 18 and the right buffer washer 20 are both made of fluororubber material by molding, and the thickness is controlled between 0.8mm and 1.2mm to ensure stable rebound performance under compression, while avoiding axial positioning deviation of the ceramic sleeve due to excessive thickness. The biaxial elastic guide frame 4 includes a left guide ring 7 and a right guide ring 8, which are respectively sleeved on the outer periphery of the left ceramic sleeve assembly 2 and the right ceramic sleeve assembly 3. The outer wall of the left guide ring 7 is connected to the inner wall of the main housing 1 through three sets of elastic arms 9. Each set of elastic arms 9 consists of a pair of symmetrically arranged V-shaped springs 10. The apex of the V-shaped springs 10 faces the outer wall of the left ceramic sleeve assembly 2, and one end is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the left guide ring 7, while the other end is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the main housing 1. The right guide ring 8 is connected in the same way as the left guide ring 7, also through the V-shaped springs 10 in the three sets of elastic arms 9 to the inner wall of the main housing 1. Figure 4 As shown, three sets of elastic arms 9 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the left guide ring 7 or the right guide ring 8, with an included angle of 120° between adjacent sets. The two V-shaped springs 10 in each set are symmetrically arranged on the local circumference to form radial support and floating capability. The V-shaped springs 10 are made by punching and heat treating phosphor bronze strip with a thickness of 0.3mm. Their opening angle is 60°, and the distance between the two arms is 4.8mm in the free state. When compressed to 3.2mm, they can generate a restoring force of 0.8N, thereby providing dynamic reset capability when the ceramic sleeve is subjected to external disturbance. The main housing 1 is injection molded from liquid crystal polymer (LCP) material. Its inner wall of the mating channel has three axial guide grooves 22, which respectively mate with guide rail protrusions 23 on the outer walls of the left guide ring 7 and the right guide ring 8. The guide rail protrusions 23 extend 5mm axially and have a height of 0.2mm. During the axial movement of the left guide ring 7 and the right guide ring 8, the guide rail protrusions 23 remain embedded in the corresponding axial guide grooves 22, restricting the rotational freedom of the guide rings in the circumferential direction and only allowing them to move horizontally in the axial direction. The ceramic sleeve is shifted to ensure its coaxiality during the floating process; an annular assembly groove is provided in the middle of the outer wall of the main housing 1, and a metal reinforcing hoop 21 is embedded in the groove; the metal reinforcing hoop 21 is stamped from a 0.2mm thick stainless steel sheet, and its inner diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the main housing 1, forming an interference fit of 0.05mm to 0.1mm to enhance the structural rigidity of the main housing 1 in a high-density wiring environment; the outer surface of the metal reinforcing hoop 21 is provided with anti-slip knurling to facilitate the application of torque during installation without slippage; The center self-alignment linkage mechanism 5 is located at the center of the docking channel of the main housing 1, such as Figure 3 As shown, the assembly includes a central linkage ball seat 11, a left linkage push rod 12, and a right linkage push rod 13. The central linkage ball seat 11 is a component with an overall spherical profile, integrally injection molded from polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. Its spherical diameter is 6.2 mm, and there are ball sockets 15 on both sides of the spherical surface. The depth of the ball sockets 15 is 1.5 mm, and the inner wall is processed with honeycomb-shaped distributed lubrication micropores with a diameter of 0.15 mm and a depth of 0.3 mm, used to store a small amount of lubricating medium to reduce frictional resistance. One end of the left linkage push rod 12 is fixedly connected to the center position of the inner end face of the left guide ring 7, and the other end is processed with a ball head structure 14, which is embedded in the ball socket 15 on the left side of the central linkage ball seat 11. The right linkage push rod 13... One end of the linkage push rod 13 is fixedly connected to the center of the inner end face of the right guide ring 8, and the other end is also provided with a ball head structure 14, which is embedded in the ball socket 15 on the right side of the central linkage ball seat 11; the left linkage push rod 12 and the right linkage push rod 13 are symmetrically arranged along the axis of the main housing 1. The rod body diameter is 2.0mm and the length is 8.5mm. It is made of beryllium bronze and the surface is nickel-plated to improve wear resistance and corrosion resistance; the ball head structure 14 and the ball socket 15 form a universal hinge relationship, allowing the left linkage push rod 12 and the right linkage push rod 13 to move under multiple degrees of freedom such as radial deflection, axial extension and contraction and small-angle torsion. At the same time, the displacement states of the two guide rings are coupled to each other through the central linkage ball seat 11; The inner diameter of both the left and right ceramic sleeves is 2.500±0.002mm, the outer diameter is 4.000±0.005mm, and the length is 12.7mm, which meets the dimensional requirements of IEC 61754-2 for FC / PC type ceramic sleeves. Their end faces are subjected to ultra-precision grinding, with a surface roughness Ra≤0.1μm and an end face perpendicularity error of less than 0.5 arcseconds, ensuring the optical performance required to achieve physical contact (PC) or beveled physical contact (APC) when the two ferrules are mated. In the actual assembly process, firstly, the metal reinforcing hoop 21 is pressed into the annular assembly groove on the outer wall of the main housing 1 to form a stable external support structure; then, the left buffer washer 18 and the left limiting ring 17 are sequentially fitted onto the outer circumference of the left ceramic sleeve, and then the assembly is inserted from the left side of the main housing 1 until the right end face of the annular positioning flange 16 of the left ceramic sleeve abuts against the left end face of the annular mounting step 6; next, the left guide ring 7 is fitted onto the outer circumference of the left ceramic sleeve, so that its guide rail protrusion 23 is embedded into the axial guide groove 22 on the inner wall of the main housing 1, and the V-shaped spring 1 of the three sets of elastic support arms 9 is... The two ends of the left guide ring 7 are welded or bonded to the corresponding positions on the outer wall of the left guide ring 7 and the inner wall of the main housing 1, respectively; the assembly steps of the right ceramic sleeve assembly 3 and the right guide ring 8 are symmetrical to those on the left side; then, one end of the left linkage push rod 12 is fixed to the center of the inner end face of the left guide ring 7, and one end of the right linkage push rod 13 is fixed to the center of the inner end face of the right guide ring 8. Then, the central linkage ball seat 11 is placed in the center position of the main housing 1, so that the ball head structure 14 at the ends of the left and right linkage push rods 12 and 13 are respectively embedded in the ball sockets 15 on both sides of the central linkage ball seat 11, thus completing the assembly of the central self-aligning linkage mechanism 5; During use, when the left fiber optic connector is inserted into the left ceramic sleeve, its ferrule pushes the left ceramic sleeve assembly 2 to move slightly to the right, causing the left guide ring 7 to move to the right simultaneously. The left linkage push rod 12 then pushes the central linkage ball seat 11 to produce a slight displacement or attitude adjustment. Simultaneously, if the right fiber optic connector is not fully inserted or has a slight angular deviation, the right ceramic sleeve assembly 3, guided by the right guide ring 8, automatically adjusts its position and attitude through the universal joint between the right linkage push rod 13 and the central linkage ball seat 11, so that the axis of the inner hole of the right ceramic sleeve approaches that of the left ceramic sleeve. The inner bore axis of the tube; Since both the left guide ring 7 and the right guide ring 8 obtain radial floating capability through the V-shaped springs 10 in the three sets of elastic support arms 9, and their axial movement is constrained by the guide rail protrusion 23 and the axial guide groove 22, the left and right ceramic sleeves always maintain high coaxiality throughout the entire docking process, avoiding axial offset and angular deviation caused by uneven insertion and extraction force, shell deformation or temperature change; When the two ferrules are fully inserted and physical contact is achieved, the left buffer washer 18 and the right buffer washer 20 are in a slightly compressed state, providing stable axial preload to prevent the ferrules from loosening; In high-density cabling environments, multiple fiber optic adapters as described in this utility model are installed side-by-side on patch panels or module panels. The metal reinforcing hoop 21 effectively suppresses the deformation of the main housing 1 caused by the squeezing of adjacent devices, maintaining the geometric stability of the internal structure. Under frequent insertion and removal conditions, the elastic recovery characteristics of the V-shaped spring 10 ensure that the ceramic sleeve assembly can return to the initial alignment position after each insertion and removal. The center self-alignment linkage mechanism 5 couples the displacement states of the guide rings on both sides in real time through a mechanical linkage mechanism, so that even if the insertion and removal action on one side is not fully in place, the other side can still compensate and adjust through the universal hinge relationship between the linkage push rod and the ball seat, thereby achieving dynamic fine-tuning in the core docking area, rather than relying on the overall precision or injection molding tolerance of the main housing 1. In the entire structure, all key mating dimensions are controlled by precision machining or molding, the connection relationship between each component is clear, the assembly sequence is reasonable, and stable and reliable fiber optic docking can be achieved without additional calibration. To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and implement this utility model, the following supplementary explanation of the specific implementation principle of this utility model is based on a typical application scenario—the frequent plugging and unplugging of FC / PC type fiber optic connectors in a high-density optical distribution frame in a data center. In this scenario, multiple fiber optic adapters described in this invention are densely installed side-by-side on a 1U high wiring module panel, with an adjacent adapter spacing of only 12.5mm. Due to space constraints and frequent operation, operators often fail to insert the connector on one side properly due to uneven force application, or the main housing 1 may undergo slight deformation due to external pressure on the panel. Under these non-ideal conditions, traditional adapters are prone to misalignment of the left and right ceramic sleeve axes, leading to a sharp increase in insertion loss. This invention achieves high-precision dynamic alignment through the following collaborative mechanism: First, during the insertion of the left fiber optic connector, the front end of its ferrule contacts the inner end face of the left ceramic sleeve assembly 2, pushing the left ceramic sleeve to the right to generate a micron-level axial displacement; this displacement is transmitted to the left guide ring 7 via the left limiting ring 17, causing the left guide ring 7 to move synchronously to the right along the inner wall of the main housing 1; since the guide rail protrusion 23 on the outer wall of the left guide ring 7 is always fitted into the axial guide groove 22 on the inner wall of the main housing 1, its movement is strictly constrained to pure axial translation, eliminating circumferential rotation, thereby ensuring that the inner hole axis of the left ceramic sleeve assembly 2 does not twist during the movement; Meanwhile, the rightward movement of the left guide ring 7 is transmitted to the central linkage ball seat 11 through the left linkage push rod 12 fixed at its center; the ball head structure 14 at the end of the left linkage push rod 12 undergoes universal hinge movement in the ball socket 15 on the left side of the central linkage ball seat 11, which can push the ball seat axially and also produce a slight deflection when there is radial deviation; the central linkage ball seat 11, as the coupling center of the displacement on both sides, transmits the motion state of the left linkage push rod 12 to the right linkage push rod 13 in real time; if the right connector is not fully inserted at this time and the right ceramic sleeve assembly 3 is in the initial position, the right linkage push rod 13 pushes the right guide ring 8 in the opposite direction under the guidance of the ball socket 15, so that it drives the right ceramic sleeve assembly 3 to move slightly to the left and adjusts its radial attitude at the same time until the inner hole axis of the right ceramic sleeve coincides with the inner hole axis of the left ceramic sleeve; The key to achieving this self-alignment process lies in the following: On the one hand, the left guide ring 7 and the right guide ring 8 each obtain radial floating degrees of freedom through three sets of elastic support arms 9 evenly distributed at 120°; the V-shaped springs 10 in each set of elastic support arms 9 can be independently compressed or extended when subjected to asymmetrical external forces. For example, when the main housing 1 undergoes local elliptical deformation due to the compression of adjacent devices, the V-shaped springs 10 in the corresponding position are compressed, while the springs in other positions maintain their original length, thereby automatically centering the guide ring and maintaining the radial alignment of the ceramic sleeve; On the other hand, the universal joint formed by the ball head structure 14 and the ball socket 15 in the central self-alignment linkage mechanism 5 allows the left and right linkage push rods 12 and 13 to perform angle compensation within a range of ±2°. At the same time, the honeycomb lubrication micropores on the inner wall of the ball socket 15 store a small amount of silicone oil that continuously reduces the coefficient of friction, ensuring the sensitivity and low hysteresis of micro-displacement transmission. Once both inserts are fully inserted and in physical contact, the left buffer washer 18 and the right buffer washer 20 are compressed to the designed thickness range (0.8–1.2 mm), generating an axial preload of approximately 0.5 N. This force is sufficient to offset loosening caused by vibration and will not cause stress concentration on the ceramic sleeve end face due to overpressure. In addition, the metal reinforcing hoop 21 embedded in the outer wall of the main housing 1 forms a rigid ring hoop through an interference fit of 0.05–0.1 mm, which effectively suppresses the creep deformation that may occur in the LCP material under high temperature and high humidity conditions, and ensures the geometric stability of the annular mounting step 6 during long-term use. In frequent insertion and removal tests (simulating 5000 insertion and removal cycles), this structure, through the elastic recovery characteristics of the V-shaped spring 10, ensures that the left and right guide rings 7 and 8 can be reset to the initial alignment position after each removal, with a deviation of less than ±1μm. The PEEK material of the central linkage ball seat 11 has both high rigidity and low friction characteristics, and together with the nickel-plated beryllium bronze push rod, the life of the linkage mechanism far exceeds that of conventional plastic hinge structures. Thus, without relying on the injection molding precision of the main housing 1, this utility model provides local floating capability through the biaxial elastic guide frame 4, and achieves displacement coupling on both sides by combining the central self-aligning linkage mechanism 5, and completes dynamic fine adjustment in the core docking area, fundamentally solving the alignment failure problem caused by excessive structural rigidity or the floating mechanism being far away from the docking area in the prior art.

[0023] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A precision-connected fiber optic adapter, characterized in that, The system includes a main housing (1), a left ceramic sleeve assembly (2), a right ceramic sleeve assembly (3), a biaxial elastic guide frame (4), and a center self-aligning linkage mechanism (5). The main housing (1) has a through docking channel along the axial direction, and an annular mounting step (6) is formed in the middle of the docking channel. The left ceramic sleeve assembly (2) is inserted from the left side of the main housing (1) and abuts against one end face of the annular mounting step (6), and the right ceramic sleeve assembly (3) is inserted from the right side of the main housing (1) and abuts against the other end face of the annular mounting step (6). The sleeve assembly (2) and the right ceramic sleeve assembly (3) are arranged opposite to each other, and their inner holes are arranged coaxially to allow the fiber optic connector ferrule to pass through and connect; the biaxial elastic guide frame (4) includes a left guide ring (7) and a right guide ring (8), the left guide ring (7) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the left ceramic sleeve assembly (2), and the right guide ring (8) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the right ceramic sleeve assembly (3); the left guide ring (7) and the right guide ring (8) are respectively connected to the inner wall of the main housing (1) through three sets of radially distributed elastic arms (9), each set of elastic arms (9) consists of a pair of symmetrically arranged The V-shaped spring (10) is composed of a V-shaped spring, the vertex of which faces the outer wall of the ceramic sleeve assembly, and its two ends are fixed to the inner wall of the main housing (1) and the outer wall of the guide ring, respectively; the center self-alignment linkage mechanism (5) includes a center linkage ball seat (11), a left linkage push rod (12) and a right linkage push rod (13); the center linkage ball seat (11) is embedded in the center of the docking channel of the main housing (1), and its outer contour is a spherical structure with an annular groove on the spherical surface; one end of the left linkage push rod (12) is fixedly connected to the center of the inner end face of the left guide ring (7), and the other end is fixed to the center of the inner end face of the guide ring (7). The end is provided with a ball head structure (14), which is embedded in the ball socket (15) on the left side of the central linkage ball seat (11); one end of the right linkage push rod (13) is fixedly connected to the center of the inner end face of the right guide ring (8), and the other end is provided with a ball head structure (14), which is embedded in the ball socket (15) on the right side of the central linkage ball seat (11); the left linkage push rod (12) and the right linkage push rod (13) are symmetrically arranged along the axis of the main shell (1), and the ball head structure (14) of the two forms a universal hinge relationship with the central linkage ball seat (11).

2. The fiber optic adapter for precise mating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left ceramic sleeve assembly (2) includes a left ceramic sleeve, a left limiting ring (17), and a left buffer washer (18); the outer wall of the left ceramic sleeve is provided with an annular positioning flange (16), the left limiting ring (17) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the left ceramic sleeve and closely abuts the left end face of the annular positioning flange (16), and the left buffer washer (18) is sandwiched between the left limiting ring (17) and the left inner wall of the main housing (1); the right ceramic sleeve assembly (3) includes a right ceramic sleeve and a right limiting ring. (19) and right buffer washer (20); the outer wall of the right ceramic sleeve is provided with an annular positioning flange (16), the right limiting ring (19) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the right ceramic sleeve and closely attached to the right end face of the annular positioning flange (16), the right buffer washer (20) is sandwiched between the right limiting ring (19) and the right inner wall of the main housing (1); the left buffer washer (18) and the right buffer washer (20) are molded from fluororubber material with a thickness of 0.8mm to 1.2mm.

3. The fiber optic adapter for precise mating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the main housing (1) is provided with an annular assembly groove in the middle. A metal reinforcing hoop (21) is embedded in the annular assembly groove. The metal reinforcing hoop (21) is formed by stamping stainless steel sheet. Its inner diameter is interference-fitted with the outer diameter of the main housing (1) with an interference amount of 0.05mm to 0.1mm. The outer surface of the metal reinforcing hoop (21) is provided with anti-slip knurling.

4. The fiber optic adapter for precise mating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The central linkage ball seat (11) is integrally injection molded from polyetheretherketone material. Its spherical diameter is 6.2 mm, the ball socket (15) depth is 1.5 mm, and the inner wall of the ball socket (15) is provided with lubrication micropores. The lubrication micropores are distributed in a honeycomb pattern, with a hole diameter of 0.15 mm and a hole depth of 0.3 mm. The left linkage push rod (12) and the right linkage push rod (13) are made of beryllium bronze material with nickel plating on the surface. The rod diameter is 2.0 mm and the length is 8.5 mm.

5. The fiber optic adapter for precise mating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The V-shaped spring (10) is made by punching and heat treatment of phosphor bronze strip. The spring thickness is 0.3 mm, the opening angle is 60°, the distance between the two arms in the free state is 4.8 mm, and the restoring force of 0.8 N is generated when compressed to 3.2 mm. The two V-shaped springs (10) of each set of elastic arms (9) are arranged at a circumferential interval of 120°, and the three sets of elastic arms (9) are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the guide ring.

6. The fiber optic adapter for precise mating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main housing (1) is injection molded from liquid crystal polymer material. The inner wall of its docking channel is provided with an axial guide groove (22). The outer walls of the left guide ring (7) and the right guide ring (8) are provided with guide rail protrusions (23) that cooperate with the axial guide groove (22). The guide rail protrusions (23) extend 5 mm along the axial direction and have a height of 0.2 mm. During the axial movement of the left guide ring (7) and the right guide ring (8), the guide rail protrusions (23) are always embedded in the axial guide groove (22).

7. The fiber optic adapter for precise mating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner diameter of both the left and right ceramic sleeves is 2.500±0.002mm, the outer diameter is 4.000±0.005mm, and the length is 12.7mm.

8. A precision-connected fiber optic adapter according to claim 7, characterized in that: The end faces of the left and right ceramic sleeves are subjected to ultra-precision grinding, with a surface roughness Ra≤0.1μm and an end face perpendicularity error of less than 0.5 arcseconds.

9. A precision-connected fiber optic adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left limiting ring (17) and the right limiting ring (19) respectively restrict the axial displacement of the left ceramic sleeve and the right ceramic sleeve.

10. A precision-connected fiber optic adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left guide ring (7) and the right guide ring (8) gain floating ability in the radial direction through the elastic support arm (9), and restrict the circumferential rotational freedom in the axial direction through the cooperation of the guide rail protrusion (23) and the axial guide groove (22).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Fiber optic adapter with enhanced alignment

    CN102483496B

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