Optical fiber tail double-end visual positioning device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of tail fiber double-end visual positioning devices, it relates to optical fiber communication technical field, the device includes: tail fiber body, LED indicator light and power interface installed at tail fiber two end connectors;Two signal lines are additionally arranged inside tail fiber, and are wrapped in tail fiber protective sleeve in parallel with fiber core;Two signal lines cooperate with the power interface of tail fiber two end connectors, LED indicator light jointly constitute closed power supply loop;Wherein, each signal line is with the power interface of tail fiber two end connectors, LED indicator light one-to-one corresponding polarity connection;External battery is accessed at the power interface of any end connector, through closed power supply loop, trigger this end and the LED indicator light synchronous light emission at opposite end connector, realize to tail fiber other end positioning.Closing power supply loop constructed simplifies wiring structure, also guarantee the stability of loop conduction, ensure LED lamp state synchronous feedback, improve the visibility and reliability of tail fiber connector connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, and in particular to a dual-end visual positioning device for pigtails. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic pigtails are the most commonly used components in optical communication systems, serving as essential transmission links for interconnecting optical communication equipment and connecting it to optical cables. A typical SDH transmission cabinet contains dozens of pigtails within the same cabinet or across cabinets. In OTN and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transmission systems, a single cabinet may contain hundreds of short pigtails within the cabinet and long pigtails across cabinets. Unlike electrical wires, pigtails cannot be cut to the required length. Any excess length within each cabinet is neatly organized into fiber optic boxes. Especially for pigtails spanning multiple cabinets, the actual connection status at both ends cannot be visually observed or confirmed; physical or electronic tags are required for identification.

[0003] In telecommunications equipment rooms, the meticulous management of fiber optic cables is crucial for ensuring stable business operations. Traditional fiber optic cable management relies on manual labeling, but these labels are prone to fading or falling off over time. In recent years, electronic tags have been gradually adopted in telecommunications equipment rooms and are being piloted in various locations. While electronic tagging technology has relatively improved the situation regarding errors from manual labeling, it still faces several challenges: 1. Electronic tags require significant investment; 2. Power supply to the tag equipment is needed, increasing energy consumption within the station. When reusing existing ODF equipment, all pigtails of the tag rack need to be unplugged and reconnected, causing service interruption. Construction on ODFs with critical lines in operation is particularly difficult; 3. Currently, electronic tags rely on manual data recording and input of pigtail slot information into the server. Errors in data entry or statistical analysis can lead to incorrect pigtail information and accidental disconnection; 4. Electronic tags require network management support. In situations where no one is available at the network management center to access information, the data center experiences power outages, or the server malfunctions, accurate pigtail information cannot be obtained, making on-site construction impossible and potentially leading to accidental disconnection of pigtails, communication failures, and resource waste. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems and technical requirements, the inventors have proposed a dual-end visual positioning device for fiber optic pigtails. The core of this device lies in the addition of two signal lines inside the fiber optic pigtail body, with LED indicator lights and power interfaces integrated at both ends of the pigtail connectors. When a battery is connected to this end, the signal lines, the power interfaces at both ends, and the LED indicator lights form a circuit, triggering the indicator lights at both ends to illuminate synchronously. Maintenance personnel can quickly locate the other end of the pigtail using these lights.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: A fiber optic dual-end visual positioning device, comprising: The pigtail body has two additional signal lines inside, which are wrapped in the pigtail protective sleeve parallel to the fiber core. LED indicator lights and a power interface are installed at the connectors at both ends of the pigtail; the power interface is used to connect an external battery. The two signal lines, together with the power interfaces and LED indicator lights at both ends of the pigtail connector, form a closed power supply circuit; each signal line is connected to the power interface and LED indicator light at both ends of the pigtail connector in a one-to-one polarity correspondence. Connect an external battery to either end of the connector. By closing the power supply circuit, the LED indicator lights at the local and remote ends of the connector will light up synchronously, thus positioning the other end of the pigtail.

[0006] A further technical solution is that, of the two signal lines, the first signal line is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power interface of the connectors at both ends of the pigtail, and the second signal line is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power interface of the connectors at both ends of the pigtail. The two signal lines respectively realize the interconnection of the same polarity terminals of the power interfaces of the local and the opposite ends of the connectors.

[0007] The further technical solution is that, of the two signal lines, the first signal line is synchronously and electrically connected to the positive pin of the LED indicator at both ends of the pigtail connector, and the second signal line is synchronously and electrically connected to the negative pin of the LED indicator at both ends of the pigtail connector. The LED indicator at this end and the other end of the connector are connected in series and networked through the two signal lines.

[0008] The further technical solution is that, in the two signal lines, the positive power interface of the first signal line, the positive LED indicator pins of the two ends of the pigtail connectors form a forward power supply branch; the negative power interface of the second signal line, the negative LED indicator pins of the two ends of the pigtail connectors form a reverse return branch, and the forward power supply branch and the reverse return branch are connected to form a complete closed loop.

[0009] A further technical solution is that the LED indicator light adopts a ring structure to surround the fiber optic connector at the end.

[0010] A further technical solution is that the ring-shaped LED indicator uses a combination of a side-emitting LED chip and a transparent light guide column for packaging, ensuring that the ring light is evenly distributed.

[0011] A further technical solution is that the power interface is built into the side wall of the connector at both ends of the pigtail, with an interface depth of no more than 3mm, supporting hot-swappable connection of standard button batteries or micro lithium batteries.

[0012] A further technical solution is that the device also includes: The microcontroller module is integrated inside the connectors at both ends of the pigtail and connected in series to the positive power supply branch of the closed loop to control the light frequency of the LED indicator.

[0013] A further technical solution is that the device also includes: A movable limiting block located on the outside of the pigtail connector is fixed to the equipment port connected to the pigtail connector via a threaded structure to prevent the pigtail from accidentally coming out.

[0014] The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are: The two additional signal lines in this device connect to the power interfaces and LED indicator lights at the two fiber optic connectors using a unique polarity correspondence design. Each signal line only connects the power interface terminal of the same polarity to the LED pin, eliminating the risk of short circuits caused by cross-polarity connections. Simultaneously, the two signal lines enable series networking of the two fiber optic connector assemblies, simplifying the wiring structure while ensuring the stability of the circuit continuity. This guarantees synchronized feedback of LED status and improves the visibility and reliability of the fiber optic connector connections, resulting in the following technical benefits: 1. Highly efficient positioning: It can quickly locate both ends of the same pigtail using light indicators without relying on tags, reducing fiber searching time by more than 90%; 2. Prevention of accidental disconnection: The dual-end synchronous illumination mechanism ensures that maintenance personnel operate in a visual state, avoiding the risk of incorrect disconnection; 3. Strong compatibility: The positioning device is integrated into the pigtail connector, which does not affect the existing ODF frame or equipment port structure; 4. Low power consumption design: The closed power supply circuit adopts a low-voltage DC circuit (voltage range of 3-5V), and the battery life can reach hundreds of hours on a single charge. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fiber optic double-end visual positioning device provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the closed power supply circuit provided in this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting of the ring-shaped LED indicator provided in this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the power interface provided in this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning device provided in this application arranged in different types of pigtail connectors. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] refer to Figure 1As shown, one embodiment of this application provides a dual-end visual positioning device for pigtails, including: a pigtail body 1, LED indicator lights 2 installed at the connectors at both ends of the pigtail, and a power interface 3. The pigtail body 1 includes a fiber core 101 and a cladding 102 on its outer side, and the power interface 3 is used to connect an external battery.

[0018] The core of the device lies in the addition of two signal lines 4 and 5 inside the pigtail body 1, which are wrapped parallel to the fiber core 101 within the pigtail protective sleeve, forming an electrical circuit independent of the optical signal. The two signal lines 4 and 5, together with the power interfaces 3 and LED indicator lights 2 at both ends of the pigtail connector, constitute a closed power supply circuit. Each signal line 4 / 5 is connected to the power interface 3 and LED indicator light 2 at both ends of the pigtail connector in a one-to-one polarity correspondence. Connecting an external battery to either end of the connector triggers the LED indicator lights at both ends to illuminate synchronously through the closed power supply circuit, thus positioning the other end of the pigtail.

[0019] like Figure 5 The two fiber optic connectors shown are for use as a set of matching units. Each connector is equipped with a power interface and an LED indicator. The two power interfaces are connected in parallel to ensure consistent power supply voltage. The two signal lines between the two connectors have clearly defined functions and a unique connection relationship. Figure 2 As shown, the details are as follows: Firstly, the first signal line 4 is a positive signal line. One end of it is electrically connected to the positive terminal 3a_1 of the power interface of the fiber optic connector on this end, and the other end is electrically connected to the positive terminal 3a_2 of the power interface of the fiber optic connector on the other end. Moreover, this positive signal line is synchronously and electrically connected to the positive pin 2a of the LED indicator of this connector at the corresponding connector position, so as to realize the directional transmission of current from the positive terminal of the power interface to the positive terminals of the two LED indicators, and establish a positive power supply path.

[0020] Secondly, the second signal line 5 is a negative return signal line. One end of it is electrically connected to the negative terminal 3b_1 of the power interface of the fiber optic connector on this end, and the other end is electrically connected to the negative terminal 3b_2 of the power interface of the fiber optic connector on the other end. The negative return signal line is also synchronously electrically connected to the negative pin 2b of the LED indicator of this connector at the corresponding connector position, so as to carry the return current after the two LED indicators are working and build a reverse return path.

[0021] Based on the above connection, current flows out from the positive terminal of the power interface of either pigtail connector, flows through the positive signal line to the positive terminal of the two LED indicator lights and the negative terminal of the LED indicator lights in sequence, and then flows back to the negative terminal of the power interface through the negative return signal line, forming a stable closed loop, so as to realize the synchronous conduction of the LED indicator lights of the two pigtail connectors.

[0022] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the LED indicator light uses a ring structure 6 surrounding the fiber optic connector at its location. This ring structure 6 can be implemented based on a ring-shaped flexible LED patch. The ring-shaped LED indicator light uses a side-emitting LED chip combined with a transparent light guide post for encapsulation, ensuring uniform distribution of the ring light and a viewing angle of 360 degrees. It should be noted that the ring-shaped LED indicator light is embedded in the fiber optic connector housing and does not protrude from the interface plane, avoiding interference with fiber optic plugging and unplugging operations.

[0023] like Figure 4 As shown, the power interface 3 is built into the side wall of the connectors at both ends of the pigtail, adopting a shallow and short design, meaning the interface depth is controlled within 3mm, supporting hot-swappable connection of standard button batteries or micro lithium batteries. Batteries can be inserted into this interface using a magnetic or spring-loaded pin structure, supporting quick battery replacement. In this embodiment, the power interface 3 is designed as a circular battery insertion port, preferentially using CR425 batteries. This lightweight battery structure will not cause abnormal bending of the pigtail due to battery insertion, thus affecting the pigtail's operation.

[0024] This embodiment adds a microcontroller module (MCU) to the closed power supply loop, supporting indicator light blinking encoding to control the light emission frequency of LED indicator 2. The MCU is connected in series in the forward power supply branch of the positive signal line. Specifically, the positive signal line is split into a power supply side section and an LED side section. The MCU's power input terminal is electrically connected to the power supply side section of the positive signal line (near the power interface) to obtain operating power; the MCU's power output terminal is electrically connected to the LED side section of the positive signal line (near the LED indicator) to control the forward power supply current. The MCU's control output terminal is electrically connected to the positive pins of the two fiber optic connectors of the LED indicator, and the connection point is located at the connection between the LED side section of the positive signal line and the positive terminal of the LED, ensuring that the control signal output by the MCU can directly act on the LED indicator. The MCU's ground terminal is electrically connected to the negative return signal line, forming a closed return loop for the MCU's own operation, ensuring stable operation of the MCU. This connection does not interfere with the return current function of the negative return signal line to the LED indicator.

[0025] When the battery is connected to the circuit, current flows out from the positive terminal of the power interface of any pigtail connector, flows into the MCU power input terminal through the power side section of the positive signal line, and after receiving the power, the MCU outputs a pulse control signal of a preset frequency. The signal flows through the power output terminal, the LED side section of the positive signal line, and then through the positive terminals of the two LED indicators. Finally, it flows back to the negative terminal of the power interface, forming a controllable closed loop. By adjusting the frequency of the pulse control signal, the MCU changes the current conduction interval flowing through the LED indicator, thereby precisely controlling the light emission frequency of the LED indicator. This allows the LED indicator to switch between flashing or constant illumination at a preset frequency, that is, to distinguish different pigtails by adjusting the light emission mode.

[0026] In this embodiment, a constant-on mode indicates a normal fiber optic connection; a fast-flash mode (2Hz frequency) indicates that the fiber optic cable is a target requiring maintenance; and a slow-flash mode (0.5Hz frequency) indicates that the fiber optic cable is under testing. Maintenance personnel can switch between different light modes by briefly plugging and unplugging the battery to achieve multi-level identification functionality.

[0027] Optionally, the microcontroller module integrates an overvoltage protection circuit to ensure the safety of low-voltage operation in the closed power supply circuit (operating voltage ≤ 5V).

[0028] This embodiment also incorporates a device structure reinforcement design, which includes, on the one hand, setting a reinforcement structure on the outside of the fiber optic connector, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 5 The movable limiting block 7 shown is fixedly connected to the device port of the pigtail connector via a threaded structure to prevent the pigtail from accidentally coming off due to pulling. On the other hand, the two signal lines 4 and 5 are wrapped inside the pigtail sheath 102, and the pigtail as a whole is insulated from the outside, so there is no risk of leakage or short circuit.

[0029] The positioning device provided in this embodiment can be arranged in different types of pigtail connectors, such as... Figure 5 The FC connector 8 and LC connector 9 are shown. In one possible implementation, in addition to the optical fiber, two copper signal lines (0.1mm in diameter) are arranged in parallel inside the pigtail body. The connectors at both ends are injection molded from modified engineering plastic, and an externally embedded ring-shaped LED light panel (6-8 LEDs) is installed. The power interface is located on the side wall of the connector and connects to the positive and negative terminals of the battery via spring-loaded pins. When a battery is inserted into this end, current flows through the signal line circuit, triggering the indicator light on the other end to illuminate synchronously.

[0030] The positioning device provided in this embodiment can also be applied in batches to computer rooms. In one possible implementation, in a scenario where ODF racks are centrally deployed, each pigtail is equipped with the aforementioned positioning device. During maintenance, maintenance personnel only need to connect a battery to the pigtail to be operated to quickly identify the light-emitting point at the opposite end in densely populated areas of the rack ports. Combined with a sequence protection device (such as a Velcro master tape), the physical sorting efficiency is further optimized. The comparison results of the technical advantages of this device with traditional tag solutions are shown in Table 1: Table 1. Comparison of the technical advantages of this device with traditional labeling solutions.

[0031] In summary, this embodiment integrates the positioning signal line inside the fiber optic pigtail through hardware-level innovation, combined with a ring LED indicator and a hot-swappable power interface, achieving synchronous visual positioning at both ends of the pigtail. This solution effectively solves the long-standing risk of accidental disconnection in data center pigtail management, improving operational efficiency and security. Furthermore, the device has a compact structure, is compatible with existing infrastructure, and possesses high value for widespread application.

[0032] The above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this application, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It is understood that other improvements and variations directly derived or conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and concept of the present invention should be considered to be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fiber optic double-end visual positioning device, characterized in that, include: The pigtail body has two additional signal lines inside, which are wrapped in the pigtail protective sleeve parallel to the fiber core. LED indicator lights and a power interface are installed at the connectors at both ends of the pigtail; the power interface is used to connect an external battery. The two signal lines, together with the power interfaces and LED indicator lights at both ends of the pigtail connector, form a closed power supply circuit; wherein, each signal line is connected to the power interface and LED indicator light at both ends of the pigtail connector in a one-to-one polarity correspondence. Connect the external battery to either end of the connector, and trigger the LED indicator lights at both ends of the connector to light up synchronously through the closed power supply circuit, thereby positioning the other end of the pigtail.

2. The fiber optic double-end visual positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Of the two signal lines, the first signal line is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power interface of the connector at both ends of the pigtail, and the second signal line is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power interface of the connector at both ends of the pigtail. The two signal lines respectively enable the interconnection of the same polarity terminals of the power interfaces of the local and the opposite ends of the connector.

3. The fiber optic double-end visual positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Of the two signal lines, the first signal line is synchronously and electrically connected to the positive pin of the LED indicator at both ends of the pigtail connector, and the second signal line is synchronously and electrically connected to the negative pin of the LED indicator at both ends of the pigtail connector. The LED indicator at this end and the opposite end of the connector are connected in series and networked through the two signal lines.

4. The fiber optic double-end visual positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Of the two signal lines, the first signal line, the positive power interface of the connectors at both ends of the pigtail, and the positive LED indicator pins of the connectors at both ends of the pigtail form a forward power supply branch; the second signal line, the negative power interface of the connectors at both ends of the pigtail, and the negative LED indicator pins of the connectors at both ends of the pigtail form a reverse return branch, and the forward power supply branch and the reverse return branch are connected to form a complete closed loop.

5. The fiber optic double-end visual positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The LED indicator light uses a ring structure to surround the fiber optic connector at its end.

6. The fiber optic double-end visual positioning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ring-shaped LED indicator uses a combination of side-emitting LED chips and transparent light guide pillars to ensure uniform distribution of the ring light.

7. The fiber optic double-end visual positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power interface is built into the side wall of the connectors at both ends of the pigtail, with an interface depth of no more than 3mm, and supports hot-swappable connection of standard button batteries or micro lithium batteries.

8. The fiber optic double-end visual positioning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The device further includes: The microcontroller module is integrated inside the connectors at both ends of the pigtail and connected in series to the positive power supply branch of the closed loop, used to control the light emission frequency of the LED indicator.

9. The fiber optic double-end visual positioning device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The device further includes: A movable limiting block located on the outside of the pigtail connector is fixed to the device port connected to the pigtail connector via a threaded structure to prevent the pigtail from accidentally coming out.

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