Optical splitter, optical network system, and method for assembling optical splitter

Abstract

An optical splitter, an optical network system, and a method for manufacturing the optical splitter. The optical splitter comprises a first housing (1), a second housing (2), an optical splitter chip (3), and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4). The first housing (1) has a plurality of coupling structures (11). The second housing (2) is connected to the first housing (1), and an accommodating cavity (10) is formed between the first housing (1) and the second housing (2). The optical splitter chip (3) is located in the accommodating cavity (10), the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) are respectively connected to the optical splitter chip (3) by means of optical fibers, and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) respectively extend into the plurality of coupling structures (11). The coupling structures (11) are used for coupling the first optical fiber ferrules (4) with second optical fiber ferrules of an external optical fiber connector.

Description

Optical splitter, optical network system and assembly method of optical splitter

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202311872050.4, filed on December 29, 2023, entitled “Splitter, Optical Network System, and Assembly Method of Splitter,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this disclosure. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to an optical splitter, an optical network system, and an assembly method of the optical splitter. Background Art

[0003] With the development of fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) technology, point-to-multipoint (P2MP) fiber networking is increasingly being used in home scenarios. Optical splitters are key components in implementing P2MP fiber networking. They split downlink optical signals from upstream devices and send them to multiple downstream devices separately; they also combine uplink optical signals from multiple downstream devices and send them to the upstream device.

[0004] In the related art, in order to achieve docking between the optical splitter and the external optical fiber connector, the optical splitter needs to include multiple optical fiber adapters. However, this results in a large number of parts included in the optical splitter, high cost of the optical splitter, and cumbersome assembly process.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides an optical splitter, an optical network system, and an assembly method for the optical splitter. The first housing of the optical splitter includes a coupling structure for coupling a first optical fiber ferrule of the optical splitter to a second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector. This eliminates the need for a separate optical fiber adapter, thereby reducing the number of components included in the optical splitter, lowering the cost of the optical splitter, and simplifying the assembly process. The technical solutions for the optical splitter, the optical network system, and the assembly method for the optical splitter are described below.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a spectrometer. The spectrometer includes a first housing, a second housing, a spectrometer chip, and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules. The first housing has a plurality of coupling structures. The second housing is connected to the first housing, and a housing cavity is formed between the first housing and the second housing. The spectrometer chip is located in the housing cavity, and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules are respectively connected to the spectrometer chip via optical fibers, and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules are respectively extended into the plurality of coupling structures. The coupling structures are used to couple the first optical fiber ferrules with the second optical fiber ferrules of an external optical fiber connector.

[0008] The coupling structure, which can also be referred to as a fiber adapter structure or fiber adapter, is integrated into the first housing rather than being a separate component. The splitter chip is used to implement light splitting and combining functions. The first fiber ferrule is used to input an optical signal to the splitter chip, or output an optical signal output by the splitter chip.

[0009] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure eliminates the need for separate fiber adapters by providing a first housing of the optical splitter with multiple coupling structures, which are used to couple the first fiber ferrule of the optical splitter to the second fiber ferrule of an external optical connector. This reduces the number of components included in the optical splitter, lowers the cost of the optical splitter, and simplifies the assembly process of the optical splitter. For example, it simplifies the process of separately installing multiple fiber adapters on the housing.

[0010] In one possible implementation, one end of the coupling structure, which is used to connect to an external optical fiber connector, has a standard optical fiber adapter structure. The optical fiber adapter structure can be a subscriber connector, standard connector, square connector, or square couple connector (SC) or an XC (extreme connector). The coupling structure can be used to connect to an external SC-type optical fiber connector or an XC-type optical fiber connector.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the first housing is integrally injection-molded. Alternatively, it can be understood that the first housing is an injection-molded part.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the coupling structure includes a first sleeve and a first locking structure. One end of the first sleeve is configured to receive a second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector, while the other end is configured to receive the first optical fiber ferrule. The first locking structure is configured to lock the external optical fiber connector. The second housing includes a second locking structure that locks the first optical fiber ferrule.

[0013] The technical solution provided by this disclosure reduces the complexity and manufacturing difficulty of the coupling structure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs, by providing a coupling structure with only a first locking structure. Furthermore, by providing a second locking structure on the second housing for locking the first optical fiber ferrule, the first optical fiber ferrule is also secured.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first locking structure includes two clamping strips, and the two clamping strips are respectively provided on two sides of the first sleeve.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the first optical fiber ferrule is a bare ferrule, that is, the first optical fiber ferrule does not have a housing portion of the optical fiber connector on its exterior.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first fiber optic ferrule includes a ferrule and a stem. The stem is coaxial with and fixedly connected to the ferrule and has a retaining ring. The second locking structure includes a retaining groove, within which the retaining ring is located. The retaining groove and the retaining ring are used to restrict axial movement of the first fiber optic ferrule. The stem may be metal, and the ferrule may be ceramic. The ferrule has a through hole for the optical fiber to pass through.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the limiting protrusion has one or more retaining grooves arranged along the circumference. The second locking structure also includes a limiting post that extends into one of the retaining grooves. The limiting post and the retaining groove are used to limit the rotation of the first optical fiber ferrule along the circumference.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the second locking structure further includes a clamping structure, and the tail handle is clamped to the clamping structure.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the second locking structure includes an abutment portion, and the first sleeve has a stop step on one end near the exterior. The optical splitter further includes a second sleeve positioned within the first sleeve, with one end of the second sleeve abutting the stop step and the other end abutting the abutment portion of the second locking structure. The first optical fiber ferrule extends into the interior of the second sleeve. The second sleeve may be a ceramic sleeve, and the first optical fiber ferrule may have an interference fit with the second sleeve.

[0020] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure enables the second sleeve to be easily inserted into the interior of the first sleeve by providing a limiting step at only one end of the first sleeve. In addition, the limiting step and the abutment portion of the second locking structure together limit the two ends of the second sleeve, preventing the second sleeve from falling out of the first sleeve. When installing the second sleeve, the second sleeve is first inserted into the first sleeve from one end inside the first sleeve, and then the first shell and the second shell are assembled. When the first shell and the second shell are assembled, the second locking structure abuts against the second sleeve, completing the limiting of the second sleeve.

[0021] In one possible implementation, both ends of the first sleeve have stop steps. The optical splitter also includes a second sleeve, which is positioned within the first sleeve, with both ends of the second sleeve abutting against the stop steps at both ends of the first sleeve. The first optical fiber ferrule extends into the interior of the second sleeve. The second sleeve may be a ceramic sleeve, and the first optical fiber ferrule may have an interference fit with the second sleeve.

[0022] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure uses a tool to expand the first sleeve when installing the second sleeve, making the inner diameter of the stop step larger than the outer diameter of the second sleeve. The second sleeve is then inserted into the interior of the first sleeve and the first sleeve is released. This reduces the inner diameter of the stop step of the first sleeve, allowing both ends of the second sleeve to rest against the stop steps at both ends of the first sleeve.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the second sleeve has a slot, the extending direction of the slot is the same as the axial direction of the second sleeve, and passes through both ends of the second sleeve.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules are fixed to the second housing and protrude from the same side of the second housing, thereby enabling integrated polishing of the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the coupling structure includes a first sleeve, one end of the first sleeve being configured to receive a second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector, and the other end being configured to receive a first optical fiber ferrule. During assembly of the first housing and the second housing, the first housing and the second housing can slide relative to each other to a locked position, allowing the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules to extend into the plurality of first sleeves, respectively.

[0026] The technical solution provided by this disclosure involves securing multiple first fiber ferrules to the second housing before assembling the first and second housings. The first and second housings are then slid relative to each other to a locked position, allowing the multiple first fiber ferrules to slide into the multiple first sleeves. This eliminates the need to individually insert each first fiber ferrule into the first sleeve, simplifying the assembly process of the optical splitter.

[0027] In one possible implementation, one of the first and second housings has a slide groove, and the other has a slide rail. The slide rail is located in the slide groove, and the extension direction of the slide groove and the slide rail is parallel to the axial direction of the first sleeve and the first fiber optic ferrule. This allows the first and second housings to slide relative to each other. When the slide rail is located in the slide groove, the multiple first fiber optic ferrules are aligned with the multiple first sleeves, thereby ensuring that the multiple first fiber optic ferrules can be respectively inserted into the multiple first sleeves during the sliding movement of the first and second housings.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the first shell has a sliding groove, and the second shell has a sliding rail.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first groove wall of the slide groove has a first protrusion, and the first side wall of the slide rail has a second protrusion. The first groove wall is opposite to the first side wall, the first protrusion abuts against the first side wall, and the second protrusion abuts against the first groove wall, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are staggered.

[0030] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure, through the above-mentioned setting, makes the first side wall and the first groove wall not completely abut against each other, but only partially abut against each other (the position where the protrusion is located abuts against each other, and there is a gap at other positions). In this way, on the one hand, the smoothness of the sliding of the first shell and the second shell can be guaranteed. For example, if the first side wall and the first groove wall are completely abutted against each other, it is easy to get stuck during the sliding process due to the excessive length of the mating surface. On the other hand, it can also prevent the first shell and the second shell from shaking relative to each other, and even cause the first optical fiber ferrule to be unable to slide smoothly into the first sleeve. For example, if the first side wall and the first groove wall are completely clearance-fitted, the alignment accuracy of the first optical fiber ferrule and the first sleeve is poor.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the slide groove has a first end and a second end. The slide rail has a third end and a fourth end. During assembly of the first and second housings, the first end of the slide groove is first docked with the third end of the slide rail. The first protrusion is proximate to the second end of the slide groove, and the second protrusion is proximate to the fourth end of the slide rail.

[0032] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure provides that during the assembly of the first and second housings, since neither the first end of the slide groove nor the third end of the slide rail has protrusions, during the initial stage, the slide groove and the slide rail are in a clearance fit, allowing the slide rail to slide relatively smoothly into the interior of the slide groove. Subsequently, when the first protrusion contacts the first side wall of the slide rail and / or the second protrusion contacts the first groove wall of the slide groove, the slide groove and the slide rail are tightly fitted, preventing the slide rail from shaking. This improves the alignment accuracy between the first fiber optic ferrule and the first sleeve, ensuring that the first fiber optic ferrule can slide smoothly into the interior of the first sleeve.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the portion of the first sidewall that abuts the first protrusion has a plurality of grooves spaced apart along the extension direction of the slide rail. The first protrusion can be elongated. This reduces the mating length between the first protrusion and the first sidewall, ensuring smooth relative sliding between the first and second shells.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the portion of the first groove wall where the second protrusion abuts has multiple grooves spaced apart along the extension direction of the chute. The second protrusion can be elongated. This reduces the mating length between the second protrusion and the first groove wall, ensuring smooth relative sliding between the first and second housings.

[0035] In a possible implementation, one of the first housing and the second housing has a locking protrusion, and the other has a locking groove. When the first housing and the second housing slide relative to each other to a locked position, the locking protrusion is locked with the locking groove.

[0036] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure, through the above-mentioned arrangement, enables the snap-fit ​​protrusion and the snap-fit ​​groove to automatically snap into place when the first shell and the second shell are relatively slid to the locking position, thereby automatically completing the fixed connection between the first shell and the second shell, further simplifying the assembly process of the spectrometer.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the first housing has a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion is located between two adjacent coupling structures. The second housing has a snap-fit ​​groove, and the snap-fit ​​groove is located between two adjacent first optical fiber ferrules.

[0038] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure provides a clamping protrusion between two adjacent coupling structures, so that the clamping protrusion and the coupling structure are staggered, thereby preventing the clamping protrusion from interfering with the formation of the coupling structure.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the first housing has a snap-fit ​​groove located before two adjacent coupling structures, and the second housing has a snap-fit ​​protrusion located between two adjacent first optical fiber ferrules.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the coupling structure of the first housing is a first coupling structure, which includes a first receiving groove. The second housing further includes a second coupling structure, which includes a second receiving groove. The first receiving groove and the second receiving groove form a first sleeve, which is used to accommodate the first fiber ferrule of the optical splitter and the second fiber ferrule of the external optical connector.

[0041] According to the technical solution provided by the present disclosure, when assembling the optical splitter, the first optical fiber ferrule and the second sleeve (if any) can be placed in the first receiving groove or the second receiving groove first, and then the first shell and the second shell are assembled in an up-down buckling manner so that the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove are opposite to each other and the first sleeve is formed.

[0042] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an optical network system, which includes the optical splitter according to any one of the first aspects and an optical network unit connected to the optical splitter.

[0043] In one possible implementation, an optical network system includes a master optical network unit (ONU), an optical splitter, and multiple slave ONUs. The master ONU is connected to an input port of the optical splitter, and multiple output ports of the optical splitter are respectively connected to multiple slave ONUs.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the master ONU may be a master FTTR device, and the slave ONU may be a slave FTTR device.

[0045] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for assembling an optical splitter. The assembly method includes: fixing a splitter chip and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules to a second housing, and connecting the splitter chip and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules via optical fibers. The first housing and the second housing are assembled, and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules are respectively inserted into a plurality of coupling structures of the first housing. The coupling structures are used to couple the first optical fiber ferrules to the second optical fiber ferrules of an external optical fiber connector. The assembly method is used to assemble the optical splitter as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0046] In one possible implementation, fixing the splitter chip and the multiple first optical fiber ferrules on the second shell and connecting the splitter chip and the multiple first optical fiber ferrules through optical fibers includes: fixing the splitter chip on the second shell; connecting the splitter chip to the first ends of the multiple optical fibers; fixing the multiple first optical fiber ferrules on the second shell; and connecting the multiple first optical fiber ferrules to the second ends of the multiple optical fibers, respectively.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules protrude from the same side of the second housing. After connecting the optical splitter chip and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules via optical fibers, the assembly method further includes: integrally polishing the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the coupling structure includes a first sleeve, one end of the first sleeve being configured to receive a second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector, and the other end being configured to receive the first optical fiber ferrule. The optical splitter further includes a plurality of second sleeves. Prior to assembling the first and second housings, the assembly method further includes inserting the plurality of second sleeves into the plurality of first sleeves, respectively.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the coupling structure includes a first sleeve, one end of the first sleeve being configured to receive a second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector, and the other end being configured to receive the first optical fiber ferrule. The optical splitter further includes a plurality of second sleeves. Prior to assembling the first and second housings, the assembly method further includes: sleeve-fitting the plurality of second sleeves onto the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules, respectively.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the coupling structure includes a first sleeve, one end of the first sleeve being configured to receive a second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector, and the other end being configured to receive a first optical fiber ferrule. Assembling the first housing and the second housing and inserting the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules into the plurality of coupling structures of the first housing includes: operating the first housing and the second housing to slide relative to each other to a locked position, and inserting the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules into the plurality of first sleeves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an optical network system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an optical splitter provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG3 is an exploded view of a spectrometer provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG4 is a top view of a second housing, a spectrometer chip, and a first optical fiber ferrule provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an optical splitter provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a first optical fiber ferrule and coupling structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a first optical fiber ferrule provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a first optical fiber ferrule and a second locking structure provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a second housing, a splitter chip, a first optical fiber ferrule, and a second sleeve provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] FIG10 is a partial enlarged view of the portion framed in FIG9 provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of a first housing provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG12 is a partial enlarged view of the portion framed in FIG11 provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a spectrometer provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG14 is a partial enlarged view of the portion framed in FIG13 provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a first sleeve and a second sleeve provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a first housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a first type of second housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a sliding connection between a first housing and a second housing provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a second first housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of a second second housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of a docking process between a first shell and a second shell provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG22 is a partial enlarged view of the framed portion A in FIG21 provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG23 is a partial enlarged view of the framed portion B in FIG21 provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG24 is a schematic diagram of an assembly process of a spectrometer provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG25 is a schematic diagram of another first housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG26 is a schematic diagram of another second housing provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIG27 is a flow chart of a method for assembling an optical splitter provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Legend: 100, master ONU, 200, optical splitter, 300, slave ONU; 1. First housing, 11. Coupling structure, 111a, first accommodating slot, 111b, second accommodating slot, 111. First sleeve, 1111, limiting step, 112, first locking structure, 112a, first sub-locking structure, 112b, second sub-locking structure, 12. Slide, 12a, first end, 12b, second end, 121, first slot wall, 1211, first protrusion, 122, second slot wall, 13, engaging protrusion, 14, baffle; 2. Second shell, 20. Second coupling structure, 21. Second locking structure, 210. Second limiting column, 211. Limiting groove, 212. First limiting column, 213. Clamping structure, 214. Abutment portion, 22. Slide rail, 22a. Third end, 22b. Fourth end, 221. First side wall, 2211. Second protrusion, 2212. Groove, 222. Second side wall, 23. Clamping groove, 24. Baffle groove; 3. Splitting chip; 4. First optical fiber ferrule, 41. ferrule, 42. Tail handle, 421. Limiting protrusion ring, 420. Stop groove; 5. Second sleeve, 51. Slot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] With the development of fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) technology, point-to-multipoint (P2MP) fiber networking is increasingly being used in home scenarios. Optical splitters are key components in implementing P2MP fiber networking. They split downlink optical signals from upstream devices and send them to multiple downstream devices separately; they also combine uplink optical signals from multiple downstream devices and send them to the upstream device.

[0080] 1 , the upper device is a master optical network unit (ONU) 100, and the lower device is a slave ONU 300. The master ONU 100 may be a master FTTR device, and the slave ONU 300 may be a slave FTTR device.

[0081] A related art optical splitter 200 comprises an upper shell, a lower shell, a splitter chip, multiple fiber optic connectors, and multiple fiber optic adapters. One end of each fiber optic connector is connected to the splitter chip via multiple optical fibers, and the other end is inserted into a plurality of fiber optic adapters. The fiber optic adapters are fixed between the upper and lower shells, and the fiber optic adapters also secure the fiber optic connectors. The related art optical splitter 200 is assembled according to the following steps.

[0082] The first step is to place the spectrometer chip on the tray. The second step is to couple the spectrometer chip and the optical fiber array. The third step is to fix the optical fiber and the optical fiber ferrule with glue, so as to achieve the connection between the optical fiber ferrule and the spectrometer chip through the optical fiber. The fourth step is to grind the optical fiber ferrule. The fifth step is to use the shell component of the optical fiber connector to cover the optical fiber ferrule to obtain the optical fiber connector. The sixth step is to transfer the spectrometer chip, optical fiber connector and optical fiber from the tray to the lower shell, and fix the spectrometer chip with glue. The seventh step is to install the optical fiber adapter on the lower shell. The eighth step is to dock the optical fiber connector and the optical fiber adapter, which also achieves the fixation of the optical fiber connector. The ninth step is to assemble the lower shell and the upper shell together to obtain the spectrometer 200.

[0083] It can be seen that the optical splitter 200 in the related art includes a large number of parts, which makes the assembly process of the optical splitter 200 more complicated and also makes the cost of the optical splitter 200 higher.

[0084] In view of the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a spectrometer 200. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the spectrometer 200 includes a first shell 1, a second shell 2, a spectrometer chip 3 and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4. The first shell 1 has a plurality of coupling structures 11. The second shell 2 is connected to the first shell 1, and a receiving cavity 10 is formed between the first shell 1 and the second shell 2. The spectrometer chip 3 is located in the receiving cavity 10, and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4 are respectively connected to the spectrometer chip 3 through optical fibers, and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4 are respectively extended into the plurality of coupling structures 11. The coupling structure 11 is used to couple the first optical fiber ferrule 4 with the second optical fiber ferrule of the external optical fiber connector.

[0085] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the optical splitter 200 may have an input port (INPUT) and multiple output ports (ports marked 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Figure 2). The optical splitter 200 may receive a downstream optical signal through the input port, split the downstream optical signal into multiple paths, and output the signals through multiple output ports. The optical splitter 200 may also receive multiple upstream optical signals through multiple output ports, combine the multiple upstream optical signals, and output the signals through the input port. In some examples, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the optical splitter 200 further includes a cascade port (SUB), which may be used to connect to another optical splitter 200 or to connect to a slave ONU 300.

[0086] The ports of the optical splitter 200 are connected to external fiber optic connectors via a coupling structure 11. The coupling structure 11 may also be referred to as a fiber optic adapter structure or fiber optic adapter. The coupling structure 11 is integrated into the first housing 1 rather than being a separate component. In some examples, the first housing 1 is integrally injection molded.

[0087] The optical splitter chip 3 is used to realize the functions of light splitting and light combining. The first optical fiber ferrule 4 is used to input the optical signal input from the external optical fiber connector to the optical splitter chip 3, or output the optical signal output from the optical splitter chip 3 to the external optical fiber connector.

[0088] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes multiple coupling structures 11 within the first housing 1 of the optical splitter 200. These coupling structures 11 are used to couple the first fiber ferrule 4 of the optical splitter 200 with the second fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector. This eliminates the need for separate fiber adapters to connect the optical splitter 200 to an external optical fiber connector. This reduces the number of components included in the optical splitter 200, lowers the cost of the optical splitter 200, and simplifies the assembly process of the optical splitter 200. For example, the process of mounting the multiple fiber adapters on the housing is simplified.

[0089] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific implementation of the coupling structure 11. In some examples, the coupling structure 11 includes a sleeve and two locking structures. One end of the sleeve is used to insert the second optical fiber ferrule of the external optical fiber connector, and the other end is used to insert the first optical fiber ferrule 4 inside the optical splitter 200. The two locking structures are used to lock the external optical fiber connector and the first optical fiber ferrule 4 inside the optical splitter 200, respectively.

[0090] In this implementation, the exterior of the first fiber ferrule 4 of the optical splitter 200 may be covered with a housing of a fiber optic connector (i.e., the first fiber ferrule 4 is disposed in the fiber optic connector), and the locking structure may lock the first fiber ferrule 4 by locking the housing portion of the fiber optic connector. That is, both ends of the coupling structure 11 have the structure of a standard fiber optic adapter, and both ends of the coupling structure 11 can be docked with a standard fiber optic connector. In some examples, the fiber optic adapter structures at both ends of the coupling structure 11 are of the subscriber connector / standard connector / square connector / square couple connector (SC) type, or may be of the XC (xtreme connector) type. The coupling structure 11 is used to dock with an SC-type fiber optic connector or an XC-type fiber optic connector.

[0091] In other examples, as shown in FIG6 , the coupling structure 11 includes a first sleeve 111 and a first locking structure 112. One end of the first sleeve 111 is used to insert the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector, and the other end is used to insert the first optical fiber ferrule 4 of the optical splitter 200. The first locking structure 112 is used to lock the external optical fiber connector. In other words, one end of the coupling structure 11 has the structure of a standard optical fiber adapter, which is used to connect to an external standard optical fiber connector. In some examples, the standard optical fiber adapter structure is SC type or XC type. The coupling structure 11 is used to connect to an SC type optical fiber connector or an XC type optical fiber connector.

[0092] Thus, since the coupling structure 11 only has one first locking structure 112, the manufacturing difficulty of the coupling structure 11 is reduced compared to an implementation with two locking structures. Furthermore, since the coupling structure 11 can only lock the external fiber optic connector and cannot lock the first fiber optic ferrule 4, in some examples, as shown in FIG6 , the second housing 2 has a second locking structure 21, which is used to lock the first fiber optic ferrule 4. Thus, through the above arrangement, the structure of the coupling structure 11 is simplified while the first fiber optic ferrule 4 is locked.

[0093] In addition, by properly designing the second locking structure 21, the first optical fiber ferrule 4 may not be provided with a housing portion of an optical fiber connector, that is, the first optical fiber ferrule 4 may be a bare ferrule, thereby further reducing the cost of the optical splitter 200.

[0094] In some examples, as shown in FIG6 , the first locking structure 112 includes two snap-fit ​​strips, and the two snap-fit ​​strips are respectively disposed on both sides of the first sleeve 111 . The first locking structure 112 is used to snap-fit ​​with an external optical fiber connector.

[0095] 4 , multiple first fiber ferrules 4 are fixed to the second housing 2 and protrude from the same side of the second housing 2. In this way, the multiple first fiber ferrules 4 can be polished integrally during the assembly process of the optical splitter 200.

[0096] Next, an exemplary description will be given of the implementation of the second locking structure 21 when the first optical fiber ferrule 4 is a bare ferrule.

[0097] In some examples, as shown in Figure 7 , the first fiber ferrule 4 includes a ferrule 41 and a stem 42. The stem 42 is coaxial with and fixedly connected to the ferrule 41 and has a retaining ring 421. As shown in Figure 8 , the second locking structure 21 includes a retaining groove 211, with a retaining ring 421 located within the retaining groove 211. The retaining groove 211 and the retaining ring 421 are used to limit the axial movement of the first fiber ferrule 4.

[0098] In some examples, as shown in FIG8 , the second locking structure 21 includes two second limiting posts 210 , each disposed on either side of the first fiber optic ferrule 4 to limit radial movement of the first fiber optic ferrule 4 . Each second limiting post 210 has a limiting groove 211 , and the two sides of the limiting protrusion 421 are located in the two limiting grooves 211 , respectively.

[0099] In some examples, as shown in Figures 7 and 8 , the retaining ring 421 has one or more retaining grooves 420 arranged circumferentially. The second locking structure 21 also includes a first retaining post 212, which extends into one of the retaining grooves 420. The first retaining post 212 and the retaining groove 420 are used to limit the circumferential rotation of the first fiber optic ferrule 4. There can be one or more first retaining posts 212.

[0100] The disclosed embodiments do not limit the position of the first limiting post 212. In some examples, as shown in FIG8 , the limiting post 212 is located between the two second limiting posts 210 and extends into the retaining groove 420 at the bottom of the limiting protruding ring 421. In other examples, the first limiting post 212 may also be disposed on the second limiting post 210 and extend into the retaining groove 420 on the side of the limiting protruding ring 421.

[0101] In some examples, as shown in FIG8 , the second locking structure 21 further includes a clamping structure 213 , and the tail handle 42 is clamped with the clamping structure 213 . The clamping structure 213 can prevent the first optical fiber ferrule 4 from being separated from the first housing 1 .

[0102] In some examples, to enhance the tightness of the coupling between the first fiber ferrule 4 of the optical splitter 200 and the second fiber ferrule of the external optical connector, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the optical splitter 200 further includes a second sleeve 5. The second sleeve 5 is configured to be sleeved onto the first fiber ferrule 4 of the optical splitter 200 and the second fiber ferrule of the external optical connector, forming an interference fit with both fiber ferrules. Thus, the second sleeve 5 secures the two fiber ferrules and tightly couples them together. The second sleeve 5 may be a ceramic sleeve and is a separate component.

[0103] In the related art, the second sleeve 5 is directly restrained in a standard optical fiber adapter. However, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure no longer uses an optical fiber adapter. Therefore, it is necessary to design a corresponding restraining structure to restrain the second sleeve 5. The restraining method of the second sleeve 5 is exemplified below.

[0104] In some examples, as shown in Figures 9 and 10 , the second locking structure 21 includes an abutment portion 214. As shown in Figures 11 and 12 , the first sleeve 111 has a stopper step 1111 on one end near the exterior. As shown in Figures 13 and 14 , the second sleeve 5 is positioned within the first sleeve 111, with one end of the second sleeve 5 abutting against the stopper step 1111 and the other end abutting against the abutment portion 214 of the second locking structure 21. The stopper step 1111 protrudes inwardly from the first sleeve 111.

[0105] When installing the second sleeve 5, the second sleeve 5 is inserted into the first sleeve 111 from one end inside the first sleeve 111, and the second sleeve 5 abuts against the limiting step 1111. After that, the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 are assembled. When the assembly is completed, the abutting portion 214 automatically abuts against the first sleeve 111, and the first sleeve 111 is limited.

[0106] In some examples, as shown in FIG10 , the second locking structure 21 includes two abutting portions 214 , which are respectively disposed on both sides of the first optical fiber ferrule 4 . As shown in FIG10 , the abutting portions 214 may be bosses on the second limiting column 210 .

[0107] In other examples, as shown in Figure 15 , both ends of the first sleeve 111 have limiting steps 1111. The second sleeve 5 is located in the first sleeve 111, and both ends of the second sleeve 5 abut against the limiting steps 1111 at both ends of the first sleeve 111.

[0108] When installing the second sleeve 5, the first sleeve 111 needs to be expanded so that the inner diameter of the limiting step 1111 is larger than the outer diameter of the second sleeve 5. Then, the second sleeve 5 is inserted into the interior of the first sleeve 111 and the first sleeve 111 is loosened. This reduces the inner diameter of the limiting step 1111 of the first sleeve 111, and the two ends of the second sleeve 5 abut against the limiting steps 1111 at both ends of the first sleeve 111.

[0109] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 10 , FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 , the second sleeve 5 has a slot 51 . The slot 51 extends along the axial direction of the second sleeve 5 and passes through both ends of the second sleeve 5 .

[0110] The following is an exemplary description of the assembly process of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 .

[0111] Since the coupling structure 11 has a first sleeve 111, and the first sleeve 111 is a closed structure (or the cross-section of the first sleeve 111 is annular, such as a circular ring or a square ring, etc.), the first optical fiber ferrule 4 needs to be placed in the first sleeve 111 by extending from one side.

[0112] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific form of the first sleeve 111. In other examples, the wall of the first sleeve 111 has an opening, but the size of the opening is smaller than the size of the first optical fiber ferrule 4 and the size of the second sleeve 5. That is, the first optical fiber ferrule 4 and the second sleeve 5 cannot be placed in the first sleeve 111 through the opening of the wall of the first sleeve 111.

[0113] In order to simplify the assembly process of the optical splitter 200, in some examples, as shown in Figures 5 and 21, during the assembly process of the first shell 1 and the second shell 2, the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 can slide relative to each other to a locked position, and allow the multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 to be respectively inserted into the first sleeve 111. Among them, in the related art, it is necessary to insert multiple optical fiber connectors into multiple optical fiber adapters respectively, and then assemble the shells. The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure realizes that the multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 are uniformly inserted into the interior of the multiple first sleeves 111 at the same time as the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 are assembled. The assembly process of the optical splitter 200 provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is relatively simple.

[0114] In some examples, as shown in Figures 16 and 17 , one of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 has a slide groove 12, and the other has a slide rail 22. As shown in Figure 18 , the slide rail 22 is located in the slide groove 12, and the extension direction of the slide groove 12 and the slide rail 22 is parallel to the axial direction of the first sleeve 111 and the first fiber ferrule 4. This enables relative sliding between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. Furthermore, when the slide rail 22 is located in the slide groove 12, the first fiber ferrules 4 are aligned with the first sleeve 111.

[0115] In some examples, as shown in FIG16 , the first housing 1 has a slide groove 12 . As shown in FIG17 , the second housing 2 has a slide rail 22 .

[0116] In some examples, as shown in FIG19 , the slide groove 12 has a first groove wall 121 and a second groove wall 122 that are opposed to each other. The first groove wall 121 of the slide groove 12 has a first protrusion 1211. As shown in FIG20 , the slide rail 22 has a first side wall 221 and a second side wall 222 that are opposed to each other, and the first side wall 221 has a second protrusion 2211. As shown in FIG21 , the first side wall 221 is opposed to the first groove wall 121, and the second side wall 222 is opposed to the second groove wall 122. The first protrusion 1211 abuts against the first side wall 221, and the second protrusion 2211 abuts against the first groove wall 121, and the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 2211 are staggered.

[0117] In this way, the first side wall 221 and the first groove wall 121 are not completely in contact with each other, but only partially in contact with each other (the protrusions are in contact with each other, and there are gaps at other positions). This can ensure the smooth sliding of the first shell 1 and the second shell 2, and prevent the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 from shaking relative to each other.

[0118] The first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 2211 can be convex strips or convex dots. In some examples, as shown in FIG19 , the first protrusion 1211 is a convex strip. As shown in FIG20 , the second protrusion 2211 is a convex dot.

[0119] The disclosed embodiments do not limit the positions of the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 2211. In some examples, as shown in Figures 21-23, the slide groove 12 has a first end 12a and a second end 12b. The slide rail 22 has a third end 22a and a fourth end 22b. During assembly of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the first end 12a of the slide groove 12 first mates with the third end 22a of the slide rail 22. The first protrusion 1211 is then positioned closer to the second end 12b of the slide groove 12, and the second protrusion 2211 is positioned closer to the fourth end 22b of the slide rail 22.

[0120] According to the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, during the assembly process of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, since neither the first end 12a of the slide groove 12 nor the third end 22a of the slide rail 22 has a protrusion, in the initial stage, the slide groove 12 and the slide rail 22 are clearance-matched, and the slide rail 22 can slide relatively smoothly into the interior of the slide groove 12. Thereafter, when the first protrusion 1211 contacts the first side wall 221 of the slide rail 22, and / or the second protrusion 2211 contacts the first groove wall 121 of the slide groove 12, the slide groove 12 and the slide rail 22 are tightly matched, and the slide rail 22 is less likely to shake, thereby improving the alignment accuracy of the first optical fiber ferrule 4 and the first sleeve 111, ensuring that the first optical fiber ferrule 4 can slide smoothly into the interior of the first sleeve 111.

[0121] It is understood that if the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 2211 are not provided, then if the entire portion of the slide groove 12 and the slide rail 22 is in a clearance fit, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 will easily shake relative to each other, and the alignment accuracy of the first optical fiber ferrule 4 and the first sleeve 111 will be low. If the entire portion of the slide groove 12 and the slide rail 22 is in a tight fit, the sliding smoothness of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 will be poor, and jamming will easily occur during the sliding process, affecting assembly efficiency.

[0122] The disclosed embodiments do not limit the shapes of the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 2211. In some examples, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the first protrusion 1211 is in the shape of an elongated strip, and the portion of the first sidewall 221 that abuts the first protrusion 1211 has a plurality of grooves 2212 spaced apart along the extension direction of the slide rail 22. This reduces the mating length between the first protrusion 1211 and the first sidewall 221, ensuring smooth relative sliding between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0123] Of course, in other examples, the second protrusion 2211 may be in the form of an elongated strip, and the portion where the first groove wall 121 abuts against the second protrusion 2211 may have a plurality of grooves 2212 spaced apart along the extending direction of the slide groove 12. This can reduce the mating length between the second protrusion 2211 and the first groove wall 121, thereby ensuring smooth relative sliding between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0124] In some examples, as shown in Fig. 16 , the first housing 1 has a baffle 14 . As shown in Fig. 17 , the second housing 2 has a baffle groove 24 . As shown in Fig. 18 , the baffle 14 is located in the baffle groove 24 .

[0125] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the locking method after the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 slide relative to each other to the locking position. In some examples, after the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 slide to the locking position, the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 can be locked by screws or bolts.

[0126] In other examples, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, one of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 has a snap-fit ​​protrusion 13, and the other has a snap-fit ​​groove 23. When the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 slide relative to each other to the locked position, the snap-fit ​​protrusion 13 snaps into the snap-fit ​​groove 23.

[0127] That is, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 slide relative to each other to the locking position, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are automatically locked at the same time, which further simplifies the assembly process of the optical splitter 200 .

[0128] In some examples, as shown in FIG19 , the first housing 1 has a snap-fit ​​protrusion 13 . As shown in FIG20 , the second housing 2 has a snap-fit ​​groove 23 .

[0129] In some examples, as shown in FIG19 , the clamping protrusion 13 is located between two adjacent coupling structures 11. This prevents the clamping protrusion 13 from affecting the molding of the coupling structures 11, thereby reducing the difficulty of injection molding of the first housing 1.

[0130] 24 , the assembly process of the optical splitter 200 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure is exemplarily described.

[0131] The first step is to glue and secure the spectrometer chip 3 to the second housing 2. The second step is to couple the spectrometer chip 3 to the optical fiber array. The third step is to glue and secure the first optical fiber ferrule 4 to the second housing 2. The optical fiber and the first optical fiber ferrule 4 are glued and secured, so that the first optical fiber ferrule 4 is connected to the spectrometer chip 3 via the optical fiber. Subsequently, the multiple first optical fiber ferrules 4 are integrally polished. The fourth step is to place the multiple second sleeves 5 in the multiple coupling structures 11 of the first housing 1. The fifth step is to assemble the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 to obtain the spectrometer 200.

[0132] As can be seen, during assembly of the optical splitter 200 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, there is no need to transfer the optical splitter chip 3 and the like from the tray to the housing, nor is there any need to secure multiple fiber optic adapters or insert multiple fiber optic connectors into multiple fiber optic adapters. Compared to the assembly process of optical splitters in the related art, the assembly process of the optical splitter 200 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure is relatively simple.

[0133] It should be noted that after the first optical fiber ferrules 4 are integrally polished, the second sleeves 5 may be sleeved onto the first optical fiber ferrules 4. Thereafter, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are assembled.

[0134] In addition to the aforementioned implementations of the coupling structure 11, in other examples, as shown in FIG25 , the coupling structure 11 of the first housing 1 is a first coupling structure, comprising a first receiving groove 111a. As shown in FIG26 , the second housing 2 further comprises a second coupling structure 20, comprising a second receiving groove 111b. The first receiving groove 111a and the second receiving groove 111b form a first sleeve 111, which is used to accommodate the second fiber ferrule of the external fiber optic connector and the first fiber ferrule 4 within the optical splitter 200.

[0135] For the optical splitter 200 shown in Figures 25 and 26, during assembly, the first optical fiber ferrule 4 (and the second sleeve 5) can be placed in the first receiving groove 111a or the second receiving groove 111b first, and then the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 can be assembled in an up and down buckling manner, so that the first receiving groove 111a and the second receiving groove 111b are opposite to each other, and the first sleeve 111 is formed.

[0136] In some examples, as shown in FIG25 , the first coupling structure further includes a first sub-locking structure 112 a. As shown in FIG26 , the second coupling structure 20 further includes a second sub-locking structure 112 b. When the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are assembled, the first sub-locking structure 112 a and the second sub-locking structure 112 b form a first locking structure 112 , which is used to lock the external optical fiber connector.

[0137] In a possible implementation, the first sub-locking structure 112a and the second sub-locking structure 112b are both snap-fit ​​strips, and the first locking structure 112 can be used to lock an SC-type optical fiber connector.

[0138] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an optical network system. As shown in FIG1 , the optical network system includes the above-mentioned optical splitter 200 .

[0139] 1 , an optical network system includes a master ONU 100, an optical splitter 200, and multiple slave ONUs 300. The master ONU 100 is connected to an input port of the optical splitter 200, and multiple output ports of the optical splitter 200 are respectively connected to multiple slave ONUs 300.

[0140] In some examples, as shown in FIG1 , a cascade port (SUB port) of an optical splitter 200 is connected to an input port of another optical splitter 200. In this way, by cascading two optical splitters 200, a larger splitting ratio can be achieved.

[0141] In some examples, the master ONU 100 may be a master FTTR device, and the slave ONU 300 may be a slave FTTR device.

[0142] The present disclosure also provides an assembly method for an optical splitter. The assembly method is used to assemble the optical splitter 200 described above. As shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 24 , the assembly method includes the following steps.

[0143] In step 2701 , the splitter chip 3 and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4 are fixed on the second housing 2 , and the splitter chip 3 and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4 are connected via optical fibers.

[0144] In some examples, step 2701 can be performed as follows: securing the optical splitter chip 3 to the second housing 2. Connecting the optical splitter chip 3 to the first ends of the plurality of optical fibers. Securing the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4 to the second housing 2. Connecting the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4 to the second ends of the plurality of optical fibers, respectively.

[0145] In some examples, after the splitter chip 3 and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4 are connected via optical fibers, the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4 may be integrally polished.

[0146] In step 2702, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are assembled, and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4 are respectively inserted into a plurality of coupling structures 11 of the first housing 1. The coupling structures 11 are used to couple the first optical fiber ferrules 4 with the second optical fiber ferrules of an external optical fiber connector.

[0147] In some examples, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are operated to slide relative to each other to a locked position, and the first optical fiber ferrule 4 slides into the first sleeve 111 .

[0148] In some examples, when the optical splitter 200 further includes a second sleeve 5, before assembling the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the plurality of second sleeves 5 are respectively inserted into the plurality of first sleeves 111. Then, during the assembly of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4 are respectively inserted into the plurality of second sleeves 5.

[0149] Alternatively, in some other examples, when the optical splitter 200 further includes a second sleeve 5, before assembling the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the plurality of second sleeves 5 are respectively sleeved onto the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4. Then, during the assembly of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules 4 and the plurality of second sleeves 5 are respectively inserted into the plurality of first sleeves 111.

[0150] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to explain the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure should have the ordinary meaning understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar terms used in this disclosure specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, words such as "one" or "a" do not indicate a quantitative limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before "include" or "comprises" include the elements or objects listed after "include" or "comprises" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. "Multiple" refers to two or more, unless otherwise clearly defined.

[0151] The above descriptions are merely optional embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the principles of the present disclosure shall be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A beam splitter, characterized in that, The optical splitter includes a first housing (1), a second housing (2), an optical splitting chip (3), and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4); The first housing (1) has a plurality of coupling structures (11); The second housing (2) is connected to the first housing (1), and an accommodation cavity (10) is formed between the first housing (1) and the second housing (2); The optical splitting chip (3) is located in the accommodation cavity (10), the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) are respectively connected to the optical splitting chip (3) through optical fibers, and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) respectively extend into the plurality of coupling structures (11); Wherein, the coupling structure (11) is used to couple the first optical fiber ferrule (4) with a second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector.

2. The optical splitter according to claim 1, wherein The coupling structure (11) includes a first sleeve (111) and a first locking structure (112); One end of the first sleeve (111) is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule (4) to extend into; The first locking structure (112) is used to lock the external optical fiber connector; The second housing (2) has a second locking structure (21), and the second locking structure (21) locks the first optical fiber ferrule (4).

3. The optical splitter according to claim 2, wherein The first optical fiber ferrule (4) includes a ferrule (41) and a tail handle (42), the tail handle (42) is coaxially and fixedly connected to the ferrule (41), and the tail handle (42) has a limiting convex ring (421); The second locking structure (21) includes a limiting groove (211), the limiting convex ring (421) is located in the limiting groove (211), and the limiting groove (211) and the limiting convex ring (421) are used to limit the axial movement of the first optical fiber ferrule (4).

4. The optical splitter according to claim 3, wherein The limiting convex ring (421) has one or more stopping grooves (420) arranged circumferentially; The second locking structure (21) further includes a limiting post (212), the limiting post (212) extends into one of the stopping grooves (420), and the limiting post (212) and the stopping groove (420) are used to limit the circumferential rotation of the first optical fiber ferrule (4).

5. The optical splitter according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The second locking structure (21) further includes a clamping structure (213), and the tail handle (42) is clamped with the clamping structure (213).

6. The optical splitter according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The second locking structure (21) includes an abutting portion (214), and one end of the first sleeve (111) close to the outside has a limiting step (1111); The optical splitter further includes a second sleeve (5), the second sleeve (5) is located in the first sleeve (111), and one end of the second sleeve (5) abuts against the limiting step (1111), and the other end abuts against the abutting portion (214); The first optical fiber ferrule (4) extends into the interior of the second sleeve (5).

7. The optical splitter according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, Both ends of the first sleeve (111) have limiting steps (1111); The optical splitter further includes a second sleeve (5), the second sleeve (5) is located in the first sleeve (111), and both ends of the second sleeve (5) are respectively abutted against the limiting steps (1111) at both ends of the first sleeve (111); The first optical fiber ferrule (4) extends into the interior of the second sleeve (5).

8. The optical splitter according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) are fixed to the second housing (2) and protrude from the same side of the second housing (2).

9. The optical splitter according to claim 1, wherein The coupling structure (11) includes a first sleeve (111), one end of the first sleeve (111) is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule (4) to extend into; During the assembly process of the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) can slide relative to each other to a locked position, and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) respectively extend into the plurality of first sleeves (111).

10. The optical splitter according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that, One of the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) has a sliding groove (12), and the other has a sliding rail (22); The sliding rail (22) is located in the sliding groove (12), and the extending directions of the sliding groove (12) and the sliding rail (22) are parallel to the axial direction of the first optical fiber ferrule (4).

11. The optical splitter according to claim 10, wherein The first groove wall (121) of the sliding groove (12) has a first protrusion (1211), and the first side wall (221) of the sliding rail (22) has a second protrusion (2211); The first groove wall (121) faces the first side wall (221), the first protrusion (1211) abuts against the first side wall (221), the second protrusion (2211) abuts against the first groove wall (121), and the first protrusion (1211) and the second protrusion (2211) are staggered.

12. The optical splitter according to claim 11, wherein, The sliding groove (12) has a first end (12a) and a second end (12b), and the sliding rail (22) has a third end (22a) and a fourth end (22b). Among them, during the assembly process of the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), the first end (12a) of the sliding groove (12) is first docked with the third end (22a) of the sliding rail (22); The first protrusion (1211) is close to the second end (12b) of the sliding groove (12), and the second protrusion (2211) is close to the fourth end (22b) of the sliding rail (22).

13. The optical splitter according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The portion of the first side wall (221) abutting against the first protrusion (1211) has a plurality of grooves (2212) arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the sliding rail (22); and / or, The portion of the first groove wall (121) abutting against the second protrusion (2211) has a plurality of grooves (2212) arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the sliding groove (12).

14. The optical splitter according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, One of the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) has a snap protrusion (13), and the other has a snap groove (23); When the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) slide relative to each other to the locked position, the latching protrusion (13) is latched with the latching groove (23).

15. The optical splitter according to claim 14, wherein The first housing (1) has the latching protrusion (13), and the latching protrusion (13) is located between two adjacent coupling structures (11); The second housing (2) has the latching groove (23), and the latching groove (23) is located between two adjacent first optical fiber ferrules (4).

16. The optical splitter according to claim 1, wherein The coupling structure (11) of the first housing (1) is a first coupling structure, and the first coupling structure includes a first receiving groove (111a); The second housing (2) further has a second coupling structure (20), and the second coupling structure (20) includes a second receiving groove (111b); The first receiving groove (111a) and the second receiving groove (111b) form a first sleeve (111), and the first sleeve (111) is used to accommodate the first optical fiber ferrule (4) and the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector.

17. An optical network system, characterized in that, The optical network system includes the optical splitter (200) according to any one of claims 1-16 and an optical network unit connected to the optical splitter.

18. An assembling method of an optical splitter, characterized in that The assembling method includes: Fixing the splitting chip (3) and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) on the second housing (2), and connecting the splitting chip (3) and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) through optical fibers; Assembling the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), and respectively extending the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) into a plurality of coupling structures (11) of the first housing (1), wherein the coupling structure (11) is used to couple the first optical fiber ferrule (4) with the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector.

19. The assembly method according to claim 18, wherein The fixing the splitting chip (3) and a plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) on the second housing (2), and connecting the splitting chip (3) and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) through optical fibers includes: Fixing the splitting chip (3) on the second housing (2); Connecting the first ends of the splitting chip (3) and a plurality of optical fibers; Fixing the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) on the second housing (2); Connecting the second ends of the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) and the plurality of optical fibers respectively.

20. The assembly method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) protrude from the same side of the second housing (2); After connecting the splitting chip (3) and the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) through optical fibers, the assembling method further includes: Integrally grinding the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4).

21. The assembly method according to any one of claims 18-20, characterized in that, The coupling structure (11) includes a first sleeve (111), one end of the first sleeve (111) is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule (4) to extend into, and the optical splitter further includes a plurality of second sleeves (5); Before assembling the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), the assembling method further includes: Insert the plurality of second sleeves (5) into the plurality of first sleeves (111) respectively.

22. The assembly method according to any one of claims 18-20, characterized in that, The coupling structure (11) includes a first sleeve (111). One end of the first sleeve (111) is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule (4) to extend into. The optical splitter further includes a plurality of second sleeves (5); Before assembling the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), the assembling method further includes: Sheath the plurality of second sleeves (5) on the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) respectively.

23. The assembly method according to any one of claims 18-22, characterized in that, The coupling structure (11) includes a first sleeve (111). One end of the first sleeve (111) is for the second optical fiber ferrule of an external optical fiber connector to extend into, and the other end is for the first optical fiber ferrule (4) to extend into; Assembling the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), and inserting the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) into the plurality of coupling structures (11) of the first housing (1) respectively, includes: Operate the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) to slide relative to each other to a locked position, and make the plurality of first optical fiber ferrules (4) extend into the plurality of first sleeves (111) respectively.

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