Hybrid connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hybrid connector comprising connector pins and connector socket that is RF-connected, optically connected and mechanically coupled to the connector pins, wherein the connector pins include: an optical connector pin for transmitting an optical signal and an RF connector pin for transmitting an RF signal; a connector pin alignment portion for aligning the optical connector pin with the RF connector pin; and a connector pin coupling portion provided on the connector pin alignment portion, the connector socket includes: an optical connector socket optically connected to the optical connector pin and an RF connector socket RF-connected to the RF connector pin; a connector socket alignment portion for aligning the optical connector socket with the RF connector socket; and a connector socket coupling portion which is provided on the connector socket alignment portion and which can be mechanically coupled to and decoupled from the connector pin coupling portion. According to the present invention, an optical signal and an RF signal can be transmitted, and an optical connection and an RF connection can be established with a small number of components.

Description

Hybrid connector

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid connector, and more particularly, to a hybrid connector including an optical connector for transmitting an optical signal and an RF connector for transmitting an RF signal.

[0002] The material presented in this section only provides background information for the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] Optical connectors are used to connect network devices in data centers and to connect optical cables to customer premises equipment. Among the various types of optical connectors, the SC (Suscriptor Connector) and LC (Lucent Connector) are the most widely used.

[0004] Depending on the type of polishing, the types of optical connectors are divided into AG (Air Gap), PC (Physical Contact), UPC (Ultra Physical Contact), and APC (Angled Physical Contact).

[0005] As a technology related to the present invention, an optical subassembly disclosed in the Korean Patent Gazette discloses a configuration including a housing, a diode, and a lens module. This related technology is of the AG type utilizing a lens module, while the present invention is a hybrid connector including both an optical connector and an RF connector, and the optical connector is of the PC type, so that the configuration and effects of the two inventions are distinct from each other.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a hybrid connector capable of complex transmission of optical signals and RF signals.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a hybrid connector capable of complex signal transmission by assembling modules of different signals by modularizing an optical connector and an RF connector.

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a hybrid connector that enables complex signal transmission using a small number of parts.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0010] In order to achieve the above purpose, a hybrid connector is disclosed, which comprises a connector pin; and a connector socket that is mechanically connected to the connector pin and RF connection, optical connection, and the connector pin, wherein the connector pin comprises an optical connector pin that transmits an optical signal and an RF connector pin that transmits an RF signal; a connector pin alignment portion that aligns the optical connector pin and the RF connector pin; and a connector pin engagement portion that is installed in the connector pin alignment portion, and the connector socket comprises an optical connector socket that is optically connected to the optical connector pin and an RF connector socket that is RF-connected to the RF connector pin; a connector socket alignment portion that aligns the optical connector socket and the RF connector socket; and a connector socket engagement portion that is installed in the connector socket alignment portion and can be mechanically connected and released from the connector pin engagement portion.

[0011] In addition, the hybrid connector may be configured to include a pair of frames in which the optical connector pins and the RF connector pins are aligned in the X-axis direction as modules in which the lengths measured in the XYZ coordinates in the directions of at least two axes (Y-axis and Z-axis) are equal to each other, and the connector pin alignment unit aligns and fixes at least one of the plurality of optical connector pins and the plurality of RF connector pins in the X-axis direction; and a pair of terminals coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames.

[0012] In addition, the hybrid connector may be configured to include a pair of frames for fixing at least one connector socket among a plurality of optical connector sockets and a plurality of RF connector sockets by aligning them in the X-axis direction as modules in which the lengths measured in the XYZ coordinates in the direction of at least two axes (Y-axis and Z-axis) are equal to each other, and a pair of terminals for coupling with one end and the other end of the pair of frames.

[0013] In addition, the hybrid connector can be configured so that a pair of terminals can be connected and disconnected with a pair of frames using bolts, and the optical connector pins, optical connector sockets, RF connector pins, and RF connector sockets can be replaced for maintenance and repair by disconnecting and connecting the terminals.

[0014] In addition, the hybrid connector includes a first pin body having a first surface including an end surface of a first core corresponding to an optical fiber of a first optical cable; and a first optical cable coupled with the first pin body, and an optical connector socket having a second pin body having a second surface including an end surface of a second core corresponding to an optical fiber of a second optical cable; And a second optical cable coupled with a second pin body, the first optical cable and the second optical cable include a coaxial core corresponding to an optical fiber, an inner layer wrapping the optical fiber, and an outer layer wrapping the inner layer, the first pin body is coupled with the inner layer and the outer layer of the first optical cable, the second pin body is coupled with the inner layer and the outer layer of the second optical cable, and when the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket are connected, the first surface and the second surface can be configured to contact each other, and the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core can be configured to contact each other.

[0015] Additionally, the hybrid connector may be configured such that the first pin body is coupled with the inner layer and outer layer of the first optical cable, and the second pin body is coupled with the inner layer and outer layer of the second optical cable.

[0016] In addition, the hybrid connector may be configured to further include a pin block in which the optical connector pin is coupled with the outer diameter surface of the first pin body to mediate fixation of the first pin body, and a socket block in which the optical connector socket is coupled with the outer diameter surface of the socket body to mediate fixation of the socket body.

[0017] In addition, the hybrid connector may be configured such that the first optical cable includes a first cladding as an inner layer and a first covering as an outer layer, the first pin body is connected to a first extraction hole formed on the first surface, and includes a first region in which a first core is arranged; a second region connected to the first region and coupled with the first cladding; and a third region connected to the second region and coupled with the first covering on the inner surface.

[0018] In addition, the hybrid connector may be configured such that the second optical cable includes a second cladding as an inner layer and a second sheath as an outer layer, the second pin body is connected to a second extraction hole formed on the second surface, and includes a fourth region in which the second core is arranged; a fifth region connected to the fourth region and coupled with the second cladding; and a sixth region connected to the fifth region and coupled with the second sheath on the inner surface.

[0019] Additionally, the hybrid connector may be configured to further include an elastic body that uses elastic force to maintain contact between the first surface and the second surface of the optical connector pin or the optical connector socket.

[0020] In addition, the hybrid connector may include a socket body, an outer body into which a first pin body is inserted; and a second surface, and a second pin body capable of moving coaxially with respect to the outer body within an elastic range, and the elastic body may be configured to be installed between the outer body and the second pin body.

[0021] In addition, the hybrid connector may be configured to include a first outer body having a fastening hole into which a first pin body is inserted; and a second outer body having one end coupled to the first outer body and the other end coaxial with the second pin body as a free end and capable of displacement.

[0022] Additionally, the hybrid connector may be configured to include a first inner body having a second surface at one end and a second pin body coaxial with the elastic body; and a second inner body having one end coupled to the other end of the first inner body and having a second optical cable drawn out from the other end.

[0023] Additionally, the hybrid connector may be configured such that the first pin body includes a stopper that limits movement of the first pin body within the range of the elastic body.

[0024] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the “Specific Details for Carrying Out the Invention” and the attached “Drawings.”

[0025] The advantages and / or features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the various embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and each embodiment disclosed in this specification is provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined only by the scope of each claim of the claims.

[0027] According to the present invention, composite transmission of optical signals and RF signals is possible.

[0028] Additionally, by modularizing the optical connector and RF connector, assembly between modules is possible, making expansion and replacement of modules easy.

[0029] Additionally, composite transmission of optical and RF signals is possible using a small number of components.

[0030] The effects that can be obtained by the hybrid connector according to the technical idea of ​​the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0031] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a state in which a connector pin and a connector socket included in a hybrid connector according to one embodiment of the present invention are separated from each other.

[0032] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the connector pin depicted in Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the connector socket depicted in Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an optical connector pin included in the connector pin depicted in Figure 2.

[0035] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an optical connector socket included in the connector socket depicted in Figure 3.

[0036] Figure 6 is an example of a state in which the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket depicted in Figure 1 are connected to each other.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a drawing explaining the connection of the first pin body and the first optical cable included in the optical connector pin depicted in FIG. 4.

[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first pin body and the first optical cable of Figure 7 connected.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a drawing explaining the connection of the socket body included in the optical connector socket depicted in FIG. 5 and the second optical cable.

[0040] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the socket body of Fig. 9 and the second optical cable connected.

[0041] Figure 11 is a flow chart of an optical fiber connection method using a hybrid connector.

[0042] Figure 12 is an example diagram depicting the processing process of the first optical cable and the second optical cable.

[0043] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the terms or words used in this specification should not be interpreted as being unconditionally limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, and that the inventor of the present invention may appropriately define and use the concepts of various terms in order to explain his or her invention in the best possible manner, and further, that these terms or words should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0044] That is, it should be noted that the terms used in this specification are only used to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to specifically limit the contents of the present invention, and that these terms are defined in consideration of various possibilities of the present invention.

[0045] Additionally, it should be noted that in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, and similarly, even if expressed in plural, may include a singular meaning.

[0046] Throughout this specification, whenever a component is described as "including" another component, it may mean that the component may further include any other component, rather than excluding any other component, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0047] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "inside or connected to" another component, it should be understood that the component may be installed in direct connection with or in contact with the other component, may be installed spaced apart from the other component by a certain distance, and if installed spaced apart from the other component by a certain distance, there may be a third component or means for fixing or connecting the component to the other component, and the description of this third component or means may be omitted.

[0048] On the other hand, if a component is described as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that no third component or means exists.

[0049] Likewise, other expressions that describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "directly between", or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", should be interpreted as having the same meaning.

[0050] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms “one side,” “the other side,” “one side,” “the other side,” “first,” “second,” etc. in this specification, if used, are used to clearly distinguish one component from another component, and that the meaning of the component is not limited by such terms.

[0051] In addition, terms related to position, such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., in this specification, if used, should be understood to indicate relative positions of the corresponding components in the corresponding drawings, and unless absolute positions are specified for these positions, these position-related terms should not be understood to refer to absolute positions.

[0052] In addition, in this specification, when specifying the drawing numbers for each component of each drawing, the same component has the same drawing number even if the component is shown in a different drawing, that is, the same reference number indicates the same component throughout the specification.

[0053] In the drawings attached to this specification, the size, position, connection relationship, etc. of each component constituting the present invention may be described with some exaggeration, reduction, or omission in order to sufficiently clearly convey the idea of ​​the present invention or for convenience of explanation, and therefore the proportions or scales may not be strict.

[0054] In addition, in the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of a configuration that is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, for example, a known technology including a prior art, may be omitted.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0056] In the XYZ coordinate axes shown in each drawing, the X-axis direction is defined as the width direction of the hybrid connector (1), the Y-axis direction is defined as the length direction, and the Z-axis direction is defined as the height direction. The Y-axis direction is also the length direction of the cable.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, another hybrid connector (1) is characterized by including heterogeneous connectors, for example, an RF connector (20) that transmits an RF signal and an optical connector (10) that transmits light, that is, an optical signal. The hybrid connector (1) has a structure in which one or more connector modules can be assembled, and can be configured to include various types of connector modules without limitation on the type of connector module. The optical connector (10) or the RF connector (20) is one of various types of connector modules.

[0058] The optical connector (10) and RF connector (20) can be structurally separated into a connector pin (2) including an optical connector pin (100) and an RF connector pin (300), and a connector socket (3) including an optical connector socket (200) and an RF connector socket (400).

[0059] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a state in which a connector pin and a connector socket included in a hybrid connector according to one embodiment of the present invention are separated from each other.

[0060] Referring to Figure 1, a connector pin (2) and a connector socket (3) are depicted in a separated state.

[0061] A hybrid connector (1) can be configured to include a connector pin (2) and a connector socket (3) that are connected in various ways to transmit various types of signals, for example, electrical connections and optical connections, and are mechanically fastened to stably maintain such connections.

[0062] That is, the connector pin (2) and the connector socket (3) can be optically connected and separated by the optical connector pin (100) and the optical connector socket (200), electrically connected and separated by the RF connector pin (300) and the RF connector socket (400), and mechanically connected and released from each other by the connector pin connection portion (710) and the connector socket connection portion (720).

[0063] The connector pin alignment unit (500) has a function of aligning and connecting connector pins, for example, optical connector pins (100) and RF connector pins (300), among different types of connector modules. In addition, the connector socket alignment unit (600) has a function of aligning and connecting connector sockets, for example, optical connector sockets (200) and RF connector sockets (400), among different types of connector modules.

[0064] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the connector pin depicted in Figure 1.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 2, the connector pin (2) may be configured to include an optical connector pin (100) that transmits an optical signal, an RF connector pin (300) that transmits an RF signal, a connector pin alignment part (500) that aligns the optical connector pin (100) and the RF connector pin (300), and a connector pin fastening part (710) that is installed in the connector pin alignment part (500).

[0066] The optical connector pin (100) and the RF connector pin (300) can be aligned in the X-axis direction as modules in which the lengths measured in the XYZ coordinates are the same as the lengths measured in the direction of at least two axes (Y-axis and Z-axis).

[0067] The connector pin alignment unit (500) may be configured to include a pair of frames (510, 520) that align and fix at least one of a plurality of optical connector pins (100) and a plurality of RF connector pins (300) in the direction of the X-axis, and a pair of terminals (530, 540) that are coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames (510, 520).

[0068] The connector pin fastening portion (710) can be configured to be mechanically fastened and released from the connector socket fastening portion (720).

[0069] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the connector socket depicted in Figure 1.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, the connector socket (3) may be configured to include an optical connector socket (200) optically connected to an optical connector pin (100), an RF connector socket (400) electrically connected to an RF connector pin (300), a connector socket alignment part (600) that aligns the optical connector socket (200) and the RF connector socket (400), and a connector socket fastening part (720) that is installed in the connector socket alignment part (600) and can be mechanically fastened and released from a connector pin fastening part (710).

[0071] The optical connector socket (200) and the RF connector socket (400) can be aligned in the X-axis direction as modules in which the lengths measured in the XYZ coordinates are the same in the direction of at least two axes (Y-axis and Z-axis).

[0072] The connector socket alignment unit (600) may be configured to include a pair of frames (610, 620) that align and fix at least one connector socket among a plurality of optical connector sockets (200) and a plurality of RF connector sockets (400) in the direction of the X-axis, and a pair of terminals (630, 630) that are coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames (610, 620).

[0073] Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the connector pin fastening portion (710) can be configured to be mechanically fastened and released from the connector socket fastening portion (720). The connector pin fastening portion (710) and the connector socket fastening portion (720) are configured in a combined form of a male fastening portion and a female fastening portion, and the male fastening portion can be mechanically fastened and released from the female fastening portion. For example, the connector pin fastening portion (710) can be in the form of a fastening pin, and the connector socket fastening portion (720) can be in the form of a fastening hole into which the fastening pin is fitted.

[0074] A pair of terminals, i.e., terminals (530, 540) or terminals (630, 640), can be fastened and released with a pair of frames, i.e., frames (510, 520) or frames (610, 620), using bolts (550, 650), and through fastening and releasing of the terminals (530, 540) or terminals (630, 640), the optical connector pin (100), the optical connector socket (200), the RF connector pin (300), and the RF connector socket (400) can be configured to be replaceable for maintenance and repair.

[0075] That is, since the size in the Y-axis direction, i.e., length, and the size in the Z-axis direction, i.e., height, of the optical connector pin (100), the optical connector socket (200), the RF connector pin (300), and the RF connector socket (400) are the same, they can be aligned with each other in the X-axis direction, i.e., width direction, and the frames (510, 520, 610, 620) support both ends of the optical connector pin (100), the optical connector socket (200), the RF connector pin (300), and the RF connector socket (400) in the Z-axis direction. Each module is inserted between the frames (510, 520, 610, 620), and the terminals (530, 540, 630, 640) finish both ends in the X-axis direction.

[0076] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an optical connector pin included in the connector pin depicted in Figure 2.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 4, the optical connector pin (100) may be configured to include a first pin body (110), a pin block (120), and a first optical cable (140). Two first pin bodies (110) may be provided, each corresponding to two poles.

[0078] The first pin body (110) can be coupled with the first optical cable (140). One end of the first pin body (110) is formed with a first surface (112) that contacts the second surface (221a) belonging to the optical connector socket (200). The first optical cable (140) is drawn out from the other end of the first pin body (110).

[0079] The pin block (120) wraps around the first pin body (110) and serves to fasten the first pin body (110) to the connector pin alignment part (500). That is, the pin block (120) has a function of joining with the outer diameter surface of the first pin body (110) and mediating the fixation of the first pin body (110). The pin block (120) can be formed using synthetic resin.

[0080] The pin block (120) may be configured to include a first half block (121), a second half block (122), and a bolt (123). The bolt (123) fastens the first half block (121) and the second half block (122).

[0081] The first optical cable (140) includes a first core (141) corresponding to an optical fiber, a first cladding (142) corresponding to an inner layer, and a first covering (143) corresponding to an outer layer, and the first core (141) can be configured to form a first surface (112) together with the first pin body (110).

[0082] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an optical connector socket included in the connector socket depicted in Figure 3.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 5, the optical connector socket (200) can be configured to include a socket body (201), a socket block (230), and a second optical cable (240).

[0084] The socket body (201) can be coupled with a second optical cable (240). One end of the socket body (201) is formed with a second surface (221a) that contacts the first surface (112) belonging to the optical connector pin (100). The second optical cable (240) is drawn out from the other end of the socket body (201).

[0085] The socket block (230) wraps around the socket body (201) and functions to fasten the socket body (201) to the connector socket alignment portion (600). That is, the socket block (230) has a function of joining with the outer diameter surface of the socket body (201) to mediate the fixation of the socket body (201). The socket block (230) may be configured to include a third half block (231), a fourth half block (232), and a bolt (233). The bolt (233) fastens the third half block (231) and the fourth half block (232). The socket block (230) may be formed using synthetic resin.

[0086] The second optical cable (240) includes a second core (241) corresponding to an optical fiber, a second cladding (242) corresponding to an inner layer, and a second covering (243) corresponding to an outer layer, and the second core (241) can be configured to form a second surface (221a) together with the second pin body (220).

[0087] Figure 6 is an example of a state in which the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket depicted in Figure 1 are connected to each other.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 6, a state in which an optical connector pin (100) and an optical connector socket (200) are connected to each other is depicted. One end of the optical connector pin (100) can be inserted into one end of the optical connector socket (200) and come into contact with each other. Although one end of the optical connector pin (100) and one end of the optical connector socket (200) can be fitted together, the optical connector pin (100) and the optical connector socket (200) can ultimately be fixed to each other when the pin block (120) is aligned by the connector pin alignment part (500), the socket block (230) is aligned by the connector socket alignment part (600), and the connector pin fastening part (710) and the connector socket fastening part (720) are fastened to each other.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a drawing explaining the connection of the first pin body and the first optical cable included in the optical connector pin depicted in FIG. 4.

[0090] Referring to Fig. 7, the optical connector pin (100) can be configured to include a first pin body (110) and a first optical cable (140). The first pin body (110) has a first surface (112) including an end surface of a first core (141) corresponding to an optical fiber of the first optical cable (140).

[0091] The first optical cable (140) can be combined with the first pin body (110).

[0092] The first optical cable (140) includes a first coaxial core (141) corresponding to an optical fiber, a first cladding (142) corresponding to an inner layer wrapping the optical fiber, and a first covering (143) corresponding to an outer layer wrapping the inner layer, and the first pin body (110) can be coupled with the first cladding (142) and the first covering (143) of the first optical cable (140).

[0093] The second optical cable (240) includes a second coaxial core (241) corresponding to an optical fiber, a second cladding (242) corresponding to an inner layer surrounding the optical fiber, and a second covering (243) corresponding to an outer layer surrounding the inner layer, and the second pin body (220) can be combined with the second cladding (242) and the second covering (243) of the second optical cable (240).

[0094] As the optical connector pin (100) and the optical connector socket (200) are connected, the first surface (112) and the second surface (221a) can be configured to contact each other, and the first core (141), i.e., the end surface of the first core, and the second optical fiber (341), i.e., the end surface of the second core, can be configured to contact each other.

[0095] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first pin body and the first optical cable of Figure 7 connected.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 8, the first fin body (110) may include a first region (111), a second region (113), and a third region (115) on the inner surface.

[0097] The first pin body (110) can be combined with the first cladding (142) corresponding to the inner layer of the first optical cable (140) using the second region (113), and can be combined with the first covering (143) corresponding to the outer layer of the first optical cable (140) using the third region (115).

[0098] The first region (111) of the first fin body (110) is an region corresponding to the first core (141) of the first optical cable (140). The second region (113) is an region connected to the first cladding (142) of the first optical cable (140), and the third region (115) is an region connected to the first covering (143) of the first optical cable (140).

[0099] A first core (141) may be placed in the first region (111). The first region (111) may be connected to a first extraction hole (114) formed in the first surface (112). That is, the first region (111) includes a first extraction hole (114) having a diameter sufficient to allow the first core (141) to pass through. When the length of the first core (141) extracted from the first region (111) is adjusted to fit the first surface (112) through polishing, the end surfaces of the first surface (112) and the first core (141) become aligned.

[0100] The second region (113) is connected to the first region (111) and can be combined with the first cladding (142). The second region (113) has an inner diameter surface of a size suitable for close contact with the second cladding (242). Accordingly, the first cladding (142) can be fixed by fitting into the second region (113).

[0101] The third region (115) is connected to the second region (113) and can be combined with the first covering (143). The third region (115) has an inner diameter surface of a size suitable for close contact with the first covering (143). Accordingly, the first covering (143) can be fixed by fitting into the third region (115).

[0102] The first optical cable (140) may include a first cladding (142) as an inner layer and a first covering (143) as an outer layer. That is, the first cladding (142) may wrap around and protect the first core (141) corresponding to the optical fiber of the first optical cable (140), and the first covering (143) may wrap around and protect the first cladding (142) again.

[0103] FIG. 9 is a drawing explaining the connection of the socket body included in the optical connector socket depicted in FIG. 5 and the second optical cable.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 9, the optical connector socket (200) can be configured to include a socket body (201) and a second optical cable (240).

[0105] The socket body (201) may include a second pin body (220) having a second surface (221a) including an end surface of a second core (241) corresponding to an optical fiber of a second optical cable (240).

[0106] The second optical cable (240) can be coupled with the second pin body (220). That is, the second cladding (242) corresponding to the inner layer of the second optical cable (240) and the second covering (243) corresponding to the outer layer can be coupled with the fifth and sixth regions formed on the inner surface of the second pin body (220), respectively.

[0107] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the socket body of Fig. 9 and the second optical cable connected.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 10, the second fin body (220) may include a first region (111), a second region (113), and a third region (115) on the inner surface.

[0109] The first pin body (110) can be coupled with the second cladding (242) corresponding to the inner layer of the second optical cable (240) using the fifth region (220b), and can be coupled with the second covering (243) corresponding to the outer layer of the second optical cable (240) using the sixth region (220c).

[0110] The fourth region (220a) of the second fin body (220) corresponds to the second core (241) of the second optical cable (240). The fifth region (220b) is a region connected to the second cladding of the second optical cable (240), and the sixth region (220c) is a region connected to the second covering of the second optical cable (240).

[0111] A second core may be placed in the fourth region (220a). Furthermore, the fourth region may be connected to a second extraction hole formed on the second surface. That is, the fourth region includes a second extraction hole of sufficient diameter to allow the second core to pass through. When the second core extracted from the fourth region is adjusted in length to fit the second surface through polishing, the end faces of the second surface and the second core become aligned.

[0112] The fifth region is connected to the fourth region and can be joined to the second cladding. The fifth region has an inner diameter suitable for close contact with the second cladding. Therefore, the second cladding can be secured by a fit-fitting connection with the fifth region.

[0113] The sixth region is connected to the fifth region and can be joined to the second covering. The sixth region has an inner diameter suitable for close contact with the second covering. Therefore, the second covering can be fixed by fitting it to the sixth region.

[0114] The second optical cable (240) may include a second cladding (242) as an inner layer and a second covering (243) as an outer layer. That is, the first cladding may wrap around and protect the second core corresponding to the optical fiber of the second optical cable (240), and the second covering may wrap around and protect the second cladding again.

[0115] The first pin body (110) constituting the optical connector pin (100) uses the first surface (112), and the second pin body (220) of the socket body (201) constituting the optical connector socket (200) uses the second surface (221a) to bring the first core (141) and the second core (241) into contact. When elastic force is used, the contact between the first cores can be stably maintained. An elastic body that generates elastic force can be placed inside the optical connector pin or the optical connector socket.

[0116] An optical connector pin (100) or an optical connector socket (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include an elastic body (202) that maintains contact between the first surface and the second surface using elastic force.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 9, an elastic body (202) included in an optical connector socket (200) is depicted.

[0118] The socket body (201) may be configured to include an outer body (210) and a second pin body (220). The outer body (210) has a fastening hole into which the first pin body (110) can be inserted and fastened. That is, a fastening hole (212) into which the first pin body (110) is inserted may be formed at one end of the outer body (210). The other end of the outer body (210) may be coupled using a middle portion and a screw thread of the second pin body (220).

[0119] The outer body (210) can be configured to include a first outer body (211) and a second outer body (213).

[0120] The second pin body (220) of the socket body (201) is characterized by having a second surface (221a) that can come into contact with the first surface (112) of the first pin body (110). In addition, the second pin body (220) is characterized by being capable of moving coaxially with respect to the outer body (210) within an elastic range.

[0121] The elastic body (202) can be installed between the outer body (210) and the second fin body (220). That is, the elastic body (202) can be placed between the second outer body (213) and the first inner body (221) constituting the second fin body (220).

[0122] The outer body (210) can be configured to include a first outer body (211) and a second outer body (213).

[0123] The first outer body (211) is characterized by having a fastening hole (212) into which the first pin body (110) is inserted.

[0124] The second outer body (213) is characterized in that one end is connected to the first outer body (211), and the other end is a free end that is coaxial with the second pin body (220) and can be displaced. The second outer body (213) has a second jaw (214) that comes into contact with the first outer body (211), and a screw thread that is rotatably connected to the inside of the first outer body (211) extends from the second jaw (214).

[0125] The second fin body (220) can be configured to include a first inner body (221) and a second inner body (223).

[0126] The first inner body (221) is characterized by being coaxial with the elastic body (202), having a second surface (221a) at one end, and having a first jaw (222) that stops the elastic body (202) when it is combined.

[0127] The second inner body (223) is characterized in that one end is connected to the other end of the first inner body (221), and the second optical cable (240) is drawn out through the other end.

[0128] The first pin body (110) may be configured to include a stopper (117) on the outer surface. The stopper (117) has a function of limiting the movement of the first pin body (110) within the range of the elastic body.

[0129] Figure 11 is a flow chart of an optical fiber connection method using a hybrid connector.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 11, an optical fiber connection method (S100) using a hybrid connector (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include exposing the core and inner layer of a first optical cable (140) and a second optical cable (240) (S100), coupling the first optical cable with an optical connector pin (100), and coupling the second optical cable with an optical cable socket (S120), aligning the end surface of the first core (141) with the first surface (112) of the optical connector pin (100), and aligning the end surface of the second core (241) with the second surface (221a) of the optical connector socket (200) (S130), and bringing the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core into contact with each other and fixing them (S140).

[0131] In S100, the outer layers of the first optical cable (140) and the second optical cable (240) may be stripped off by a predetermined length to expose the inner layers, and the inner layers may be stripped off by a predetermined length to expose the first core (141) and the second core (241) at the ends, respectively.

[0132] Figure 12 is an example diagram depicting the processing process of the first optical cable and the second optical cable.

[0133] Referring to Fig. 12, an optical cable to be connected by a hybrid connector (1) is depicted. The optical cables may be used as a first optical cable (140) and a second optical cable (240). The first optical cable (140) may be connected to a connector pin (2), and the second optical cable (240) may be connected to a connector socket (3). The first optical cable (140) and the second optical cable (240) will be collectively referred to as optical cables.

[0134] The optical cable may be configured to include, from the outside, a covering (143, 243) corresponding to an outer layer, a cladding (142, 242) corresponding to an inner layer, and a core (141, 241) corresponding to an optical fiber.

[0135] A hybrid connector (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it is coupled to the outer layer and the inner layer of an optical cable while a portion of the outer layer and a portion of the inner layer are stripped off. Therefore, it is necessary to expose the optical fiber and the inner layer in a manner corresponding to the lengths of the first region, the second region, the fourth region, and the fifth region formed on the inner surface of the first pin body and the second pin body constituting the hybrid connector (1).

[0136] The optical fiber of the first optical cable (140) passes through the first region (111) and is drawn out of the first extraction hole (114). The second region (113) is coupled with the first cladding (142) corresponding to the inner layer of the first optical cable (140), and the third region (115) is coupled with the first covering (143) corresponding to the outer layer of the first optical cable.

[0137] Likewise, the optical fiber of the second optical cable (240) passes through the fourth region and is drawn out of the second extraction hole (221b). The fifth region is coupled with the second cladding (242) corresponding to the inner layer of the second optical cable (240), and the sixth region is coupled with the second covering (243) corresponding to the outer layer of the second optical cable (240).

[0138] The first pin body is coupled with the inner and outer layers of the first optical cable, and the second pin body of the socket body is coupled with the inner and outer layers of the second optical cable.

[0139] As the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket are connected, the first side and the second side come into contact, and the end face of the first core of the first optical cable, which constitutes the first side, and the end face of the second core of the second optical cable, which constitutes the second side, come into contact with each other.

[0140] In S120, a step of connecting a first optical cable to an optical connector pin and connecting a second optical cable to an optical connector socket;

[0141] In S130, a step of aligning the end surface of the first core and the first surface of the end surface of the optical connector pin with each other, and aligning the end surface of the second core and the second surface formed inside the optical connector socket with each other; and

[0142] In S140, it is configured to include a step of fixing the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core by bringing them into contact with each other.

[0143] The matching step (S130) is characterized by grinding the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core to match the first surface and the second surface, respectively.

[0144] The step (S140) of fixing the end faces by contacting them with each other is characterized by using the elastic force of an elastic body to make contact between the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket.

[0145] According to one embodiment of the present invention, composite signal transmission of an optical signal and an RF signal is possible.

[0146] Additionally, by modularizing the optical connector and RF connector, assembly between modules is possible, and expansion and replacement of modules are easy.

[0147] Additionally, complex signal transmission is possible using a small number of components.

[0148] Above, although some examples have been given and various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, the description of the various embodiments described in the “Specific Details for Carrying Out the Invention” section is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will readily understand that they can carry out various modifications of the present invention or carry out equivalent implementations of the present invention based on the above description.

[0149] In addition, since the present invention can be implemented in various other forms, the present invention is not limited by the above description, and the above description is provided only to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs of the scope of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined only by each claim of the claims.

[0150] The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing hybrid connectors.

Claims

1. Connector pin; and Including the above connector pin and RF connection, optical connection and mechanically connected connector socket, The above connector pins are, Optical connector pins that transmit optical signals and RF connector pins that transmit RF signals; A connector pin alignment unit that aligns the optical connector pin and the RF connector pin; and Includes a connector pin fastening part installed in the above connector pin alignment part, The above connector socket is, An optical connector socket optically connected to the optical connector pin and an RF connector socket RF-connected to the RF connector pin; A connector socket alignment part that aligns the optical connector socket and the RF connector socket; and A hybrid connector, which is installed in the above connector socket alignment portion and is configured to include a connector socket fastening portion that can be mechanically fastened and released from the connector pin fastening portion.

2. In claim 1, The above optical connector pin and the above RF connector pin are aligned in the X-axis direction as modules in which the lengths measured in the XYZ coordinates in the direction of at least two axes (Y-axis and Z-axis) are equal to each other, The above connector pin alignment part is, A pair of frames that align and fix at least one of the plurality of optical connector pins and the plurality of RF connector pins in the direction of the X-axis; and A hybrid connector comprising a pair of terminals that are coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames.

3. In claim 1, The above optical connector socket and the above RF connector socket can be aligned in the X-axis direction as modules in which the lengths measured in the XYZ coordinates in the direction of at least two axes (Y-axis and Z-axis) are equal to each other, The above connector socket alignment part is, A pair of frames that align and fix at least one connector socket among the plurality of optical connector sockets and the plurality of RF connector sockets in the direction of the X-axis; and A hybrid connector comprising a pair of terminals that are coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames.

4. In claim 2 or claim 3, The above pair of terminals can be connected and disconnected from the above pair of frames using bolts, A hybrid connector in which the optical connector pin, the optical connector socket, the RF connector pin, and the RF connector socket are configured to be replaceable for maintenance and repair by releasing and connecting the terminal.

5. In claim 1, The above optical connector pin is, A first pin body having a first surface including an end surface of a first core corresponding to an optical fiber of a first optical cable; and Including the first optical cable coupled to the first pin body, The above optical connector socket is, A socket body having a second pin body having a second surface including an end surface of a second core corresponding to an optical fiber of a second optical cable; and Including the second optical cable coupled with the second pin body, The above first optical cable and the above second optical cable, It includes a coaxial core corresponding to the optical fiber, an inner layer wrapping the optical fiber, and an outer layer wrapping the inner layer, The above first pin body is coupled with the inner layer and the outer layer of the first optical cable, The second pin body is coupled with the inner layer and the outer layer of the second optical cable, A hybrid connector configured such that the first surface and the second surface contact each other and the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core contact each other as the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket are connected.

6. In claim 5, The above first pin body is coupled with the inner layer and the outer layer of the first optical cable, A hybrid connector in which the second pin body is configured to be coupled with the inner layer and the outer layer of the second optical cable.

7. In claim 5, The above optical connector pin further includes a pin block that is combined with the outer diameter surface of the first pin body to mediate fixation of the first pin body, A hybrid connector, wherein the optical connector socket further includes a socket block that is coupled with the outer diameter surface of the socket body to mediate fixation of the socket body.

8. In claim 5, The above first optical cable includes a first cladding as the inner layer and a first covering as the outer layer, The above first pin body, A first region connected to the first extraction hole formed on the first surface and in which the first core is placed; A second region connected to the first region and joined to the first cladding; and A hybrid connector configured to include a third region connected to the second region and joined to the first covering on the inner surface.

9. In claim 5, The above second optical cable includes a second cladding as the inner layer and a second covering as the outer layer, The above second pin body, A fourth region connected to the second withdrawal hole formed on the second surface and in which the second core is placed; A fifth region connected to the fourth region and joined to the second cladding; and A hybrid connector configured to include a sixth region connected to the fifth region and joined to the second covering on the inner surface.

10. In claim 5, the optical connector pin or the optical connector socket, A hybrid connector further comprising an elastic body that maintains contact between the first surface and the second surface by using elasticity.

11. In claim 10, the socket body, An outer body into which the first pin body is inserted; and It includes the second pin body having the second surface and being capable of moving coaxially with respect to the outer body within an elastic range, A hybrid connector, wherein the elastic body is configured to be installed between the outer body and the second pin body.

12. In claim 11, the outer body, A first outer body having a fastening hole into which the first pin body is inserted; and A hybrid connector configured to include a second outer body that is coupled to the first outer body at one end and is coaxial with the second pin body as a free end and is capable of displacement.

13. In claim 11, the second pin body, A first inner body coaxial with the elastic body and having the second surface at one end; and A hybrid connector comprising a second inner body that is coupled to the other end of the first inner body and from which the second optical cable is drawn out.

14. In claim 10, the first pin body, A hybrid connector configured to include a stopper that limits movement of the first pin body within the range of the elastic body.

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