An optical fiber connector and its optical fiber connection assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to an optical fiber connector and an optical fiber connection assembly thereof. The optical fiber connector includes an inner tube body for carrying a ferrule assembly and a rotating outer sleeve sleeved outside the inner tube body. An annular gap is formed between the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body for the connection seat of the optical fiber adapter to pass through. One end of the inner tube body has a ferrule support for inserting into the jack of the optical fiber adapter. The pin of the ferrule assembly passes through the ferrule support. The ferrule support can only be inserted into the jack of the optical fiber adapter in a fixed state. The end of the ferrule support has a guide ring, and the axial projection of the guide ring falls within the axial projection of the ferrule support. The present application facilitates the assembly of the optical fiber connector and the optical fiber connection assembly, enabling quick blind mating and docking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of prefabricated fiber optic connectors, and particularly to an optical fiber connector head and its optical fiber connection assembly. Background Art

[0002] Optical fiber connectors are used to connect optical cables to each other, between optical cables and optoelectronic components, and between optoelectronic components in an optical fiber communication system. It precisely docks the end faces of two optical fibers to be connected so that the optical energy output from the transmitting optical fiber can be maximally coupled into the receiving optical fiber.

[0003] As a commonly used optical fiber connection structure on a fiber distribution box, an optical fiber connector is usually in the form of a prefabricated connector. It usually sets an optical fiber adapter on the fiber distribution box and axially docks a corresponding optical fiber connector head with the optical fiber adapter. Generally, one side inside the fiber distribution box where the optical fiber adapter is located is constructed as the structure of a common connector such as SC type.

[0004] Currently, the most common connection method between an optical fiber adapter and an optical fiber connector head on the market is usually constructed as an L-shaped groove docking structure. The center of the adapter is constructed as a jack for axially docking the ferrule assembly, and the outer ring of the adapter is designed with an L-shaped connection groove for connecting the male head of the adapter. During the connection process, it is necessary to synchronously ensure that the ferrule assembly is aligned with the jack and the connection groove is aligned with the connection block on the optical fiber connector head to achieve the axial docking between the optical fiber adapter and the optical fiber connector head, resulting in low assembly efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To facilitate the assembly between an optical fiber connector head and an optical fiber adapter, this application provides an optical fiber connector head and its optical fiber connection assembly.

[0006] In a first aspect, an optical fiber connector head provided by this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An optical fiber connector head includes an inner tube main body for carrying a ferrule assembly and a rotating outer sleeve sleeved and connected outside the inner tube main body. An annular gap is formed between the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube main body for the connection seat of the optical fiber adapter to pass through.

[0008] One end of the inner tube main body has a ferrule support for inserting into the jack of the optical fiber adapter. The pin of the ferrule assembly passes through the ferrule support. The ferrule support can only be inserted into the jack of the optical fiber adapter in a fixed state. The end of the ferrule support has a guide ring, and the axial projection of the guide ring falls within the axial projection of the ferrule support.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, during the process of connecting the above optical fiber connector to the corresponding optical fiber adapter, first insert the ferrule holder in the direction towards the jack. The guiding ring will not be restricted by the directions of the jack and the ferrule holder and enter the jack first. However, when the ferrule holder and the jack are not exactly aligned, the ferrule holder cannot be accurately inserted into the jack. At this time, the guiding ring is still in the jack and is limited by the jack, so that the ferrule holder and the optical fiber adapter can still be in a radially limited state. At this time, by rotating the optical fiber connector, the circular area formed by the guiding ring can limit the relative position of the ferrule holder, but the relative state between the ferrule holder and the jack can be adjusted. After the ferrule holder and the jack are exactly aligned, the ferrule holder can be inserted without multiple alignments.

[0010] Preferably, one end face of the ferrule holder facing the connection with the guiding ring has an inclined surface located in the circumferential direction of the guiding ring and connecting the guiding ring.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, after the guiding ring is inserted into the jack, by applying an axial insertion force to the optical fiber connector, under the guiding action of the inclined surface, the ferrule holder will be corrected, so that the guiding ring is approximately at the center position of the jack. Thus, when the ferrule holder is rotated and adjusted to the same position as the jack, the ferrule holder can be inserted into the jack without long-term radial adjustment.

[0012] Preferably, the inclined surface is a spherical surface protruding outwards.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the setting of the spherical surface enables the optical fiber connector to still ensure having a stable plurality of contact points with the circumferential direction of the jack when the optical fiber connector is not docked with the optical fiber adapter strictly along the axis direction (i.e., having a certain angular deviation).

[0014] Preferably, at least one connecting block for connecting to the connecting groove of the optical fiber adapter is provided on the inner wall of the rotating outer sleeve. The rotating outer sleeve is axially limited and slidable relative to the inner tube body to have a first state and a second state;

[0015] In the first state, the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body are circumferentially locked relative to each other;

[0016] In the second state, the rotating outer sleeve can freely rotate circumferentially relative to the inner tube body;

[0017] Among them, when in the first state, during the process of inserting the ferrule holder into the jack of the optical fiber adapter, the connecting block is aligned with the connecting groove of the optical fiber adapter.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, when the ferrule support is rotated to find the position and inserted into the jack, the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body are restricted in the first state, so that the connection block can be rotated accordingly. In the process of designing the optical fiber adapter, the shape of the jack and the shape of the circumferential connection groove are fixed, so by designing the position of the connection block accordingly, when the ferrule support is inserted into the jack, it can also be ensured that the connection block and the connection groove can be in a directly facing state.

[0019] Preferably, in the first state, when the ferrule support is fully inserted into the insertion hole of the optical fiber adapter, the connecting block is located in the connecting groove of the optical fiber adapter.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, when it is necessary to push the rotating outer sleeve, the stroke of the rotating outer sleeve can be limited by passing the connecting block through the connecting groove, and there is no need to reposition the angle of the rotating outer sleeve, which is more efficient.

[0021] Preferably, an elastic member sleeved on the outside of the inner tube body is sandwiched between the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body, the two ends of the elastic member are respectively connected to the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body, and the elastic member forces the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body to have a tendency to maintain in the first state.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the setting of the elastic member can force the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body to maintain the first state, so that during the process of positioning the core support, the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body can maintain synchronous rotation.

[0023] Preferably, a sealing ring is provided on the outer sleeve of the inner tube body. In a first state, the sealing ring is located in the annular area and has no contact with the rotating outer sleeve. In a second state, the sealing ring is in contact with the rotating outer sleeve, and the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body squeeze the sealing ring against each other.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, in the process of initially pushing the rotating outer sleeve, the sealing ring will not contact the rotating outer sleeve, so that the driving of the rotating outer sleeve can be relatively smooth. When switching to the second state, the sealing ring can still be squeezed to separate the space between the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body, thereby achieving a sealing effect. At the same time, the relative rotation trajectory between the rotating outer sleeve and the sealing ring during the movement process can also be reduced, reducing friction and thus reducing wear.

[0025] Preferably, the rotating sleeve also has a accommodating cavity connected to the annular area, and a transition guide surface connecting the accommodating cavity and the annular area is provided on the inner wall of the rotating sleeve. The cavity wall of the accommodating cavity is inclined so that during the switching process from the first state to the second state, the radial space in which the sealing ring is located gradually decreases.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, this setting can ensure that the sealing ring can smoothly enter the gap of the accommodating cavity at the initial stage of being squeezed. And through the inclined setting method, the extrusion force on the sealing ring can be increased as the rotating outer sleeve is pushed, improving the sealing effect.

[0027] Preferably, a positioning key is arranged outside the inner tube body, and a notch for the positioning key to pass through is provided at the tail end of the rotating outer sleeve. During the switching process from the first state to the second state, the rotating outer sleeve and the positioning key are disengaged from each other.

[0028] Preferably, a guiding surface is arranged on one side of the positioning key facing the direction of inserting into the notch.

[0029] Preferably, a limiting sleeve extends from the rotating outer sleeve in a direction away from the annular gap, and a ring groove for the tail pipe part to pass through is formed between the limiting sleeve and the inner tube body.

[0030] In a second aspect, a fiber optic connection assembly provided by the present application adopts the following technical solution:

[0031] A fiber optic connection assembly includes a fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connector as described above that are axially butted against each other.

[0032] In summary, the present application can achieve blind mating docking between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter, with relatively high efficiency. Description of the Drawings

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the fiber optic adapter.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the fiber optic connector.

[0035] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the guiding ring of the ferrule holder inserted into the jack, at this time the ferrule holder and the jack are not completely aligned.

[0036] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram when the ferrule holder can be completely inserted into the jack.

[0037] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body in the first state.

[0038] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating outer sleeve and the inner tube body in the second state.

[0039] Figure 7It is a schematic structural diagram when the optical fiber connector is fully inserted into the optical fiber adapter in the first state. Among them, the rotating outer sleeve is shown in a partially sectioned manner to show the relative position relationship between the connecting block and the connecting groove.

[0040] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram when the optical fiber connector is fully inserted into the optical fiber adapter in the second state. Among them, the rotating outer sleeve is shown in a partially sectioned manner to show the relative position relationship between the connecting block and the connecting groove.

[0041] Figure 9 It is a sectional view of the optical fiber connector in the first state.

[0042] Figure 10 It is a sectional view of the optical fiber connector in the second state.

[0043] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating outer sleeve in one implementation manner.

[0044] Figure 12 It is an exploded schematic diagram of the optical fiber connection assembly when both ends of the optical fiber adapter are configured in the form of connection seats.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals: 1, base; 2, connection seat; 21, jack; 211, notch; 22, connection groove; 3, rotating outer sleeve; 4, inner tube body; 5, tail tube; 6, pin; 7, ferrule support; 8, annular gap; 71, chamfered slope; 31, connecting block; 72, guide ring; 73, inclined surface; 22a, vertical section; 22b, corner; 22c, horizontal section; 41, positioning key; 32, notch; 42, snap ring; 9, elastic member; 43, shoulder; 33, accommodation cavity; 22d, return groove; 10, sealing ring; 34, transition guide surface; 44, limiting ring platform; 34, limiting sleeve; 35, annular groove. Detailed implementation manners

[0046] The following is a further detailed description of this application in conjunction with the attached Figures 1 - 12 For a further detailed description of the present application.

[0047] The optical fiber connector and the optical fiber adapter are a pair of mutually adapted and docked connectors. Generally speaking, the optical fiber adapter is applied to optical fiber junction boxes such as fiber distribution boxes, and realizes waterproof sealing at the connection point through mutual cooperation with the optical fiber connector. Among them, referring to Figure 1 , the optical fiber adapter includes a base 1, which is used to connect to the box body of the fiber distribution box. One side of the base 1 extends outward to form a connection seat 2. The center of the connection seat 2 has a jack 21. The jack 21 is generally rectangular, but there is an inclined notch 211 at two adjacent vertices of the jack 21, so that the structure matching the jack 21 can only be inserted into the jack 21 in the same state. In addition, two connection grooves 22 are formed on the outer side of the connection seat 2. The connection grooves 22 are generally L-shaped and communicate with one end of the connection seat 2.

[0048] Based on this, an embodiment of the present application discloses an optical fiber connector. Among them, the optical fiber connector is used to dock with the above-mentioned optical fiber adapter.

[0049] Referring to Figure 2 , the optical fiber connector includes a rotating outer sleeve 3, an inner tube body 4, and a tail tube 5 connected to one end of the inner tube body 4. The rotating outer sleeve 3 is coaxially sleeved outside the inner tube body 4 and is located on one side of the tail tube 5. The inner tube body 4 is used to carry the inserted core assembly passing through. The inserted core assembly exposes the insertion pin 6 for docking from one end of the inner tube body 4. An inserted core support 7 fixed to one end of the inner tube body 4 is sleeved outside the insertion pin 6. The inserted core support 7 is used to penetrate into the jack 21 on the optical fiber adapter. Looking from the end of the optical fiber connector where the insertion pin 6 is provided, an annular gap 8 for the connection seat 2 of the optical fiber adapter to penetrate is formed between the rotating outer sleeve 3 and the inner tube body 4. When the inserted core support 7 is completely inserted into the optical fiber adapter, the rotating outer sleeve 3 will be sleeved outside the connection seat 2 of the optical fiber adapter.

[0050] Among them, the inserted core support 7 is integrally constructed into an adaptation structure similar to the shape of the jack 21, so that the inserted core support 7 can only be inserted into the jack 21 in one state. Therefore, the inserted core support 7 is also generally in a cuboid structure. Corresponding to the two missing corners 211 in the jack 21, two corresponding chamfered surfaces 71 are also provided on the corresponding parts of the inserted core support 7. In addition, two connection blocks 31 corresponding to penetrate into the connection grooves 22 are provided on the inner wall of the rotating outer sleeve 3 located in the annular gap 8. Through the movement of the connection blocks 31 in the connection grooves 22, the axial limit between the optical fiber connector and the optical fiber adapter is carried out.

[0051] The end of the inserted core support 7 protrudes from the end of the rotating outer sleeve 3, and a guiding ring 72 is integrally provided at the end of the inserted core support 7. The guiding ring 72 is arranged around the circumference of the insertion pin 6 and is coaxial with the insertion pin 6. The inner wall of the guiding ring 72 and the inner wall of the inserted core support 7 are on the same cylindrical surface. The axial projection of the outer diameter surface of the guiding ring 72 falls within the axial projection of the inserted core support 7. Therefore, the guiding ring 72 can be inserted into the jack 21 in any circumferential posture. One end face of the inserted core support 7 connected to the guiding ring 72 has an inclined surface 73 located in the circumference of the guiding ring 72 and connecting the guiding ring 72. Specifically, the inclined surface 73 is integrally convex and is on the same spherical surface, and the diameter gradually increases along the direction away from the guiding ring 72. Preferably, the inclined surface 73 is integrally spherical, so that when the inserted core support 7 has an axial angular deviation, it can still ensure a stable plurality of contact points with the circumference of the jack.

[0052] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4Based on this, when the ferrule support 7 and the jack 21 are plugged in, the guide ring 72 does not need to be adjusted to a fixed position. It can be seen that under the setting of this guide ring 72, its outer diameter is smaller than the radius of the inscribed circle inscribed in the jack 21, so the guide ring 72 can be inserted into the jack 21 more easily. Subsequently, since the guide ring 72 is not exactly located at the center of the ferrule support 7 in the jack 21, by applying an axial plugging force to the optical fiber connector, the axial inclined surface 73 of the guide ring 72 can be brought into contact with the edge of the jack 21, and under the guiding action of the inclined surface 73, the ferrule support 7 as a whole has a tendency to move toward the center of the jack 21. On this basis, when the ferrule support 7 is rotated (i.e., the inner tube body 4 is driven to rotate), since the guide ring 72 is always within the range defined by the insertion hole 21, the ferrule support 7 and the connecting seat 2 can always be in a state of radial relative limitation, and under the support of the axial force, the guide ring 72 will not be separated from the insertion hole 21. Therefore, by rotating the ferrule support 7 and making the axial projections of the ferrule support 7 and the insertion hole 21 overlap with each other, the ferrule support 7 will be inserted into the insertion hole 21 under the action of the axial force.

[0053] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is only necessary to insert the guide ring 72 into the socket 21 and rotate the ferrule support 7, so that the ferrule support 7 can be inserted into the socket 21 under the premise of blind docking, and there is no need to limit the ferrule support 7 and the socket 21 to a state where the axial projections overlap each other before the ferrule support 7 is inserted. In terms of assembly efficiency, the solution adopted in the embodiment of the present application can achieve fast blind docking.

[0054] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the rotating outer sleeve 3 can slide relative to the inner tube body 4 in an axial limited manner, and during the sliding process, the rotating outer sleeve 3 and the inner tube body 4 can switch between the first state and the second state. Specifically, when the rotating outer sleeve 3 slides toward the end where the core insert support 7 is provided, it is switched from the first state to the second state. In the first state, the rotating outer sleeve 3 and the inner tube body 4 are relatively locked in the circumferential direction, that is, the rotating outer sleeve 3 can only slide relative to the inner tube body 4 in the axial direction. In the second state, the rotating outer sleeve 3 can freely rotate relative to the inner tube body 4 in the circumferential direction.

[0055] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8It can be seen that, in the process of rotating the inner tube body 4 to adjust the core, if the rotating outer sleeve 3 is in the first state, the rotating outer sleeve 3 will rotate together with the inner tube body 4. Due to the particularity of the L-shaped connecting groove 22, the rotating outer sleeve 3 can be rotated only when the connecting block 31 is located at the corner 22b of the connecting groove 22 so that the connecting block 31 slides into the transverse section 22c of the connecting groove 22. Therefore, on this basis, in the process of rotating the inner tube body 4, the rotating outer sleeve 3 is limited to the first state, and when the core support 7 can be inserted into the jack 21, the connecting block 31 is set to a state facing the vertical section 22a of the connecting groove 22. Therefore, in the process of switching from the first state to the second state, the connecting block 31 can be directly inserted into the connecting groove 22 and reach the corner 22b of the connecting groove 22. At this time, since the rotating outer sleeve 3 in the second state is not restricted by circumferential rotation, the rotating outer sleeve 3 can be rotated so that the connecting block 31 slides into the transverse section 22c of the connecting groove 22.

[0056] For example Figure 7 As a convenient implementation, when the ferrule support 7 is fully inserted into the insertion hole 21, the connection block 31 can be just inserted into the vertical section 22a of the connection groove 22 and located at the end. In the process of axially pushing the ferrule support 7, the connection block 31 will be pushed to the corner 22b of the connection groove 22, and the rotating sleeve 3 is in the second state.

[0057] As a specific implementation, the outer surface of the inner tube body 4 is integrally provided with a positioning key 41, and the tail end of the rotating sleeve 3 (i.e., the end away from the insert support 7) has a slot 32 for the positioning key 41 to pass through. In the process of axially pushing the rotating sleeve 3 to slide, the positioning key 41 will be disengaged from the slot 32. When in the second state, the positioning key 41 will be completely disengaged from the rotating sleeve 3. At this time, the rotating sleeve 3 without the restriction of the positioning key 41 can perform circumferential relative rotation. Furthermore, the inner tube body 4 is also coaxially clamped with a clamping ring 42 that prevents the rotating sleeve 3 from disengaging.

[0058] A semicircular arc guide surface is provided on one side of the positioning key 41 facing the direction of insertion into the notch 32. On the one hand, during the rebound of the rotating sleeve 3, the arc guide surface can guide the positioning key 41 to penetrate into the notch 32, and when the positioning key 41 is not completely out of the notch 32, the setting of the arc guide surface can also guide the positioning key 41 out of the notch 32 during the rotation of the rotating sleeve 3.

[0059] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10An elastic member 9 sleeved on the outside of the inner tube body 4 is sandwiched between the rotating outer sleeve 3 and the inner tube body 4. The elastic member 9 is a compression spring. A shoulder 43 is provided on the outside of the inner tube body 4. A receiving cavity 33 connected to the annular area is provided in the rotating outer sleeve 3. The two ends of the elastic member 9 are respectively abutted against the shoulder 43 of the inner tube body 4 and the axial end wall of the receiving cavity 33 of the rotating outer sleeve 3, so that the rotating outer sleeve 3 always has a tendency to move away from the core support 7 under the action of the elastic member 9, and thus, the rotating outer sleeve 3 and the inner tube body 4 have a tendency to maintain in the first state.

[0060] A sealing ring 10 is embedded outside the inner tube body 4 and located on the side of the shoulder 43 away from the elastic member 9. The sealing ring 10 is used to abut against the rotating outer sleeve 3 and the inner tube body 4 to block the flow of liquid from the accommodating cavity 33 to the annular gap 8. As an embodiment, in the first state, the sealing ring 10 is located in the annular gap 8 and does not contact the rotating outer sleeve 3. In the second state, the sealing ring 10 is in contact with the rotating outer sleeve 3, and the spacing between the rotating sleeve and the inner tube body 4 is less than the thickness of the sealing ring 10 to squeeze the sealing ring 10. Specifically, a transition guide surface 34 connecting the accommodating cavity 33 and the annular area is provided on the inner wall of the rotating outer sleeve 3. The diameter of the accommodating cavity 33 is smaller than the diameter of the annular gap 8 to form a step difference. In the process of switching the rotating outer sleeve 3 from the first state to the second state, the transition guide surface 34 will face the sealing ring 10 and gradually force the sealing ring 10 to be squeezed and guided into the accommodating cavity 33 as it abuts. In addition, the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity 33 is inclined so that when the rotating sleeve 3 slides toward the core support 7 , the radial space where the sealing ring 10 is located is gradually reduced, thereby improving the sealing effect of the sealing ring 10 .

[0061] It can be seen that in this structural implementation, during the initial movement of the rotating outer sleeve 3, the sealing ring 10 does not contact and squeeze the inner wall of the rotating outer sleeve 3, but when the rotating outer sleeve 3 is pushed to the second state, the rotating outer sleeve 3 squeezes the sealing ring 10 to achieve sealing here. In coordination, a sealing ring located in the rotating outer sleeve 3 can also be embedded outside the connection seat 2 of the optical fiber adapter to achieve a sealed connection between the optical fiber connector and the optical fiber connector here.

[0062] The inner tube body 4 also has a limiting ring 44 located in the annular gap 8. When the rotating sleeve 3 is connected to the connecting seat 2, the limiting ring 44 will be sandwiched between the bottom wall of the annular gap 8 and the connecting seat 2, and the inner tube body 4 is axially limited by the relative fixation between the rotating sleeve 3 and the connecting seat 2. At the same time, the limiting ring 44 cooperates with the clamping ring 42, so that the rotating sleeve 3 and the inner tube body 4 cannot be separated by the axial sliding of the rotating sleeve 3.

[0063] In addition, referring to Figure 12 , as an implementable embodiment, a limit sleeve 34 can also be provided in the direction of the rotating outer sleeve 3 away from the annular gap 8, and a ring groove 35 is formed between the limit sleeve 34 and the inner tube body 4. When in the first state, a part of the end of the tail tube 5 can pass through the ring groove 35.

[0064] Furthermore, a return groove 22d extending in the same direction as the vertical section 22a of the connection groove 22 can be provided at the tail end of the connection groove 22 on the optical fiber adapter. After the optical fiber connector is docked with the optical fiber adapter, due to certain errors caused by the production precision of each component (especially the errors caused by parts such as the limit ring platform), it may lead to a certain deviation in the overall assembly. Therefore, in order to reduce the rigid force on the ferrule 6, the return groove 22d is provided so that there can be a certain axial floating after the optical fiber adapter is docked with the optical fiber connector, allowing for a certain error.

[0065] The implementation principle of an optical fiber connector in an embodiment of the present application is as follows:

[0066] During the connection process, first, the insertion position of the ferrule holder 7 is found through the guiding structure at the end of the ferrule holder 7. At this time, the rotating outer sleeve 3 will rotate synchronously with the inner tube body 4. When the ferrule holder 7 is inserted into the jack 21, the connection block 31 will be aligned with the connection groove 22 and inserted into the connection groove 22 as the ferrule holder 7 is pushed in, realizing the quick blind mating connection between the optical fiber connector and the optical fiber adapter.

[0067] An embodiment of the present application also discloses an optical fiber connection assembly. Referring to Figure 12 , it includes an optical fiber connector and an optical fiber adapter connected to the optical fiber connector. Among them, the optical fiber adapter can be the structure disclosed in the above embodiment, or the optical fiber adapter can be configured with connection seats 2 at both ends, so that the optical fiber adapter can axially dock two optical fiber connectors.

[0068] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application. The protection scope of the present application is not limited hereby. Therefore, all equivalent changes made according to the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be covered within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector, characterized in that: It includes an inner tube body (4) for carrying a ferrule assembly and a rotating outer sleeve (3) sleeved and connected outside the inner tube body (4). An annular gap (8) is formed between the rotating outer sleeve (3) and the inner tube body (4) for the connection seat (2) of the fiber optic adapter to pass through. One end of the inner tube body (4) has a ferrule support (7) for inserting into the jack (21) of the fiber optic adapter. The jack (21) of the fiber optic adapter is generally rectangular parallelepiped, and two adjacent apex angles of the jack (21) of the fiber optic adapter have an inclined notch. The ferrule support (7) is configured as an adaptation structure similar to the shape of the jack (21) of the fiber optic adapter, so that the ferrule support (7) can only be inserted into the jack (21) of the fiber optic adapter in a fixed state. The ferrule (6) of the ferrule assembly passes through the ferrule support (7), and the end of the ferrule support (7) has a guide ring (72). The axial projection of the guide ring (72) falls within the axial projection of the ferrule support (7). When the ferrule support (7) blindly inserts into the jack (21) of the fiber optic adapter, when the end face of the ferrule support (7) located outside the guide ring (72) abuts against the edge of the jack (21) of the fiber optic adapter, the end face of the ferrule support (7) is rotated by rotating the inner tube body (4) to insert the ferrule support (7) into the jack (21) of the fiber optic adapter.

2. The fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end face of the ferrule support (7) facing the end connected to the guide ring (72) has an inclined surface (73) located in the circumferential direction of the guide ring (72) and connecting the guide ring (72).

3. The fiber optic connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inclined surface (73) is a spherical surface protruding outward.

4. The fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one connecting block (31) for connecting to the connection groove (22) of the fiber optic adapter is provided on the inner wall of the rotating outer sleeve (3). The rotating outer sleeve (3) is axially limited and slidable relative to the inner tube body (4) to have a first state and a second state. In the first state, the rotating outer sleeve (3) and the inner tube body (4) are circumferentially locked relative to each other. In the second state, the rotating outer sleeve (3) can freely rotate circumferentially relative to the inner tube body (4). Among them, when in the first state, during the process of the ferrule support (7) inserting into the jack (21) of the fiber optic adapter, the connecting block (31) is aligned with the connection groove (22) of the fiber optic adapter.

5. The fiber optic connector according to claim 4, wherein: In the first state, when the ferrule support (7) is completely inserted into the jack (21) of the fiber optic adapter, the connecting block (31) is located in the connection groove (22) of the fiber optic adapter.

6. The fiber optic connector according to claim 4, wherein: An elastic member (9) sleeved outside the inner tube body (4) is clamped between the rotating outer sleeve (3) and the inner tube body (4). Both ends of the elastic member (9) are respectively connected to the rotating outer sleeve (3) and the inner tube body (4), and the elastic member (9) forces the rotating outer sleeve (3) and the inner tube body (4) to have a tendency to maintain in the first state.

7. The fiber optic connector according to claim 4, wherein: A sealing ring (10) is sleeved outside the inner tube body (4). In the first state, the sealing ring (10) is located in the annular region and does not contact the rotating outer sleeve (3). In the second state, the sealing ring (10) contacts the rotating outer sleeve (3), and the rotating outer sleeve (3) and the inner tube body (4) squeeze the sealing ring (10) against each other.

8. The fiber optic connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rotating outer sleeve (3) further has a receiving cavity (33) communicating with the annular region. A transition guiding surface (34) connecting the receiving cavity (33) and the annular region is provided on the inner wall of the rotating outer sleeve (3). The wall of the receiving cavity (33) is inclined so that during the switching process from the first state to the second state, the radial space where the sealing ring (10) is located gradually decreases.

9. The fiber optic connector according to claim 4, wherein: A positioning key (41) is provided outside the inner tube body (4). The tail end of the rotating outer sleeve (3) has a notch (32) for the positioning key (41) to pass through. During the switching process from the first state to the second state, the rotating outer sleeve (3) and the positioning key (41) are disengaged from each other.

10. The fiber optic connector according to claim 9, wherein: A guiding surface is provided on one side of the positioning key (41) facing the direction of insertion into the notch (32).

11. The fiber optic connector according to claim 4, wherein: The rotating outer sleeve (3) extends in a direction away from the annular gap (8) to form a limiting sleeve (34). An annular groove (35) for partially passing through the tail tube (5) is formed between the limiting sleeve (34) and the inner tube body (4).

12. An optical fiber connection component, characterized in that: It includes an optical fiber adapter axially butted with each other and an optical fiber connector as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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