A multi-core MPO connector

Abstract

A multi-pin MPO connector comprises an inner shell, an outer shell that slides back and forth on the inner shell, the inner shell being provided with a cavity that passes through from front to back, two or more pins being stacked and arranged at the front end of the cavity, an elastic component that provides elasticity to the pins being provided at the rear end of each pin, and the pins being connected to the optical fiber. The connector of the present invention can simultaneously connect at least two MT pins, each pin is provided with an independent elastic component corresponding to the pin, and can achieve independent elastic docking, each pin can adjust its own axial position according to the axial position of the corresponding plug-in structure of the other connector, ensuring a firm plug-in with the other connector; and when subjected to external force, each pin can always be docked, with high docking stability, ensuring stable signal transmission; the connector of the present invention can simultaneously connect at least two MT pins, and can achieve simultaneous docking of multiple pins, thereby increasing the transmission density of the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector, in particular to an MPO connector capable of simultaneously docking multiple MT ferrules. Background Art

[0002] With the unprecedented growth in data demand for communication networks such as 5G and data centers, the amount of data that needs to be transmitted simultaneously in equipment operating cabinets is increasing. High-density multi-core connectors play a key role in device interconnection, which can not only achieve multi-core signal docking at the same time, but also save space.

[0003] In current communication systems, the most widely used multi-core connector is the MPO connector, which has an MT ferrule inside and relies on the MT ferrule to achieve optical signal docking and transmission.

[0004] The existing MPO connector can only connect one MT ferrule at a time. The number of transmission cores of the connector is limited by the number of cores of the MT ferrule, and the transmission density is limited. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the technical problem of low transmission density of the above-mentioned existing MPO connector, the present invention provides a multi-core MPO connector.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solution: A multi-ferrule MPO connector according to the present invention comprises an inner housing, an outer housing being sleeved on the inner housing and sliding back and forth, the inner housing having a through-going cavity, two or more ferrules being stacked and disposed at the front end of the cavity, and an elastic component providing elastic force to the ferrule at the rear end of each ferrule, the ferrule being connected to an optical fiber.

[0007] Furthermore, a positioning seat is provided at the rear end of the insert, an elastic component is provided at the rear end of the positioning seat, the other end of the elastic component is connected to the limit seat, and the relative position of the limit seat and the inner shell body is fixed; the elastic component includes a small spring and a shaft, the small spring is sleeved on the shaft, one end of the shaft is axially limited on the positioning seat, and the other end is axially slidably set on the limit seat; one end of the small spring is against the positioning seat, and the other end is against the limit seat.

[0008] Furthermore, a limiting hole is provided on the ferrule, and a limiting pin is provided on the positioning seat, which is inserted into the limiting hole; an axially penetrating groove or hole is provided on the positioning seat for passing the optical fiber.

[0009] Furthermore, a positioning seat slot is provided at the rear end of the positioning seat, and a limit block is provided at the rear end of the positioning seat slot; a front boss is provided at the front end of the shaft, and a groove for the shaft to be installed from the side and pass axially is provided on the limit block, the front boss is limited between the limit block and the wall of the positioning seat slot, and the shaft passes through the positioning seat slot from the groove of the limit block.

[0010] Furthermore, the limit seat is provided with a limit seat slot, the limit seat slot extends axially, the front end of the limit seat slot is provided with a stop block, the stop block is provided with a slot for the shaft to be installed from the side and slide axially through, the rear end of the shaft is provided with a rear boss, the rear boss is slidably provided in the limit seat slot, and the shaft slides through the slot of the stop block; the front end of the limit seat is provided with a spring slot for accommodating a small spring; the limit seat is provided with a hole or slot for the optical fiber to pass through.

[0011] Furthermore, a rear shell is provided at the rear end of the inner shell, a rear shell cover is provided on the rear shell, an inner shell fixing groove is provided at the front end of the rear shell for nesting the rear end of the inner shell, a rear shell front groove is provided on the side wall of the inner shell fixing groove, an inner shell protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the rear end of the inner shell, and the inner shell protrusion is nested in the front groove of the rear shell; the rear end face of the inner shell and the rear end face of the limit seat are both against the inside of the rear shell.

[0012] Furthermore, a support member is provided at the rear end of the rear shell, and the optical fiber is passed through the support member.

[0013] Furthermore, an axially extending side spring is embedded in the outer wall of the inner shell, the rear end of the side spring abuts against the inner shell, and the front end of the side spring abuts against the step on the inner wall of the outer shell.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer wall of the inner shell is provided with axially extending reinforcing ribs.

[0015] Furthermore, a limiting protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the insert, and a step is provided on the inner wall of the cavity of the inner shell. After the insert is inserted into the inner shell from the rear end, the front end surface of the limiting protrusion abuts against the step.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention is beneficial in that:

[0017] The connector of the present invention can simultaneously connect at least two MT ferrules. Each ferrule is provided with an independent elastic component to achieve independent elastic docking. Each ferrule can adjust its own axial position according to the axial position of the corresponding plug-in structure of the other connector to ensure a secure plug-in with the other connector. Moreover, when subjected to external force, each ferrule can always be docked, with high docking stability, ensuring stable signal transmission. The connector of the present invention can simultaneously connect at least two MT ferrules and can achieve simultaneous docking of multiple ferrules, thereby improving the transmission density of the connector.

[0018] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the following preferred embodiments are specifically cited and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a multi-pin MPO connector of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the decomposition;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 sectional view of

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of the inner housing, outer housing, insert, and positioning seat in the illustrated embodiment;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connection between the positioning seat, the limiting seat, and the elastic component in the embodiment shown;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of the rear housing and support member in the illustrated embodiment;

[0025] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the rear housing and the support member in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Reference numerals

[0027] 1-Inner shell, 101-Reinforcement rib, 102-Inner shell protrusion, 103-Side spring, 104-Mounting groove, 105-Mounting protrusion, 2-Outer shell, 3-Rear shell, 301-Rear shell cover, 302-Screw, 303-Front groove of rear shell, 304-Rear groove of rear shell, 305-Screw hole, 306-Card slot structure, 307-Inner shell fixing slot, 308-Support fixing slot, 309-Card block, 4- Ferrule, 401-limiting protrusion, 402-limiting hole, 5-optical fiber, 6-positioning seat, 601-positioning seat slot, 602-limiting pin, 603-limiting block, 7-small spring, 8-shaft, 801-front boss, 802-rear boss, 9-limiting seat, 901-limiting seat slide, 902-stop block, 903-spring slot, 904-inclined surface, 10-support member, 1001-support member protrusion, 1002-opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] An embodiment of a multi-pin MPO connector of the present invention, hereinafter referred to as a connector, such as Figures 1 to 6 The connector has its plug end as the front end and its plugging direction as the axial direction, and comprises an inner housing 1 and an outer housing 2 which is sleeved on the inner housing 1 and can move forward and backward.

[0030] Axially extending side springs 103 are nested on both sides of the inner housing 1. The rear ends of the side springs 103 rest against the inner housing 1. In their natural state, the front ends of the side springs 103 rest against both the inner housing 1 and the steps on the inner wall of the outer housing 2. Moving the outer housing 2 rearward compresses the side springs 103, freeing the front ends of the side springs 103 from contact with the inner housing 1. The front end of the inner housing 1 is provided with axially extending mounting grooves 104 and mounting protrusions 105. The front end of the outer housing 2 covers the outer side of the rear ends of the mounting grooves 104 and mounting protrusions 105. To mate this connector with another connector, the outer housing 2 is moved rearward. After the inner housing 1 is mated with the other connector, the corresponding structure on the mating end of the other connector nests with the mounting grooves 104 and mounting protrusions 105. Release the outer housing 2, returning it to its initial state. The inner wall of the front end of the outer housing 2 fits against the outer side of the mating end of the other connector, locking the two connectors.

[0031] Axially extending reinforcing ribs 101 are provided on the outer wall of the inner shell 1 to improve the bending resistance of the inner shell 1 .

[0032] The inner housing 1 has a cavity that runs through it from front to back. The ferrules 4, positioning seats 6, and elastic component groups are arranged in a corresponding sequence from front to back. The ends of the ferrules 4 extend out of the inner housing 1 to facilitate docking with another connector. In this embodiment, two ferrules 4 are stacked at the front end of the cavity. Correspondingly, two positioning seats 6 and elastic component groups are located in the cavity, and the two positioning seats 6 are stacked. This description uses one set of ferrules 4, positioning seats 6, and elastic component groups as an example.

[0033] Limiting protrusions 401 are provided on both sides of the ferrule 4, and steps are provided on the inner walls of both sides of the inner shell cavity. After the ferrule 4 is inserted into the inner shell from the rear end of the inner shell, the front end surface of the limiting protrusion 401 abuts against the steps to prevent the ferrule 4 from falling out of the inner shell cavity. Axially extending limiting holes 402 are provided on both sides of the ferrule 4, and the limiting holes 402 are through holes. Axially extending limiting pins 602 are provided on the front end surfaces of both sides of the positioning seat 6. The limiting pins 602 are inserted into the corresponding limiting holes 402 to achieve radial limiting of the ferrule 4 and the positioning seat 6. An axially through groove or hole is provided on the positioning seat 6 for passing the optical fiber 5, and the optical fiber 5 is connected to the corresponding ferrule 4.

[0034] The rear ends of both sides of the locating seat are provided with locating seat slots 601. The locating seat slots 601 extend through the sides and rear end of the locating seat, and the rear ends of the locating seat slots 601 are provided with stoppers 603. The elastic component assembly includes two elastic components, the front ends of which are respectively installed in the corresponding locating seat slots 601. The elastic components include a small spring 7 and a shaft 8, and the small spring 7 is sleeved on the shaft 8. The ends of the shaft 8 are provided with a front boss 801 and a rear boss 802, respectively. The stoppers 603 are provided with a groove for the shaft 8 to be installed from the side and pass axially. The front end of the shaft 8 and the front boss 801 are installed in the locating seat slots 601 from the side of the locating seat 6. The front boss 801 is limited between the stoppers 603 and the wall of the locating seat slots 601. The shaft 8 passes through the groove of the stoppers 603 and exits the locating seat slots 601. After the positioning seat 6 is installed in the inner housing 1, the wall of the inner housing 1, the positioning seat slot 601, and the limiting block 603 jointly limit the front boss 801, so that it is fixed to the rear end of the positioning seat 6. Another elastic component of the same elastic component group is installed on the other side of the positioning seat 6 in the same way.

[0035] Both sides of the limiting seat 9 are provided with limiting seat slots 901. The limiting seat slots 901 extend axially, and their openings are provided on the sides of the limiting seat 9. The front end of the limiting seat slot 901 is provided with a stop block 902, which has a groove for the shaft 8 to be installed from the side and slide axially through. The rear end of the shaft 8 and the rear boss 802 are installed in the limiting seat slot 901 from the side of the limiting seat 6. The rear boss 802 is provided in the limiting seat slot 901 and can slide back and forth in the limiting seat slot 901. The shaft 8 passes through the groove of the stop block 902 and can slide back and forth in the limiting seat slot 901. A spring slot 903 is provided at the front end of the limit seat 9. The spring slot 903 extends forward and backward and is connected to the front end and side of the limit seat 9, so that the small spring 7 can be installed from the side of the limit seat 9. The rear end of the spring slot 903 is a stop block 902. Another elastic component of the same elastic component group is installed on the other side of the limit seat 9 in the same way. The limit seat 9 is set at the rear end of the cavity of the inner shell 1. The limit seat 9 is provided with a hole or slot for the optical fiber 5 to pass through. The rear end of the limit seat 9 is provided with an inclined surface 904. After the limit seat 9 is inserted into the inner shell 1, the limit seat 9 may extend out of the inner shell 1 under the action of the elastic component. When the inner shell 1 is installed together with the limit seat 9 to the rear shell 3, the inclined surface 904 plays a guiding role to prevent the limit seat 9 from getting stuck on the rear shell 3 when the rear end is at a right angle.

[0036] Since the present invention provides two ferrules 4, positioning seats 6, and elastic component groups, correspondingly, two sets of limiting seat sliding grooves 901, stop blocks 902, and spring grooves 903 are provided on both sides of the limiting seat 9. In other embodiments of the present invention, and provided with two ferrules 4, positioning seats 6, and elastic component groups, two limiting seats 9 can be stacked and provided, each limiting seat 9 having a set of limiting seat sliding grooves 901, stop blocks 902, and spring grooves 903 on both sides.

[0037] The rear end of the inner housing 1 is nested within the rear housing 3. The front end of the rear housing 3 is provided with an inner housing fixing slot 307, and the rear end is provided with a support member fixing slot 308. The support member fixing slot 308 is used to position and secure the support member 10. The inner housing fixing slot 307 and the support member fixing slot 308 are interconnected and both extend axially. The inner housing fixing slot 307 passes through the front end of the rear housing 3, while the support member fixing slot 308 passes through the rear end of the rear housing 3. The ferrule 4, positioning seat 6, elastic component assembly, and limiting seat are installed within the inner housing 1. The optical fiber 5 extends out of the inner housing and is threaded into the support member 10. The inner housing 1 and support member 10 are nested in corresponding positions within the rear housing and secured to the rear housing 3 using the rear housing cover 301 to complete the installation of the connector.

[0038] The rear end of the inner housing 1 is nested in the inner housing fixing groove 307. The sidewalls of the inner housing fixing groove 307 are provided with a rear housing front groove 303. The outer wall of the rear end of the inner housing 1 is provided with an inner housing protrusion 102. Once the rear end of the inner housing 1 is nested in the inner housing fixing groove 307, the inner housing protrusion 102 nestles in the rear housing front groove 303, securing the inner housing 1 within the rear housing front groove 303. This allows the inner housing 1 to withstand axial tension and prevent it from loosening from the rear housing 3. After the rear housing cover 301 is fastened to the rear housing 3, the rear end of the inner housing 1 is fixed to the front end of the rear housing 3. The width of the inner housing fixing groove 307 is greater than the width of the support member fixing groove 308. The rear end surface of the inner housing 1 and the rear end surface of the retaining seat 9 both abut against the stepped surface formed by the inner housing fixing groove 307 and the support member fixing groove 308, thereby axially limiting the inner housing 1 and the various components within the inner housing 1.

[0039] The rear ends of the inner shell 1 and the limit seat 9 are against the inside of the rear shell 3. The limit seat 9 is connected to the positioning seat 6 through an elastic component. The rear end of the ferrule 4 cooperates with the positioning seat 6. When the connector is plugged in, the ferrule 4 is subjected to force, pushing the positioning seat 6 to move backward, thereby moving the shaft 8 backward, and the rear boss 802 of the shaft 8 slides in the limit seat slot 901, and the small spring 7 is compressed; after the connector is plugged in with another connector, the small spring 7 provides a pre-tightening axial force for the docking of the ferrule 4 and the other connector. Even if the two connectors are subjected to external force, due to the pre-tightening force of the small spring 7, the ferrule is always pressed against the other connector, ensuring a firm plug-in, thereby ensuring stable signal transmission.

[0040] Two ferrules 4 are provided in the inner housing 1 . The two ferrules 4 are stacked on top of each other. Each ferrule 4 independently corresponds to a positioning seat 6 and an elastic component group, so each ferrule 4 can be retracted independently.

[0041] The sidewalls of the support member fixing groove 308 are provided with a rear housing rear recess 304, and a support member protrusion 1001 is provided at the front end of the support member 10. After the rear end of the support member 10 is nested in the support member fixing groove 308, the support member protrusion 1001 is engaged with the rear housing rear recess 304. After the rear housing cover 301 is secured to the rear housing 3, the rear end of the support member 10 is fixed within the rear housing 3. The support member 10 is a sleeve structure, and the optical fiber 5 is passed through the support member 10. The support member 10 supports the optical fiber 10 and is flexible, preventing the optical fiber 5 from excessive bending and damage.

[0042] The rear shell cover 301 is fixed to the rear shell 3 by screws 302. A through hole is set on the rear shell cover 301, and correspondingly, a threaded hole 305 is set on the rear shell. After the rear shell cover 301 is covered on the rear shell, the threaded hole 305 is aligned with the through hole on the rear shell cover 301, and then the screw 302 is used to pass through the through hole and screw into the threaded hole 305, so that the rear shell cover 301 is fixed to the rear shell 3 and covers the inner shell fixing groove 307 and the support member fixing groove 308. A slot structure 306 is provided on the surface where the front end of the rear shell 3 matches the rear shell cover 301, and a slot with an opening toward the rear end is provided on the slot structure 306. An axially extending block 309 is provided at the front end of the rear shell cover 301. When the rear shell cover 301 is installed on the rear shell 3, the rear shell cover 301 fits against the upper end surface of the rear shell and pushes the rear shell cover 301 forward so that the block 309 is inserted into the slot structure 306. At the same time, the through hole on the rear shell cover 301 is aligned with the threaded hole on the rear shell 3, so as to further fix the rear shell cover 301 on the rear shell 3.

[0043] The optical fiber 5 passes through the supporting member 10 , the rear housing 3 , the limiting seat 9 , the gap between the elastic components, the positioning seat 6 in sequence from the rear end and is connected to the ferrule 4 .

[0044] The connector of the present invention can simultaneously realize the connection of at least two MT ferrules, and the plug-in locking and unlocking method is consistent with the push-pull installation locking and unlocking method of the traditional MPO connector; each ferrule is provided with an independent elastic component to realize independent elastic docking, and each ferrule can adjust its own axial position according to the axial position of the corresponding plug-in structure of the other connector to ensure firm plugging with the other connector, and when subjected to external force, each ferrule can always be docked, with high docking stability, ensuring stable signal transmission; multiple ferrules can be arranged in the connector, and multiple ferrules can be docked at the same time, thereby improving the transmission density of the connector.

[0045] In another embodiment of the present invention, the rear housing 3 and the support member 10 are integrally formed. Figure 7 As shown, another difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is that a communicating opening 1002 is provided on the rear end of the rear shell 3 and the support member 10 of this embodiment, and the optical fiber 5 is placed in the inner shell 1 and the support member 10 through the opening.

[0046] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and alterations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-core MPO connector, comprising an inner housing (1), an outer housing (2) sleeved on the inner housing (1) for sliding back and forth, characterized in that: The inner shell (1) is provided with a cavity that passes through from front to back, and two or more ferrules (4) are stacked at the front end of the cavity. The rear end of each ferrule (4) is provided with an elastic component that provides elastic force to the ferrule (4), and the ferrule (4) is connected to the optical fiber (5); a positioning seat (6) is provided at the rear end of the ferrule (4), one end of the elastic component is provided at the rear end of the positioning seat (6), and the other end is connected to the limiting seat (9), and the relative position of the limiting seat (9) and the inner shell (1) is fixed; the elastic component includes a small spring (7) and a shaft (8), the small spring (7) is sleeved on the shaft (8), one end of the shaft (8) is axially limited on the positioning seat (6), and the other end is axially slidably provided on the limiting seat (9); one end of the small spring (7) is against the positioning seat (6), and the other end is against the limiting seat (9).

2. The multi-core MPO connector according to claim 1, wherein: The ferrule (4) is provided with a limiting hole (402), the positioning seat (6) is provided with a limiting pin (602), and the limiting pin (602) is inserted into the limiting hole (402); the positioning seat (6) is provided with an axially penetrating groove or hole for passing the optical fiber (5).

3. The multi-core MPO connector according to claim 1, wherein: A positioning seat slot (601) is provided at the rear end of the positioning seat, and a limiting block (603) is provided at the rear end of the positioning seat slot (601); a front boss (801) is provided at the front end of the shaft (8), and a groove for the shaft (8) to be installed from the side and pass through axially is provided on the limiting block (603); the front boss (801) is limited between the limiting block (603) and the wall of the positioning seat slot (601), and the shaft (8) passes through the positioning seat slot (601) through the groove of the limiting block (603).

4. The multi-core MPO connector according to claim 1, wherein: The limiting seat (9) is provided with a limiting seat slot (901), the limiting seat slot (901) extends axially, the front end of the limiting seat slot (901) is provided with a stop block (902), the stop block (902) is provided with a groove for the shaft (8) to be installed from the side and to slide axially through, the rear end of the shaft (8) is provided with a rear boss (802), the rear boss (802) is slidably provided in the limiting seat slot (901), and the shaft (8) is slidably provided in the groove of the stop block (902); the front end of the limiting seat (9) is provided with a spring slot (903) for accommodating a small spring (7); the limiting seat (9) is provided with a hole or slot for the optical fiber (5) to pass through.

5. The multi-core MPO connector according to claim 1, wherein: A rear shell (3) is provided at the rear end of the inner shell (1), a rear shell cover (301) is provided on the rear shell (3), an inner shell fixing groove (307) for nesting in the rear end of the inner shell (1) is provided at the front end of the rear shell (3), a rear shell front groove (303) is provided on the side wall of the inner shell fixing groove (307), an inner shell protrusion (102) is provided on the outer wall of the rear end of the inner shell (1), and the inner shell protrusion (102) is nested in the rear shell front groove (303); the rear end surface of the inner shell (1) and the rear end surface of the limiting seat (9) are both against the rear shell (3).

6. The multi-pin MPO connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: A support member (10) is provided at the rear end of the rear housing, and the optical fiber (5) is passed through the support member (10).

7. The multi-pin MPO connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: An axially extending side spring (103) is embedded in the outer wall of the inner shell (1), the rear end of the side spring (103) abuts against the inner shell (1), and the front end of the side spring (103) abuts against the step on the inner wall of the outer shell (2).

8. The multi-pin MPO connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the inner shell (1) is provided with axially extending reinforcing ribs (101).

9. The multi-core MPO connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the insert (4) is provided with a limiting protrusion (401), and the inner wall of the inner shell cavity is provided with a step. After the insert (4) is inserted into the inner shell from the rear end, the front end surface of the limiting protrusion (401) abuts against the step.

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