A fiber optic connector and method of fiber optic connection

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of optical fiber connector and optical fiber connection method, wherein, optical fiber connector includes ferrule assembly, connector main body and front sleeve, ferrule assembly includes lock sleeve and optical fiber butt joint assembly, lock sleeve is set on the outer periphery of optical fiber butt joint assembly and is rotationally connected with optical fiber butt joint assembly, connector main body is equipped with inner cavity and with the first window being communicated with inner cavity, the outer surface of lock sleeve is equipped with first rotation push block, first window is used to expose first rotation push block and provide the activity space for first rotation push block, front sleeve is set on the front end of connector main body, front sleeve can be moved along front-back direction relative to connector main body, front sleeve is equipped with first opening being oppositely arranged with first window, when lock sleeve is rotated to unlocking position, first rotation push block extends into first opening, front sleeve is limited to abut with first rotation push block within its stroke;When lock sleeve is rotated to locking position, first rotation push block is located in the interior of front sleeve, front sleeve is staggered with first rotation push block within its stroke.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber connection technology, and in particular to an optical fiber connector and an optical fiber connection method. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic connectors mainly include straight-through and embedded types. Among them, the embedded type connector has an optical fiber pre-embedded in the hole of the ferrule. Currently, in the actual use of fiber optic connectors, on-site construction personnel often forget to tighten the optical fiber mating assembly, which leads to unstable optical path of the fiber optic connector connected to the adapter or even failure to use normally. This requires a lot of time to troubleshoot and rework, which greatly reduces work efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide an optical fiber connector and an optical fiber connection method, wherein the optical fiber connector has a foolproof function and high connection efficiency.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0005] An optical fiber connector includes a ferrule assembly, a connector body, and a front sleeve. The ferrule assembly includes a locking sleeve and an optical fiber mating assembly for connecting a pre-embedded optical fiber and an optical fiber to be mated. The locking sleeve is fitted around the outer periphery of the optical fiber mating assembly and is rotatably connected to the optical fiber mating assembly. The connector body has an inner cavity and a first window communicating with the inner cavity. The outer surface of the locking sleeve has a first rotating push block. The ferrule assembly is disposed in the inner cavity. The first window is used to expose the first rotating push block and provide movement space for the first rotating push block. The front sleeve is fitted around the front end of the connector body and is movable relative to the connector body in a front-rear direction. The front sleeve has a first opening opposite to the first window. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the unlocked position, the first rotating push block extends into the first opening, and the front sleeve can abut against the first rotating push block within its stroke. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the locked position, the first rotating push block is located inside the front sleeve, and the front sleeve is offset from the first rotating push block within its stroke.

[0006] Preferably, the outer surface of the lock sleeve is provided with a second rotating push block, the connector body is provided with a second window communicating with the inner cavity, the second window is used to expose the second rotating push block and provide the second rotating push block with a space for movement, and the front sleeve is provided with a second opening opposite to the second window.

[0007] Preferably, the area of ​​the first opening is smaller than the area of ​​the second opening.

[0008] Preferably, the rear end of the connector body is provided with an optical cable clamping part, and the rear end of the connector body is fitted with a rear sleeve.

[0009] Preferably, the connector body includes a first housing at the front end and a second housing at the rear end, the ferrule assembly is located inside the first housing, a spring is provided between the ferrule assembly and the second housing, a mating portion is provided at the front end of the second housing, the spring is located inside the mating portion, and a limiting portion is provided at the rear end of the optical fiber mating assembly, the spring is sleeved on the rear end of the optical fiber mating assembly and abuts against the limiting portion.

[0010] Preferably, the first housing and the second housing cooperate with each other, the rear end of the first housing is provided with a first slot, and the outer wall of the docking part is provided with a first locking block that cooperates with the first slot.

[0011] Preferably, the second housing is provided with a guide groove for inserting the optical fiber to be connected. The inner diameter of the guide groove gradually decreases from the rear end to the front end. The guide groove is an open guide groove. The guide groove is connected to the docking groove on the optical fiber docking assembly. The second housing is provided with a rear sleeve for closing the guide groove.

[0012] Preferably, the fiber optic docking assembly includes a fiber optic docking platform and a pressure plate. The fiber optic docking platform has a docking groove for docking fibers. The pressure plate cooperates with the fiber optic docking platform to cover the docking groove. A main protrusion is formed on the inner side of the locking sleeve. A planar segment and an outwardly convex curved segment are formed on the side of the pressure plate away from the fiber optic docking platform. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the unlocked position, the main protrusion corresponds to the planar segment, and the locking sleeve and the fiber optic docking assembly are in a non-interference fit state, while the pressure plate and the fiber optic docking platform are in a clearance fit state. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the locked position, the main protrusion corresponds to the curved segment, and the locking sleeve and the fiber optic docking assembly are in an interference fit state, while the pressure plate and the fiber optic docking platform are in a tight fit state.

[0013] Preferably, an auxiliary protrusion is formed on the inner side of the locking sleeve, and an auxiliary flat section and an outwardly convex auxiliary curved section are formed on the outer surface of the optical fiber docking platform. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the unlocked position, the auxiliary protrusion corresponds to the auxiliary flat section, and the locking sleeve and the optical fiber docking assembly are in a non-interference fit state, while the pressure plate and the optical fiber docking platform are in a clearance fit state. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the locked position, the auxiliary protrusion corresponds to the auxiliary curved section, and the locking sleeve and the optical fiber docking assembly are in an interference fit state, while the pressure plate and the optical fiber docking platform are in a tight fit state.

[0014] The present invention also provides a fiber optic connection method using the fiber optic connector, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0015] S1: Push the second rotating push block to rotate the locking sleeve to the unlocked position, insert the optical fiber to be docked into the docking groove, at which time the first rotating push block extends out of the first opening, and the front sleeve can abut against the first rotating push block within its moving stroke.

[0016] S2: Push the first rotating push block to rotate the locking sleeve to the locking position. The ferrule assembly locks the fiber connection point between the pre-embedded optical fiber and the optical fiber to be connected. The first rotating push block is located inside the front sleeve. The front sleeve is offset from the first rotating push block within its travel stroke. The connector body can be plugged into the adapter.

[0017] One of the above technical solutions has at least one of the following advantages or beneficial effects: the locking sleeve of the fiber optic connector can rotate around the axis of the fiber optic mating assembly; the first window is used to expose the first rotating push block and provide the first rotating push block with a space for movement; when the locking sleeve rotates to the unlocked position, the first rotating push block extends into the first opening, and the front sleeve abuts against the first rotating push block within its stroke; when the locking sleeve rotates to the locked position, the first rotating push block is located inside the connector body, and the front sleeve is offset from the first rotating push block within its stroke, so that the fiber optic connector can move to the position to mate with the adapter and connect smoothly to the adapter, so that the fiber optic connector has a foolproof function, thereby avoiding the problem of unstable optical path or even failure to use normally due to forgetting to lock the ferrule assembly when using the fiber optic connector, and improving the overall work efficiency of the user.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the optical fiber connector in the unlocked state of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the fiber optic connector of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view of one embodiment of the fiber optic connector in the unlocked state of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at point BB;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at point AA;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a top view of one embodiment of the fiber optic connector in the locked state of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional view at point DD;

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional view at point C;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of an embodiment of the fiber optic connector in the unlocked state of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is one of the perspective views of an embodiment of the fiber optic connector in the locked state of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a top view of another embodiment of the fiber optic connector in the locked state of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Cross-sectional view at EE;

[0032] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Cross-sectional view at the FF point;

[0033] Figure 14 This is one of the bottom views of an embodiment of the optical fiber connector in the locked state of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 15 This is a second perspective view of an embodiment of the fiber optic connector in the locked state of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 16 This is a second bottom view of an embodiment of the optical fiber connector in the locked state of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This section will describe in detail specific embodiments of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and overall technical solution of the present invention, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] In this invention, when directions (up, down, left, right, front, and back) are described, it is only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this invention, and does not indicate or imply that the technical features referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0038] In this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc., are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," "within," etc., are understood to include the stated number. In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrally formed connection; a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection capable of mutual communication; or the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0040] in, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 13 The reference direction coordinate system of this invention is given below, in conjunction with... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 13 The directions shown illustrate embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] An embodiment of the present invention provides an optical fiber connector, see below. Figures 1 to 13The connector assembly includes a ferrule assembly, a connector body 300, and a front sleeve 400. The ferrule assembly includes a locking sleeve 200 and an optical fiber mating assembly 100 for connecting a pre-embedded optical fiber and an optical fiber to be mated. The locking sleeve 200 is fitted around the outer periphery of the optical fiber mating assembly 100 and is rotatably connected to the optical fiber mating assembly 100. The connector body 300 has an inner cavity and a first window 311 communicating with the inner cavity. A first rotating push block 220 is provided on the outer surface of the locking sleeve 200. The ferrule assembly is located in the inner cavity. The first window 311 is used to expose the first rotating push block 220 and provide movement space for the first rotating push block 220. The front sleeve 400 is fitted around the front end of the connector body 300 and can move relative to the connector body 300 in the front-back direction. The front sleeve 400 has a first opening 410 opposite to the first window 311. When the locking sleeve 200 is rotated to the unlocked position, the first rotating push block 220 extends into the first opening 410, and the front sleeve 400 can move within its stroke. The first rotating push block 220 is in a limiting position, and because the movement of the front sleeve 400 is obstructed, the fiber optic connector cannot be smoothly connected with the adapter. When the locking sleeve 200 is rotated to the locked position, the first rotating push block 220 is located inside the front sleeve 400, and the front sleeve 400 is offset from the first rotating push block 220 within its stroke. Since the movement of the front sleeve 400 is not obstructed, the fiber optic connector can move to the position to cooperate with the adapter and be smoothly connected to the adapter. This gives the fiber optic connector a foolproof function, thereby avoiding the problem of unstable optical path or even failure to use the fiber optic connector due to forgetting to lock the ferrule assembly. This improves the overall work efficiency of the user. It should be noted that the front sleeve 400 is offset from the first rotating push block 220 within its stroke. Specifically, in the direction perpendicular to the connector axis, the front sleeve 400 and the first rotating push block 220 are offset from each other, so that the front sleeve 400 does not contact the first rotating push block 220 within its stroke.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the locking sleeve 200 is provided with a second rotating push block 230, and the connector body 300 is provided with a second window 313 communicating with the inner cavity. The second window 313 is used to expose the second rotating push block 230 and provide the second rotating push block 230 with a space for movement. The front sleeve 400 is provided with a second opening 420 opposite to the second window 313. No matter whether the locking sleeve 200 is rotated to the unlocked position or the locked position, the front sleeve 400 does not contact the second rotating push block 230.

[0043] Preferably, the area of ​​the first opening 410 is smaller than the area of ​​the second opening 420.

[0044] The connector body 300 has an optical cable clamping part 321 at its rear end, and a rear sleeve 500 is fitted onto the rear end of the connector body 300.

[0045] In some embodiments, the connector body 500 includes a first housing 310 at the front end and a second housing 320 at the rear end. The ferrule assembly is located inside the first housing 310. A spring 330 is provided between the ferrule assembly and the second housing 320. The front end of the second housing 320 is provided with a mating portion 321. The spring 330 is located inside the mating portion 321. The rear end of the fiber optic docking assembly 100 has a limiting portion 140. The spring 330 is sleeved on the rear end of the fiber optic docking assembly 100 and abuts against the limiting portion 140.

[0046] Preferably, the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 cooperate with each other, the rear end of the first housing 310 is provided with a first slot 312, and the outer wall of the docking part 321 is provided with a first locking block 323 that cooperates with the first slot 312.

[0047] Preferably, the second housing 320 is provided with a guide groove 322 for inserting the optical fiber to be connected. The inner diameter of the guide groove 322 gradually decreases from the rear end to the front end. The guide groove 322 is an open guide groove. The guide groove 322 is connected to the docking groove on the optical fiber docking assembly 100. The second housing 320 is provided with a rear sleeve 500 for closing the guide groove 322.

[0048] Preferably, the second housing 320 is provided with a second locking block 324, which is located behind the first locking block 323, and the rear sleeve 500 is provided with a second locking groove 510 that cooperates with the second locking block 324.

[0049] Preferred, see Figure 5 The fiber optic docking assembly 100 includes a fiber optic docking platform 110 and a pressure plate 120. The fiber optic docking platform 110 has a docking groove 130 for docking optical fibers. The pressure plate 120 cooperates with the fiber optic docking platform 110 by covering the docking groove 130. A main protrusion 210 is formed on the inner side of the locking sleeve 200. A planar section 121 and an outwardly convex curved section 122 are formed on the side of the pressure plate 120 away from the fiber optic docking platform 110. When the locking sleeve 200 is rotated to the unlocked position, the main protrusion 210 corresponds to the planar section 121, and the locking sleeve 200 and the fiber optic docking assembly 100 are in a non-interference fit state, and the pressure plate 120 and the fiber optic docking platform 110 are in a clearance fit state. When the locking sleeve 200 is rotated to the locked position, the main protrusion 210 corresponds to the curved section 122, and the locking sleeve 200 and the fiber optic docking assembly 100 are in an interference fit state, and the pressure plate 120 and the fiber optic docking platform 110 are in a tight fit state.

[0050] Preferably, an auxiliary protrusion 240 is formed on the inner side of the locking sleeve 200, and an auxiliary flat section 111 and an outwardly convex auxiliary curved section 112 are formed on the outer surface of the fiber optic docking platform 110. When the locking sleeve 200 is rotated to the unlocked position, the auxiliary protrusion 240 corresponds to the auxiliary flat section 111, and the locking sleeve 200 and the fiber optic docking assembly 100 are in a non-interference fit state, while the pressure plate 120 and the fiber optic docking platform 110 are in a clearance fit state. When the locking sleeve 200 is rotated to the locked position, the auxiliary protrusion 240 corresponds to the auxiliary curved section 112, and the locking sleeve 200 and the fiber optic docking assembly 100 are in an interference fit state, while the pressure plate 120 and the fiber optic docking platform 110 are in a tight fit state.

[0051] The present invention also provides an optical fiber connection method using the optical fiber connector in the above embodiments, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0052] S1: Push the second rotating push block 230 to rotate the locking sleeve 200 to the unlocked position, and insert the optical fiber to be docked into the docking groove. At this time, the first rotating push block 220 extends out of the first opening 410, and the front sleeve 400 can be limited and abutted against the first rotating push block 220 within its moving stroke.

[0053] S2: Push the first rotating push block 220 to rotate the locking sleeve 200 to the locked position. The ferrule assembly locks the fiber connection point between the pre-embedded optical fiber and the optical fiber to be connected. The first rotating push block 220 is located inside the front sleeve 400. The front sleeve 400 is offset from the first rotating push block 220 within the movement stroke. The connector body 300 can be plugged into the adapter.

[0054] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "example," "embodiment," or "some embodiments" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0055] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector, characterized in that: The connector includes a ferrule assembly, a connector body, and a front sleeve. The ferrule assembly includes a locking sleeve and an optical fiber mating assembly for connecting a pre-embedded optical fiber and an optical fiber to be mated. The locking sleeve is fitted around the outer periphery of the optical fiber mating assembly and is rotatably connected to it. The connector body has an inner cavity and a first window communicating with the inner cavity. The outer surface of the locking sleeve has a first rotating push block. The ferrule assembly is disposed in the inner cavity. The first window is used to expose the first rotating push block and provide movement space for it. The front sleeve is fitted around the front end of the connector body and is movable relative to the connector body in a front-back direction. The front sleeve has a first opening opposite to the first window. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the unlocked position, the first rotating push block extends into the first opening, and the front sleeve can abut against the first rotating push block within its travel range. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the locked position, the first rotating push block is located inside the front sleeve, and the front sleeve is offset from the first rotating push block within its travel range.

2. The fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the lock sleeve is provided with a second rotating push block, the connector body is provided with a second window communicating with the inner cavity, the second window is used to expose the second rotating push block and provide the second rotating push block with a space for movement, and the front sleeve is provided with a second opening opposite to the second window.

3. The fiber optic connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The area of ​​the first opening is smaller than the area of ​​the second opening.

4. The fiber optic connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connector body has an optical cable clamping part at its rear end, and a rear sleeve is fitted at the rear end of the connector body.

5. The fiber optic connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connector body includes a first housing at the front end and a second housing at the rear end. The ferrule assembly is located inside the first housing. A spring is provided between the ferrule assembly and the second housing. The front end of the second housing has a mating part, and the spring is located inside the mating part. The rear end of the optical fiber mating assembly has a limiting part, and the spring is sleeved on the rear end of the optical fiber mating assembly and abuts against the limiting part.

6. The fiber optic connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first housing and the second housing cooperate with each other. The rear end of the first housing is provided with a first slot, and the outer wall of the docking part is provided with a first locking block that cooperates with the first slot.

7. The fiber optic connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second housing has a guide groove for inserting the optical fiber to be connected. The inner diameter of the guide groove gradually decreases from the rear end to the front end. The guide groove is an open guide groove. The guide groove is connected to the docking groove on the optical fiber docking assembly. The second housing has a rear sleeve for closing the guide groove.

8. The fiber optic connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fiber optic docking assembly includes a fiber optic docking platform and a pressure plate. The fiber optic docking platform has a docking groove for docking fibers. The pressure plate cooperates with the fiber optic docking platform to cover the docking groove. A main protrusion is formed on the inner side of the locking sleeve. The side of the pressure plate away from the fiber optic docking platform has a flat section and an outwardly convex curved section. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the unlocked position, the main protrusion corresponds to the flat section, and the locking sleeve and the fiber optic docking assembly are in a non-interference fit state, while the pressure plate and the fiber optic docking platform are in a clearance fit state. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the locked position, the main protrusion corresponds to the curved section, and the locking sleeve and the fiber optic docking assembly are in an interference fit state, while the pressure plate and the fiber optic docking platform are in a tight fit state.

9. The fiber optic connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: An auxiliary protrusion is formed on the inner side of the locking sleeve, and an auxiliary flat section and an outwardly convex auxiliary curved section are formed on the outer surface of the optical fiber docking platform. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the unlocked position, the auxiliary protrusion corresponds to the auxiliary flat section, and the locking sleeve and the optical fiber docking assembly are in a non-interference fit state, while the pressure plate and the optical fiber docking platform are in a clearance fit state. When the locking sleeve is rotated to the locked position, the auxiliary protrusion corresponds to the auxiliary curved section, and the locking sleeve and the optical fiber docking assembly are in an interference fit state, while the pressure plate and the optical fiber docking platform are in a tight fit state.

10. A method for optical fiber connection using the optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: S1: Push the second rotating push block to rotate the locking sleeve to the unlocked position, insert the optical fiber to be docked into the docking groove, at which time the first rotating push block extends out of the first opening, and the front sleeve can abut against the first rotating push block within its moving stroke. S2: Push the first rotating push block to rotate the locking sleeve to the locking position. The ferrule assembly locks the fiber connection point between the pre-embedded optical fiber and the optical fiber to be connected. The first rotating push block is located inside the front sleeve. The front sleeve is offset from the first rotating push block within its travel stroke. The connector body can be plugged into the adapter.

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