A flange connector based on fc optical fiber

Abstract

The application discloses a flange connector based on FC optical fiber and relates to the technical field of optical fiber connectors, which comprises the following components: a docking assembly, which comprises a docking base and a ferrule sleeve, the docking base is provided with a ferrule hole for inserting an optical fiber, and the ferrule sleeve is arranged on both sides of the port of the corresponding ferrule hole of the docking base; and a circuit assembly, which comprises a series-connected indicator lamp and an elastic contact, and the elastic contact is provided with a movable end which can be combined with the docking base. When the FC optical fiber connector is docked with the flange connector, the end of the FC optical fiber connector will extrude the elastic contact, the elastic contact will be in contact with the docking base, the circuit will be in communication, and the indicator lamp will be on. According to the on-off state of the indicator lamp, a worker can determine whether the FC optical fiber is well docked, and according to the brightness or flickering phenomenon of the indicator lamp, the worker can determine the access quality of the FC optical fiber, so that the worker can find the hidden trouble of the key link in the optical fiber communication system in time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fiber optic connector technology, and more particularly to a flange connector based on FC fiber. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic flange connectors are detachable, movable connections between optical fibers. They precisely align the two end faces of the fibers to maximize the coupling of light energy from the transmitting fiber to the receiving fiber and minimize the impact on the system caused by their intervention in the optical link. These are the basic requirements of fiber optic connectors. These connectors are simple in structure, easy to operate, and easy to manufacture. The most widely used type in current power fiber optic communication systems is the FC (Ferrule Connector) fiber optic flange connector. Its external reinforcement uses a metal sleeve, and its fastening method is a screw thread. The ceramic ferrule has a flat contact (FC) mating end face.

[0003] Currently used FC flange fiber optic connectors cannot be visually assessed by construction or maintenance personnel to determine the quality of the FC flange connectors in the fiber optic cable terminal patch panel, whether the screws are tightened, or whether incompatible patch cords are being used. This affects the reliability and performance of the optical transmission system. When operating near the terminal, it can easily disrupt ongoing services, leading to interruptions and losses for critical services. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0005] In view of the problem that construction or maintenance personnel cannot visually determine the quality of the FC flange connector in the fiber optic terminal patch panel of the equipment jumper, this invention is proposed.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a flange connector based on FC optical fiber, comprising: a mating assembly, which includes a mating base and a ferrule sleeve, wherein the mating base has a ferrule hole with sufficient fiber optic insertion, and the ferrule sleeve is disposed on both sides of the port corresponding to the ferrule hole of the mating base; and a circuit assembly, which includes an indicator light and an elastic contact connected in series, wherein the elastic contact has a movable end capable of engaging and disengaging with the mating base.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the FC fiber-based flange connector of the present invention, the elastic contact includes a mounting portion, a pressing portion, and a bent portion connected between the mounting portion and the pressing portion; the middle section of the mounting portion has a bent section protruding to one side, and the free end of the mounting portion is hook-shaped; the free end of the pressing portion is rolled, and the free end of the pressing portion is the movable end that separates and joins the elastic contact with the mating substrate; both sides of the ends of the bent portion that are connected to the mounting portion and the pressing portion have inwardly narrowing waist grooves, and the middle section of the bent portion has a V-shaped cut.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the FC fiber-based flange connector of the present invention, the mating substrate is made of metal.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the FC fiber-based flange connector of the present invention, it further includes a protective component for connecting and isolating the elastic contact and the mating base; the protective component includes an insulating base that snaps into the mating base, the insulating base having a power connection slot and a mounting slot; a power supply and an expansion connector are installed in the power connection slot, the positive and negative terminals of the power supply are both connected to power contacts, and the power contacts are snapped into the mounting slot.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the FC fiber-based flange connector of the present invention, there are two mounting slots, which are respectively arranged on both sides opposite to the power connection slot and extend outward along a trajectory parallel to the edge line of the insulating card seat.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the flange connector based on FC optical fiber described in this invention, the insulating base is further provided with a slot, the bottom of the slot is provided with a limiting surface that can abut against the free end of the hook-shaped mounting part, the slot is connected to either of the two mounting slots, and the contact piece in the other mounting slot extends out of the mounting slot.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the FC fiber-based flange connector of the present invention, wherein: when the mounting portion of the elastic contact is inserted into the bottom of the slot, the inclined surface of the free end of the hook-shaped mounting portion abuts against the limiting surface at the bottom of the slot; when the mounting portion of the elastic contact is inserted into the bottom of the slot, the bent section of the mounting portion abuts against the contact piece passing through the slot.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the FC fiber-based flange connector of the present invention, the mating base is provided with a groove for accommodating the portion of the contact piece extending out of the mounting groove, and the portion of the contact piece extending out of the mounting groove can be inserted into the groove.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the FC fiber-based flange connector of the present invention, wherein: the insulating base is provided with a through threaded hole on the part of the corresponding contact piece extending out of the mounting groove, and a locking stud is provided in the threaded hole; the mating base is provided with an elongated hole that intersects with the groove on the side wall of the groove; the locking stud can pass through the threaded hole and the elongated hole in sequence and press the contact piece inserted into the groove, so that the contact piece abuts against the side wall of the groove.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the FC fiber-based flange connector of the present invention, the locking stud is made of insulating material.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting up the circuit assembly, when the FC fiber optic connector is mated with the flange connector described in this invention, the end of the FC fiber optic connector will squeeze the elastic contact piece, causing the elastic contact piece to contact the mating substrate, thus connecting the circuit and illuminating the indicator light. Based on the on / off state of the indicator light, the operator can determine whether the FC fiber optic connection is good. The brightness of the indicator light or whether it flickers indicates the quality of the FC fiber optic connection. This helps the operator to promptly identify potential problems in key aspects of the fiber optic communication system, such as improper patch cord connection, loose threads, or the use of incompatible patch cords. This ensures the correct mating and connection quality of the FC fiber optic cable, contributing to improved stability and performance of the communication system. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit components in this invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the insulating card holder in this invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the docking base and the insert sleeve in this invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic contact piece in this invention.

[0024] Figure 7This is a front view of the elastic contact piece in this invention.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the elastic contact is inserted into the slot in this invention.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the mating of the FC fiber optic connector and the flange connector described in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0030] Secondly, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When detailing the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged, not according to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, actual fabrication should include the three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 9 This first embodiment of the invention provides a flange connector based on FC optical fiber, which provides a visual on-site indication and reference when the jumper is not properly connected, the thread is not tightened, or an incompatible jumper is used for connection. This solves the problem that the commonly used FC / FC flange connectors in existing power systems do not have the function of detecting the coupling quality of the pigtail connection, which affects the stable operation of the communication system.

[0033] Specifically, it includes a docking component 100, a circuit component 200, and a protection component 300. The docking component 100 is used to connect with the FC fiber optic connector, the circuit component 200 can determine the quality of the pigtail connection based on the circuit continuity, and the protection component 300 provides insulation protection, isolating weak current to prevent electric shock to the operator.

[0034] Furthermore, the docking assembly 100 includes a docking base 101 and a ferrule sleeve 102. The docking base 101 is made of metal and is conductive. The docking base 101 has a ferrule hole 101a large enough for optical fiber insertion. The ferrule sleeve 102 is disposed on both sides of the port of the docking base 101 corresponding to the ferrule hole 101a. The ferrule sleeve 102 has an external thread groove 102a adapted to the threaded connection mechanism on the FC optical fiber connector, and a positioning groove 102b that mates with the boss on the FC optical fiber connector.

[0035] Specifically, when the FC optical fiber is connected to the flange connector described in this application, the end of the FC optical fiber connector is inserted into the ferrule hole 101a of the mating base 101. By setting the ferrule sleeve 102, protection is provided for the FC optical fiber connection, reducing bending during connection, ensuring that the optical fiber is aligned with the axis of the ferrule hole 101a of the connector, and preventing dust and impurities from entering the ferrule hole 101a of the connector. Specifically, the positioning groove 102b cooperates with the boss on the FC optical fiber connector to ensure a seal and play a dustproof role. The external thread groove 102a on the outside of the ferrule sleeve 102 cooperates with the threaded connection mechanism on the FC optical fiber connector to improve the reliability of the connection and make the connection more stable.

[0036] Furthermore, the circuit assembly 200 includes an indicator light 201 and an elastic contact 202 connected in series. The elastic contact 202 has a movable end 202c-1 that can separate from and engage with the docking substrate 101. The movable end 202c-1 of the elastic contact 202 is a contact point for circuit connection. Its position should be adapted to the FC fiber connector. When the FC fiber is connected, it can be squeezed by the end of the FC fiber connector, thereby contacting the docking substrate 101. After the FC fiber connector is separated, it can separate from the docking substrate 101 through its own elastic recovery characteristics.

[0037] It is worth noting that the docking substrate 101 is made of metal and is conductive. In this embodiment, it is used as part of the circuit to form a complete circuit with the circuit component 200 for transmitting current.

[0038] Specifically, the movable end 202c-1 of the elastic contact 202 is squeezed during FC fiber access, thus making contact with the docking substrate 101. The elastic contact 202 is conductive. When the movable end 202c-1 of the elastic contact 202 contacts the docking substrate 101, the circuit is connected and the indicator light 201 lights up. The staff judges whether the FC fiber is correctly docked based on the on / off state of the indicator light 201. The access quality of the FC fiber is judged based on the brightness of the indicator light 201 or whether it flickers.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a second embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that the elastic contact 202 includes a mounting portion 202a, a pressing portion 202c, and a bent portion 202b connecting the mounting portion 202a and the pressing portion 202c. The elastic contact 202 is integrally formed or formed by multiple bending and cutting processes.

[0041] Specifically, the middle section of the mounting part 202a has a bent section 202a-1 protruding to one side, and the free end of the mounting part 202a is hook-shaped; the free end of the pressing part 202c is rolled, and the free end of the pressing part 202c is the movable end 202c-1 that separates and joins the elastic contact piece 202 with the docking base 101; the ends of the bending part 202b that are connected to the mounting part 202a and the pressing part 202c respectively have waist-narrowing grooves 202b-1 on both sides, and the middle section of the bending part 202b has a V-shaped cut 202b-2.

[0042] Specifically, the design of the waist-recessed groove 202b-1 and the V-shaped cut 202b-2 can improve the flexibility and elasticity of the elastic contact 202, so that the elastic contact 202 can bend and reset better when subjected to external force, ensuring that the movable end 202c-1 of the elastic contact 202 can stably contact or separate from the docking substrate 101.

[0043] At the same time, it can also increase the stability and durability of the overall structure of the elastic contact 202, and reduce wear caused by prolonged use (squeezing) or repeated insertion and removal.

[0044] The remaining structure is the same as that in Example 1.

[0045] Example 3

[0046] Reference Figures 3-8This is the third embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the second embodiment in that: a protective component 300 is provided to connect and isolate the elastic contact 202 and the docking base 101; the protective component 300 includes an insulating bracket 301 that snaps into the docking base 101, the insulating bracket 301 being made of insulating material and serving as a handheld device for workers when the FC optical fiber is docked with the flange connector described in this application.

[0047] As a further improvement, the insulating card holder 301 has a power connection slot 301a and a mounting slot 301b. The power connection slot 301a houses a power supply 203 and an expansion connector 204. The power supply 203 provides electrical energy to the circuit assembly 200, ensuring that the circuit is connected and that the electrical energy can be transmitted to the indicator light 201 to illuminate the indicator light 201. The expansion connector 204 allows for the connection of an external data acquisition device.

[0048] Furthermore, the positive and negative terminals of the power supply 203 are both connected to contact plates 205. The contact plates 205 are snapped into the mounting slots 301b. There are two mounting slots 301b, which are arranged opposite each other from the contact slot opening 301a and extend outward along a trajectory parallel to the edge line of the insulating card holder 301.

[0049] Furthermore, the insulating card holder 301 is provided with a slot 301c. The bottom of the slot 301c is provided with a limiting surface 301c-1 that can abut against the free end of the hook-shaped mounting part 202a. The slot 301c is connected to either of the two mounting slots 301b, and the contact piece 205 in the other mounting slot 301b extends out of the slot.

[0050] Specifically, the elastic contact 202 as a whole has the characteristic of elastic recovery. In use, the hook-shaped mounting part 202a is inserted into the slot 301c. The hook shape is compressed and contracted. When the mounting part 202a of the elastic contact 202 is inserted into the bottom of the slot 301c, the hook shape recovers and abuts against the limiting surface 301c-1 at the bottom of the slot 301c, which plays the role of limiting and preventing the contact piece 205 from falling off. When the mounting part 202a of the elastic contact 202 is inserted into the bottom of the slot 301c, the bent section 202a-1 of the mounting part 202a abuts against the contact piece 205 passing through the slot 301c. Thus, the elastic tension is used to fix the mounting part 202a in the slot 301c, so that the elastic contact 202 is fixed and the elastic contact 202 is connected to the contact piece 205, so that the current can be smoothly conducted between the contact piece 205 and the elastic contact 202.

[0051] Furthermore, the docking base 101 is provided with a receiving groove 101b for accommodating the portion of the contact piece 205 extending out of the mounting groove 301b. After the insulating retainer 301 is engaged with the docking base 101, the portion of the contact piece 205 extending out of the mounting groove 301b is inserted into the receiving groove 101b.

[0052] Furthermore, the insulating card holder 301 has a through threaded hole 301d on the part of the corresponding contact piece 205 extending out of the mounting groove 301b. A locking stud 302 is provided in the threaded hole 301d, and the locking stud 302 is made of insulating material. The mating base 101 has an elongated hole 101c that penetrates the groove 101b on the side wall of the corresponding groove 101b. The locking stud 302 can pass through the threaded hole 301d and the elongated hole 101c in sequence and press the contact piece 205 inserted into the groove 101b, so that the contact piece 205 abuts against the side wall of the groove 101b.

[0053] Specifically, after the insulating card holder 301 is snapped into connection with the docking base 101, the part of the contact piece 205 extending out of the mounting groove 301b is inserted into the groove 101b. By turning the locking stud 302, the contact piece 205 abuts against the side wall of the groove 101b, so that the current can be smoothly conducted between the contact piece 205 and the docking base 101.

[0054] The remaining structure is the same as that in Example 2.

[0055] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0056] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the invention) may be omitted.

[0057] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine work of design, manufacturing, and production without requiring much experimentation.

[0058] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flange connector based on FC optical fiber, characterized in that: include, A docking assembly (100) includes a docking base (101) and a ferrule sleeve (102). The docking base (101) has a ferrule hole (101a) for sufficient fiber optic insertion. The ferrule sleeve (102) is disposed on both sides of the port of the docking base (101) corresponding to the ferrule hole (101a). The circuit assembly (200) includes an indicator light (201) and a resilient contact (202) connected in series, the resilient contact (202) having a movable end (202c-1) capable of engaging or disengaging with the mating substrate (101). The elastic contact (202) includes a mounting portion (202a), a pressing portion (202c), and a bent portion (202b) connecting the mounting portion (202a) and the pressing portion (202c). The middle section of the mounting part (202a) has a bent section (202a-1) protruding to one side, and the free end of the mounting part (202a) is hook-shaped; The free end of the pushing part (202c) is rolled up, and the free end of the pushing part (202c) is the movable end (202c-1) of the elastic contact (202) and the docking substrate (101). The curved portion (202b) has inwardly narrowed waist grooves (202b-1) on both sides of the end connected to the mounting portion (202a) and the pushing portion (202c), and the middle section of the curved portion (202b) has a V-shaped cut (202b-2). It also includes a protective component (300) for connecting and isolating the resilient contact (202) and the mating base (101); The protective component (300) includes an insulating bracket (301) that snaps into the docking base (101), the insulating bracket (301) having an electrical connection slot (301a) and two mounting slots (301b). The power inlet (301a) is equipped with a power supply (203) and an expansion connector (204). The positive and negative terminals of the power supply (203) are connected to a power contact piece (205), which is snapped into the mounting slot (301b). The insulating card holder (301) is also provided with a slot (301c). The bottom of the slot (301c) is provided with a limiting surface (301c-1) that can abut against the free end of the hook-shaped mounting part (202a). The slot (301c) is connected to either of the two mounting slots (301b). The electrical contact piece (205) in the other mounting slot (301b) extends out of the mounting slot (301b).

2. The flange connector based on FC optical fiber as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The docking substrate (101) is made of metal.

3. The flange connector based on FC optical fiber as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The two mounting slots (301b) are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the power connection slot (301a) and extend outward along a trajectory parallel to the edge of the insulating card holder (301).

4. The flange connector based on FC optical fiber as described in claim 2, characterized in that: When the mounting portion (202a) of the elastic contact (202) is inserted into the bottom of the slot (301c), the upper inclined surface of the free end of the hook-shaped mounting portion (202a) abuts against the limiting surface (301c-1) at the bottom of the slot (301c); When the mounting portion (202a) of the elastic contact (202) is inserted into the bottom of the slot (301c), the bent section (202a-1) of the mounting portion (202a) abuts against the contact piece (205) passing through the slot (301c).

5. The flange connector based on FC optical fiber as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The docking base (101) is provided with a groove (101b) for accommodating the portion of the contact piece (205) extending out of the mounting groove (301b), and the portion of the contact piece (205) extending out of the mounting groove (301b) can be inserted into the groove (101b).

6. The flange connector based on FC optical fiber as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The insulating card holder (301) has a through threaded hole (301d) on the part of the corresponding electrical contact piece (205) that extends out of the mounting groove (301b), and a locking stud (302) is provided in the threaded hole (301d). The docking substrate (101) has an elongated hole (101c) that intersects with the docking groove (101b) on its side wall. The locking stud (302) can pass through the threaded hole (301d) and the elongated hole (101c) in sequence and press the contact piece (205) inserted into the groove (101b) so that the contact piece (205) abuts against the side wall of the groove (101b).

7. The flange connector based on FC optical fiber as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The locking stud (302) is made of insulating material.

Images