An MPO ferrule that reduces transmission fluctuations

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of optical fiber connectors, and in particular to an MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuations, comprising: a ferrule body having a front end and a rear end; a plurality of optical fiber holes, in which optical fibers are installed; a plug-in shell, sleeved on the ferrule body, for plugging in an external optical fiber connector, with the front end of the ferrule body extending out of the front end opening of the plug-in shell; a crimping body, one end of which is passed through the interior of the plug-in shell through the rear end opening of the plug-in shell and forms a fixed connection; an elastic member, which abuts against the crimping body; and a damping component, which is installed in the plug-in shell and is configured to form a damping effect on the elastic member, so that after the elastic member is compressed, it slowly recovers its deformation and releases the elastic force. In summary, through the innovative design of the damping component, the problem of end face damage caused by the large elastic force of the elastic member during the plug-in process of the MPO ferrule is effectively solved, while ensuring the stability and reliability of optical fiber transmission, and has important practical application value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of optical fiber connectors, and in particular to an MPO ferrule capable of reducing transmission fluctuations. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of data communication technology, the demand for high-bandwidth, high-speed fiber-optic communications is increasing. Multi-fiber parallel fiber optic connectors (MPO), due to their high density and multi-channel characteristics, are widely used in data centers, fiber-optic communication systems, and other fields. As the core component of fiber optic connections, the performance of MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) ferrules directly affects the stability and reliability of fiber optic transmission.

[0003] In the existing technology, MPO ferrules usually use elastic parts (such as springs) to ensure the close fit of the optical fiber end face, thereby reducing transmission fluctuations and signal attenuation. However, the elastic design of the elastic part presents a dilemma: if the elastic force of the elastic part is insufficient, the end face of the ferrule will not fit tightly enough, which can easily lead to unqualified transmission fluctuations and fail to meet the stringent requirements for transmission stability in high-bandwidth scenarios. On the contrary, when using elastic parts with greater elasticity, although the end face fitting effect can be improved in theory, in the actual plug-in process, the user needs to overcome the greater elastic force and insert it forcefully, which can easily cause the end face of the ferrule to collide and even cause scratches on the end face. Once the end face is damaged, the optical path transmission performance will be severely reduced, the attenuation will increase, the loss will increase, and the transmission fluctuation will intensify, seriously affecting the quality and efficiency of data transmission.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent publication number CN119654584A describes a multi-fiber ferrule with multiple holes, each of which has adjacent partitions separating the holes. The partitions also facilitate insertion of optical fibers into the individual holes. While improvements have been made to the optical fiber's securement, the aforementioned issues still exist.

[0005] Existing technical solutions usually attempt to balance the end face damage and transmission fluctuation problems during the plug-in process by adjusting the elastic force value of the elastic part. However, this method is difficult to fundamentally solve the problem, and in high-bandwidth, high-speed application scenarios, it still cannot meet the high requirements for transmission stability and reliability.

[0006] Therefore, when using elastic parts with greater elastic force to reduce transmission fluctuations, how to ensure that the end face of the MPO ferrule is not damaged during the plugging process has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide a technical solution that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] The present invention provides an MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuations, comprising:

[0009] A ferrule body is installed with multiple optical fibers to achieve optical transmission connection of the optical fibers, and the ferrule body has a front end and a rear end, and extends in a longitudinal direction between the front end and the rear end;

[0010] A plurality of optical fiber holes extending from the front end portion to the rear end portion of the ferrule body to form a through hole, wherein one of the plurality of optical fibers is installed in each optical fiber hole;

[0011] The plug housing is sleeved on the ferrule body and is used to plug in an external optical fiber connector. The interior of the plug housing is hollow and has openings at both ends. The front end of the ferrule body extends out of the front opening of the plug housing.

[0012] The crimping body is hollow inside to allow a cable composed of multiple optical fibers to pass through. One end of the crimping body is inserted into the plug housing through the rear opening of the plug housing to form a fixed connection. The other end of the crimping body is provided with a crimping ring to assist the crimping body in fixing the optical fiber cable.

[0013] An elastic member is disposed in the interior space of the plug housing, with one end abutting against the ferrule body and the other end abutting against the crimping body, and the elastic force of the elastic member drives the front end of the ferrule body to extend out of the front end opening of the plug housing; and

[0014] The damping component is installed in the plug-in housing and is configured to form a damping effect on the elastic member, so that the elastic member slowly recovers its deformation and releases elastic force after being compressed.

[0015] Furthermore: it also includes a cover, which is sleeved on the plug-in shell and covers the front end of the plug-in body; and the cover is configured to assist in pressing the plug-in body so that it retracts a certain distance into the plug-in shell, thereby causing the damping component to obstruct the elastic component.

[0016] Furthermore: the damping component is arranged on the outer ring of the elastic member, thereby forming a damping effect on the outer ring arm of the elastic member.

[0017] Furthermore: the damping component is arranged on the inner ring of the elastic member, thereby forming a damping effect on the inner ring arm of the elastic member.

[0018] Furthermore: the damping component is arranged on the inner side wall of the crimping body, and is used to form a damping effect on the outer ring arm of the elastic member.

[0019] Furthermore: the damping component is arranged on the inner side wall of the plug-in housing to form a damping effect on the outer ring arm of the elastic component.

[0020] Furthermore: a fiber guide is provided at the rear end of the ferrule body, and the damping component is provided on the outer side wall of the fiber guide, thereby forming a damping effect on the inner ring arm of the elastic component.

[0021] Furthermore: the damping component is configured as a plurality of protrusions distributed at a certain distance.

[0022] Further: the damping member is configured as a wave-shaped protrusion with a certain spacing.

[0023] Furthermore: the damping component is configured as a rubber sleeve with a spiral groove on the inner wall, and is sleeved on the elastic member, so that the side wall of the spiral groove blocks the deformation of the elastic member.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] 1. Reduce the risk of end face damage: By installing a damping component inside the plug housing and using it to block the rebound stroke of the elastic member, the deformation and rebound speed of the elastic member can be effectively slowed down, causing it to release its elastic force relatively slowly. Before plugging the connector, press the front end of the core body into the plug housing a certain distance to allow the damping component to take effect. At this time, the optical fiber end face at the front end of the core body will not collide with the existing optical fiber end face in the connector or adapter, greatly reducing the possibility of end face damage, thereby effectively protecting the optical path transmission performance.

[0026] Optimizing optical transmission efficiency: At the end of the spring's rebound stroke, as the elastic member gradually returns to a shape close to its pre-compression shape, the damping element weakens or disengages, allowing the full force of the elastic member to be applied to the ferrule, ensuring closer contact between the ferrule end faces. This not only improves optical transmission efficiency but also significantly reduces attenuation and loss, further minimizing transmission fluctuations. This is particularly suitable for scenarios such as data centers, where transmission stability is paramount.

[0027] 3. Protect the optical fiber end face: A cover is set on the plug-in housing. The cover can not only protect the optical fiber end face at the front end during transportation and handling, but also use the protrusions on the inner wall to press the ferrule body when it is necessary to press the ferrule body, avoiding direct contact between operators and the optical fiber end face, preventing scratches or dirt on the end face. It is particularly suitable for use scenarios with high requirements for the optical fiber end face.

[0028] 4. Effectively prevent the rebound of the elastic part: The damping component is made of a soft material (such as rubber) with a certain rebound force and friction force. It can undergo elastic deformation when squeezed by the elastic part, and form a friction effect on the metal ring of the elastic part, preventing the metal ring from moving and slowing down the rebound speed of the elastic part. At the same time, it will not completely block its rebound, ensuring that the ferrule body can still obtain the necessary elastic pressure.

[0029] Therefore, the present invention effectively solves the problem of end face damage caused by the large elastic force of the elastic part during the plugging process of the MPO ferrule through the innovative design of the damping component, while ensuring the stability and reliability of optical fiber transmission, and has important practical application value.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0032] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the plug-in housing and the cover of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the ferrule body and the plug-in housing of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the elastic member and the damping member of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the locking arm and the wavy protrusion of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the plug-in housing and the cover of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ferrule body and the plug housing of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a state in which the ferrule body of the present invention is retracted into the interior of the plug housing;

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical fiber guide, the protrusions, and the wavy protrusions of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rubber sleeve and the elastic member of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of two ferrule bodies of the present invention being respectively inserted into adapters.

[0042] The reference numerals and names in the figures are as follows:

[0043] 10 ferrule body; 11 front end; 12 rear end; 13 optical fiber hole; 14 optical fiber guide; 15 guide pin assembly; 16 sliding cover; 17 cable sheath; 20 plug-in housing; 21 recessed hole; 22 long side wall; 23 sealing cover; 24 pressing protrusion; 25 avoidance groove; 30 crimping body; 31 long side notch; 32 step position; 33 locking arm; 34 claw; 35 arc groove; 36 crimping ring; 40 elastic member; 41 outer ring arm; 42 inner ring arm; 50 damping member; 51 protrusion; 52 wavy protrusion; 53 rubber sleeve; 54 spiral groove; 60 adapter seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following is a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] See also Figures 1 to 10 In an embodiment of the present invention, an MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuations includes:

[0046] The ferrule body 10 is installed with multiple optical fibers to achieve optical transmission connection of the optical fibers. The ferrule body 10 has a front end 11 and a rear end 12 and extends in the longitudinal direction between the front end 11 and the rear end 12;

[0047] A plurality of optical fiber holes 13 extending from the front end portion 11 to the rear end portion 12 of the ferrule body 10 to form a through hole, and one of the plurality of optical fibers is installed in each optical fiber hole 13;

[0048] The plug housing 20 is sleeved on the ferrule body 10 and is used to plug in an external optical fiber connector. The interior of the plug housing 20 is hollow and has openings at both ends. The front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 extends out of the front opening of the plug housing 20.

[0049] The crimping body 30 is hollow inside to allow a cable composed of multiple optical fibers to pass through. One end of the crimping body 30 is inserted into the plug housing 20 through the rear opening of the plug housing 20 to form a fixed connection. The other end of the crimping body 30 is provided with a crimping ring 36 to assist the crimping body 30 in fixing the optical fiber cable.

[0050] The elastic member 40 is disposed in the interior space of the plug housing 20, with one end abutting against the ferrule body 10 and the other end abutting against the crimping body 30, and its elastic force drives the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 to extend out of the front opening of the plug housing 20; and

[0051] The damping member 50 is installed in the plug housing 20 and is configured to provide a damping effect on the elastic member 40 so that the elastic member 40 slowly recovers its deformation and releases elastic force after being compressed.

[0052] Specifically, during the use of the MPO ferrule, it is usually inserted into the optical fiber connection socket of an external device or the adapter socket 60 of another optical fiber connector. In order to reduce attenuation, reduce loss, and reduce transmission fluctuations, an elastic member 40 is also provided inside the ferrule so that the two ferrule end faces can fit tightly together during connection, ensuring the stability of the optical path transmission. In particular, when used in scenarios such as data centers with high bandwidth requirements, the requirements for transmission fluctuations are more stringent. If the elastic force of the elastic member 40 used is insufficient, the end faces will not fit tightly enough, which can easily lead to unqualified transmission fluctuations. If an elastic member 40 with greater elasticity is used, the user will need to overcome the greater elastic force and forcefully insert it during the plug-in process, which can easily cause the end face to collide or even be scratched, seriously affecting the performance of the optical path transmission. Therefore, when using an elastic member 40 with greater elasticity to reduce transmission fluctuations, how to ensure that the end face of the MPO ferrule will not be damaged during the plug-in process is a problem worth studying.

[0053] Secondly, by providing a damping member 50 inside the plug housing 20, the damping member 50 can be used to block the rebound stroke of the elastic member 40, slowing down its deformation rebound speed, so that it can release the elastic force relatively slowly, thereby preventing the end face of the ferrule from being subjected to a large impact force during the plugging process, reducing end face damage, and avoiding transmission fluctuations. For example, before plugging the connector, the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 is first pressed a certain distance into the plug housing 20, so that the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 is retracted a certain distance into the plug housing 20, so that the damping member 50 can block the elastic member 40, causing it to slowly recover its deformation and slowing down its rebound speed. At this time, when the plugging operation is performed, the optical fiber end face of the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 will not collide with the existing optical fiber end face in the connecting seat or adapter seat 60, thereby reducing the possibility of end face damage.

[0054] Again, at the end of the spring rebound stroke, due to the rebound recovery of the elastic member 40, its shape is roughly close to the shape before compression, which is equivalent to disengaging from the damping component 50 or reducing the damping effect, so that the elastic force of the elastic member 40 can be fully applied to the ferrule, and its greater elastic force is used to apply pressure to the ferrule, making the contact of the end face closer, thereby improving the optical path transmission efficiency, reducing attenuation, reducing loss, and reducing transmission fluctuations.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, preferably, it also includes a cover 23, which is sleeved on the plug-in housing 20 and covers the front end 11 of the plug-in body 10; and the cover 23 is configured to assist in pressing the plug-in body 10 so that it retracts a certain distance into the plug-in housing 20, thereby causing the damping component 50 to obstruct the elastic component 40.

[0056] Specifically, in some use scenarios with low requirements, the installer can directly use the pads of their fingers, or the pads of their gloves, to press the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 to retract it a certain distance. In some use scenarios with higher requirements, direct contact with the optical fiber end face of the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 should be avoided as much as possible to prevent scratching or dirtying the end face. Therefore, a cover 23 can be provided on the plug-in housing 20. The cover 23 can cover the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10, which can not only protect the optical fiber end face of the front end 11 during transportation and handling, but also directly use the protrusions on the inner wall of the cover 23 to press the ferrule body 10 when it is necessary to press the ferrule body 10, avoiding the problem of direct contact with the optical fiber end face.

[0057] Secondly, the cover 23 is provided with a pressing protrusion 24 on the inner side wall corresponding to the front end portion 11 of the core body 10, and the pressing protrusion 24 is provided with an avoidance groove 25 at the position corresponding to the optical fiber hole 13 of the front end portion 11, so that when the pressing protrusion 24 abuts against the front end portion 11 for a pressing operation, the avoidance groove 25 can be used to avoid the end face of the optical fiber installed in the optical fiber hole 13, avoiding contact with the end face of the optical fiber, and further preventing the end face from being scratched or dirty.

[0058] Furthermore, the cover 23 can be made of a hard plastic material and detachably mounted on the plug housing 20 by a snap connection, and can slide along the plug housing 20 for a certain distance to press the ferrule body 10. The cover 23 can also be made of a soft rubber material and detachably mounted on the plug housing 20 by elastic deformation of the soft rubber material, and can also press the ferrule body 10 by utilizing its elastic deformation.

[0059] like Figures 3 to 9 As shown, preferably, the damping component 50 is made of a soft material with a certain resilience and friction force.

[0060] Specifically, to hinder the deformation of the elastic member 40, the damping member 50 can be constructed from a soft material with both resilient deformation and friction, such as rubber. When squeezed by the elastic member 40, the damping member 50 undergoes a certain degree of elastic deformation, creating friction on the metal ring of the elastic member 40, thereby hindering the movement of the metal ring and slowing its rebound deformation. As will be appreciated, the ferrule body 10 also requires the elastic force of the elastic member 40 for pressure. Therefore, the damping member 50 cannot be configured to completely prevent the rebound of the elastic member 40, but rather to slow its rebound speed.

[0061] Secondly, the elastic member 40 is preferably a compression spring (compression spring), which is a coil spring that withstands axial pressure. There is a certain gap between the coils of the compression spring. When subjected to an external load, the spring contracts and deforms to store deformation energy.

[0062] Thirdly, the damping member 50 utilizes the gaps between the spring coils to disrupt the spring's deformation process, creating a damping effect. Specifically, after being compressed, the spring contracts and deforms, and its deformed metal coils sink into the soft material of the damping member 50. As the spring rebounds, its coils overcome the friction of the damping member 50 and move, encountering some resistance. This slows the spring's rebound speed, effectively causing the spring to slowly release its elastic force.

[0063] Therefore, the damping member 50 is made of a soft material (such as rubber, silicone, etc.) with a certain resilience and friction force. It can undergo elastic deformation when squeezed by the elastic member 40, and form a friction effect on the metal ring of the elastic member 40, thereby preventing the metal ring from moving and slowing down the rebound speed of the elastic member 40. At the same time, it will not completely block its rebound, ensuring that the core body 10 can still obtain the necessary elastic pressure.

[0064] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, preferably, the damping member 50 is arranged on the outer ring of the elastic member 40, thereby forming a damping effect on the outer ring arm 41 of the elastic member 40. Figure 8 As shown, preferably, the damping member 50 is disposed on the inner ring of the elastic member 40 , thereby forming a damping effect on the inner ring arm 42 of the elastic member 40 .

[0065] Specifically, since the compression spring is spiral-shaped, an outer ring arm 41 facing outward and an inner ring arm 42 facing inward can be formed. Therefore, the damping component 50 can be set on the outside of the elastic component 40 so that its inward end can block the outer ring arm 41 of the spring, or the damping component 50 can be set on the inside of the elastic component 40 so that its outward end can block the inner ring arm 42 of the spring. Both implementation methods can achieve the effect of slowing down the rebound deformation of the spring.

[0066] Secondly, for the springs used in current 12- to 24-core MPO ferrules, damping the elastic element 40 can be achieved by installing a damping member 50 on only one side. As the number of cores in MPO ferrules increases with technological advancements, the spring force must also be increased accordingly. Therefore, damping members 50 can be installed on both the outside and inside of the elastic element 40 to enhance the damping effect and prevent the stronger spring from damaging the ferrule end face.

[0067] Therefore, the damping member 50 can be placed on either the outer or inner ring of the elastic member 40, providing a damping effect on the outer ring arm 41 or inner ring arm 42 of the elastic member 40. The damping member 50 can be flexibly positioned for MPO ferrules with different core counts. For example, for MPO ferrules with 12 to 24 cores, the damping member 50 can be positioned only on one side. As the number of cores increases, the spring force increases, and the damping member 50 can be positioned on both the outer and inner sides of the elastic member 40 to enhance the damping effect and prevent end face damage.

[0068] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the damping member 50 is provided on the inner side wall of the crimping body 30 to provide a damping effect on the outer ring arm 41 of the elastic member 40 .

[0069] Specifically, to secure the crimping body 30 to the inner wall of the plug housing 20, a recessed hole 21 is typically provided on the inner wall of the plug housing 20, and a latch 34 is positioned at a corresponding position on the crimping body 30. The latch 34 engages within the recessed hole 21, forming a snap-fit ​​connection. Preferably, a locking arm 33 of a certain length is also provided between the crimping body 30 and the latch 34. This locking arm 33 has a certain elastic deformation capacity, deforming during assembly and then returning to its original position, thereby locking and providing a retaining force to secure the connection. To avoid the elastic member 40, an arcuate groove 35 is provided on the side of the locking arm 33 facing the elastic member 40. This allows the elastic member 40 to freely undergo compression or rebound deformation within the arcuate groove 35. Therefore, a damping member 50 can be provided on the inner sidewall of the arcuate groove 35 to prevent the deformation of the outer ring arm 41 of the elastic member 40, slowing its rebound deformation and gradually releasing its elastic force.

[0070] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, preferably, the damping member 50 is provided on the inner side wall of the plug-in housing 20 to provide a damping effect on the outer ring arm 41 of the elastic member 40 .

[0071] Specifically, because the two locking arms 33 are disposed on the short sides of the crimping body 30, larger long-side notches 31 are formed on its two long sides. A stepped portion 32 is formed at the bottom of the long-side notches 31, allowing the end of the elastic member 40 abutting the crimping body to precisely abut against the stepped portion 32. The outer ring arm 41 of the elastic member 40, located at the long-side notches 31, extends toward the long-side notches 31 and approaches the inner sidewall of the plug housing 20. The inner sidewall of the plug housing 20 corresponding to the long-side notches 31 serves as the long-side sidewall 22. Therefore, a damping member 50 can be disposed on the long-side sidewall 22, extending a certain portion toward the long-side notches 31. This damping member 50 thereby blocks the deformation of the outer ring arm 41 of the elastic member 40 at the long-side notches 31, slowing its rebound deformation and gradually releasing its elastic force.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, preferably, the rear end portion 12 of the ferrule body 10 is provided with a fiber guide 14 , and the damping member 50 is provided on the outer side wall of the fiber guide 14 , thereby forming a damping effect on the inner ring arm 42 of the elastic member 40 .

[0073] Specifically, in order to better guide and assist the optical fiber to be fixed to the optical fiber hole 13, an optical fiber guide 14 will be provided at the rear end portion 12 of the ferrule body 10. In the existing design, the optical fiber guide 14 is relatively short. In order to provide the damping component 50, the optical fiber guide 14 can be lengthened so that the end away from the ferrule body 10 can be inserted into the elastic component 40 for a certain length. Therefore, the damping component 50 can be provided on the outer side wall of the optical fiber guide 14 inserted into the elastic component 40. By utilizing its characteristic of extending into the elastic component 40, the damping component 50 can block the deformation of the inner ring arm 42 of the elastic component 40 corresponding to the optical fiber guide 14, slow down its rebound deformation speed, and slowly release its elastic force.

[0074] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, preferably, the damping member 50 is configured as a plurality of protrusions 51 distributed at a certain distance.

[0075] Specifically, when the distance between the elastic member 40 and the location where the damping element 50 is installed is relatively short, the damping element 50 can be provided with protrusions 51. The tips of the protrusions 51 can be used to block the deformation of the elastic member 40. The friction force increased by the tip of each protrusion 51 is relatively small, which is more suitable for elastic members 40 with relatively small elastic forces. In relatively wide areas, a large number of protrusions 51 can also be provided to increase the friction force on the elastic member 40.

[0076] like Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 8As shown, preferably, the damping member 50 is configured as a wave-shaped protrusion 52 with a certain interval.

[0077] Specifically, when the elastic member 40 is at a long distance from the location where the damping component 50 is installed, the damping component 50 can be configured as a wavy protrusion 52. The top of the wavy protrusion 52 can be used to block the deformation of the elastic member 40. Due to the larger volume and higher height of the wavy protrusion 52, it can exert greater friction on the elastic member 40, making it more suitable for elastic members 40 with relatively high elasticity. To further increase the friction, multiple wavy protrusions 52 can be provided to form a damping component 50 with greater friction. It is understood that both the protrusions 51 and the wavy protrusions 52 can be provided as needed, allowing for flexible configuration based on the specific distance between them.

[0078] like Figure 9 As shown, preferably, the damping member 50 is configured as a rubber sleeve 53 with a spiral groove 54 on the inner wall, and is sleeved on the elastic member 40 so that the side wall of the spiral groove 54 blocks the deformation of the elastic member 40 .

[0079] Specifically, for the elastic member 40 with greater elasticity, a rubber sleeve 53 can be provided, and the outer wall of the rubber sleeve 53 can be fixed to the interior of the plug-in housing 20 by gluing or other means, so that the elastic member 40 can be directly inserted into the rubber sleeve 53. A spiral groove 54 corresponding to the spiral parameters of the elastic member 40 is provided on the inner side wall of the rubber sleeve 53. That is, in the initial state, the metal ring of the elastic member 40 is exactly located in the spiral groove 54, and when the elastic member 40 is only subjected to a small degree of compression stroke, its metal ring is also located in the spiral groove 54; only when the elastic member 40 is subjected to a large degree of compression stroke, its metal ring is exactly stuck in the side wall of the spiral groove 54, thereby preventing its rebound deformation.

[0080] Therefore, the damping component 50 can be arranged at different positions such as the inner wall of the crimping body 30, the inner wall of the plug-in shell 20 or the outer wall of the optical fiber guide 14. By cleverly utilizing the structural characteristics, the corresponding part of the elastic part 40 can be blocked, and its rebound deformation speed can be slowed down, thereby achieving the effect of slowly releasing the elastic force of the elastic part 40.

[0081] Furthermore, depending on the distance between the elastic member 40 and the damping element 50, as well as the elastic force of the elastic member 40, the damping element 50 can be configured in various forms, such as a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 51, a wavy protrusion 52 with a predetermined spacing, or a rubber sleeve 53 with a spiral groove 54 on the inner wall. The protrusions 51 are suitable for elastic members 40 with relatively low elastic force, the wavy protrusions 52 are suitable for elastic members 40 with higher elastic force, and the rubber sleeve 53 can accommodate elastic members 40 with even higher elastic force. This allows for flexible configuration of the damping element 50 based on actual needs, effectively improving the applicability and performance of the MPO ferrule.

[0082] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, preferably, the length of the front end portion 11 of the plug body 10 extending out of the front end opening of the plug-in housing 20 is set to S, and the deformation amount of the elastic member 40 when compressed is set to F. When F>S, the damping component 50 blocks the rebound deformation of the elastic member 40.

[0083] Specifically, because the end face of the front end portion 11 of the ferrule body 10 needs to be tightly fitted to the end face of the optical fiber on the external connector or adapter 60, the elastic force of the elastic member 40 is required to apply pressure to the end face to ensure a tight fit. Therefore, when the deformation of the elastic member 40 is less than or equal to the extended length of the front end portion 11, the elastic force is required to apply pressure to the ferrule body 10 to ensure a tight fit. Therefore, in this state, the damping member 50 is not required to interfere with the elastic member 40, allowing the elastic member 40 to fully release its elastic force, assisting in achieving a tight fit between the end faces.

[0084] Secondly, only when the deformation of the elastic member 40 exceeds the extended length of the front end portion 11, which is equivalent to actively pressing the ferrule body 10 and causing it to retract into the plug housing 20, is the damping member 50 required to block the elastic member 40 and slow its rebound speed. After the ferrule body 10 is inserted into the external connector or adapter 60, the elastic member 40 is blocked by the damping member 50 and undergoes a slow but continuous rebound deformation, thereby driving the front end portion 11 of the ferrule body 10 to slowly approach the external optical fiber end face, eventually forming abutment. Under the action of the elastic force released by the elastic member 40, a tight fit is formed, reducing transmission fluctuations and improving optical transmission efficiency.

[0085] Again, this precise control method ensures that the damping member 50 plays a role when needed (i.e., when the ferrule body 10 actively retracts), and when the elastic member 40 needs to apply full pressure to ensure a tight fit of the end faces, the damping member 50 does not interfere, allowing the elastic member 40 to fully release its elastic force, thereby optimizing the performance of the MPO ferrule under different working conditions.

[0086] It should be emphasized that the damping member 50 continuously blocks the elastic member 40. As long as the ferrule body 10 is pressed and retracted into the plug housing 20 by a certain distance, the elastic member 40 shrinks and sinks into the flexible material of the damping member 50. This continuously blocks the rebound of the elastic member 40, causing it to slowly but continuously rebound and deform, driving the ferrule body 10 to slowly move until it contacts the external connector or the optical fiber end face of another ferrule body 10, thus forming an optical transmission connection. Figure 10 As shown, when the ferrule body 10 is inserted into the connector or adapter 60, the length of its front end 11 protruding from the outside of the plug housing 20 is shorter than in the initial state, equivalent to maintaining a relatively short distance retracted into the plug housing 20. This creates a certain degree of compression on the elastic member 40, causing the elastic member 40 to continuously apply elastic pressure to the ferrule body 10, ensuring a tight fit of the optical fiber end face. At this point, the elastic member 40 has been released from the flexible material of the damping member 50 and is no longer obstructed or restricted by the damping member 50, allowing its elastic force to be fully released, enhancing the fit of the optical fiber end face.

[0087] Furthermore, for ease of use, a guide pin assembly 15, a sliding cover 16, and a cable sheath 17, as known in the prior art, may be provided. The guide pin assembly 15 is mounted on the rear end 12 of the ferrule body 10, with the guide pin extending through the pin hole of the ferrule body 10 and protruding a certain length from the front end 11 to form a male ferrule connector. Thus, when inserting the connector or adapter 60, the front end of the guide pin can be inserted first into the pin hole of the female ferrule connector or connector, assisting in insertion and facilitating end-face alignment.

[0088] The sliding cover 16 is sleeved on the plug housing 20 to assist the plugging and installation of the ferrule. The cable sheath 17 is sleeved on the crimping body 30 and the crimping ring 36 to protect the crimping body 30 and the cable.

[0089] Example 1: The base structure and the damping member 50 are arranged on the inner wall of the crimping body 30

[0090] Structural composition: The MPO ferrule of this embodiment includes a ferrule body 10, in which a plurality of optical fibers are installed, and a front end 11 and a rear end 12 extend in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of optical fiber holes 13 pass through from the front end 11 to the rear end 12, and each optical fiber corresponds to a fiber hole 13. The plug-in shell 20 is sleeved on the outside of the ferrule body 10, and the interior is hollow and open at both ends. The front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 extends out of its front end opening. The interior of the crimping body 30 is hollow for the optical fiber cable to pass through, and one end passes through the plug-in shell 20 through the rear end opening of the plug-in shell 20 to form a fixed connection, and the other end is sleeved with a crimping ring 36. The elastic member 40 is a compression spring, which is installed inside the plug-in shell 20, with one end abutting the ferrule body 10 and the other end abutting the crimping body 30. As shown Figure 4As shown, the damping member 50 is made of rubber material and is provided on the inner side wall of the arc groove 35 formed by the locking arm 33 of the crimping body 30 , and is a wave-shaped protrusion 52 .

[0091] Working process: Before the plug-in operation, when an external force presses the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 to retract it into the plug-in housing 20, the ferrule body 10 pushes the elastic member 40 to compress, and the outer ring arm 41 of the elastic member 40 is acted upon by the damping member 50 on the inner wall of the crimping body 30, and the metal ring sinks into the rubber material. During the rebound process, the metal ring needs to overcome the friction of the rubber damping member 50 in turn in order to move, thereby slowing down its rebound speed. When the ferrule is inserted into the external connection seat, at the end of the rebound stroke, the elastic member 40 disengages from the damping member 50 or the damping effect is reduced, and its larger elastic force causes the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 to fit tightly with the end face of the external optical fiber, thereby achieving stable optical path transmission.

[0092] Embodiment 2: The cover 23 and the damping member 50 are arranged on the inner wall of the plug housing 20

[0093] Structural composition: The structure of the ferrule body 10, the plug housing 20, the crimping body 30 and the elastic member 40 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The cover 23 is made of hard plastic and is detachably mounted on the plug housing 20 by snap connection. The inner wall of the cover 23 is provided with a pressing protrusion 24 corresponding to the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10, and the pressing protrusion 24 is provided with an avoidance groove 25 corresponding to the optical fiber hole 13. Figure 5 As shown, the damping member 50 is made of silicone material and is arranged on the inner side wall of the long side wall 22 of the plug housing 20 corresponding to the long side notch 31 of the crimping body 30, and is composed of a plurality of protrusions 51 distributed at a certain distance.

[0094] Working process: In scenarios with higher requirements, the installer uses the cover 23 to press the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10. The pressing protrusion 24 of the cover 23 uses the avoidance groove 25 to avoid the optical fiber end face and press to retract the ferrule body 10. At this time, the elastic member 40 is compressed, and its outer ring arm 41 located at the long side notch 31 is obstructed by the damping member 50 of the wavy protrusion 52 on the inner side wall of the plug-in shell 20. When inserted into the external connection seat, the elastic member 40 slowly rebounds, and the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 slowly approaches the external optical fiber end face, and finally fits tightly to complete the optical path connection. The cover 23 protects the optical fiber end face during transportation.

[0095] Example 3: The damping member 50 is arranged on the outer wall of the optical fiber guide 14 and different damping forms are combined

[0096] Structural composition: The rear end 12 of the ferrule body 10 is provided with an extended optical fiber guide 14. The elastic member 40 adopts a compression spring with a large elastic force. Figure 8As shown, a portion of the damping member 50 is configured as a protrusion 51 on the outer wall of the fiber guide 14 inserted into the elastic member 40, and another portion is configured as a wave-shaped protrusion 52. The cover 23 is made of soft rubber and is mounted on the plug housing 20 by elastic deformation.

[0097] Working process: When the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 is pressed and retracted, the elastic member 40 is compressed. The inner ring arm 42 near the fiber guide 14 is affected by the damping member 50 on the outer wall of the fiber guide 14, and the rebound speed is initially slowed. As the degree of compression of the elastic member 40 increases, the metal ring is stuck in the groove of the wavy protrusion 52, and is further blocked. During the insertion into the external connector, the elastic member 40 slowly rebounds, and finally fully releases the elastic force at the end of the stroke, so that the front end 11 of the ferrule body 10 is tightly fitted with the external fiber end face. Different types of damping members 50 work together to meet the use requirements of the elastic member 40 with high elastic force.

[0098] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and it is intended that all variations that come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims be embraced therein.

Claims

1. An MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuations, characterized in that: include: A ferrule body (10) is installed with a plurality of optical fibers to realize optical transmission connection of the optical fibers, wherein the ferrule body (10) has a front end portion (11) and a rear end portion (12), and extends in a longitudinal direction between the front end portion (11) and the rear end portion (12); A plurality of optical fiber holes (13) extending from the front end portion (11) of the ferrule body (10) to the rear end portion (12) to form a through hole, and one of the plurality of optical fibers is installed in each optical fiber hole (13); A plug-in housing (20) is sleeved on the ferrule body (10) and is used for plugging in an external optical fiber connector. The interior of the plug-in housing (20) is hollow and has openings at both ends. The front end portion (11) of the ferrule body (10) extends out of the front end opening of the plug-in housing (20); The crimping body (30) is hollow inside for a cable composed of multiple optical fibers to pass through, one end of which is inserted into the plug housing (20) through the rear end opening of the plug housing (20) to form a fixed connection, and the other end of which is sleeved with a crimping ring (36) for assisting the crimping body (30) in fixing the optical fiber cable; An elastic member (40) is provided in the internal space of the plug housing (20), one end of which abuts against the ferrule body (10) and the other end of which abuts against the crimping body (30), and the elastic force of which drives the front end portion (11) of the ferrule body (10) to extend out of the front end opening of the plug housing (20); as well as The damping component (50) is installed in the plug-in housing (20) and is configured to form a damping effect on the elastic component (40), so that after the elastic component (40) is compressed, it slowly recovers its deformation and releases elastic force. The damping component is made of a soft material with a certain rebound force and friction force, and forms a friction effect on the metal ring of the elastic component.

2. The MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a cover (23), which is sleeved on the plug housing (20) and covers the front end portion (11) of the plug body (10); and the cover (23) is configured to assist in pressing the plug body (10) so that it retracts a certain distance into the plug housing (20), thereby causing the damping member (50) to interfere with the elastic member (40).

3. The MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The damping component (50) is arranged on the outer ring of the elastic member (40), thereby forming a damping effect on the outer ring arm (41) of the elastic member (40).

4. The MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The damping component (50) is arranged on the inner ring of the elastic member (40), thereby forming a damping effect on the inner ring arm (42) of the elastic member (40).

5. The MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The damping component (50) is arranged on the inner side wall of the crimping body (30) and is used to form a damping effect on the outer ring arm (41) of the elastic member (40).

6. The MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The damping component (50) is arranged on the inner side wall of the plug-in housing (20) and is used to form a damping effect on the outer ring arm (41) of the elastic member (40).

7. The MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuation according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rear end portion (12) of the ferrule body (10) is provided with an optical fiber guide (14), and the damping component (50) is arranged on the outer side wall of the optical fiber guide (14), thereby forming a damping effect on the inner ring arm (42) of the elastic component (40).

8. The MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The damping member (50) is configured as a plurality of convex points (51) distributed at a certain distance.

9. The MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The damping member (50) is configured as wave-shaped protrusions (52) with a certain spacing.

10. The MPO ferrule for reducing transmission fluctuation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The damping component (50) is configured as a rubber sleeve (53) having a spiral groove (54) on its inner side wall, and is sleeved on the elastic member (40), so that the side wall of the spiral groove (54) blocks the deformation of the elastic member (40).

Images