Optical cable connector and connection box

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of communication, and provides an optical cable connector and a connection box, the optical cable connector comprises a main shell, an insertion core assembly, a connecting piece and an optical cable, and the main shell is provided with a first accommodating cavity penetrating through a first end and a second end. The inserting core assembly and the connecting piece are both located in the first containing cavity, the inserting core assembly is arranged close to the first end, the connecting piece is arranged close to the second end, and the connecting piece and the main shell are mutually coupled. And the optical cable partially penetrates through the connecting piece and is connected with the connecting piece. When the optical cable is subjected to external tension, external force on the optical cable can be transmitted to the main shell through the connecting piece, tension generated between the end, located at the second end of the main shell, of the optical cable and the end, connected to the insertion core assembly, of the optical cable can be effectively reduced or avoided, and optical fibers, located in the main shell, of the optical cable are prevented from being broken due to tension; the normal work of the optical cable connector is prevented from being influenced by the breakage of the optical fiber, thereby effectively improving the working reliability and stability of the optical cable connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an optical cable connector and a connection box. Background Art

[0002] Optical distribution network (ODN) refers to a network consisting of all passive optical fibers and passive devices (such as optical splitters) between the optical line terminal (OLT) and the optical network unit (ONU). ODN connects an OLT device and multiple ONU devices to provide bidirectional transmission of optical signals.

[0003] In optical distribution network projects, connection boxes (such as optical cross-connection boxes, optical distribution boxes, optical fiber splitter boxes, etc.) are usually used to connect optical fibers to achieve network transmission. Specifically, an adapter is usually provided on the connection box, and the two ends of the adapter are respectively connected to two optical cable connectors. By plugging the two optical cable connectors at the two ends of the adapter, the connection of two sections of optical fiber can be achieved. At present, the optical cable connector usually includes a shell, a core assembly and an optical cable located in the shell, and the shell includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the core assembly is located at the first end of the shell and connected to the shell. A portion of the optical cable extends into the shell from the second end of the shell and is connected to the core assembly at the first end of the shell.

[0004] However, the optical cable connector will be pulled during the process of matching with the connection box and on-site arrangement. In the above-mentioned optical cable connector, when the optical cable is subjected to external pulling force, the external force is transmitted to the optical cable in the shell, which can easily tear the optical fiber in the optical cable, thereby damaging the optical cable, affecting the normal operation of the optical cable connector, and reducing the reliability and stability of the optical fiber cable connector. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide an optical cable connector and a connection box, which can effectively reduce or avoid the breakage of optical fibers in the optical cable connector, thereby effectively improving the reliability and stability of the operation of the optical cable connector.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an optical cable connector, comprising: a main housing, a ferrule assembly, a connector, and an optical cable, wherein the main housing comprises a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the main housing has a first accommodating cavity that passes through the first end and the second end. The ferrule assembly is located in the first accommodating cavity. The connector is located in the first accommodating cavity and is arranged close to the second end, and the connector is coupled to the main housing. The optical cable is partially inserted into the connector and connected to the connector, and one end of the optical cable located in the main housing is connected to the ferrule assembly.

[0007] In the embodiment of the present application, by making the coupling between the connecting member and the main housing, when the optical cable is subjected to an external tensile force, the external force on the optical cable can be transmitted to the main housing through the connecting member, so as to avoid being transmitted to the end where the optical cable is connected to the ferrule assembly, which can effectively reduce or avoid the generation of tensile force between the end of the optical cable at the second end of the main housing and the end of the optical cable connected to the ferrule assembly, prevent the optical fiber located in the main housing of the optical cable from being broken due to the tensile force, and avoid the normal operation of the optical cable connector being affected by the broken optical fiber, thereby effectively improving the reliability and stability of the operation of the optical cable connector.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner, the outer sheath of the optical cable can be bonded to the connecting member, and then the external force on the optical cable is transmitted to the main housing through the connecting member, so as not to affect the optical fiber in the optical cable.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the connecting member has a first limiting portion, and the main housing has a second limiting portion. The first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are in mutual abutment, and the coupling relationship between the connecting member and the main housing is formed by the abutment of the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion. This can effectively reduce or avoid the external force being transmitted to the part of the optical cable at the first end of the main housing, can effectively reduce the tension of the optical cable located inside the main housing, thereby effectively avoiding the optical cable from breaking, preventing the normal operation of the optical cable connector from being affected by the broken optical cable, and effectively improving the stability and reliability of the operation of the optical cable connector.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, the abutting surface of the first limiting portion faces the second end of the main housing, and the abutting surface of the second limiting portion faces the first end of the main housing. In this way, the external force on the optical cable can be transmitted to the main housing, so as to avoid the part of the optical cable at the first end of the main housing from being broken due to the tensile force.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, one of the connecting member and the main housing has a first limiting groove, and the other of the connecting member and the main housing has a first limiting block that cooperates with the first limiting groove. The first limiting block cooperates with the first limiting groove to limit the relative rotation between the main housing and the connecting member. This can effectively reduce or avoid the connecting member from rotating during the assembly process with the main housing, and can reduce or avoid the relative rotation of the connecting member with respect to the main housing from affecting the normal assembly between the connecting member and the main housing, which is beneficial to improving the matching accuracy between the connecting member and the main housing.

[0012] In a possible implementation, it further includes a base. The base is located in the first accommodation cavity of the main housing. One end of the base is connected to the connecting member, and the other end of the base is connected to the ferrule assembly and the main housing. The optical cable passes through the base and is connected to the ferrule assembly. The base can play a connecting role between the connecting member and the ferrule assembly, enabling the optical cable, the connecting member, and the ferrule assembly to be assembled into an integral structure, facilitating assembly with the main housing, and contributing to the assembly and disassembly of the optical cable connector.

[0013] In a possible implementation, one of the base and the connecting member has a connecting post, and the other of the base and the connecting member is provided with a connecting hole that matches the connecting post. The connecting post is inserted into the connecting hole, and the connecting member and the base are connected through the cooperation of the connecting post and the connecting hole. This can reduce and avoid separation between the connecting member and the base, contribute to improving the reliability and stability of the connection between the connecting member and the base, and enhance the stability of the internal structure of the optical cable connector.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the base is further provided with a window. Staff can inspect the setting of the internal optical cable through the window to reduce or avoid damage to the optical cable located inside the base and prevent the optical cable from being damaged and affecting the normal operation of the optical cable connector.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the inner wall of the main housing has a third limiting portion, and the outer periphery of the base has a fourth limiting portion that matches the third limiting portion. The fourth limiting portion abuts against the third limiting portion. The cooperation between the third limiting portion and the fourth limiting portion can provide positioning for the base in the axial direction of the main housing, reduce or avoid the base from shifting along the axial direction of the main housing, and contribute to improving the stability and reliability of the assembly between the base and the main housing.

[0016] In a possible implementation, it further includes a sleeve member. One end of the sleeve member is sleeved on the second end of the main housing and is connected to the main housing, and the other end of the sleeve member is sleeved on the optical cable and is connected to the optical cable. In this way, when the optical cable outside the main housing is subjected to an external pulling force, the optical cable can still transmit the force to the main housing through the sleeve member to reduce or avoid the external force being transmitted to the part of the optical cable at the first end of the main housing, thereby effectively reducing or avoiding the optical cable from breaking due to the force on the part of the optical cable at the first end of the main housing.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the ferrule assembly includes a housing assembly and a ferrule structure. The housing assembly has a second receiving cavity, and at least a part of the ferrule structure is disposed in the second receiving cavity. The ferrule structure in the retracted state has a tendency to protrude from the housing assembly, which can make the ferrule structure abut more tightly against the ferrule structure at the other end of the adapter, effectively improving the tightness of the cooperation between the two sets of ferrule structures and enhancing the optical signal transmission efficiency between the two sets of ferrule structures.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the ferrule assembly further includes an elastic member. The elastic member is located in the second receiving cavity. One end of the elastic member abuts against the inner wall of the second receiving cavity, and the other end of the elastic member is connected to the ferrule structure. The elastic member can provide elastic buffering between the ferrule structure and the housing assembly, reducing or avoiding rigid impacts between the ferrule structure and the housing assembly, preventing rigid contact between the ferrule structure and the housing assembly from affecting the tightness of the connection between the ferrule structure and the housing assembly, and helping to improve the tightness of the connection between the ferrule structure and the housing assembly. Moreover, the elastic member can also make the two ferrule structures at both ends of the adapter fit tightly together, effectively improving the stability of the butt joint between the two ferrule structures, and thus effectively enhancing the optical signal transmission efficiency.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the ferrule structure includes a plurality of ferrules. Each ferrule has a through hole. The optical cable includes a plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are respectively disposed in the through holes of the respective ferrules. At least two ferrules are connected to one elastic member. This can effectively reduce the number of elastic members in the optical cable connector, reduce the space occupied by the elastic members in the optical cable connector, and is beneficial to the miniaturized design of the optical cable connector. Moreover, compared with arranging one elastic member on one ferrule, by connecting at least two ferrules to one elastic member, interference between adjacent elastic members can also be reduced, facilitating the arrangement of the elastic members in the housing assembly. In addition, by connecting at least two ferrules to one elastic member, several ferrules arranged on the same elastic member can have a better synchronization rate during the telescopic process relative to the housing assembly, improving the neatness of the telescopic movement of each ferrule, and thus effectively improving the stability of the cooperation between the optical cable connector and the adapter.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the elastic member is a spring, and the spring is sleeved outside the ferrule.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the plurality of ferrules are arranged in an M-row and N-column array, where M≥2 and N≥2;

[0022] The number of elastic members is N, and each elastic member has M ferrules therein;

[0023] Alternatively, the number of the elastic members is M, and each of the elastic members has N of the ferrule cores therein.

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, the housing assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing. The front housing has a first cavity, and at least a part of the rear housing extends into the first cavity and is connected to the front housing. Each of the ferrule cores includes a connecting portion and a plugging portion. The connecting portion is located in the first cavity, the plugging portion is connected to the connecting portion, and the plugging portion extends out of the front end of the front housing. The elastic member is sleeved on the connecting portion, and one end of the elastic member is connected to the ferrule core, and the other end of the elastic member is connected to the rear housing.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, the front housing includes M sub-front housings, and the M sub-front housings are sequentially connected in the direction from the first row to the Mth row. Each of the sub-front housings has one of the first cavities, and each of the first cavities has one of the elastic members, and N ferrule cores are respectively disposed through each of the elastic members.

[0026] Alternatively, the front housing includes N sub-front housings, and the N sub-front housings are sequentially connected in the direction from the first column to the Nth column. Each of the sub-front housings has one of the first cavities, and each of the first cavities has one of the elastic members, and M ferrule cores are respectively disposed through each of the elastic members.

[0027] By making the front housing include a plurality of independent and connected sub-front housings, each sub-front housing can be independently produced, and then assembled and connected to the rear housing. This can improve the independence of the arrangement between each sub-front housing. Moreover, by changing the combination number of the sub-front housings, various different arrangement modes of the ferrule cores in the front housing can be formed, and the flexibility of the ferrule core arrangement can be effectively improved.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, the front housing is of an integral structure, and a partition wall is disposed in the first cavity of the front housing. The partition wall divides the first cavity into M sub-cavities, and the M sub-cavities are sequentially arranged in the direction from the first row to the Mth row. Each of the sub-cavities has one of the elastic members, and N ferrule cores are respectively disposed through each of the elastic members. Alternatively, the partition wall divides the first cavity into N sub-cavities, and the N sub-cavities are sequentially arranged in the direction from the first column to the Nth column. Each of the sub-cavities has one of the elastic members, and M ferrule cores are respectively disposed through each of the elastic members.

[0029] By making the front housing of an integral structure, there is only the thickness of one partition wall between two adjacent sub-cavities, so that the isolation thickness between two adjacent sub-cavities can be effectively reduced, the overall size of the front housing can be effectively reduced, the miniaturization design of the front housing can be improved, and thus the overall size of the optical cable connector can be effectively reduced, and the miniaturization design of the optical cable connector can be realized.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the number of the rear shells is the same as the number of the M sub-front shells of the front shell, or the number of the rear shells is the same as the number of the N sub-front shells of the front shell;

[0031] Alternatively, the number of the rear shells is the same as the number of the M sub-cavities of the front shell, or the number of the rear shells is the same as the number of the N sub-cavities of the front shell.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the front shell has a plurality of openings on one side of the first end of the main shell for the ferrules to pass through, each ferrule passes through one of the openings, and a connecting rib is provided between two adjacent openings. The connecting rib can separate two adjacent ferrules to reduce or avoid mutual interference between the two adjacent ferrules, which helps to improve the overall structural stability of the optical cable connector.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the end of the connecting portion close to the plug-in portion has a fifth limiting portion, the interior of the front shell has a sixth limiting portion that matches the fifth limiting portion, one end of the fifth limiting portion abuts against the sixth limiting portion, and the other end of the fifth limiting portion abuts against the elastic member. The sixth limiting portion can produce a limiting blocking effect with the fifth limiting portion, which can prevent the ferrule from falling out of the front end of the front shell, and is conducive to improving the stability and reliability of the ferrule set in the front shell.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the front shell is provided with a first card slot, and the rear shell is provided with a first card connection portion that matches the first card slot. The first card connection portion is clamped in the card slot, and the front shell and the rear shell are connected through the cooperation of the first card connection portion and the first card slot. This can effectively prevent the front shell and the rear shell from being separated, and can improve the reliability and firmness of the connection between the front shell and the rear shell.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the rear shell has a second clamping portion at one end away from the front shell, and the base has a second clamping slot that matches the second clamping portion. The second clamping portion is clamped in the second clamping slot, and the base and the rear shell are connected through the cooperation of the second clamping portion and the second clamping slot. In this way, the firmness and reliability of the connection between the front shell, the rear shell and the base can be improved, and the separation between the base and the rear shell and the front shell can be effectively prevented, which helps to improve the overall structural stability of the internal components of the optical cable connector.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the rear shell has a second cavity connected to the first cavity, the base has a third cavity connected to the second cavity, and the optical fibers in the optical cable pass through the third cavity and the second cavity in sequence and are respectively arranged in the through holes of the ferrules.

[0037] In a possible implementation, it further includes a locking cap which is sleeved on the main housing and rotatably cooperates with the main housing. The locking cap can cooperate with the structure on the adapter so that the optical cable connector can be connected to the adapter.

[0038] In a possible implementation, it further includes a seal which is located between the main housing and the locking cap and is used to provide sealing between the main housing and the locking cap. This can effectively reduce or avoid external water stains, dirt, etc. from entering the interior of the main housing through the gap between the locking cap and the main housing, which helps to improve the cleanliness inside the main housing, prevent water stains, dirt, etc. from entering the interior of the main housing and affecting the stability of the cooperation between the optical cable connector and the adapter, and helps to improve the stability of the optical signal transmission of the optical cable connector.

[0039] In a possible implementation, it further includes a tail sleeve which is sleeved on the main housing and at least sleeved on part of the sleeve member. The tail sleeve can provide elastic protection for the optical cable. During the bending process of the optical cable, the tail sleeve can increase the bending radius of the optical cable to avoid breakage due to too small a bending radius of the optical cable, thereby preventing the breakage of the optical cable from affecting the signal transmission between the fiber optic cable connectors.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the main housing has a third card slot, and the tail sleeve has a third clamping portion that cooperates with the third card slot. The third clamping portion is clamped in the third card slot, and the tail sleeve is connected to the main housing through the cooperation of the third clamping portion and the third card slot. The cooperation between the third clamping portion and the third card slot can reduce or avoid the separation between the tail sleeve and the main housing, which helps to improve the reliability and stability of the connection between the main housing and the tail sleeve and enhance the overall structural stability of the optical cable connector.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the sleeve member is a heat shrinkable sleeve.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the ferrule is a ceramic ferrule. Ceramics have relatively high strength and stiffness, which can improve the accuracy of the ferrule, enabling the ferrules at both ends to be better aligned during the docking process of the optical cable connector, helping to improve the accuracy of the alignment of the optical fibers in each ferrule, effectively reducing the loss of the transmission between the optical fibers, and thus effectively enhancing the transmission efficiency of the optical signal between the optical cable connectors. Moreover, the surface of the ceramic ferrule is smooth and easy to clean, which can effectively reduce the dust on the surface of the ferrule, prevent excessive dust on the surface of the ferrule from affecting the optical signal transmission, and is beneficial to further reducing the loss and enhancing the transmission efficiency of the optical signal. In addition, the ceramic ferrule has relatively high stiffness and strength, which can effectively reduce or avoid damage or breakage of the ferrule, helping to improve the reliability and stability of the optical signal transmission between the optical cable connectors.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the optical cable includes a cable core and an outer sheath, and the outer sheath is sleeved on the cable core; the connecting member is sleeved on the outer sheath and bonded to the outer sheath. This can effectively reduce or avoid the separation between the optical cable and the connecting member, and can effectively improve the firmness and reliability of the connection between the optical cable and the connecting member.

[0044] The second aspect of the present application provides a connection box, which includes a housing and an adapter. The adapter is located on the housing, and the adapter is used to cooperate with any one of the above-mentioned optical cable connectors. By making the adapter in the connection box cooperate with the above-mentioned optical fiber cable connector, the two optical fiber cable connectors inside and outside the connection box can be docked through the adapter to achieve the transmission of optical signals. The optical cable connector has high reliability and stability, and can effectively improve the stability and reliability of optical signal transmission in the connection box.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the adapter has positioning sleeves with the same number as the number of ferrule cores in the optical cable connector, and the positioning sleeves are configured to correspond to the arrangement mode of the ferrule cores. Each positioning sleeve has a positioning through hole at both ends of which the ferrule cores are respectively inserted. This can effectively improve the coaxiality of the ferrule core connection and the accuracy of ferrule core docking, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of signal transmission between optical fibers. Description of the Drawings

[0046] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 2 It is an exploded schematic diagram of an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application in one cross-section;

[0049] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a connecting member provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a main housing provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the cooperation between a main housing and a base in one cross-section provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the cooperation between a main housing and a base in another cross-section provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 7A is Figure 6 an enlarged view of area A in the middle;

[0054] Figure 8 a schematic structural view of a base provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 9 a schematic structural view of a ferrule assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 10 a schematic structural view of an 8 - core optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application from one perspective;

[0057] Figure 11 a schematic structural view of an 8 - core optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0058] Figure 12 a cross - sectional view of a ferrule assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 13 a cross - sectional view of the cooperation between a housing assembly and a base provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 14 a schematic structural view of a front shell provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 15 a schematic structural view of a rear shell provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 16 a schematic structural view of another front shell provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 17 a cross - sectional view of an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application in another section;

[0064] Figure 18 a schematic structural view of a main housing provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 19 a cross - sectional view of a locking cap provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 20 a schematic structural view of the cooperation between a dust cap and an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 21 an exploded view of the cooperation between a dust cap and an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 22 a schematic structural view of a connection box provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 23 Schematic diagram of the structure of an adapter provided by an embodiment of the present application from one perspective;

[0070] Figure 24 Schematic diagram of the structure of an adapter provided by an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0071] Figure 25 Cross-sectional view of an adapter provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Figure 26 Schematic diagram of the application link of an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 27 Schematic diagram of the link inside a first main connection box provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Figure 28 Schematic diagram of the link inside a first extended connection box provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Figure 29 Schematic diagram of the link inside a fourth main connection box provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0076] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0077] 100 - Connector; 110 - Main housing; 111 - First end;

[0078] 112 - Second end; 113 - First accommodation cavity; 114 - Second limiting portion;

[0079] 115 - First limiting block; 116 - Third limiting portion; 1161 - Fourth card slot;

[0080] 117 - Third card slot; 118 - Second limiting block; 119 - Third limiting block;

[0081] 120 - Ferrule assembly; 121 - Housing assembly; 1211 - Second accommodation cavity;

[0082] 1212 - Front shell; 12121 - First cavity; 121211 - Partition wall;

[0083] 121212 - Sub - cavity; 12122 - Sub - front shell; 12123 - Opening;

[0084] 12124 - Connecting rib; 12125 - Sixth limiting portion; 12126 - First card slot;

[0085] 1213 - Rear shell; 12131 - First clamping part; 12132 - Second clamping part;

[0086] 12133 - Second cavity; 12134 - Sub - rear shell; 122 - Ferrule structure;

[0087] 1221 - Ferrule; 12211 - Through hole; 12212 - Connecting part;

[0088] 12213 - Plug - in part; 12214 - Fifth limiting part; 123 - Elastic part;

[0089] 130 - Connecting piece; 131 - First limiting part; 132 - First limiting groove;

[0090] 133 - Connecting hole; 140 - Optical cable; 150 - Base;

[0091] 151 - Connecting column; 152 - Window; 153 - Fourth limiting part;

[0092] 154 - Second card slot; 155 - Third cavity; 156 - Second limiting groove;

[0093] 160 - Sleeve part; 170 - Locking cap; 171 - Seventh limiting part;

[0094] 172 - Notch; 173 - Sealing part; 180 - Tail sleeve;

[0095] 181 - Third clamping part; 190 - Dust - proof cap; 191 - Dust - proof cover;

[0096] 200 - Connection box; 210 - Housing; 220 - Adapter;

[0097] 221 - Positioning sleeve; 222 - First connection part; 2221 - Third end;

[0098] 2222 - Fourth end; 2223 - First installation part; 223 - Second connection part;

[0099] 2231 - Second installation part; 230 - Nut part; 310 - First main connection box;

[0100] 311 - First input end; 312 - First output end; 313 - Second output end;

[0101] 314 - Third output end; 315 - Fourth output end; 320 - Second main connection box;

[0102] 330 - Third main connection box; 340 - Fourth main connection box; 341 - Third input end;

[0103] 342 - Sixth output terminal; 343 - Seventh output terminal; 344 - Eighth output terminal;

[0104] 410 - First extended connection box; 411 - Second input terminal; 412 - Fifth output terminal;

[0105] 420 - Second extended connection box. Detailed implementation manners

[0106] The terms used in the implementation manners part of this application are only for explaining the specific embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit this application.

[0107] In optical distribution network engineering, devices such as optical cross - connection boxes, optical distribution boxes, and optical fiber splitting boxes are usually matched with optical cable connectors on the optical cable through the adapters on them to achieve the docking of optical fibers and connection boxes. In related technologies, an optical cable connector usually includes a housing, a ferrule assembly and an optical cable located inside the housing. The housing includes opposite first and second ends. The ferrule assembly is located at one end of the housing and is connected to the housing. A part of the optical cable extends into the main housing from the second end of the housing and is connected to the ferrule assembly at the first end of the main housing.

[0108] However, during the process of the optical cable connector being matched with the connection box and being arranged on site, it will be pulled. In the above - mentioned optical cable connector, when the optical cable is subjected to an external tensile force, the external force is transmitted to the optical cable inside the housing, and it is very easy to break the optical fiber in the optical cable, thus damaging the optical cable, affecting the normal operation of the optical cable connector, and reducing the reliability and stability of the optical fiber cable connector.

[0109] To solve the above problems, researchers improved the ferrule of the optical fiber cable connector. Through the mutual coupling between the connecting piece and the main housing, when the optical cable is subjected to an external tensile force, the external force on the optical cable can be transmitted to the main housing through the connecting piece, so as to avoid being transmitted to the end where the optical cable is connected to the ferrule assembly, effectively reducing or avoiding the generation of tensile force between the end of the optical cable at the second end of the main housing and the end of the optical cable connected to the ferrule assembly, preventing the optical fiber of the optical cable located inside the main housing from being broken due to the tensile force, and avoiding the normal operation of the optical cable connector being affected by the broken optical fiber, thereby effectively improving the reliability and stability of the operation of the optical cable connector.

[0110] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of this application.

[0111] Figure 1A schematic structural diagram of an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application in a certain section.

[0112] An embodiment of the present application provides an optical cable connector 100, which can be used to cooperate with a connection box 200 (see the following Figure 22 ) to achieve signal transmission.

[0113] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the optical cable connector 100 may include a main housing 110, a ferrule assembly 120, a connector 130, and an optical cable 140. Among them, the main housing 110 may include opposite first end 111 and second end 112, and a first accommodation cavity 113 penetrating the first end 111 and the second end 112 may be provided in the main housing 110. Combining Figure 3 As shown, the ferrule assembly 120 may be located in the first accommodation cavity 113 of the main housing 110 and connected to the main housing 110, and the ferrule assembly 120 may be disposed close to the first end 111.

[0114] The connector 130 may be located in the first accommodation cavity 113 of the main housing 110 and disposed close to the second end 112 of the main housing 110. The connector 130 and the main housing 110 may be coupled to each other. For example, limiting structures may be respectively provided on the connector 130 and the main housing 110, and the two limiting structures may cooperate with each other so that a limiting fit may be formed between the connector 130 and the main housing 110, thereby realizing the coupling between the connector 130 and the main housing 110.

[0115] The optical cable 140 may be partially inserted into the connector 130 and connected to the connector 130. For example, the optical cable 140 and the connector 130 may be connected by bonding or other means to improve the firmness and reliability of the connection between the optical cable 140 and the connector 130. One end of the optical cable 140 located in the main housing 110 may be connected to the ferrule assembly 120. For example, a plurality of through holes 12211 may be provided in the ferrule assembly 120, and the optical cable 140 may include a plurality of optical fibers, and each optical fiber may be respectively inserted into each through hole 12211.

[0116] During the cooperation between the optical cable connector 100 and the connection box 200 (see the following Figure 22 ), the first end 111 of the main housing 110 may cooperate with an adapter 220 (see the following Figure 22 ) on the connection box 200. For example, the first end 111 of the main housing 110 may be inserted into the adapter 220 (see the following Figure 22) so that the ferrule assembly 120 located at the first end 111 of the main housing 110 can cooperate with the adapter 220 (see the following Figure 22 ) so that the optical fiber in the ferrule assembly 120 can be docked with another optical fiber in the adapter to achieve the transmission of optical signals.

[0117] Compared with the optical cable connector solutions in the related art, in the embodiment of the present application, by coupling the connecting member 130 with the main housing 110, when the optical cable 140 is subjected to an external tensile force, the external force on the optical cable 140 can be transmitted to the main housing 110 through the connecting member 130, so as to avoid being transmitted to the end of the optical cable 140 connected to the ferrule assembly 120, which can effectively reduce or avoid the generation of tensile force between the end of the optical cable 140 located at the second end 112 of the main housing 110 and the end of the optical cable 140 connected to the ferrule assembly 120, prevent the optical fiber of the optical cable 140 located in the main housing 110 from being broken due to the tensile force, and avoid the influence on the normal operation of the optical cable connector 100 caused by the broken optical fiber, thereby effectively improving the reliability and stability of the operation of the optical cable connector 100.

[0118] Among them, the optical cable 140 may include a cable core and an outer sheath. The outer sheath may be sleeved on the cable core. For example, the outer sheath may be aramid. The outer sheath can protect the cable core to reduce or avoid the breakage of the optical cable 140, which helps to improve the tensile strength of the optical cable 140 and extend the service life of the optical cable 140. Among them, the connecting member 130 may be sleeved on the outer sheath and bonded to the outer sheath. This can effectively reduce or avoid the separation between the optical cable 140 and the connecting member 130, and can effectively improve the firmness and reliability of the connection between the optical cable 140 and the connecting member 130.

[0119] Continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, the connecting member 130 may have a first limiting portion 131, and the main housing 110 may have a second limiting portion 114. The first limiting portion 131 may be in abutment with the second limiting portion 114, and the coupling relationship described above may be formed between the connecting member 130 and the main housing 110 through the abutment between the first limiting portion 131 and the second limiting portion 114.

[0120] When the part of the optical cable 140 located outside the main housing 110 is subjected to an external tensile force, since the optical cable 140 is connected to the connector 130, this external force can be transmitted to the connector 130 through the part of the optical cable 140 located at the second end 112 of the main housing 110. And the force can be transmitted between the connector 130 and the main housing 110 through the abutment of the first limiting portion 131 and the second limiting portion 114, so as to transmit the external force to the main housing 110. In this way, it can effectively reduce or avoid the external force being transmitted to the part of the optical cable 140 located at the first end 111 of the main housing 110, and can effectively reduce the tension of the optical cable 140 located inside the main housing 110, thereby effectively avoiding the fracture of the optical cable 140, preventing the fracture of the optical cable 140 from affecting the normal operation of the optical cable connector 100, and effectively improving the working stability and reliability of the optical cable connector 100.

[0121] Continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, the abutting surface of the first limiting portion 131 can face the second end 112 of the main housing 110, and the abutting surface of the second limiting portion 114 can face the first end 111 of the main housing 110. For example, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the first limiting portion 131 can be arranged on the side close to the first end 111 of the main housing 110, and the second limiting portion 114 can be arranged on the side close to the second end 112 of the main housing 110. In this way, when the part of the optical cable 140 located outside the main housing 110 is pulled, the optical cable 140 will drive the connector 130 to move towards the second end 112 of the main housing 110, that is, to drive the connector 130 to have a tendency to move in the Figure 3 x direction shown. At this time, the second limiting portion 114 on the main housing 110 can block the first limiting portion 131 to limit the movement of the connector 130 in the x direction, so as to transmit the external force on the optical cable 140 to the main housing 110, so as to avoid the part of the optical cable 140 located at the first end 111 of the main housing 110 from being pulled and fractured.

[0122] Among them, the mating surface between the first limiting portion 131 and the second limiting portion 114 can be perpendicular to the axis of the main housing 110. In this way, the firmness of the cooperation between the first limiting portion 131 and the second limiting portion 114 can be improved, and the separation between the first limiting portion 131 and the second limiting portion 114 can be effectively reduced or avoided. It can prevent the separation between the first limiting portion 131 and the second limiting portion 114 from affecting the force transmission between the connector 130 and the main housing 110, thereby effectively improving the stability of the cooperation between the connector 130 and the main housing 110.

[0123] Continue to refer to Figure 3As shown, the optical cable connector 100 may further include a base 150. The base 150 may be located in the first accommodation cavity 113 of the main housing 110. One end of the base 150 may be connected to the connecting member 130, and the other end may be connected to the ferrule assembly 120 and the main housing 110. The connecting member 130 may be connected to the ferrule assembly 120 through the base 150. The optical cable 140 may pass through the base 150 and be connected to the ferrule assembly 120. The base 150 may play a connecting role between the connecting member 130 and the ferrule assembly 120, so that the optical cable 140, the connecting member 130, and the ferrule assembly 120 can be assembled into an integral structure for easy assembly with the main housing 110, which helps with the assembly and disassembly of the optical cable connector 100.

[0124] Continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, the optical cable connector 100 may further include a sleeve member 160. One end of the sleeve member 160 may be sleeved on the second end 112 of the main housing 110 and connected to the main housing 110, and the other end may be sleeved on the optical cable 140 and connected to the optical cable 140. The optical cable 140 and the main housing 110 may be connected through the sleeve member 160. In this way, when an external force pulls on the part of the optical cable 140 outside the main housing 110, the optical cable 140 can still transmit the force to the main housing 110 through the sleeve member 160, so as to reduce or avoid the external force being transmitted to the part of the optical cable 140 at the first end 111 of the main housing 110, thereby effectively reducing or avoiding the optical cable 140 from breaking due to the force on the part of the optical cable 140 at the first end 111 of the main housing 110.

[0125] For example, the sleeve member 160 may be a heat-shrinkable sleeve. For example, the initial size of the sleeve member 160 may be relatively large to facilitate sleeving on the main housing 110 and the optical cable 140. After the sleeve member 160 is sleeved on the main housing 110 and the optical cable 140, the sleeve member 160 can be heated so that the sleeve member 160 can shrink to tightly wrap around the main housing 110 and the optical cable 140. This can effectively reduce or avoid the sleeve member 160 from detaching from the main housing 110 and the optical cable 140, and can improve the firmness and reliability of the connection between the sleeve member 160 and the main housing 110 and the optical cable 140, thereby effectively improving the reliability and stability of the connection between the optical cable 140 and the main housing 110.

[0126] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a connecting member provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0127] Continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, a connecting post 151 may be provided on one of the base 150 and the connecting member 130. In combination with Figure 4As shown, a connection hole 133 that mates with the connection post 151 may be formed in the other one of the base 150 and the connection member 130. For example, the connection post 151 may be arranged on the base 150 as shown in Figure 3 and the connection hole 133 may be formed in the connection member 130 as shown in Figure 4 . The connection post 151 may pass through the connection hole 133, and the connection member 130 and the base 150 may be interconnected through the cooperation between the connection post 151 and the connection hole 133. This can reduce and avoid the separation between the connection member 130 and the base 150, contribute to improving the reliability and stability of the connection between the connection member 130 and the base 150, and enhance the stability of the internal structure of the optical cable connector 100.

[0128] Refer to Figure 4 As shown, the connection member 130 may be a hollow tubular structure with both ends penetrating, and the optical cable 140 may pass through the tubular structure. The optical cable 140 and the connection member 130 may be fixedly connected by potting.

[0129] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a main housing provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0130] Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a first limiting groove 132 may be formed in one of the connection member 130 and the main housing 110, and a first limiting block 115 that mates with the first limiting groove 132 may be provided on the other one of the connection member 130 and the main housing 110. For example, the first limiting groove 132 may be formed in the connection member 130 as shown in Figure 4 and the first limiting block 115 may be arranged on the main housing 110 as shown in Figure 5 . The first limiting block 115 may cooperate with the first limiting groove 132 to limit the relative rotation between the main housing 110 and the connection member 130. The cooperation between the first limiting groove 132 and the first limiting block 115 may play a role in limiting the assembly between the connection member 130 and the main housing 110. For example, the first limiting groove 132 on the connection member 130 may have an opening. During the assembly of the connection member 130 and the main housing 110, the first limiting block 115 on the main housing 110 may be inserted into the first limiting groove 132 and move along the first limiting groove 132 until the first limiting portion 131 on the connection member 130 abuts against the second limiting portion 114 on the main housing 110, indicating that the connection member 130 is installed in the appropriate position. This can effectively reduce or avoid the rotation of the connection member 130 during the assembly with the main housing 110, and can reduce or avoid the influence of the relative rotation of the connection member 130 with respect to the main housing 110 on the normal assembly between the connection member 130 and the main housing 110, which is beneficial to improving the fitting accuracy between the connection member 130 and the main housing 110.

[0131] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the cooperation between the main housing and the base provided by the embodiment of the present application in one section. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the cooperation between the main housing and the base provided by the embodiment of the present application in another section. Figure 7A is Figure 6 an enlarged view of area A in Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a base provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0132] Continuing to refer to Figure 6 as shown, a third limiting portion 116 may be provided on the inner wall of the main housing 110, and a fourth limiting portion 153 that cooperates with the third limiting portion 116 may be provided on the outer periphery of the base 150. The fourth limiting portion 153 may cooperate with the third limiting portion 116. For example, a fourth card slot 1161 may be formed on the third limiting portion 116, and the fourth limiting portion 153 may be a protruding clamping portion. Combining Figure 7A as shown, the fourth limiting portion 153 may be clamped in the fourth card slot 1161 on the third limiting portion 116. The cooperation between the third limiting portion 116 and the fourth limiting portion 153 may provide positioning for the base 150 in the axial direction of the main housing 110, and can reduce or avoid the axial offset of the base 150 along the main housing 110, which helps to improve the stability and reliability of the assembly between the base 150 and the main housing 110.

[0133] Referring to Figure 7 and FIG. 8, a second limiting groove 156 may also be formed on the outer periphery of the base 150, and a second limiting block 118 may be provided on the main housing 110. The second limiting block 118 may be clamped in the second limiting groove 156. The cooperation between the second limiting groove 156 and the second limiting block 118 may limit the relative rotation between the base 150 and the main housing 110, so as to improve the accuracy of the cooperation between the base 150 and the main housing 110 in the circumferential direction and enhance the assembly accuracy between the main housing 110 and the base 150.

[0134] Continuing to refer to Figure 8 as shown, a window 152 may also be formed on the base 150. For example, a part of the upper half of the base 150 may be removed along the diameter direction of the base 150 to form the window 152 on the base 150. The window 152 may be opposite to the optical cable 140 in the main housing 110, and the staff can observe the setting condition of the internal optical cable 140 through the window 152, so as to reduce or avoid damage to the optical cable 140 located inside the base 150 and prevent the optical cable 140 from being damaged and affecting the normal operation of the optical cable connector 100.

[0135] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of a ferrule assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application.Figure 10 The structural schematic diagram of an 8-core optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application from one perspective, Figure 11 The structural schematic diagram of an 8-core optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application from another perspective, Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of a ferrule assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0136] See Figure 9 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the ferrule assembly 120 may include a housing assembly 121 and a ferrule structure 122. Among them, the housing assembly 121 may include a second accommodation cavity 1211, and the ferrule assembly 120 may be located in the second accommodation cavity 1211. For example, the ferrule structure 122 may be telescopically arranged relative to the housing assembly 121. The housing assembly 121 may be used to cooperate with an adapter on the connection box, and the ferrule structure 122 may be inserted into the adapter to dock with the ferrule structure 122 at the other end of the adapter to achieve the transmission of optical signals. For example, when the optical cable connector 100 is not connected to the adapter, the ferrule structure 122 may extend relative to the housing assembly 121. When the optical cable connector 100 is connected to the adapter, the ferrule structure 122 may be inserted into the positioning sleeve 221 in the adapter and abutted against the ferrule structure 122 at the other end. Under the action of the abutting force, the ferrule structure 122 may retract relative to the housing assembly 121.

[0137] The ferrule structure 122 in the retracted state has a tendency to extend out of the housing assembly 121, which can make the ferrule structure 122 abut more tightly against the ferrule structure 122 at the other end of the adapter, effectively improving the tightness of the cooperation between the two sets of ferrule structures 122 and enhancing the transmission efficiency of optical signals between the two sets of ferrule structures 122.

[0138] In the embodiment of the present application, the ferrule structure 122 may include one or more ferrules 1221, and multiple ferrules 1221 may be arranged in an M-row and N-column array, where M≥2 and N≥2. For example, M may be equal to 2, 3, or 4, etc., and the value of N may also be equal to 2, 3, or 4, etc. For example, see Figure 9 As shown, in some examples, M may be equal to 2 and N may also be equal to 2, and the four ferrules 1221 may be arranged in a 2-row and 2-column array as Figure 9 shown. Or, in other examples, see Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, it may also be that M is equal to 2 and N is equal to 4, and the eight ferrules 1221 may be arranged in a 2-row and 4-column array as Figure 10 shown. This can effectively increase the number of ferrules 1221 in the optical cable connector 100, thereby effectively increasing the signal transmission amount of the optical cable connector 100.

[0139] SeeFigure 12 As shown, the ferrule assembly 120 may further include an elastic member 123. The elastic member 123 may be located in the second receiving cavity 1211 of the housing assembly 121. One end of the elastic member 123 may abut against the inner wall of the second receiving cavity 1211, and the other end may be connected to the ferrule structure 122. The elastic member 123 may provide elastic buffering between the ferrule structure 122 and the housing assembly 121, reducing or avoiding rigid impacts between the ferrule structure 122 and the housing assembly 121, preventing rigid contact between the ferrule structure 122 and the housing assembly 121 from affecting the tightness of the connection between the ferrule structure 122 and the housing assembly 121, and helping to improve the fastening of the connection between the ferrule structure 122 and the housing assembly 121.

[0140] During the connection of the optical cable connector 100 to the adapter on the connection box, the two ferrule structures 122 are butted within the adapter. Under the butting force of another ferrule structure 122, the ferrule structure 122 can generate a squeezing force on the elastic member 123, causing the elastic member 123 to be in a compressed state. The elastic member 123 in the compressed state has a resilience force, and the resilience force can drive the ferrule structure 122 to squeeze towards another ferrule structure 122, enabling the two ferrule structures 122 to closely fit together, effectively improving the stability of the butt joint between the two ferrule structures 122, and thus effectively enhancing the transmission efficiency of optical signals.

[0141] Continue to refer to Figure 12 As shown, each ferrule 1221 may have a through hole 12211. The optical cable 140 may include a plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers may be respectively inserted into the through holes 12211 of the ferrule 1221. When the optical cable connector 100 is butted with the adapter, the ferrules 1221 in the two optical cable connectors 100 may be butted with each other, so that the optical fibers in the ferrules 1221 can be butted to achieve the transmission of optical signals.

[0142] Among them, at least two ferrules 1221 may be connected to one elastic member 123. For example, two ferrules 1221 may be connected to one elastic member 123, or three or more ferrules 1221 may be connected to one elastic member 123. Compared with the setting method of arranging one elastic member on one ferrule, this can effectively reduce the number of elastic members 123 in the optical cable connector 100, reduce the space occupied by the elastic members 123 in the optical cable connector 100, and is beneficial to improving the miniaturized design of the optical cable connector 100.

[0143] Moreover, compared with arranging one elastic member on one ferrule, by connecting at least two ferrules 1221 to one elastic member 123, interference between adjacent two elastic members 123 can be reduced, which is conducive to the arrangement of the elastic member 123 in the housing assembly 121. In addition, by connecting at least two ferrules 1221 to one elastic member 123, several ferrules 1221 arranged on the same elastic member 123 can have a better synchronization rate during the process of telescoping relative to the housing assembly 121, which can improve the neatness of the telescoping of each ferrule 1221, thereby effectively improving the stability of the cooperation between the optical cable connector 100 and the adapter.

[0144] The elastic member 123 can be a spring, and the spring can be sleeved outside the ferrule structure 122. For example, more than two ferrules 1221 can be arranged in one spring to reduce the number of springs, thereby promoting the miniaturized design of the optical cable connector 100.

[0145] Continue to refer to Figure 12 As shown in the figure, the housing assembly 121 can include a front shell 1212 and a rear shell 1213. The front shell 1212 can have a first cavity 12121, and the rear shell 1213 can at least partially extend into the first cavity 12121 of the front shell 1212 and be connected to the front shell 1212. Each ferrule 1221 can include a connecting portion 12212 and a plugging portion 12213, and the connecting portion 12212 can be connected to the plugging portion 12213. Among them, the connecting portion 12212 can be located in the first cavity 12121, and the plugging portion 12213 can extend out of the front end of the front shell 1212 to dock with the adapter. The elastic member 123 can be sleeved on the connecting portion 12212 of the ferrule 1221, and one end of the elastic member 123 can be connected to the ferrule 1221, and the other end can be connected to the rear shell 1213.

[0146] For example, one end of the elastic member 123 can be abutted against the ferrule 1221, and the other end can be abutted against the rear shell 1213. The elastic member 123 can be in a compressed state between the ferrule 1221 and the rear shell 1213, so that the elastic member 123 can generate a pressing force on the ferrule 1221, enabling the ferrule 1221 to be more closely docked with another ferrule during the process of cooperating with the adapter.

[0147] Continue to refer to Figure 12As shown, one end of the connecting portion 12212 of the ferrule 1221 close to the plugging portion 12213 may have a fifth limiting portion 12214, and the interior of the front housing 1212 may have a sixth limiting portion 12125 that cooperates with the fifth limiting portion 12214. One end of the fifth limiting portion 12214 may abut against the fifth limiting portion 12214, and the other end may abut against the elastic member 123. The sixth limiting portion 12125 may produce a limiting and blocking effect with the fifth limiting portion 12214, which can prevent the ferrule 1221 from coming out of the front end of the front housing 1212, and is beneficial to improving the stability and reliability of the ferrule 1221 disposed in the front housing 1212.

[0148] During the process of the ferrule 1221 cooperating with the adapter, the ferrule 1221 can move in the direction of the elastic member 123 under the extrusion of the ferrule 1221 in another optical cable connector 100, and the elastic member 123 is extruded through the fifth limiting portion 12214, so that the elastic member 123 is in a compressed state. The elastic member 123 in the compressed state may have a resilience force, so that the elastic member 123 can generate a pressing force on the ferrule 1221, enabling the ferrule 1221 to be more closely docked with another ferrule 1221 during the cooperation with the adapter.

[0149] Continue to refer to Figure 12 As shown, a first card slot 12126 may be formed on the front housing 1212, and the rear housing 1213 may have a first clamping portion 12131 that cooperates with the first card slot 12126. The first clamping portion 12131 may be clamped in the first card slot 12126, so that the front housing 1212 and the rear housing 1213 can be connected through the cooperation of the first clamping portion 12131 and the first card slot 12126. Its connection is reliable, the structure is simple and the operation is convenient, which can effectively prevent the front housing 1212 and the rear housing 1213 from separating, and can improve the reliability and firmness of the connection between the front housing 1212 and the rear housing 1213. Moreover, it also helps to improve the assembly efficiency between the front housing 1212 and the rear housing 1213, and improves the production efficiency of the optical cable connector 100.

[0150] Alternatively, in some examples, the arrangement positions of the first card slot 12126 and the first clamping portion 12131 may be interchanged. For example, the first card slot 12126 may be provided on the rear housing 1213, and the first clamping portion 12131 may be provided on the front housing 1212, and the front housing 1212 and the rear housing 1213 are connected through the cooperation of the first clamping portion 12131 and the first card slot 12126.

[0151] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the cooperation between a housing assembly and a base provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0152] Refer to Figure 13As shown, the rear shell 1213 may have a second cavity 12133 communicating with the first cavity 12121, the base 150 may have a third cavity 155 communicating with the second cavity 12133, and the optical fiber in the optical cable 140 may sequentially pass through the third cavity 155 of the base 150 and the second cavity 12133 of the rear shell 1213 and respectively pass through the through holes 12211 of each ferrule 1221. The optical fiber can be connected to the optical fiber in the optical cable connector 100 at the other end of the adapter through the ferrule 1221 to achieve transmission of optical signals.

[0153] Continue to see Figure 13 As shown, the rear shell 1213 may have a second clamping portion 12132 on one end away from the front shell 1212, and the base 150 may have a second clamping groove 154 that matches the second clamping portion 12132, and the second clamping portion 12132 may be clamped in the second clamping groove 154. For example, the second clamping portion 12132 and the first clamping portion 12131 may be arranged opposite to each other, one end of the rear shell 1213 may be connected to the front shell 1212 through the first clamping portion 12131, and the other end may be connected to the base 150 through the second clamping portion 12132, so that the housing assembly 121 is connected to the rear shell 1213. In this way, the firmness and reliability of the connection between the front shell 1212, the rear shell 1213 and the base 150 can be improved, and the separation between the base 150 and the rear shell 1213 and the front shell 1212 can be effectively prevented, which helps to improve the structural stability of the overall internal components of the optical cable connector 100.

[0154] Among them, the setting positions of the second card slot 154 and the second card connecting portion 12132 can also be interchanged. For example, the second card slot 154 can be set on the rear shell 1213, and the second card connecting portion 12132 can be set on the base 150. The connection between the rear shell 1213 and the base 150 can still be achieved through the cooperation between the second card connecting portion 12132 and the second card slot 154.

[0155] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a front shell provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0156] Among them, see Figure 14 As shown, in one possible implementation, the front shell 1212 may include M sub-front shells 12122, and the M sub-front shells 12122 may be connected in sequence along the direction from the first row to the Mth row, wherein each sub-front shell 12122 may have a first cavity 12121, each first cavity 12121 may have an elastic member 123, and each elastic member 123 may be penetrated by N plug cores 1221, so that the plug cores 1221 can be arranged in M rows and N columns.

[0157] Alternatively, in some examples, the front housing 1212 may further include N sub-front housings 12122, and the N sub-front housings 12122 may be sequentially connected along the direction from the first column to the Nth column. Each sub-front housing 12122 may have a first cavity 12121, each first cavity 12121 may have an elastic member 123, and M ferrule cores 1221 may be inserted through each elastic member 123, so that the ferrule cores 1221 can still be arranged in an M-row and N-column manner.

[0158] For example, when the ferrule cores 1221 are arranged in a 2-row and 2-column manner, that is, M equals 2 and N equals 2, the front housing 1212 may be as Figure 14 shown, including 2 sub-front housings 12122. The two sub-front housings 12122 may be sequentially connected along the direction from the first column to the second column. Moreover, each sub-front housing 12122 may have an elastic member 123, and each elastic member 123 may have 2 ferrule cores 1221, so that the ferrule cores 1221 can be arranged in a 2-row and 2-column manner.

[0159] By making the front housing 1212 include a plurality of independent and connected sub-front housings 12122, each sub-front housing 12122 can be independently produced, and then assembled and connected to the rear housing 1213. This can improve the independence of the arrangement between the sub-front housings 12122. Moreover, by changing the combination number of the sub-front housings 12122, the ferrule cores 1221 in the front housing 1212 can form a variety of different arrangement ways, which can effectively improve the flexibility of the arrangement of the ferrule cores 1221.

[0160] Continuing to refer to Figure 14 shown, the side of the front housing 1212 facing the first end 111 of the main housing 110 may have a plurality of openings 12123 through which the ferrule cores 1221 can pass. Each ferrule core 1221 can pass through an opening 12123 respectively, and there may be a connecting rib 12124 between adjacent two openings 12123. The connecting rib 12124 can separate adjacent two ferrule cores 1221 to reduce or avoid interference between adjacent two ferrule cores 1221, which helps to improve the overall structural stability of the optical cable connector 100.

[0161] Figure 15 This is a schematic structural diagram of a rear housing provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0162] Correspondingly, the rear housing 1213 may also include a plurality of sub-rear housings 12134. The number of the sub-rear housings 12134 may be the same as the number of the sub-front housings 12122. Moreover, each sub-rear housing 12134 may be respectively connected to each sub-front housing 12122 to form a housing assembly 121 for mounting and fixing the ferrule cores 1221. For example, referring to Figure 15As shown, the rear housing 1213 may also include two sub-rear housings 12134, and the two sub-rear housings 12134 may be respectively connected to the two sub-front housings 12122.

[0163] Figure 16 It is a schematic structural diagram of another front housing provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0164] Alternatively, in another possible implementation manner, referring to Figure 16 As shown, the front housing 1212 may also be an integral structure. An isolation wall 121211 may be provided in the first cavity 12121 of the front housing 1212. The isolation wall 121211 may divide the first cavity 12121 of the front housing 1212 into M sub-cavities 121212. The M sub-cavities 121212 may be connected in sequence along the direction from the first row to the Mth row. Among them, each sub-cavity 121212 may have an elastic member 123, and N ferrule cores 1221 may be respectively disposed in each elastic member 123, so that the ferrule cores 1221 can be arranged in an M-row and N-column manner.

[0165] Alternatively, in some examples, the isolation wall 121211 in the first cavity 12121 may also divide the first cavity 12121 of the front housing 1212 into N sub-cavities 121212. The N sub-cavities 121212 may be connected in sequence along the direction from the first column to the Nth column. Among them, each sub-cavity 121212 may have an elastic member 123, and M ferrule cores 1221 may be respectively disposed in each elastic member 123, so that the ferrule cores 1221 can still be arranged in an M-row and N-column manner.

[0166] For example, referring to Figure 16 As shown, the isolation wall 121211 may isolate the first cavity 12121 of the front housing 1212 into two sub-cavities 121212. The two sub-cavities 121212 may be arranged along the direction from the first column to the second column. Two ferrule cores 1221 may be provided in each sub-cavity 121212, so that the ferrule cores 1221 can be arranged in a 2-row and 2-column manner.

[0167] By making the front housing 1212 an integral structure, there is only the thickness of one isolation wall 121211 between two adjacent sub-cavities 121212, which can effectively reduce the isolation thickness between two adjacent sub-cavities 121212, effectively reduce the overall size of the front housing 1212, improve the miniaturization design of the front housing 1212, and thus effectively reduce the overall size of the optical cable connector 100 and achieve the miniaturization design of the optical cable connector 100.

[0168] Among them, the rear housing 1213 can be a split structure or an integral structure. For example, when the front housing 1212 is an integral structure, the rear housing 1213 can include sub-rear housings 12134 with the same number as the sub-cavities 121212 of the front housing 1212, and each sub-rear housing 12134 can be respectively inserted into each sub-cavity 121212 to achieve connection with the front housing 1212. Alternatively, the rear housing 1213 can also be an integral structure. The rear housing 1213 can include sub-cavities with the same number as the sub-cavities 121212 of the front housing 1212. Each sub-cavity in the rear housing 1213 can be respectively communicated with each sub-cavity 121212 in the front housing 1212, so that the optical fiber can pass through the rear housing 1213 in sequence and then extend into the ferrule 1221 in the front housing 1212.

[0169] Figure 17 It is a cross-sectional view of an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application under another section.

[0170] See Figure 17 As shown, the optical cable connector 100 can further include a locking cap 170. The locking cap 170 can be sleeved on the first end 111 of the main housing 110 and rotatably cooperate with the main housing 110. The locking cap 170 can cooperate with the structure on the adapter so that the optical cable connector 100 can be connected to the adapter.

[0171] For example, the adapter can have a guide groove structure that cooperates with the main housing 110. The main housing 110 can be inserted into the guide groove, and the locking cap 170 can be sleeved outside the adapter. The outer circumference of the adapter can have a connected first chute and a second chute. Among them, the first chute can extend along the axial direction of the adapter, and the first chute can extend to the end face of the adapter. The second chute can extend along the circumferential direction of the adapter. A limiting post 174 (see Figure 19 shown) can be provided on the inner wall of the locking cap 170. The limiting post 174 on the locking cap 170 can cooperate with the first chute and the second chute so that the locking cap 170 can be connected to the adapter.

[0172] For example, the locking cap 170 can be rotated along the extension directions of the first chute and the second chute so that the limiting post 174 on the locking cap 170 finally abuts against the end of the second chute. The second chute can play a role in axially limiting and fixing the limiting post 174 to prevent the locking cap 170 from moving axially along the adapter, which helps to improve the firmness and reliability of the connection between the optical cable connector 100 and the adapter and enhance the stability of the cooperation between two optical cable connectors 100.

[0173] Continue to refer to Figure 17As shown, the optical cable connector 100 may further include a seal 173. The seal 173 may be located between the main housing 110 and the locking cap 170, and the seal 173 may provide a seal between the main housing 110 and the locking cap 170. This can effectively reduce or avoid external water stains, dirt, etc. from entering the interior of the main housing 110 through the gap between the locking cap 170 and the main housing 110, which helps to improve the cleanliness inside the main housing 110, prevent water stains, dirt, etc. from entering the interior of the main housing 110 and affecting the stability of the cooperation between the optical cable connector 100 and the adapter, and helps to improve the stability of the optical signal transmission of the optical cable connector 100.

[0174] Continuing to refer to Figure 17 As shown, the optical cable connector 100 may further include a ferrule 180. The ferrule 180 may be sleeved on the second end 112 of the main housing 110, and the ferrule 180 may be sleeved on at least the sleeve member 160. The ferrule 180 may be made of rubber material and has a certain elasticity. The ferrule 180 may provide elastic protection for the optical cable 140. During the bending process of the optical cable 140, the ferrule 180 may increase the bending radius of the optical cable 140 to avoid breakage of the optical cable 140 due to too small a bending radius, thereby preventing the breakage of the optical cable 140 from affecting the signal transmission between the optical fiber cable connectors 100.

[0175] Figure 18 It is a schematic structural diagram of a main housing provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0176] Continuing to refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the main housing 110 may have a third card slot 117, and the ferrule 180 may have a third engaging portion 181 that cooperates with the third card slot 117. The third engaging portion 181 may be engaged in the third card slot 117, and the ferrule 180 may be connected through the cooperation of the third engaging portion 181 and the third card slot 117. The cooperation between the third engaging portion 181 and the third card slot 117 may reduce or avoid separation between the ferrule 180 and the main housing 110, which helps to improve the reliability and stability of the connection between the main housing 110 and the ferrule 180, and enhance the overall structural stability of the optical cable connector 100.

[0177] Among them, the setting positions of the third card slot 117 and the third engaging portion 181 may be interchanged. For example, the third card slot 117 may be provided on the ferrule 180, and the third engaging portion 181 may be provided on the main housing 110, and the connection between the main housing 110 and the ferrule 180 can still be achieved through the cooperation of the third engaging portion 181 and the third card slot 117.

[0178] Or, in some examples, the ferrule 180 and the main housing 110 may also be connected by means of bonding, threaded connection, etc.

[0179] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of a locking cap provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0180] See Figure 18 As shown, a third limiting block 119 may be provided on the outer side of the main housing 110. In combination with Figure 5 、 Figure 19 As shown, a seventh limiting portion 171 may be provided on the inner wall of the locking cap 170. The seventh limiting portion 171 may be arranged circumferentially on the inner wall of the locking cap 170. A notch 172 may be provided on the seventh limiting portion 171, and the notch 172 may be for the third limiting block 119 on the main housing 110 to pass through. When the third limiting block 119 on the main housing 110 is aligned with the notch 172, the main housing 110 can be disengaged from the locking cap 170. On the contrary, when the limiting block on the main housing 110 is not aligned with the notch 172 on the seventh limiting portion 171, the seventh limiting portion 171 can play a limiting and blocking role on the third limiting block 119 to prevent the main housing 110 from moving axially in the locking cap 170. This can effectively reduce or avoid the main housing 110 from being disengaged from the locking cap 170 during the use of the optical cable connector 100, can effectively improve the stability of the cooperation between the main housing 110 and the locking cap 170, and enhance the overall structural stability of the optical cable connector 100.

[0181] When the staff needs to remove the locking cap 170 from the main housing 110, the locking cap 170 can be rotated so that the third limiting block 119 is aligned with the notch 172, and the seventh limiting portion 171 loses its limiting effect on the third limiting block 119, thereby removing the locking cap 170 from the main housing 110.

[0182] In an embodiment of the present application, the ferrule 1221 may be a ceramic ferrule. Ceramic has relatively high strength and stiffness, which can improve the accuracy of the ferrule 1221, so that during the docking process of the optical cable connector 100, the ferrules 1221 at both ends can be better aligned, which helps to improve the alignment accuracy of the optical fibers in each ferrule 1221, can effectively reduce the loss of transmission between the optical fibers, and thus effectively improve the transmission efficiency of the optical signal between the optical cable connectors 100.

[0183] Moreover, the surface of the ceramic ferrule is smooth and easy to clean, which can effectively reduce the dust on the surface of the ferrule 1221, prevent the dust on the surface of the ferrule 1221 from being too large and affecting the transmission of the optical signal, and is beneficial to further reducing the loss and improving the transmission efficiency of the optical signal.

[0184] In addition, the ceramic ferrule has relatively high stiffness and strength, which can effectively reduce or avoid damage or fracture of the ferrule 1221, and helps to improve the reliability and stability of the optical signal transmission between the optical cable connectors 100.

[0185] Figure 20 The schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between a dust cap and an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 21 The exploded schematic diagram of the cooperation between a dust cap and an optical cable connector provided by an embodiment of the present application

[0186] See Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the optical cable connector 100 may further include a dust cap 190. The dust cap 190 may be sleeved on the first end 111 of the main housing 110, and the dust cap 190 may be detachably connected to the main housing 110. The dust cap 190 may cover the main housing 110 during the process when the optical fiber cable connector 100 is not in use, and may be removed when the optical cable connector 100 is in use. The dust cap 190 may provide protection for the ferrule assembly 120 inside the main housing 110, and may reduce or avoid external stains such as dust, water stains, and oil stains from entering the ferrule assembly 120 inside the main housing 110, preventing the stains from entering the ferrule assembly 120 and affecting the signal transmission of the optical fiber, which is beneficial to improving the cleanliness of the ferrule assembly 120 and enhancing the stability and reliability of the operation of the optical fiber cable connector 100.

[0187] Continue to see Figure 21 As shown, the optical cable connector 100 may further include a dust cover 191. The dust cover 191 may cover the ferrule 1221 to protect the ferrule 1221. In this way, it can effectively reduce or avoid external stains from entering the through hole 12211 of the ferrule 1221, which helps to improve the cleanliness inside the ferrule 1221, prevent the stains from entering the inside of the ferrule 1221 and affecting the signal transmission between optical fibers, and thus effectively enhance the reliability and stability of optical fiber transmission.

[0188] Figure 22 The schematic structural diagram of a connection box provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 23 The schematic structural diagram of an adapter from a certain perspective provided by an embodiment of the present application

[0189] An embodiment of the present application further provides a connection box 200. See Figure 22 As shown, the connection box 200 may include a housing 210 and an adapter 220. The adapter 220 may be located on the housing 210. The adapter 220 in the connection box 200 may be used to cooperate with the optical fiber cable connector 100 provided in any of the above scenarios. By making the adapter 220 in the connection box 200 cooperate with the above optical cable connector 100, the two optical fiber cable connectors 100 inside and outside the connection box 200 can be docked through the adapter 220 to achieve the transmission of optical signals. The optical cable connector 100 has high reliability and stability, which can effectively enhance the stability and reliability of optical signal transmission in the connection box 200.

[0190] For example, referring to Figure 23 As shown, the adapter 220 may have the same number of positioning sleeves 221 as the number of ferrules 1221 in the optical cable connector 100, and the positioning sleeves 221 may be configured to correspond to the arrangement of the ferrules 1221. For example, in the embodiments of the present application, the positioning sleeves 221 may also be arranged in an array in the form of M rows and N columns, so that the positioning sleeves 221 and the ferrules 1221 can correspond one by one.

[0191] A positioning through hole may be provided in the positioning sleeve 221, and both ends of the positioning through hole may be respectively used for inserting the ferrule 1221. For example, the positioning sleeve 221 may be a ceramic sleeve. One end of the positioning through hole may communicate with the outside of the connection box 200, and the other end may communicate with the inside of the connection box 200. The ferrule 1221 in the optical cable connector 100 located outside the connection box 200 may be inserted into one end of the positioning through hole, and the ferrule 1221 in the optical cable connector 100 located inside the connection box 200 may be inserted into the other end of the positioning through hole, so that the two ferrules 1221 can be butted through the positioning sleeve 221 to realize the butting of the optical fibers. This can effectively improve the coaxiality of the connection of the ferrules 1221, improve the accuracy of the butting of the ferrules 1221, and thus effectively improve the signal transmission efficiency between the optical fibers.

[0192] For example, taking M equal to 2 and N equal to 2 as an example, that is, the number of ferrules 1221 is 4, and the ferrules 1221 are arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns. At this time, the positioning sleeves 221 may also be arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns as shown in Figure 23 so that the four ferrules 1221 can be respectively inserted into the four positioning sleeves 221.

[0193] Figure 24 It is a schematic structural view of an adapter provided by an embodiment of the present application from another perspective.

[0194] Among them, referring to Figure 24 As shown, the adapter 220 and the housing 210 may be detachably connected through a nut member 230. For example, the adapter 220 can be produced separately and then assembled with the housing 210 to form the connection box 200.

[0195] Alternatively, in some examples, the adapter 220 and the housing 210 may also be an integral structure. For example, the adapter 220 and the housing 210 may be prepared by integral injection molding or integral stamping.

[0196] Figure 25 It is a cross-sectional view of an adapter provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0197] Referring to Figure 25As shown, the adapter 220 may include a first connection part 222 and a second connection part 223. The first connection part 222 may include an opposite third end 2221 and a fourth end 2222. The third end 2221 may be located outside the housing 210, and the fourth end 2222 may be located on the inner wall of the housing 210. The second connection part 223 may be located inside the housing 210 and be detachably connected to the fourth end 2222 of the first connection part 222. A first mounting part 2223 may be provided on the first end 111 of the first connection part 222, and a second mounting part 2231 may be provided on the second connection part 223. The first mounting part 2223 and the second mounting part 2231 may be arranged facing each other. One end of the positioning sleeve 221 may be inserted into the first mounting part 2223, and the other end may be mounted in the stacking mounting part.

[0198] Wherein, the ferrule 1221 in the optical cable connector 100 located outside the connection box 200 may be inserted into the positioning sleeve 221 located in the first mounting part 2223, and the ferrule 1221 in the optical cable connector 100 located inside the connection box 200 may be inserted into the positioning sleeve 221 located in the second mounting part 2231, so that the two ferrules 1221 can be docked through the positioning sleeve 221 to achieve signal transmission.

[0199] Wherein, the first connection part 222 and the second connection part 223 may be produced separately and then assembled together. For example, the first connection part 222 and the second connection part 223 may be made by injection molding or stamping, etc.

[0200] By making the adapter 220 include the first connection part 222 and the second connection part 223 and making the first connection part 222 and the second connection part 223 detachably connected, it is convenient for the demolding of the first connection part 222 and the second connection part 223, the production mold of the adapter 220 can be simplified, the mold cost of the adapter 220 can be reduced, and thus the production cost of the adapter 220 can be effectively reduced.

[0201] Alternatively, in some examples, the adapter 220 may also be an integral structure.

[0202] The application scenarios of the optical cable connector provided in the embodiments of the present application are introduced below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0203] Figure 26 It is a schematic diagram of an application link of an optical cable connector provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 27 It is a schematic diagram of a link inside a first main connection box provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 28 It is a schematic diagram of a link inside a first extended connection box provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 29 It is a schematic diagram of a link inside a fourth main connection box provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0204] The optical cable connector provided by the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the cascade between multiple connection boxes. For example, the connection box can be a fiber access terminal (FAT), and multiple connection boxes can be connected through the optical cable connector. For example, taking the ferrule in the optical cable connector as four (also called a 4-core optical cable connector) as an example, the connection box on the main link can be the main connection box, and a new link can be extended on the main link. The connection box on the extended link can be the extended connection box.

[0205] For example, see Figure 26 As shown, the number of main connection boxes can be four. For ease of understanding, the four main connection boxes can be the first main connection box 310, the second main connection box 320, the third main connection box 330, and the fourth main connection box 340 respectively. Each main connection box can include an optical input end and multiple optical output ends. For example, as shown in Figure 27 Taking the first main connection box 310 as an example, the first main connection box 310 can include an optical input end and four optical output ends. For example, the optical input end can be the first input end 311, and the four output ends can be the first output end 312, the second output end 313, the third output end 314, and the fourth output end 315 respectively. Among them, the input end can be a multi-core input end. The multi-core input end means that the input end of the main connection box is connected to a multi-core optical cable connector (such as a 4-core optical cable connector) to transmit signals into the connection box through four optical fibers. For example, in this example, as shown in the figure, only three of the four ferrules may have optical signals.

[0206] The optical output end can include a single-core output end, a multi-core output end, and an in-house access end. For example, the first output end 312 and the third output end 314 can be single-core output ends, the second output end 313 can be a multi-core output end, and the fourth output end 315 can be an in-house access end. Among them, the single-core output end means that the optical signal is output through one optical fiber, and the multi-core output end means that the signal is output through multiple optical fibers. The in-house access end means that it is led into the user's room to provide signals for the room.

[0207] An extended connection box can also be connected to the main connection box. For example, as shown in Figure 26 Taking the first main connection box 310 as an example, two extended connection boxes can be connected to the first main connection box 310. The two extended connection boxes can be the first extended connection box 410 and the second extended connection box 420 respectively. As shown in Figure 28As shown, taking the first expansion connection box 410 as an example, the first expansion connection box 410 may have an input end and an output end. For example, the first expansion connection box 410 may have a second input end 411 and a fifth output end 412. Among them, the second input end 411 may be a single-core input end, and the second input end 411 may be connected to the first output end 312 in the first main connection box 310. The fifth output end 412 may be an in-home end to provide signals for users.

[0208] See Figure 26 and Figure 27 As shown, taking the first main connection box 310 as an example, among the three optical fiber signals connected to the first main connection box 310, they can be respectively connected to a splitter, and the splitter can divide the signals into multiple paths again. For example, see Figure 27 As shown, the three splitters may be the first splitter 316, the second splitter 316, and the third splitter 317 respectively. Among them, the first splitter 316 and the second splitter 317 may be 1:2 splitters, and the third splitter 318 may be a 1:9 splitter.

[0209] One path of optical fiber in the first splitter 316 can be connected to the first expansion connection box 410 through the first output end 312, and the other path can be connected to the second main connection box 320 through the second output end 313. One path of optical fiber in the second splitter 317 can be connected to the second expansion connection box 420 through the third output end 314, and the other path can be connected to the second main connection box 320 through the second output end 313. One path of optical fiber in the third splitter 318 can be connected to the second main connection box 320 through the second output end 313, and the remaining 8 paths can be used for in-home access to provide signals for users' indoor. In this way, the optical fibers input to the second main connection box 320 are still three paths, and the connection method of the three optical fibers in the second main connection box 320 can refer to the connection method in the first main connection box 310 to transmit the signals to the third main connection box 330, and the third main connection box 330 can be transmitted to the fourth main connection box 340 in the same way. Among them, combined with Figure 29 As shown, the fourth main connection box 340 is an end connection box. The fourth connection box may include an input end and three output ends. For example, the fourth connection box may include a third input end 341, a sixth output end 342, a seventh output end 343, and an eighth output end 344. Among them, the third input end 341 may be a multi-core input end, the sixth output end 342 and the seventh output end 343 may be single-core output ends, and the eighth output end 344 may be an in-home end. One of the three optical fibers inside it can be split by the splitter and then enter the user's indoor through the eighth output end 344, and the remaining two can be respectively connected to the expansion connection box through the sixth output end 342 and the seventh output end 343.

[0210] Continuing to take the first main connection box 310 as an example, the three optical splitters in the first main connection box 310 can be unequal-ratio optical splitters. An unequal-ratio optical splitter means that the signal energy intensities at the respective output ends of the optical splitter are not equal. For example, the first optical splitter 316 and the second optical splitter 317 can be 1:2 unequal-ratio optical splitters, and their specifications can be 90 / 10, 85 / 15, 70 / 30. For example, taking the first optical splitter 316 as 90 / 10, that is, among the energies in the two optical fibers output by the first optical splitter 316, the energy of one optical fiber is 90% of the total input energy, and the other is 10% of the total input energy. Among them, the output port with less energy can be connected to the extended connection box, while the output port with more energy can be connected to the next main connection box (for example, the second main connection box 320) so that the next main connection box can have sufficient energy to continue to be transmitted to the lower-level main connection box.

[0211] Correspondingly, the third optical splitter 318 can be a 1:9 unequal-ratio optical splitter. One output end in the third optical splitter 318 can have a larger energy, and the energies of the remaining 8 output ends can be equal. For example, the energy ratio of the output end with a larger energy can be 90%, 85%, or 70%, etc., and the remaining 8 can equally divide the remaining energy to be input into the user's room.

[0212] Among them, the extended connection box and the main connection box can be from different suppliers, or they can also be from the same supplier. When the extended connection box and the main connection box are from different suppliers and the user terminal needs to switch to different operators, only the optical cable connector needs to be connected from the port of the original operator to the port of another operator.

[0213] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it can be the connection inside two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances. The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) are used to distinguish similar objects and do not have to be used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0214] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit them; although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. An optical cable connector, characterized in that, Comprising: A main housing (110), the main housing (110) includes opposite first and second ends (111, 112), and a first accommodation cavity (113) penetrating through the first end (111) and the second end (112) is provided inside the main housing (110); A ferrule assembly (120), the ferrule assembly (120) is located inside the first accommodation cavity (113); A connecting member (130), the connecting member (130) is located inside the first accommodation cavity (113) and is disposed near the second end (112), and the connecting member (130) is coupled to the main housing (110); An optical cable (140), a part of the optical cable (140) is inserted into the connecting member (130) and is connected to the connecting member (130), and one end of the optical cable (140) located inside the main housing (110) is connected to the ferrule assembly (120).

2. The optical cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting member (130) has a first limiting portion (131), and the main housing (110) has a second limiting portion (114); The first limiting portion (131) abuts against the second limiting portion (114), and the coupling relationship between the connecting member (130) and the main housing (110) is formed by the abutment of the first limiting portion (131) and the second limiting portion (114).

3. The optical cable connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The abutting surface of the first limiting portion (131) faces the second end (112) of the main housing (110), and the abutting surface of the second limiting portion (114) faces the first end (111) of the main housing (110).

4. The optical cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, One of the connecting member (130) and the main housing (110) has a first limiting groove (132), and the other of the connecting member (130) and the main housing (110) has a first limiting block (115) that cooperates with the first limiting groove (132); The first limiting block (115) cooperates with the first limiting groove (132) to limit the relative rotation between the main housing (110) and the connecting member (130).

5. The optical cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Further comprising: A base (150), the base (150) is located inside the first accommodation cavity (113) of the main housing (110); One end of the base (150) is connected to the connecting member (130), and the other end of the base (150) is connected to the ferrule assembly (120) and the main housing (110); The optical cable (140) passes through the base (150) and is connected to the ferrule assembly (120).

6. The optical cable connector according to claim 5, wherein, One of the base (150) and the connecting member (130) has a connecting post (151), and the other of the base (150) and the connecting member (130) is provided with a connecting hole (133) that cooperates with the connecting post (151); The connecting post (151) is inserted into the connecting hole (133), and the connecting member (130) and the base (150) are connected through the cooperation of the connecting post (151) and the connecting hole (133).

7. The optical cable connector according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, A window (152) is further provided on the base (150).

8. The optical cable connector according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that The inner wall of the main housing (110) has a third limiting portion (116), and the outer periphery of the base (150) has a fourth limiting portion (153) that cooperates with the third limiting portion (116); The fourth limiting portion (153) abuts against the third limiting portion (116).

9. The optical cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It further includes: A sleeve member (160), one end of the sleeve member (160) is sleeved on the second end (112) of the main housing (110) and is connected to the main housing (110), and the other end of the sleeve member (160) is sleeved on the optical cable (140) and is connected to the optical cable (140).

10. The optical cable connector according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The ferrule assembly (120) includes: A housing assembly (121), the housing assembly (121) has a second accommodation cavity (1211); A ferrule structure (122), at least a part of the ferrule structure (122) is disposed in the second accommodation cavity (1211).

11. The optical cable connector according to claim 10, wherein, The ferrule assembly (120) further includes: An elastic member (123), the elastic member (123) is located in the second accommodation cavity (1211), one end of the elastic member (123) abuts against the inner wall of the second accommodation cavity (1211), and the other end of the elastic member (123) is connected to the ferrule structure (122).

12. The optical cable connector according to claim 11, wherein, The ferrule structure (122) includes a plurality of ferrules (1221), each ferrule (1221) has a through hole (12211), the optical cable (140) includes a plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are respectively disposed in the through holes (12211) of the respective ferrules (1221); At least two ferrules (1221) are connected to one elastic member (123).

13. The optical cable connector according to claim 12, characterized in that, The elastic member (123) is a spring, and the spring is sleeved outside the ferrule structure (122).

14. The optical cable connector according to claim 12, wherein The plurality of ferrules (1221) are arranged in an array in the form of M rows and N columns, where M≥2 and N≥2; The number of the elastic members (123) is N, and each elastic member (123) has M ferrules (1221) therein; Or, the number of the elastic members (123) is M, and each elastic member (123) has N ferrules (1221) therein.

15. The optical cable connector according to claim 14, characterized in that, The housing assembly (121) includes: A front shell (1212), the front shell (1212) has a first cavity (12121); A rear shell (1213), at least a part of the rear shell (1213) extends into the first cavity (12121) and is connected to the front shell (1212); Each ferrule (1221) includes: A connecting portion (12212), the connecting portion (12212) is located in the first cavity (12121); A plugging portion (12213), the plugging portion (12213) is connected to the connecting portion (12212), and the plugging portion (12213) extends out of the front end of the front shell (1212). The elastic member (123) is sleeved on the connecting portion (12212), and one end of the elastic member (123) is connected to the ferrule (1221), and the other end of the elastic member (123) is connected to the rear housing (1213).

16. The optical cable connector according to claim 15, wherein, The front housing (1212) includes M sub-front housings (12122), and the M sub-front housings (12122) are sequentially connected in the direction from the first row to the Mth row; The sub-front housing (12122) has one of the first cavities (12121), one of the elastic members (123) is disposed in the first cavity (12121), and N ferrules (1221) are inserted through the elastic member (123); Alternatively, the front housing (1212) includes N sub-front housings (12122), and the N sub-front housings (12122) are sequentially connected in the direction from the first column to the Nth column; The sub-front housing (12122) has one of the first cavities (12121), one of the elastic members (123) is disposed in the first cavity (12121), and M ferrules (1221) are inserted through the elastic member (123); 17. The optical cable connector according to claim 15, wherein The front housing (1212) is of an integral structure, and a partition wall (121211) is disposed in the first cavity (12121) of the front housing (1212); The partition wall (121211) divides the first cavity (12121) into M sub-cavities (121212), and the M sub-cavities (121212) are sequentially arranged in the direction from the first row to the Mth row; One of the elastic members (123) is disposed in each of the sub-cavities (121212), and N ferrules (1221) are inserted through the elastic member (123); Alternatively, the partition wall (121211) divides the first cavity (12121) into N sub-cavities (121212), and the N sub-cavities (121212) are sequentially arranged in the direction from the first column to the Nth column; One of the elastic members (123) is disposed in the sub-cavity (121212), and M ferrules (1221) are inserted through the elastic member (123); 18. The optical cable connector according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The number of the rear housings (1213) is the same as the number of the M sub-front housings (12122) of the front housing (1212), or the number of the rear housings (1213) is the same as the number of the N sub-front housings (12122) of the front housing (1212); Alternatively, the number of the rear housings (1213) is the same as the number of the M sub-cavities (121212) of the front housing (1212), or the number of the rear housings (1213) is the same as the number of the N sub-cavities (121212) of the front housing (1212).

19. The optical fiber cable connector according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, One side of the first end (111) of the front housing (1212) facing the main housing (110) has a plurality of openings (12123) through which the ferrules (1221) can pass, and the ferrules (1221) respectively pass through one of the openings (12123); There is a connecting rib (12124) between two adjacent openings (12123).

20. The optical cable connector according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that One end of the connecting part (12212) close to the plugging part (12213) has a fifth limiting part (12214), and the inside of the front shell (1212) has a sixth limiting part (12125) that cooperates with the fifth limiting part (12214); One end of the fifth limiting part (12214) abuts against the sixth limiting part (12125), and the other end of the fifth limiting part (12214) abuts against the elastic part (123).

21. The optical cable connector according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that, A first clamping groove (12126) is formed on the front shell (1212), and the rear shell (1213) has a first clamping part (12131) that cooperates with the first clamping groove (12126); The first clamping part (12131) is clamped in the clamping groove, and the front shell (1212) and the rear shell (1213) are connected through the cooperation of the first clamping part (12131) and the first clamping groove (12126).

22. The optical cable connector according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that, One end of the rear shell (1213) away from the front shell (1212) has a second clamping part (12132), and the base (150) has a second clamping groove (154) that cooperates with the second clamping part (12132); The second clamping part (12132) is clamped in the second clamping groove (154), and the base (150) and the rear shell (1213) are connected through the cooperation of the second clamping part (12132) and the second clamping groove (154).

23. The optical cable connector according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that, The rear shell (1213) has a second cavity (12133) communicating with the first cavity (12121), and the base (150) has a third cavity (155) communicating with the second cavity (12133); Each optical fiber in the optical cable (140) sequentially passes through the third cavity (155) and the second cavity (12133) and is respectively arranged in the through holes (12211) of each ferrule (1221).

24. The optical cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that, Further comprising: A locking cap (170) sleeved on the main housing (110) and rotatably cooperating with the main housing (110).

25. The optical cable connector according to claim 24, characterized in that, Further comprising: A seal (173) located between the main housing (110) and the locking cap (170), and the seal (173) is used to provide a seal between the main housing (110) and the locking cap (170).

26. The optical cable connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, Further comprising: A tail sleeve (180) sleeved on the main housing (110), and the tail sleeve (180) is sleeved on at least part of the sleeve member (160).

27. The optical fiber cable connector according to claim 26, wherein, The main housing (110) has a third clamping groove (117), and the tail sleeve (180) has a third clamping part (181) that cooperates with the third clamping groove (117); The third clamping part (181) is clamped in the third clamping groove (117), and the tail sleeve (180) and the main housing (110) are connected through the cooperation of the third clamping part (181) and the third clamping groove (117).

28. The optical cable connector according to claim 9 or 26, characterized in that, The sleeve member (160) is a heat shrinkable sleeve.

29. The optical fiber cable connector according to any one of claims 12 to 23, characterized in that, The ferrule (1221) is a ceramic ferrule (1221).

30. The optical cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that The optical cable (140) includes a cable core and an outer sheath, and the outer sheath is sleeved on the cable core; The connector is sleeved on the outer sheath and bonded to the outer sheath.

31. A connection box, characterized in that, It includes a housing (210) and an adapter (220). The adapter (220) is located on the housing (210), and the adapter (220) is used to cooperate with the optical cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

32. The connection box according to claim 31, characterized in that, The adapter (220) has positioning sleeves (221) with the same number as the number of ferrules (1221) in the optical cable connector, and the positioning sleeves (221) are configured to correspond to the arrangement mode of the ferrules (1221); Each of the positioning sleeves (221) has a positioning through hole, and both ends of the positioning through hole are respectively used for inserting the ferrule (1221).

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