Connector and optical fiber connection assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector and an optical fiber connection assembly, and relates to the technical field of optical fiber communication, and the connector comprises a connector main body which comprises a plug; the shell fixing piece is arranged on the connector main body in a sleeving manner and can rotate relative to the connector main body; the connector shell sleeves the connector main body, the connector shell comprises a limiting part and a butt joint part, the limiting part is connected with the shell fixing piece, the limiting part is clamped on the plug to limit the rotation angle of the connector shell, a locking piece is arranged on the inner wall of the butt joint part, and a positioning ring with a positioning notch is further integrally arranged in the butt joint part; the positioning ring and the locking piece are arranged in a spaced mode and contain the plug. The positioning ring is further provided with a hollowed-out groove facing the locking piece, and the size of the hollowed-out groove can contain the locking piece. The number of connector parts can be reduced, and the failure risk and cost are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of optical fiber communication, and particularly relates to a connector and an optical fiber connection assembly. Background Art

[0002] With the large-scale deployment of FTTH (Fiber To The Home), pre-connected products that reduce construction costs, lower construction technical requirements, and simplify construction difficulties are increasingly widely used. However, at present, most of the optical fiber connectors and adapters used are of the industry standard type. The design of this type of connector and adapter is intended to solve the optical fiber connection indoors or within a protective box (cabinet). When opening a service, it is necessary to open the box and perform operations such as fusion splicing and fixing the optical cable inside the box. To avoid actions such as opening the box, fusion splicing, and fixing the optical cable when opening a service, an optical fiber connector and adapter with good waterproof performance that can be pre-installed for use outside the box have gradually been applied.

[0003] Currently, most waterproof optical fiber connectors on the market have a large number of product parts, complex assembly processes, high costs, and low yields. The reason is that waterproof optical fiber connectors for outdoor applications have high requirements for the weather resistance, waterproofness, and mechanical properties of the connectors. Therefore, products mostly adopt complex structures and non-standard docking interfaces, resulting in a large number of product parts. And the non-standard docking interfaces make it difficult to inherit the use of standard production processes such as standard SC, LC, FC, etc. in the production process of the products, resulting in cumbersome production processes, high costs, and low yields. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a connector and an optical fiber connection assembly, which can reduce the number of connector parts, reduce the risk of failure and costs.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a connector, the connector includes: A connector body, which includes a plug; A housing fixing member, which is sleeved on the connector body and can rotate relative to the connector body; A connector housing, which is sleeved on the connector body. The connector housing includes a limiting portion and a docking portion. The limiting portion is connected to the housing fixing member, and the limiting portion clamps on the plug to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing. The inner wall of the docking portion is provided with a locking member, and a positioning ring with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the docking portion. The positioning ring and the locking member are spaced apart and accommodate the plug. The positioning ring is also provided with a hollow groove facing the locking member and sized to accommodate the locking member.

[0006] In combination with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the locking member includes two oppositely arranged locking protrusions; Two of the hollow slots are provided on the positioning ring, and each of the hollow slots faces one of the locking protrusions.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, in one embodiment, with the connection line of the two locking protrusions as the horizontal line, the two hollow slots are arranged in a vertically staggered manner based on the horizontal line, and the extension line of at least one side edge of each hollow slot is inclined relative to the horizontal line to form an included angle.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the limiting portion includes a plurality of limiting racks that protrude along the inner wall and are circumferentially spaced apart.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the limiting rack includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface, and the connector housing contacts the plug through the first contact surface and the second contact surface respectively before and after rotation.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the plug is provided with a locking rib that matches the internal buckle of the standard SC adapter.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the plug is further provided with a first boss, and a sealing ring is provided between the connector housing and the first boss.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the housing fixing member includes a first connecting portion, and the first connecting portion abuts against the first boss and is connected to the part of the connector housing extending out of the first boss.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in one embodiment, it further includes: A tail sleeve, which is sleeved on the connector body, and a card slot is provided on the outer wall of the tail sleeve; The housing fixing member further includes a second connecting portion, and a second boss that matches the card slot is provided on the inner wall of the second connecting portion.

[0014] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an optical fiber connection assembly, and the optical fiber connection assembly includes: A connector, which includes: A connector body, which includes a plug; A housing fixing member, which is sleeved on the connector body and can rotate relative to the connector body; A connector housing is sleeved on the connector body. The connector housing includes a limiting portion and a docking portion. The limiting portion is connected to the housing fixing member, and the limiting portion is clamped on the plug to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing. The inner wall of the docking portion is provided with a locking member, and a positioning ring with a positioning notch is integrally arranged in the docking portion. The positioning ring and the locking member are arranged at intervals and accommodate the plug. The positioning ring is also provided with a hollow groove facing the locking member and sized to accommodate the locking member. An adapter is locked and docked with the connector through the locking member and the positioning ring.

[0015] The beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application include: In the connector of the present application, it includes a connector body 1, a housing fixing member 2 and a connector housing 3. The connector housing 3 is sleeved on the connector body 1, including a limiting portion and a docking portion. The limiting portion is connected to the housing fixing member 2. A positioning ring 4 with a positioning notch is integrally arranged in the docking portion. The positioning ring 4 and the locking member are arranged at intervals and accommodate the plug 11. The positioning ring 4 is also provided with a hollow groove 41 facing the locking member and sized to accommodate the locking member. Thus, in the present application, the positioning ring 4 for anti-fooling and the connector housing 3 are integrated into one part, reducing the number of parts and also eliminating the seal between the two, reducing the failure risk and cost. Description of the Drawings

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the connector in the present application; Figure 2 It is an exploded view of the connector in the present application; Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the connector in the axial direction of the present application; Figure 4 It is another cross-sectional view of the connector in the axial direction of the present application; Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the optical cable fixing sleeve in the present application; Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of the optical cable fixing sleeve after installing the optical cable in the present application; Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of the connector housing in the present application; Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of the connector in the radial direction of the present application; Figure 9 Schematic structural diagram of the internal extraction mechanism; Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the rotational state of the connector housing in the present application; Figure 11 Schematic structural diagram of the connector and the standard SC outer frame sleeve in the present application.

[0018] In the figure: 1. Connector body; 11. Plug; 111. Locking rib; 112. First boss; 12. Optical cable fixing sleeve; 121. Optical cable receiving cavity; 122. Reinforcing member receiving cavity; 123. Optical fiber receiving channel; 13. Ferrule assembly; 2. Housing fixing member; 21. First connection portion; 22. Second connection portion; 221. Second boss; 3. Connector housing; 31. Locking protrusion; 32. Limiting rack; 4. Positioning ring; 41. Hollow groove; 5. Sealing ring; 6. Tail sleeve; 61. Card slot; 7. Heat shrinkable tube; 8. Optical cable; 81. Optical cable reinforcing member; 82. Optical fiber; 9. Standard SC connector outer frame sleeve. Detailed implementation manners

[0019] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0020] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a connector.

[0021] In one embodiment, with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 1 which is Figures 1 to 4 a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the connector of the present application. As

[0022] shown, the connector includes: a connector body 1, a housing fixing member 2, a connector housing 3, a positioning ring 4, a sealing ring 5, a tail sleeve 6 and a heat shrinkable tube 7.

[0023] The connector housing 3 is sleeved on the connector body 1. The connector housing 3 includes a limiting part and a docking part. The limiting part is connected to the housing fixing part 2, and the limiting part is clamped on the plug 11 to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing 3. The inner wall of the docking part is provided with a locking part, and a positioning ring 4 with a positioning notch is integrally arranged in the docking part. The positioning ring 4 is arranged at an interval from the locking part and houses the plug 11. The positioning ring 4 is also provided with a hollow groove 41 facing the locking part and sized to house the locking part.

[0024] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in order to achieve a better sealing effect, the plug 11 is further provided with a first boss 112, and a sealing ring 5 is arranged between the connector housing 3 and the first boss 112. It should be noted that in this embodiment, both the plug 11 and the positioning ring 4 extend out of the connector housing 3, and the positioning ring 4 extends more than the plug 11, that is, the end face of the plug 11 is located within the positioning ring 4.

[0025] The housing fixing part 2 in this embodiment includes a first connecting part 21 and a second connecting part 22. The first connecting part 21 abuts against the first boss 112 and is connected to the part of the connector housing 3 that extends out of the first boss 112.

[0026] It should be noted that since the rotation angle of the connector housing 3 is limited, connecting the housing fixing part 2 and the connector housing 3 is actually achieved by keeping the connector housing 3 stationary and rotating the housing fixing part 2. Specifically, the first connecting part 21 is provided with an external thread, and the connector housing 3 is provided with an internal thread, and the two are connected together by threads. The second connecting part 22 is used to connect to the tail sleeve 6. Specifically, the tail sleeve 6 is sleeved on the connector body 1, and a clamping groove 61 is provided on its outer wall. The inner wall of the second connecting part 22 is provided with a second boss 221 that matches the clamping groove 61, and the two are connected through the clamping groove 61 and the second boss 221.

[0027] In some embodiments, the plug 11 is further provided with a receiving cavity, and an optical cable fixing sleeve 12 is arranged in the receiving cavity. Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the optical cable fixing sleeve 12 includes an optical cable receiving cavity 121, a strengthening member receiving cavity 122, and an optical fiber receiving channel 123 that are connected in sequence. The optical cable receiving cavity 121 is used to receive the unpeeled optical cable 8. After the front end of the optical cable 8 is peeled off, the optical cable strengthening member 81 is received in the strengthening member receiving cavity 122, and the optical fiber 82 is received in the optical fiber receiving channel 123. The optical fiber 82 will extend into the plug 11 to be docked with the adapter. In addition, the heat shrinkable tube 7 is wrapped around the optical cable 8 to play a role in protection and reinforcement, and the two are received in the tail sleeve 6 together.

[0028] It should be noted that since the insertion section of the plug 11 is symmetrically structured up and down and cannot be anti-fooled by 180 degrees, and since there is a positioning notch on the positioning ring 4, docking can only be completed when the positioning notch corresponds to the corresponding structure of the adapter. Therefore, the cross-section formed by the plug 11 and the positioning ring 4 makes the insertion of the connector have only one direction. Preferably, the cross-section of the positioning ring 4 is C-shaped. Of course, the notch can also be designed in other forms according to needs, and this embodiment does not limit it here.

[0029] It should be noted that in the prior art, the positioning ring 4 and the connector housing 3 are two parts, and a sealing ring needs to be added between the two parts for sealing, resulting in relatively high material costs and assembly costs.

[0030] In fact, the positioning ring 4 only needs to be anti-fooled by 180 degrees, and the actual precise positioning is completed by the plug 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the positioning ring 4 and the connector housing 3 are integrated into one part, which can reduce the number of parts and lower the assembly cost.

[0031] When specifically implemented, the positioning ring 4 and the connector housing 3 can be integrally formed. However, since the positioning ring 4 and the connector housing 3 are made into one part, the locking member mold cannot be produced. In this embodiment, the locking member includes two locking protrusions 31 arranged oppositely, that is, the mold for the locking protrusions 31 cannot be produced.

[0032] To solve this problem, as shown in Figure 7 In this embodiment, at least two hollow slots 41 are provided on the positioning ring 4. The hollow slots 41 face the locking protrusions 31, and their sizes are at least large enough to allow a structure of the same size as the locking protrusions 31 to pass through; thus, the moving mechanism on the mold can be allowed to move inward so that the locking protrusions 31 can be produced on the mold.

[0033] Since the locking protrusions 31 need to be distributed at 180 degrees, generally, such a moving mechanism on the mold is two sliders or inclined tops moving towards each other on the same axis, which requires a relatively large moving stroke. This requires the size of the connector to be relatively large, but a large connector size affects the operation convenience and cost of the product.

[0034] Therefore, further, the two hollow slots 41 need to be arranged in a staggered manner. Specifically, referring to Figure 8 As shown, taking the connection line of the two locking protrusions 31 as the horizontal line, the two hollow slots 41 are arranged in a high-low staggered manner based on the horizontal line, and the extension line of at least one side edge of each hollow slot 41 is inclined relative to the horizontal line to form an included angle. Preferably, the size of the included angle is 5 to 15 degrees. Of course, it can also be set to other ranges according to needs, and this embodiment does not limit it here.

[0035] After designing in this way, when the two sliders or lifters corresponding to the two locking protrusions 31 move, they can be staggered, increasing the movement stroke space of the internal withdrawal mechanism, so that the size of the connector will not increase. For the schematic diagram of the internal withdrawal mechanism, refer to Figure 9 As shown.

[0036] Referring to Figure 7 As shown, the limiting part in this embodiment includes a plurality of limiting racks 32 that protrude along the inner wall and are circumferentially spaced. The specific number of the limiting racks 32 can be reasonably set according to needs. The number of the limiting racks 32 in this embodiment is 4, corresponding to the 4 planes of the plug 11 respectively.

[0037] Specifically, the limiting rack 3 includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface. Before and after the rotation of the connector housing 3, it contacts the plug 11 through the first contact surface and the second contact surface respectively. That is to say, the protruding part of the limiting rack 32 includes two planes, and both of these two planes are used to contact the plane of the plug 11. Its rotation amplitude is limited to switch from one plane of the limiting rack 32 to the other plane to contact the plane of the plug 11. Preferably, the cross-section of the limiting rack 32 is triangular. Of course, it can also be set to other shapes that also include two contact surfaces according to needs, and this embodiment does not limit it here.

[0038] Referring to Figure 10 As shown, there are 4 limiting racks 32 on the limiting part and 4 planes on the plug 11. Taking one of the limiting racks 32 as an example, at the initial position, the first contact surface of this limiting rack 32 fits the plane of the plug 11, and after rotation, the second contact surface of this limiting rack 32 fits the plane of the plug 11, so as to realize the angular limit of the rotation of the connector housing 3. At the same time, the supporting area between the connector housing 3 and the plug 11 is increased, improving the strength of the connector. It should be noted that the left figure in the drawing is the relative position of the limiting rack 32 and the plane of the plug 11 before the outer sleeve rotates, and the right figure is the relative position of the limiting rack 32 and the plane of the plug 11 after rotation. During the whole rotation process, there is no interference between the limiting rack 32 and the plane of the plug 11.

[0039] In addition, since the connector housing fixing member 2 is provided on the connector body 1, the connector housing 3 can be assembled to the connector after the assembly production of the connector body 1 is completed. At the same time, referring to Figure 11 As shown, the plug 11 is provided with locking ribs 111 that match the internal snap of the standard SC adapter. That is, the plug 11 has a structure that can match the standard SC adapter and the outer frame sleeve 9 of the standard SC connector. In this way, the production process of the standard SC connector can be adopted for production, and then the connector housing is assembled to form an outdoor waterproof connector, thereby reducing the production cost and yield of the waterproof connector.

[0040] In summary, the connector in the present application includes a connector body 1, a housing fixing member 2, and a connector housing 3. The connector housing 3 is sleeved on the connector body 1 and includes a limiting portion and a docking portion. The limiting portion is connected to the housing fixing member 2. A positioning ring 4 with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the docking portion. The positioning ring 4 is spaced from the locking member and houses the plug 11. The positioning ring 4 is also provided with a hollow groove 41 facing the locking member and sized to house the locking member. Thus, in the present application, the positioning ring 4 for anti-misoperation and the connector housing 3 are integrated into one part, reducing the number of parts and eliminating the seal between the two, reducing the failure risk and cost.

[0041] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an optical fiber connection assembly, which includes an adapter and the above-mentioned connector.

[0042] Among them, the connector includes: A connector body 1, which includes a plug 11; A housing fixing member 2, which is sleeved on the connector body 1 and can rotate relative to the connector body 1; A connector housing 3, which is sleeved on the connector body 1. The connector housing 3 includes a limiting portion and a docking portion. The limiting portion is connected to the housing fixing member 2, and the limiting portion is clamped on the plug 11 to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing 3. The inner wall of the docking portion is provided with a locking member, and a positioning ring 4 with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the docking portion. The positioning ring 4 is spaced from the locking member and houses the plug 11. The positioning ring 4 is also provided with a hollow groove 41 facing the locking member and sized to house the locking member; An adapter, which is locked and docked with the connector through the locking member and the positioning ring 4.

[0043] Further, in one embodiment, the locking member includes two locking protrusions 31 arranged oppositely; Two hollow grooves 41 are provided on the positioning ring 4, and each hollow groove 41 faces one of the locking protrusions 31.

[0044] Further, in one embodiment, taking the connection line of the two locking protrusions 31 as the horizontal line, the two hollow grooves 41 are arranged with a vertical offset based on the horizontal line, and the extension line of the upper side edge of each hollow groove 41 is inclined relative to the horizontal line to form an included angle.

[0045] Further, in one embodiment, the limiting portion includes a plurality of limiting racks 32 that protrude along the inner wall and are circumferentially spaced apart.

[0046] Further, in one embodiment, the cross-section of the limiting rack 32 is triangular.

[0047] Further, in one embodiment, the plug 11 is provided with a locking rib 111 that matches the internal buckle of a standard SC adapter.

[0048] Further, in one embodiment, the plug 11 is further provided with a first boss 112, and a sealing ring 5 is provided between the connector housing 3 and the first boss 112.

[0049] Further, in one embodiment, the housing fixing member 2 includes a first connecting portion 21, and the first connecting portion 21 abuts against the first boss 112 and is connected to the portion of the connector housing 3 that extends out of the first boss 112.

[0050] Further, in one embodiment, it further includes: A tail sleeve 6, which is sleeved on the connector body 1, and a card slot 61 is provided on the outer wall of the tail sleeve 6; The housing fixing member 2 further includes a second connecting portion 22, and a second boss 221 that matches the card slot 61 is provided on the inner wall of the second connecting portion 22.

[0051] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper" and "lower" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present application. Unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0052] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising an..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the said element.

[0053] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application will not be limited to these embodiments shown herein, but rather will be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, The connector includes: A connector body (1), which includes a plug (11); A housing fixing member (2), which is sleeved on the connector body (1) and can rotate relative to the connector body (1); A connector housing (3), which is sleeved on the connector body (1). The connector housing (3) includes a limiting portion and a docking portion. The limiting portion is connected to the housing fixing member (2), and the limiting portion is clamped on the plug (11) to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing (3). The inner wall of the docking portion is provided with a locking member, and a positioning ring (4) with a positioning notch is integrally arranged in the docking portion. The positioning ring (4) is arranged at an interval from the locking member and houses the plug (11). A hollow groove (41) is also provided on the positioning ring (4) facing the locking member and with a size capable of housing the locking member.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The locking member includes two locking protrusions (31) arranged oppositely; Two of the hollow grooves (41) are provided on the positioning ring (4), and each hollow groove (41) is arranged facing one of the locking protrusions (31).

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: Taking the connection line of the two locking protrusions (31) as a horizontal line, the two hollow grooves (41) are arranged in a high-low staggered manner based on the horizontal line, and at least one side edge extension line of each hollow groove (41) is inclined relative to the horizontal line to form an included angle.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The limiting portion includes a plurality of limiting racks (32) protruding along the inner wall and arranged at circumferential intervals.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein: The limiting rack (32) includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface. Before and after the rotation of the connector housing (3), the connector housing (3) contacts the plug (11) through the first contact surface and the second contact surface respectively.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The plug (11) is provided with a locking rib (111) matching the internal buckle of a standard SC adapter.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The plug (11) is further provided with a first boss (112), and a sealing ring (5) is provided between the connector housing (3) and the first boss (112).

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein: The housing fixing member (2) includes a first connecting portion (21), and the first connecting portion (21) abuts against the first boss (112) and is connected to the part of the connector housing (3) extending out of the first boss (112).

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein It further includes: A tail sleeve (6), which is sleeved on the connector body (1), and a card slot (61) is provided on the outer wall of the tail sleeve (6); The housing fixing member (2) further includes a second connecting portion (22), and a second boss (221) matching the card slot (61) is provided on the inner wall of the second connecting portion (22).

10. An optical fiber connection component, characterized in that, The optical fiber connection assembly includes: A connector, which includes: A connector body (1), which includes a plug (11); A housing fixing member (2) is sleeved on the connector body (1) and can rotate relative to the connector body (1); A connector housing (3) is sleeved on the connector body (1). The connector housing (3) includes a limiting portion and a docking portion. The limiting portion is connected to the housing fixing member (2), and the limiting portion is clamped on the plug (11) to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing (3). A locking member is provided on the inner wall of the docking portion, and a positioning ring (4) with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the docking portion. The positioning ring (4) is spaced from the locking member and houses the plug (11). A hollow groove (41) facing the locking member and sized to house the locking member is also provided on the positioning ring (4); An adapter is locked and docked with the connector through the locking member and the positioning ring (4).

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