Connector and fiber optic connection assembly
By integrating the positioning ring and connector housing into a single component and employing a limiting rack and locking protrusion design, the problem of numerous parts and complex assembly in existing fiber optic connectors is solved, resulting in cost reduction and yield improvement.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FIBERHOME TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing fiber optic connectors and adapters have a large number of parts, complex assembly processes, and high costs when used outdoors. They are also difficult to manufacture using standard production processes, resulting in cumbersome production processes and low yield rates.
The positioning ring and connector housing are integrated into one part, reducing the number of parts. The special design of the limiting rack and locking protrusion achieves 180-degree foolproof protection and sealing, and adopts the production process of standard SC adapter.
It reduces the risk of failure and production costs, simplifies the assembly process, and improves yield and ease of operation.
Smart Images
Figure CN120405860B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, and more specifically to a connector and an optical fiber connection assembly. Background Technology
[0002] With the large-scale deployment of FTTH (Fiber To The Home), pre-connected products that reduce construction costs, lower technical requirements, and simplify installation are becoming increasingly popular. However, most fiber optic connectors and adapters currently in use are industry-standard types. These connectors and adapters were originally designed for indoor fiber optic connections or connections within protected boxes (enclosures). Service activation requires opening the enclosure and performing splicing and cable securing within it. To avoid these steps during service activation, fiber optic connectors and adapters with better waterproofing, which can be pre-installed outside the enclosure, are gradually gaining popularity.
[0003] Currently, most waterproof fiber optic connectors on the market have a large number of parts, complex assembly processes, high costs, and low yield rates. This is because outdoor waterproof fiber optic connectors place high demands on weather resistance, waterproofing, and mechanical performance. Therefore, these products often employ complex structures and non-standard interfaces, resulting in a large number of parts. Furthermore, the non-standard interfaces make it difficult to adopt standard manufacturing processes such as SC, LC, and FC, leading to cumbersome production processes, high costs, and low yield rates. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This application provides a connector and fiber optic connection assembly that can reduce the number of connector parts, reduce the risk of failure and cost.
[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a connector, the connector comprising: A connector body, which includes a plug; The outer casing fastener is sleeved on the connector body and can rotate relative to the connector body; A connector housing is fitted onto the connector body. The connector housing includes a limiting part and a mating part. The limiting part is connected to the housing fixing member and is engaged with the plug to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing. The inner wall of the mating part is provided with a locking member, and a positioning ring with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the mating part. The positioning ring is spaced apart from the locking member and accommodates 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 conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the locking member includes two oppositely disposed locking protrusions; The positioning ring is provided with two hollowed-out grooves, each of which is oriented toward a locking protrusion.
[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the line connecting the two locking protrusions is used as a horizontal line, the two hollow slots are arranged in a 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 conjunction 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.
[0009] In conjunction 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 conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the plug is provided with a locking rib that matches the internal snap-fit of a standard SC adapter.
[0011] In conjunction 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 conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the housing fastener includes a first connecting portion that abuts against the first boss and is connected to a portion of the connector housing extending out of the first boss.
[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one implementation, it further includes: A tail sleeve is fitted onto the connector body, and a slot is provided on the outer wall of the tail sleeve. The outer casing fastener also includes a second connecting part, the inner wall of which is provided with a second protrusion that matches the slot.
[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an optical fiber connection assembly, the optical fiber connection assembly comprising: Connector, comprising: A connector body, which includes a plug; The outer casing fastener is sleeved on the connector body and can rotate relative to the connector body; A connector housing is fitted onto the connector body. The connector housing includes a limiting part and a mating part. The limiting part is connected to the housing fixing member and is engaged with the plug to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing. The inner wall of the mating part is provided with a locking member, and a positioning ring with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the mating part. The positioning ring is spaced apart from the locking member and accommodates the plug. The positioning ring is also provided with a hollow groove facing the locking member and sized to accommodate the locking member. The adapter is locked and mated to the connector by the locking element and the positioning ring.
[0015] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include: The connector in this application includes a connector body 1, a housing fixing member 2, and a connector housing 3. The connector housing 3 is fitted onto the connector body 1 and includes a limiting part and a mating part. The limiting part is connected to the housing fixing member 2. A positioning ring 4 with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the mating part. The positioning ring 4 is spaced apart from the locking member and accommodates the plug 11. The positioning ring 4 also has a hollow groove 41 facing the locking member and sized to accommodate the locking member. Thus, in this application, the positioning ring 4 for foolproof positioning and the connector housing 3 are integrated into one part, reducing the number of parts and eliminating the need for a seal between them, thereby reducing the risk of failure and cost. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connector structure in this application; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the connector in this application; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector along its axial direction in this application; Figure 4 This is another axial cross-sectional view of the connector in this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the optical cable fixing sleeve in this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the optical cable is installed in the optical cable fixing sleeve in this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connector housing in this application; Figure 8 This is a radial cross-sectional view of the connector in this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the internal extraction mechanism; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the connector housing in the rotation state in this application; Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the connector and standard SC outer frame in this application.
[0018] In the diagram: 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. Flanged assembly; 2. Housing fixing member; 21. First connecting part; 22. Second connecting part; 221. Second boss; 3. Connector housing; 31. Locking protrusion; 32. Limiting rack; 4. Positioning ring; 41. Hollowed-out groove; 5. Sealing ring; 6. Tail sleeve; 61. Slot; 7. Heat shrink tubing; 8. Optical cable; 81. Optical cable reinforcing member; 82. Optical fiber; 9. Standard SC connector outer frame sleeve. Detailed Implementation
[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.
[0020] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a connector.
[0021] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the connector of this application. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the connector includes: connector body 1, housing fastener 2, connector housing 3, positioning ring 4, sealing ring 5, tail sleeve 6, and heat shrink tubing 7.
[0022] The connector body 1 includes a plug 11; the outer shell fixing member 2 is sleeved on the connector body 1 and can rotate relative to the connector body 1.
[0023] The connector housing 3 is fitted onto the connector body 1. The connector housing 3 includes a limiting part and a mating part. The limiting part is connected to the housing fixing member 2 and is held on the plug 11 to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing 3. The inner wall of the mating part is provided with a locking member, and a positioning ring 4 with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the mating part. The positioning ring 4 is spaced apart from the locking member and accommodates 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.
[0024] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, to achieve a better sealing effect, the plug 11 is also provided with a first protrusion 112, and a sealing ring 5 is provided between the connector housing 3 and the first protrusion 112. It is worth noting that in this embodiment, both the plug 11 and the positioning ring 4 extend beyond the connector housing 3, and the positioning ring 4 extends further than the plug 11, that is, the end face of the plug 11 is located inside the positioning ring 4.
[0025] In this embodiment, the outer shell fixing member 2 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 outer shell 3 that extends out of the first boss 112.
[0026] It is worth noting that, since the rotation angle of the connector housing 3 is limited, connecting the housing fixing member 2 and the connector housing 3 together actually means that the connector housing 3 remains stationary while the housing fixing member 2 is rotated. Specifically, the first connecting part 21 has external threads, and the connector housing 3 has internal threads; the two are connected together by these threads. The second connecting part 22 is used to connect with the tail sleeve 6. Specifically, the tail sleeve 6 is fitted on the connector body 1, and its outer wall is provided with a slot 61. The inner wall of the second connecting part 22 is provided with a second boss 221 that matches the slot 61. The two are connected through the slot 61 and the second boss 221.
[0027] In some embodiments, the plug 11 further includes a receiving cavity, within which an optical cable fixing sleeve 12 is disposed. See also Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the optical cable fixing sleeve 12 includes an optical cable receiving cavity 121, a reinforcing member receiving cavity 122, and an optical fiber receiving channel 123 connected in sequence. The optical cable receiving cavity 121 is used to receive the unstripped optical cable 8. After the front end of the optical cable 8 is stripped, the optical cable reinforcing member 81 is received in the reinforcing 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 connect with the adapter. In addition, the heat shrink tubing 7 is wrapped around the optical cable 8 to provide protection and reinforcement. Both are received together in the tail sleeve 6.
[0028] It is worth noting that, since the insertion section of plug 11 has a symmetrical structure, it cannot be foolproof at 180 degrees. Because the positioning ring 4 has a positioning notch, mating can only be completed when the positioning notch corresponds to the structure of the adapter. Therefore, the cross-section formed by plug 11 and positioning ring 4 ensures that the connector can only be inserted in one direction. Preferably, the cross-section of positioning ring 4 is C-shaped; however, the notch can be designed in other forms as needed, and this embodiment does not impose any limitations.
[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, which results in higher material and assembly costs.
[0030] In reality, the positioning ring 4 only needs to prevent fooling at 180 degrees. The actual precise positioning is achieved through 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 reduce assembly costs.
[0031] In a specific implementation, 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 part mold cannot be produced. In this embodiment, the locking part includes two oppositely arranged locking protrusions 31, which means that the locking protrusion 31 mold cannot be produced.
[0032] To solve this problem, see Figure 7 As shown, the positioning ring 4 in this embodiment is provided with at least two hollow grooves 41, the hollow grooves 41 facing the locking protrusion 31, and their size is at least large enough to allow a structure of the same size as the locking protrusion 31 to pass through; thereby allowing the motion mechanism on the mold to move inward so that the locking protrusion 31 can be produced on the mold.
[0033] Since the locking protrusions 31 need to be distributed at 180 degrees, the motion mechanism of this type of mold is generally two sliders or inclined ejectors moving in opposite directions on the same axis, which requires a relatively large stroke. This requires the connector to be made larger, but the large size of the connector affects the ease of operation and cost of the product.
[0034] Therefore, it is necessary to further arrange the two hollowed-out slots 41 in a staggered manner. Specifically, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 As shown, the line connecting the two locking protrusions 31 is used as the horizontal line. The two hollow grooves 41 are arranged at different heights based on the horizontal line, and the extension line of at least one side edge of each hollow groove 41 is inclined relative to the horizontal line to form an included angle. Preferably, the included angle is 5 to 15 degrees, but it can be set to other ranges as needed, and this embodiment does not limit it.
[0035] With this design, the two sliders or inclined pins corresponding to the two locking protrusions 31 can be staggered during movement, increasing the travel space of the inner pulling mechanism and preventing an increase in the size of the connector. A schematic diagram of the inner pulling mechanism can be found here. Figure 9 As shown.
[0036] See 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 limiting racks 32 can be reasonably set as needed. In this embodiment, there are 4 limiting racks 32, which correspond to the 4 planes of the plug 11 respectively.
[0037] Specifically, the limiting rack 32 includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface. Before and after rotation, the connector housing 3 contacts the plug 11 through the first contact surface and the second contact surface, respectively. That is, the protruding part of the limiting rack 32 includes two planes, both of which are used to contact the plane of the plug 11. Its rotation range is limited to switching 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 as needed. This embodiment does not limit this.
[0038] See Figure 10 As shown, the limiting part has four limiting racks 32, and the plug 11 has four planes. Taking one of the limiting racks 32 as an example, in the initial position, the first contact surface of the limiting rack 32 is in contact with the plane of the plug 11. After rotation, the second contact surface of the limiting rack 32 is in contact with the plane of the plug 11, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the connector housing 3. At the same time, it also increases the support area between the connector housing 3 and the plug 11, improving the strength of the connector. It should be noted that the left figure shows the relative position of the limiting rack 32 and the plane of the plug 11 before the housing rotates, and the right figure shows the relative position of the limiting rack 32 and the plane of the plug 11 after rotation. During the entire rotation process, the limiting rack 32 and the plane of the plug 11 do not interfere with each other.
[0039] Furthermore, since the connector body 1 is equipped with a housing fixing component 2, the connector housing 3 can be assembled onto the connector after the connector body 1 has been assembled and produced. See also... Figure 11 As shown, the plug 11 is provided with a locking rib 111 that matches the internal latch of a standard SC adapter. The plug 11 has a structure that can be matched with the standard SC adapter and the standard SC connector outer frame 9. This allows it to be manufactured using the standard SC connector manufacturing process, and then the connector housing can be assembled to form an outdoor waterproof connector, thereby reducing the production cost and yield of the waterproof connector.
[0040] In summary, the connector in this application includes a connector body 1, a housing fixing member 2, and a connector housing 3. The connector housing 3 is fitted onto the connector body 1 and includes a limiting part and a mating part. The limiting part is connected to the housing fixing member 2. A positioning ring 4 with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the mating part. The positioning ring 4 is spaced apart from the locking member and accommodates the plug 11. The positioning ring 4 also has a hollow groove 41 facing the locking member and sized to accommodate the locking member. Thus, in this application, the positioning ring 4 for foolproof positioning and the connector housing 3 are integrated into one part, reducing the number of parts and eliminating the need for a seal between them, thereby reducing the risk of failure and cost.
[0041] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an optical fiber connection assembly, which includes an adapter and the aforementioned connector.
[0042] The connector includes: Connector body 1, which includes plug 11; The outer casing fastener 2 is sleeved on the connector body 1 and can rotate relative to the connector body 1; The connector housing 3 is sleeved on the connector body 1. The connector housing 3 includes a limiting part and a mating part. The limiting part is connected to the housing fixing member 2 and is engaged with the plug 11 to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing 3. The inner wall of the mating part is provided with a locking member, and a positioning ring 4 with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the mating part. The positioning ring 4 is spaced apart from the locking member and accommodates 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. The adapter is locked and mated with the connector by the locking member and the positioning ring 4.
[0043] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the locking member includes two oppositely disposed locking protrusions 31; The positioning ring 4 is provided with two hollowed-out grooves 41, each of which is oriented toward a locking protrusion 31.
[0044] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the line connecting the two locking protrusions 31 is taken as the horizontal line, and the two hollow grooves 41 are arranged in a staggered manner based on the horizontal line, and the extension line of the upper edge of each hollow groove 41 is inclined relative to the horizontal line to form an included angle.
[0045] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the limiting portion includes a plurality of limiting racks 32 that protrude along the inner wall and are circumferentially spaced.
[0046] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the cross-section of the limiting rack 32 is triangular.
[0047] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the plug 11 is provided with a locking rib 111 that matches the internal snap of a standard SC adapter.
[0048] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the plug 11 is also provided with a first boss 112, and a sealing ring 5 is provided between the connector housing 3 and the first boss 112.
[0049] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the housing fastener 2 includes a first connecting portion 21, which 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] Furthermore, in one embodiment, it also includes: Tail sleeve 6 is fitted onto the connector body 1, and a slot 61 is provided on the outer wall of the tail sleeve 6; The outer casing fastener 2 also includes a second connecting part 22, the inner wall of which is provided with a second boss 221 that matches the slot 61.
[0051] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0052] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0053] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.
Claims
1. A connector, characterized in that, The connector includes: Connector body (1), which includes plug (11); The outer casing fastener (2) is sleeved on the connector body (1) and can rotate relative to the connector body (1); The connector housing (3) is fitted onto the connector body (1). The connector housing (3) includes a limiting part and a mating part. The limiting part is connected to the housing fixing part (2) and the limiting part is held on the plug (11) to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing (3). The inner wall of the mating part is provided with a locking part, and a positioning ring (4) with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the mating part. The positioning ring (4) is spaced apart from the locking part and accommodates the plug (11). The positioning ring (4) is also provided with a hollow groove (41) facing the locking part and sized to accommodate the locking part.
2. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The locking element includes two oppositely arranged locking protrusions (31); The positioning ring (4) is provided with two hollowed-out grooves (41), each of the hollowed-out grooves (41) being arranged facing a locking protrusion (31).
3. The connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: With the line connecting the two locking protrusions (31) as the horizontal line, the two hollow grooves (41) are arranged in a staggered manner based on the horizontal line, and the extension line of at least one side edge of each hollow groove (41) is inclined relative to the horizontal line to form an angle.
4. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting part includes a plurality of limiting racks (32) that protrude along the inner wall and are spaced apart circumferentially.
5. The connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting rack (32) includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The connector housing (3) contacts the plug (11) through the first contact surface and the second contact surface before and after rotation.
6. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The plug (11) is provided with a locking rib (111) that matches the internal snap of the standard SC adapter.
7. The connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The plug (11) is also 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 as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The housing fastener (2) includes a first connecting part (21), which 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).
9. The connector as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: Tail sleeve (6) is fitted onto the connector body (1), and a slot (61) is provided on the outer wall of the tail sleeve (6). The outer casing fastener (2) also includes a second connecting part (22), the inner wall of which is provided with a second boss (221) that matches the slot (61).
10. An optical fiber connection assembly, characterized in that, The fiber optic connection assembly includes: Connector, comprising: Connector body (1), which includes plug (11); The outer casing fastener (2) is sleeved on the connector body (1) and can rotate relative to the connector body (1); The connector housing (3) is fitted onto the connector body (1). The connector housing (3) includes a limiting part and a mating part. The limiting part is connected to the housing fixing part (2) and the limiting part is held on the plug (11) to limit the rotation angle of the connector housing (3). The inner wall of the mating part is provided with a locking part, and a positioning ring (4) with a positioning notch is integrally provided in the mating part. The positioning ring (4) is spaced apart from the locking part and accommodates the plug (11). The positioning ring (4) is also provided with a hollow groove (41) facing the locking part and sized to accommodate the locking part. The adapter is locked and mated to the connector by the locking member and the positioning ring (4).