Supporting structure, connector assembly, waterproof device and optical fiber connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a supporting structure, a connector assembly, a waterproof device and an optical fiber connector, the supporting structure is used for being connected with a first optical fiber contact piece, the supporting structure comprises a limiting part, a sleeve piece and a shell part, the limiting part comprises a first fastener and a second fastener, and the first fastener and the second fastener are mutually buckled and enclosed to form a mounting cavity; the mounting cavity is used for mounting the first optical fiber contact element, and the first fastener and / or the second fastener are / is in limiting fit with the first optical fiber contact element; the external member is sleeved outside the limiting part and is clamped with the limiting part; the casing part is sleeved outside the sleeve part, the casing part is connected with the sleeve part, the casing part is used for being connected with the matching structure in an inserted mode, and the casing part is sleeved outside the matching structure and matched with the matching structure in a threaded locking mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of optical fiber connection, and in particular to a supporting structure, a connector assembly, a waterproof device, and an optical fiber connector. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of fiber-optic communication technology, fiber optic connectors have become widely used as key interfaces in optical networks. To achieve signal transmission, fiber optic connectors typically consist of a precision ceramic ferrule assembly and a metal or plastic housing. To meet the demands of high-density installations, the housings are generally miniaturized.

[0003] However, the compact housing structure and limited internal space of traditional fiber optic connectors make it difficult to effectively add or integrate reliable waterproof sealing structures (such as multi-layer sealing rings and waterproof adhesive fillings). In extreme environments such as humid, dusty, or submerged in water, moisture and impurities can easily penetrate the housing, corroding the precision ferrule end face or contaminating the optical fiber, causing optical signal attenuation, unstable transmission, and even connector failure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a support structure, a connector assembly, a waterproof device and an optical fiber connector to address the problem that traditional optical fiber connectors are difficult to configure with a waterproof sealing structure.

[0005] A first aspect of the present application provides a support structure, which is used to connect with a first optical fiber contact, and the support structure includes a limiting component, a kit and a shell component, the limiting component includes a first fastener and a second fastener, the first fastener and the second fastener are interlocked and enclosed to form an installation cavity, the installation cavity is for the installation of the first optical fiber contact, the first fastener and / or the second fastener are limited and matched with the first optical fiber contact; the kit is sleeved on the outside of the limiting component, and the kit is clamped with the limiting component; the shell component is sleeved on the outside of the kit, the shell component is connected to the kit, the shell component is used to be plugged into the mating structure, and the shell component is sleeved on the outside of the mating structure and threadedly locked with the mating structure.

[0006] In one embodiment, one of the first fastener and the second fastener has a positioning hole, and the other has a positioning pin, and the positioning pin is plugged into the positioning hole.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first fastener includes a first fastener body and a latch tongue, the first fastener body has a first groove, the first groove forms a part of the installation cavity, the latch tongue protrudes from the groove wall of the first groove, and the latch tongue is engaged with the groove of the first optical fiber contact.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second fastener includes a second buckle body and an elastic clamping arm, the elastic clamping arm includes an arm body and a clamping block, one end of the arm body is connected to the second buckle body, and the other end is suspended, and the clamping block is arranged on the arm body; the kit is provided with a limiting groove, and the clamping block is engaged with the limiting groove.

[0009] In one embodiment, the free end of the arm extends out of the sleeve through the inner ring area of the sleeve, and the free end of the arm is used to drive the elastic clamping arm to flip as a whole when driven.

[0010] In one embodiment, the shell component includes a connecting sleeve and a tail wire sleeve, the connecting sleeve includes a first sleeve body, a first threaded portion and a first ring, the first ring is provided at one end of the first sleeve body, the other end of the first sleeve body has an opening, the first threaded portion is provided on the first sleeve body and is located between the position of the opening and the position of the first ring; the tail wire sleeve includes a second sleeve body and a second ring, the second sleeve body is sleeved on the end of the sleeve away from the opening, the second ring protrudes on the outer peripheral wall of the second sleeve close to the opening, and the second ring is axially abutted against the sleeve; wherein, the connecting sleeve is sleeved on the tail wire sleeve, the first ring is located on the side of the second ring away from the opening and abuts against the second ring.

[0011] In one embodiment, the support structure further includes a sealing ring, which is sleeved on the sleeve and tightly abuts between the sleeve and the tail wire sleeve.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pigtail sleeve has a formed cavity, the formed cavity is filled with a sealing medium, the sealing medium is used to form a sealing body, and the sealing body is used to cover a partial area of the first optical fiber contact.

[0013] In one embodiment, the kit is used to be plugged into the mating structure, and the kit includes a first guide portion, which extends along the plug-in direction and is used to guide and cooperate with the second guide portion of the mating structure, and the first guide portion is constructed as a guide ridge or a guide groove.

[0014] In one embodiment, the limiting component has a plurality of installation cavities, and the plurality of installation cavities are used for installing a plurality of first optical fiber contacts in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0015] A second aspect of the present application further provides a connector assembly, which includes a first optical fiber contact and the support structure as described above, wherein the first optical fiber contact is disposed through the support structure.

[0016] The third aspect of the present application further provides a waterproof device, which includes a matching structure and the supporting structure as described above, wherein the matching structure is connected to the second optical fiber contact, and the supporting structure is plugged into the matching structure.

[0017] A fourth aspect of the present application further provides a fiber optic connector, which includes the connector assembly described above.

[0018] A fifth aspect of the present application further provides an optical fiber connector, which includes a first optical fiber contact, a second optical fiber contact, and the waterproof device as described above.

[0019] In the aforementioned support structure, the first fiber optic contact is disposed within the retaining member, the sleeve is positioned outside the retaining member and engaged therewith, and the housing member is positioned outside the sleeve and connected thereto. Thus, when the housing member and the mating structure are engaged and threadedly locked, the first fiber optic contact resides in a relatively isolated space within the housing member and the mating structure, making it less susceptible to interference from external liquids. Furthermore, relative to the first fiber optic contact's housing, the support structure, including the housing member, sleeve, and retaining member, that extends outward and connects to the first fiber optic contact provides ample space for additional waterproof sealing structures, thereby achieving a high level of waterproofing.

[0020] Furthermore, the limiting component includes a first fastener and a second fastener, and the first optical fiber contact is installed in an installation cavity formed by the fastening of the first fastener and the second fastener. Before the first fastener and the second fastener are not fastened, both are semi-open, so the first optical fiber contact can be easily installed in the first fastener and / or the second fastener, and then the two can be fastened to complete the assembly. With this arrangement, the matching method between the limiting component and the first optical fiber contact has high structural adaptability to the first optical fiber contact. In conventional technology, there are first optical fiber contacts with special shapes that are inconvenient to achieve axial insertion, or it is difficult to form a limiting fit after axial insertion. The present application adopts a method of fastening the first fastener and the second fastener up and down. The semi-open structure before fastening can adapt to first optical fiber contacts of various special shapes, and a stable limiting fit can be formed after fastening. In addition, the fastening method of the two fasteners is simple and easy to operate.

[0021] Furthermore, the sleeve is sleeved outside the limiting component, which can improve the stability of the first fastener and the second fastener after being fastened together. In addition, the sleeve and the limiting component are positioned by snapping, so that the limiting component can be easily installed in the sleeve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic isometric view of an optical fiber connector provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Rear view of the fiber optic connector shown.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The optical fiber connector is shown in a cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic isometric view of a connector assembly provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic isometric view of the first optical fiber contact, the supporting structure kit and the limiting component in the connector assembly shown.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 5 An exploded schematic diagram of the first optical fiber contact, the supporting structure kit and the limiting component in the connector assembly is shown.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic isometric view of another connector assembly provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 4 Front view of connector assembly shown.

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The connector assembly is shown in a cross-sectional view along line BB.

[0031] Reference numerals: 10, optical fiber connector; 11, connector assembly; 20, supporting structure; 30, mating structure; 40, first optical fiber contact; 41, card slot; 50, second optical fiber contact; 100, limiting component; 101, mounting cavity; 110, first fastener; 111, first fastener body; 112, card tongue; 113, positioning hole; 114, first slot; 120, second fastener; 121, second fastener body; 122, positioning pin; 123, second slot; 124, elastic card arm; 125, arm body; 126, card block; 200, kit; 210, limiting groove; 220, first guide portion; 300, shell component; 310, connecting sleeve; 311, first ring member; 312, first threaded portion; 313, first sleeve body; 314, opening; 320, tail wire sleeve; 321, second ring member; 322, second sleeve body; 323, forming cavity; 410, sealing ring; 420, first sealing ring; 430, second sealing ring; 500, connecting shell; 510, second threaded portion; 520, second guide portion; 600, inner sleeve; S, plug-in direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0034] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms may refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, if a first feature is described as being "above" or "below" a second feature, or similar descriptions, this may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is described as being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is described as being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0037] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiment.

[0038] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the axial side of the optical fiber connector provided in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 a rear view of the optical fiber connector, Figure 3 for Figure 2 The fiber optic connector is shown in a cross-sectional view along line AA. The fiber optic connector 10 provided in one embodiment of the present application includes two connector assemblies 11, one of which is configured as a plug assembly and the other as a receptacle assembly. The two connector assemblies 11 are plugged together to achieve optical signal conduction.

[0039] In one embodiment, the connector assembly 11 includes optical fiber contacts. When the two connector assemblies 11 are plugged together, the two optical fiber contacts tightly abut to transmit optical signals. Furthermore, one connector assembly 11 includes a support structure 20, within which the optical fiber contacts of the connector assembly 11 are disposed. The other connector assembly 11 also includes a mating structure 30, within which the optical fiber contacts of the connector assembly 11 are disposed. Each optical fiber contact can be configured as a plug and receptacle of a conventional optical fiber connector. Conventional plugs (and / or receptacles) can be externally mounted with the support structure 20 or mating structure 30 to connect with the receptacle (and / or plug). It will be appreciated that connector assemblies 11 formed with optical fiber contacts externally mounted with the support structure 20 or mating structure 30 can achieve a highly effective sealing and waterproofing effect compared to conventional single optical fiber contacts due to the interplay between the support structure 20 and the mating structure 30. Furthermore, compared to the compact structure of conventional optical fiber connectors, the support structure 20 and the matching structure 30 have ample installation and layout space, and a sealing and waterproof structure can be flexibly added to ensure that the optical fiber connector 10 has high sealing performance.

[0040] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the support structure 20 and the mating structure 30 can be constructed to be identical. Of course, the specific structures of the support structure 20 and the mating structure 30 may also differ. The specific structures of the support structure 20 and the mating structure 30 can be configured based on the installed optical fiber contacts to ensure stable fixation of the optical fiber contacts. For ease of understanding, the optical fiber contact disposed within the support structure 20 will be referred to as the first optical fiber contact 40, and the optical fiber contact disposed within the mating structure 30 will be referred to as the second optical fiber contact 50.

[0041] See also Figures 4 to 6 One embodiment of the present application provides a connector assembly 11. Taking the connector assembly 11 formed by a support structure 20 and a fiber optic contact as an example, the connector assembly 11 includes the support structure 20 and a first fiber optic contact 40. The first fiber optic contact 40 is disposed through the support structure 20. The support structure 20 is used to connect to the first fiber optic contact 40 to secure the first fiber optic contact 40 and facilitate stable insertion.

[0042] like Figures 4 to 6The support structure 20 provided in one embodiment of the present application includes a limiting component 100, a sleeve 200, and a shell component 300. The limiting component 100 is used to fix the first optical fiber contact 40. The sleeve 200 is mounted on the outside of the limiting component 100, and the shell component 300 is mounted on the outside of the sleeve 200. The limiting component 100 includes a first fastener 110 and a second fastener 120. The first fastener 110 and / or the second fastener 120 are engaged with the first optical fiber contact 40. The first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120 are engaged with each other to form an installation cavity 101, and the installation cavity 101 is for installing the first optical fiber contact 40. The shell component 300 is mounted on the outside of the sleeve 200. The sleeve 200 is engaged with the limiting component 100, and the shell component 300 is connected to the sleeve 200. The shell component 300 is used to be plugged into the mating structure 30, and the shell component 300 is mounted on the outside of the mating structure 30 and is threadedly locked with the mating structure 30.

[0043] In the aforementioned support structure 20, the first fiber optic contact 40 is disposed within the retaining member 100, the sleeve 200 is positioned outside the retaining member 100 and engaged therewith, and the housing member 300 is positioned outside the sleeve 200 and connected thereto. Thus, when the housing member 300 is plugged into and threadedly engaged with the mating structure 30, the first fiber optic contact 40 is located within a relatively isolated space within the housing member 300 and the mating structure 30, making it less susceptible to interference from external liquids. Furthermore, compared to the housing member 300 itself, the support structure 20, which extends externally and is connected to the first fiber optic contact 40 and includes components such as the housing member 300, the sleeve 200, and the retaining member 100, provides ample space for adding a waterproof sealing structure, thereby achieving a high level of waterproofing.

[0044] Furthermore, the retaining component 100 includes a first fastener 110 and a second fastener 120. The first optical fiber contact 40 is installed in the installation cavity 101 formed by the fastening of the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120. Before the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120 are fastened together, both are semi-open. Therefore, the first optical fiber contact 40 can be easily inserted into the first fastener 110 and / or the second fastener 120, and then fastened together to complete the assembly. This arrangement ensures that the retaining component 100 and the first optical fiber contact 40 are highly compatible with the structure of the first optical fiber contact 40. In conventional technologies, first optical fiber contacts 40 with unusual shapes are difficult to axially insert or difficult to form a retaining fit with other structures after axial insertion. The present application utilizes a method in which the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120 fasten together vertically. The semi-open structure before fastening can accommodate first optical fiber contacts 40 of various unusual shapes, and a stable retaining fit can be formed after fastening. Furthermore, the fastening method of the two fasteners is simple and easy to operate. Furthermore, the sleeve 200 is placed outside the retaining member 100, which can improve the stability of the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120 after being fastened. Furthermore, the sleeve 200 and the retaining member 100 are positioned by snapping, allowing the retaining member 100 to be easily installed in the sleeve 200.

[0045] See also Figure 5 , combined with Figure 3 Regarding the waterproof sealing structure of the optical fiber connector 10, as one example, the support structure 20 further includes a sealing ring 410. The sealing ring 410 is sleeved on the sleeve 200 and tightly abuts between the sleeve 200 and the housing component 300. It is understood that when the sealing ring 410 is sleeved on the sleeve 200 and the housing component 300 is sleeved on the sleeve 200, the sealing ring 410 can tightly abut between the sleeve 200 and the housing component 300, thereby reducing the risk of moisture penetrating through the gap between the sleeve 200 and the housing component 300 to the location of the first optical fiber contact 40.

[0046] Please refer again Figure 3 In one embodiment, the connector assembly 11 formed by the support structure 20 and the first fiber optic contact 40, and the connector assembly 11 formed by the mating structure 30 and the second fiber optic contact 50 can serve as a plug assembly and a receptacle assembly included in the fiber optic connector 10. That is, the support structure 20 can be plugged and mated with the mating structure 30.

[0047] See also Figure 3 , combined with Figure 7In this embodiment, the optical fiber connector 10 may further include a first sealing ring 420 and a second sealing ring 430. The mating structure 30 includes a connecting housing 500. When the support structure 20 is connected to the mating structure 30, the connecting housing 500 is inserted between the housing component 300 and the sleeve 200, that is, the connecting housing 500 is inserted outside the sleeve 200, and the housing component 300 is inserted outside the mating structure 30. In this case, the first sealing ring 420 can be arranged between the sleeve 200 and the connecting housing 500. The first sealing ring 420 tightly abuts the outer peripheral wall of the sleeve 200 and the inner peripheral wall of the connecting housing 500 to reduce the risk of external liquid penetrating into the optical fiber contact. Similarly, the second sealing ring 430 can be arranged between the connecting shell 500 and the shell component 300, and the second sealing ring 430 is tightly abutted between the outer peripheral wall of the connecting shell 500 and the inner peripheral wall of the shell component 300 to reduce the risk of external liquid penetrating into the optical fiber contact. Thus, the double sealing and waterproofing effect of the first sealing ring 420 and the second sealing ring 430 can significantly improve the waterproof effect.

[0048] Furthermore, the installation locations of the first sealing ring 420 and the second sealing ring 430 can be configured as needed. As one example, the first sealing ring 420 can be embedded in the outer circumferential wall of the sleeve 200, and the second sealing ring 430 can be embedded in the inner circumferential wall of the housing component 300. In this case, the support structure 20 includes the first sealing ring 420 and the second sealing ring 430. Alternatively, the first sealing ring 420 can be embedded in the inner circumferential wall of the connecting housing 500, and the second sealing ring 430 can be embedded in the outer circumferential wall of the connecting housing 500. In this case, the mating structure 30 includes the first sealing ring 420 and the second sealing ring 430.

[0049] See also Figure 3 , combined with Figure 7 Furthermore, the housing component 300 includes a first threaded portion 312, and the mating structure 30 includes a second threaded portion 510. The second threaded portion 510 can be provided on the connecting housing 500. The first threaded portion 312 and the second threaded portion 510 are threadedly engaged, thereby locking the support structure 20 and the mating structure 30. As described above, since the housing component 300 is sleeved on the outside of the connecting housing 500 of the mating structure 30, the first threaded portion 312 can be configured as an internal thread structure, and the second threaded portion 510 can be configured as an external thread structure.

[0050] like Figure 6Regarding the aforementioned manner in which the first fastener 110 and / or the second fastener 120 engages with the first optical fiber contact 40 in a positional engagement, the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120 may both engage with the first optical fiber contact 40 in a positional engagement. Alternatively, one of the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120 may engage with the first optical fiber contact 40 in a positional engagement, while the other may engage with the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120, thereby maintaining the positional engagement of the first optical fiber contact 40 and the first fastener 110 in a positional engagement. As one example, the first fastener 110 may engage with the first optical fiber contact 40 in a positional engagement, while the second fastener 120 engages with the first fastener 110 and abuts against the first optical fiber contact 40, thereby maintaining the positional engagement of the first optical fiber contact 40 and the first fastener 110 in a positional engagement. Since the sleeve 200 is sleeved on the limiting component 100 , the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120 will remain in a fastened state under the sleeve-receiving action of the sleeve 200 , so that the first optical fiber contact 40 and the first fastener 110 maintain a stable limiting fit.

[0051] See also Figure 6 In one embodiment, the first fastener 110 includes a first fastener body 111 and a latch 112. The latch 112 is disposed on the first fastener body 111. The first fastener body 111 has a first groove 114, which forms part of the mounting cavity 101. The latch 112 protrudes from the wall of the first groove 114 and engages with the latch 41 of the first fiber optic contact 40. It is understood that conventional fiber optic contacts often have a groove-shaped structure (i.e., the aforementioned latch 41) on their outer periphery. Therefore, the present application configures the first fastener 110 with the latch 112. The latch 112 engages with the latch 41 to axially limit the first fiber optic contact 40, thereby stably positioning the first fiber optic contact 40 within the mounting cavity 101.

[0052] Please continue reading Figure 6 , combined with Figure 5 In one embodiment, the second fastener 120 can abut against the first optical fiber contact 40 , so that the first optical fiber contact 40 is stably located in the first groove 114 to maintain a limited fit with the latch 112 .

[0053] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to mechanically limiting the first optical fiber contact 40 by the latch 112 of the first fastener 110, and a groove structure or other shaped structure may also be configured to provide a limiting effect for the first optical fiber contact 40. Fiber optic contacts in conventional technology include a variety of different structural types (such as LC type, SC type, ST type and FC type). The limiting cooperation method between the limiting component 100 and the optical fiber contact can be specifically designed according to the specific structural type of the optical fiber contact, and will not be described in detail here. It is easy to understand that since the limiting component 100 provided in the present application adopts a semi-open first fastener 110 and a second fastener 120 to form a limit, various limiting cooperation methods are compatible and applicable.

[0054] Please continue reading Figure 6 In one embodiment, one of the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120 has a positioning hole 113, and the other has a positioning pin 122. The positioning pin 122 is plugged into the positioning hole 113 to guide the fastening of the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120, so that the two can be accurately aligned and fastened. In addition, the positioning pin 122 is plugged into the positioning hole 113 so that the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120 maintain a fixed relative position after the fastening without offset. Further, the first fastener 110 may have a positioning hole 113. The second fastener 120 includes a second fastener body 121 and the above-mentioned positioning pin 122, and the positioning pin 122 is provided on the second fastener body 121. Furthermore, the number of the positioning hole 113 and the positioning pin 122 can be multiple to improve the relative position stability of the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120 after they are plugged into each other.

[0055] See also Figure 6 In one embodiment, the second buckle body 121 has a second groove 123 , which together with the first groove 114 form the mounting cavity 101 . Part of the structure of the first optical fiber contact 40 may be located in the second groove 123 .

[0056] See also Figure 9 , combined with Figure 6In one embodiment, the second fastener 120 further includes an elastic clamping arm 124, which is used to engage with the sleeve 200, so that the limiting component 100 is firmly installed in the sleeve 200. The elastic clamping arm 124 includes an arm body 125 and a clamping block 126. One end of the arm body 125 is connected to the second fastener body 121, and the other end is suspended. The clamping block 126 is disposed on the arm body 125. The sleeve 200 defines a limiting groove 210, and the clamping block 126 engages with the limiting groove 210. In this embodiment, after the limiting component 100 and the first optical fiber contact 40 are installed, they can be pushed into the sleeve 200. At this time, the clamping block 126 is abutted by the inner wall of the sleeve 200, driving the arm body 125 to turn inward and deform. When the clamping block 126 moves to the position of the limiting groove 210 , the elastic restoring force of the arm 125 can drive the clamping block 126 to be clamped into the limiting groove 210 , thereby forming a limiting fit between the limiting component 100 and the kit 200 .

[0057] See also Figure 9 In one embodiment, the free end of the arm 125 extends outward from the sleeve 200 through the inner region of the sleeve 200. The free end of the arm 125 is used to cause the elastic arm 124 to flip as a whole when driven. Thus, by moving the free end of the arm 125, the arm 125 can be turned inward, driving the clamping block 126 out of the retaining groove 210, thereby achieving the removal of the retaining component 100 from the sleeve 200. In other words, the retaining component 100 and the sleeve 200 are detachably connected, facilitating replacement or maintenance of the first optical fiber contact 40.

[0058] See also Figure 9 In one embodiment, the housing component 300 and the kit 200 can also be configured to be detachably connected or movably connected. Furthermore, the housing component 300 includes a connecting sleeve 310 and a tail wire sleeve 320, the connecting sleeve 310 has a first ring 311, a first threaded portion 312 is provided on the connecting sleeve 310, and the tail wire sleeve 320 has a second ring 321. The first ring 311 is located relatively close to the tail end of the connecting sleeve 310 relative to the first threaded portion 312. In addition, the second ring 321 is located at the tail end of the kit 200 and can abut against the tail end of the kit 200. The connecting sleeve 310 is sleeved on the tail wire sleeve 320 and the kit 200, and the first ring 311 is located on the side of the second ring 321 facing away from the first threaded portion 312, that is, on the side of the second ring 321 facing away from the kit 200. Thus, when the first threaded portion 312 is threadedly engaged with the second threaded portion 510 of the mating structure 30, the first ring 311 is supported on the side of the second ring 321 away from the first threaded portion 312, and abuts against the tail end of the sleeve 200 through the second ring 321, so that the sleeve 200 and the tail wire sleeve 320 cannot fall out from the tail end. Figure 3In short, in this embodiment, the head end of the kit 200 is plugged into the mating structure 30, and the connecting sleeve 310 can support the tail end of the kit 200 through its first ring member 311 and the second ring member 321 of the tail wire sleeve 320, so that the kit 200 and the limiting component 100 and the first optical fiber contact 40 inside it can maintain a stable relative position with the mating structure 30 and the second optical fiber contact 50.

[0059] See also Figure 9 In one embodiment, the sealing ring 410 can be tightly abutted between the sleeve 200 and the tail wire sleeve 320 of the housing component 300 .

[0060] Please continue reading Figure 9 In one embodiment, the connecting sleeve 310 further includes a first sleeve body 313, a first ring member 311 disposed at one end of the first sleeve body 313, and an opening 314 at the other end of the first sleeve body 313 for inserting the mating structure 30. The first threaded portion 312 is disposed on the first sleeve body 313 and is located between the opening 314 and the first ring member 311. The tail wire sleeve 320 further includes a second sleeve body 322, which is disposed on an end of the sleeve 200 away from the opening 314. The second ring member 321 protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the second sleeve body 322 at an end near the opening 314, and the second ring member 321 is axially abutted against the sleeve 200. Among them, the first ring member 311 is located on the side of the second ring member 321 away from the opening 314 and abuts against the second ring member 321. Therefore, when the first threaded portion 312 is threadedly engaged with the second threaded portion 510, the first ring member 311 of the connecting sleeve 310 is supported on the side of the second ring member 321 away from the opening 314, which can provide support for the kit 200 and the limiting component 100 and the first optical fiber contact 40 in the kit 200, so that each of them maintains a stable mating relationship with the mating structure 30 and the second optical fiber contact 50.

[0061] In one embodiment, the connecting sleeve 310 is rotatably arranged so that the first threaded portion 312 can rotate relative to the second threaded portion 510 so as to rotate after the support structure 20 and the matching structure 30 are plugged in. Therefore, the first threaded portion 312 can be screwed and locked with the second threaded portion 510 .

[0062] In one embodiment, the pigtail sleeve 320 defines a cavity 323 for filling with a sealing medium (not shown, similarly hereinafter). The sealing medium is used to form a sealant that covers a portion of the first fiber optic contact 40. It will be appreciated that, compared to the compact structure of the fiber optic contact, the support structure 20 has ample space to accommodate the cavity 323, enabling a sealant filling to further enhance the waterproofing of the fiber optic connector 10. The sealant formed by the sealing medium can cover the portion of the first fiber optic contact 40 exposed by the retaining member 100 and fill the gap between the first fiber optic contact 40 and the retaining member 100. Alternatively, the sealant can be completely located within the pigtail sleeve 320 to reduce the risk of external moisture entering the fiber optic connector 10 through the pigtail sleeve 320.

[0063] See also Figure 3 , combined with Figure 7 In one embodiment, the second optical fiber contact 50 is inserted into and fixedly connected to the inner sleeve 600, and the connecting housing 500 is inserted into and fixedly connected to the inner sleeve 600. The inner sleeve 600 can be fixedly connected to the connecting housing 500 through its own structure, or the inner sleeve 600 can be fixedly connected to the connecting housing 500 through the abutment of other components.

[0064] See also Figure 5 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, the above-mentioned kit 200 is used for plugging with the mating structure 30. The kit 200 also includes a first guide portion 220, which extends along the plugging direction S and is used for guiding and mating with the second guide portion 520 of the mating structure 30. Similarly, the second guide portion 520 also extends along the plugging direction. The first guide portion 220 is constructed as a guide ridge or a guide groove, and the second guide portion 520 is correspondingly constructed as a guide groove and a guide ridge. Through the guiding cooperation of the first guide portion 220 and the second guide portion 520, the accuracy and smoothness of the plugging between the support structure 20 and the mating structure 30 can be improved.

[0065] In one embodiment, the optical fiber contacts (ie, the first optical fiber contact 40 and the second optical fiber contact 50 ) each include a core shell and a ceramic ferrule. The ceramic ferrule is inserted into the core shell and is used to transmit optical signals.

[0066] See also Figure 5In one embodiment, the support structure 20 can accommodate multiple first fiber optic contacts 40. The retaining member 100 has multiple mounting cavities 101, which accommodate the multiple first fiber optic contacts 40 in a one-to-one manner. Furthermore, the first fastener 110 has multiple latches 112 and multiple first slots 114, and the second fastener 120 has multiple second slots 123. When the first fastener 110 and the second fastener 120 are engaged, the multiple first slots 114 and the multiple second slots 123 are connected to form multiple mounting cavities 101. The multiple latches 112 are engaged with the multiple first fiber optic contacts 40 in a position-limiting manner.

[0067] An embodiment of the present application also provides a waterproof device, which includes a support structure 20 and a matching structure 30 as described in each embodiment. The support structure 20 and the matching structure 30 are plugged into each other, which can not only enable the first optical fiber contact 40 and the second optical fiber contact 50 disposed inside the two to stably transmit optical signals, but also provide a sealing and waterproof effect for the first optical fiber contact 40 and the second optical fiber contact 50.

[0068] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0069] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A support structure, characterized in that: The support structure is used to connect with the first optical fiber contact, and the support structure includes: A limiting component, the limiting component including a first fastener and a second fastener, the first fastener and the second fastener interlocking with each other and enclosing to form an installation cavity, the installation cavity is for installing the first optical fiber contact, the first fastener and / or the second fastener are limitedly engaged with the first optical fiber contact; A kit, the kit being sleeved outside the limiting component and being engaged with the limiting component; A shell component is sleeved outside the kit, the shell component is connected to the kit, the shell component is used to be plugged into the matching structure, and the shell component is sleeved outside the matching structure and is threadedly locked with the matching structure.

2. The support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that One of the first fastener and the second fastener has a positioning hole, and the other has a positioning pin, and the positioning pin is plugged into the positioning hole.

3. The support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that The first fastener includes a first fastener body and a latch tongue. The first fastener body has a first groove. The first groove forms a part of the installation cavity. The latch tongue protrudes from the groove wall of the first groove and is engaged with the groove of the first optical fiber contact.

4. The support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that The second fastener includes a second buckle body and an elastic clamping arm, the elastic clamping arm includes an arm body and a clamping block, one end of the arm body is connected to the second buckle body, and the other end is suspended in the air, and the clamping block is arranged on the arm body; the kit is provided with a limiting groove, and the clamping block is clamped and matched with the limiting groove.

5. The support structure according to claim 4, characterized in that The free end of the arm body extends out of the sleeve through the inner circle area of the sleeve, and the free end of the arm body is used to drive the elastic clamping arm to flip as a whole when driven.

6. The support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing component comprises: A connecting sleeve, the connecting sleeve comprising a first sleeve body, a first threaded portion, and a first ring member, the first ring member being provided at one end of the first sleeve body, the other end of the first sleeve body having an opening, the first threaded portion being provided on the first sleeve body and being located between the position of the opening and the position of the first ring member; A tail wire sleeve, the tail wire sleeve comprising a second sleeve body and a second ring member, the second sleeve body being sleeved on an end of the sleeve away from the opening, the second ring member being protruding from an end of the outer peripheral wall of the second sleeve near the opening, and the second ring member being axially abutted against the sleeve; Wherein, the connecting sleeve is sleeved on the tail wire sleeve, and the first ring member is located on a side of the second ring member away from the opening and abuts against the second ring member.

7. The support structure according to claim 6, characterized in that The support structure further includes a sealing ring, which is sleeved on the sleeve and tightly abuts between the sleeve and the tail wire sleeve; and / or The pigtail sleeve has a formed cavity, the formed cavity is filled with a sealing medium, the sealing medium is used to form a sealing body, and the sealing body is coated on a partial area of the first optical fiber contact piece; and / or The kit is used for plugging with the matching structure, and the kit includes a first guide portion, which extends along the plugging direction and is used for guiding and matching with the second guide portion of the matching structure, and the first guide portion is configured as a guide ridge or a guide groove; The limiting component has a plurality of installation cavities, and the plurality of installation cavities are used for installing a plurality of first optical fiber contacts in a one-to-one correspondence.

8. A connector assembly, characterized in that: The connector assembly includes a first optical fiber contact and the support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first optical fiber contact is disposed through the support structure.

9. A waterproof device, characterized in that: The waterproof device includes a matching structure and a supporting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the matching structure is connected to the second optical fiber contact, and the supporting structure is plugged into the matching structure.

10. An optical fiber connector, characterized in that: The optical fiber connector comprises the connector assembly according to claim 8; or The optical fiber connector includes a first optical fiber contact, a second optical fiber contact, and the waterproof device according to claim 9.

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