A spring-loaded fiber optic connector

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of fiber optic connection technology and discloses a spring-loaded fiber optic connection device, including a matching fiber optic connector and a fiber optic adapter. A locking ring is slidably fitted on the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter. A support spring is fixedly connected to the side wall of the locking ring away from the fiber optic connector. A sleeve ring is integrally formed at the end of the fiber optic adapter. Locking buckles are uniformly fitted along the circumferential direction on the outer wall of the sleeve ring, and the locking buckles match the limiting grooves, with the wedge-shaped surface corresponding to the locking buckles. The wedge-shaped surface on the locking ring presses against the locking buckles, causing the locking buckles to insert into the limiting grooves, thereby completing the limiting between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter. The rebound force of the support spring provides the pressing force of the locking ring on the locking buckles. This design changes the traditional plastic snap-fit ​​form to a locking buckle structure, which can effectively avoid fatigue fracture after repeated use of the locking buckles. At the same time, the locking buckle structure has strong locking performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber connection technology, and in particular to a snap-on optical fiber connection device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of network technology, more and more fiber optic networks are being accessed, and more and more wiring devices are being installed in core computer rooms. In addition, fiber optic cables have large capacity and are densely deployed. Since the existing fiber optic connectors and fiber optic adapters are designed for manual plugging and unplugging, there are problems such as laborious disassembly, poor contact during reassembly, and easy damage to the fiber optic cables when modifying or installing network cabling.

[0003] According to application number CN202210678889.3, a spring-loaded fiber optic connection device and a fiber optic wiring method are disclosed. The spring-loaded fiber optic connection device includes a fiber optic connector and a fiber optic adapter. The inner wall of the mounting cavity of the fiber optic adapter has a slot, and the outer wall of the fiber optic connector has a snap fastener. When the fiber optic connector is inserted into the mounting cavity of the fiber optic adapter, the snap fastener is embedded in the slot through elastic deformation. The bottom wall of the slot of the fiber optic adapter has an unlocking element, which partially protrudes outward from the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter. By driving the unlocking element inward, the snap fastener can be pushed out of the slot.

[0004] However, in actual use, the spring clip relies on the elastic deformation of thin-walled plastic. Long-term friction increases wear and tear, and repeated insertion and removal can lead to fatigue breakage. Moreover, relying solely on the spring clip for limiting and fixing makes it easy for the clip to pop out when the optical fiber is subjected to large tension, causing the clip to slip easily.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention proposes a snap-on fiber optic connection device to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a snap-on fiber optic connection device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a spring-loaded fiber optic connection device, comprising a mutually matched fiber optic connector and a fiber optic adapter, wherein a connector head is integrally formed on the fiber optic connector, a fiber optic conductive head is installed at the end of the connector head, and a limiting groove is uniformly formed on the outer side wall of the connector head.

[0008] A locking ring is slidably fitted onto the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter. A support spring is fixedly connected to the side wall of the locking ring away from the fiber optic connector. The support spring is fitted onto the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter, and its other end is fixed to the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter. A socket ring is integrally formed at the end of the fiber optic adapter. Locking buckles are uniformly fitted along the circumferential direction on the outer wall of the socket ring, and the locking buckles match the limiting grooves. The inner wall of the locking ring is set as an annular wedge-shaped surface, and the wedge-shaped surface corresponds to the locking buckles.

[0009] Preferably, the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter has an annular groove near the port, and the locking ring is assembled in the annular groove. The outer wall of the locking ring is flush with the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter. The support spring is assembled in the annular groove, and the outer wall of the support spring is fitted with a corrugated sleeve fixed between the locking ring and the inner wall of the annular groove.

[0010] Preferably, the sleeve ring is fitted onto the outer wall of the connector, and the depth of the sleeve ring is the same as the length of the connector, and the outer wall of the sleeve ring is flush with the inner wall of the annular groove.

[0011] Preferably, both the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter are equipped with fiber bodies, and the fiber optic adapter has a storage port at the center of its port that matches the fiber optic connector tip.

[0012] Preferably, the latches are evenly arranged in eight groups along the circumference of the sleeve ring, and each group of latches includes a guide hole opened on the sleeve ring. A guide rod is slidably assembled in the guide hole. A limit plate is fixed on the outer side wall of the guide rod. A reset spring sleeved on the outer side wall of the guide rod is connected to the bottom of the limit plate. The bottom end of the reset spring is fixed on the inner side wall of the guide hole.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom end of the guide rod is integrally formed with a locking ball head, which matches the limiting groove, and the top end of the guide rod is integrally formed with a pressure-bearing ball head, which matches the wedge-shaped surface.

[0014] Preferably, the pressure-bearing ball head includes a lower hemispherical shell integrally formed with the guide rod, an upper hemispherical shell is assembled on the top of the lower hemispherical shell, a pressurized air bag is connected and assembled inside the upper hemispherical shell and the lower hemispherical shell, and a limiting ring is provided at the bottom of the upper hemispherical shell and slidably assembled inside the lower hemispherical shell.

[0015] Preferably, a dustproof air bag is fixedly fitted to the end of the socket ring, a sealing ring corresponding to the connector is fixed to the end of the fiber optic adapter, and the dustproof air bag is connected to each group of pressurized air bags through an air supply pipe, and a waterproof felt is wrapped on the outer wall of the sealing ring.

[0016] Preferably, a displacement sensor is fixed on the outer wall of the locking ring, and a solenoid valve is fixedly mounted on each group of gas pipes.

[0017] Preferably, a magnetic ring is fixed to the outer edge of the side wall of the fiber optic connector near the fiber optic adapter, and an iron ring matching the magnetic ring is fixed to the side wall of the locking ring near the fiber optic connector.

[0018] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0019] 1. In this invention, the locking ring is pushed forward on the fiber optic adapter by the rebound force of the support spring. During its movement, the wedge-shaped surface on the locking ring presses against the latch, causing the latch to insert into the limiting groove, thereby completing the limiting between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter. The rebound force of the support spring provides the locking ring with the pressing force on the latch, thus completing the self-locking and improving the connection stability between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter. It is easy to operate and has high stability. It changes the traditional plastic buckle form to a latch structure, which can effectively avoid fatigue fracture after repeated use. At the same time, the latch structure has strong locking performance and strong self-locking ability.

[0020] 2. When there is a risk of the locking ball head in this invention detaching from the limiting groove, the gas inside the dustproof air bag is introduced into the pressurized air bag through the air supply pipe, thereby causing the pressurized air bag to expand. This increases the distance between the upper and lower hemispheres. As the pressurized air bag expands, it pushes the locking ball head at the bottom of the guide rod to extend into the limiting groove a second time, completing the self-locking compensation of the latch when the locking ring moves backward. This avoids the latch failing to connect due to accidental contact or unwarranted movement of the locking ring, and increases the compensation operation to deal with the risk of detachment, thus having a preemptive effect. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic connector structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic adapter structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber optic adapter of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram of section A in the middle;

[0027] In the diagram: 10. Fiber optic connector; 11. Connector head; 12. Fiber optic conductive head; 13. Limiting groove; 14. Magnetic ring; 20. Fiber optic adapter; 21. Annular groove; 22. Locking ring; 23. Support spring; 24. Corrugated sheath; 25. Wedge-shaped surface; 26. Socket ring; 27. Guide hole; 28. Guide rod; 29. ​​Limiting plate; 210. Return spring; 211. Locking ball head; 212. Pressure-bearing ball head; 2121. Lower hemisphere shell; 2122. Upper hemisphere shell; 2123. Pressurized air bag; 2124. Limiting ring; 213. Iron ring; 214. Dustproof air bag; 215. Sealing ring; 30. Fiber optic body. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment discloses a snap-fit ​​fiber optic connection device, including a matching fiber optic connector 10 and a fiber optic adapter 20. Fiber optic bodies 30 are mounted on both the fiber optic connector 10 and the fiber optic adapter 20. The fiber optic connector 10 and the fiber optic adapter 20 are inserted together to complete the connection of the fiber optic bodies 30. A connector head 11 is integrally formed on the fiber optic connector 10, and a fiber optic conductive head 12 is installed at the end of the connector head 11. A receiving port matching the fiber optic conductive head 12 is opened at the center of the port of the fiber optic adapter 20. Limiting grooves 13 are evenly opened on the outer side wall of the connector head 11.

[0030] Please see Figures 3-6 A locking ring 22 is slidably fitted on the outer side wall of the fiber optic adapter 20. A support spring 23 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the locking ring 22 away from the fiber optic connector 10. The support spring 23 is fitted on the outer side wall of the fiber optic adapter 20, and its other end is fixed on the outer side wall of the fiber optic adapter 20. A sleeve ring 26 is integrally formed at the end of the fiber optic adapter 20. The outer side wall of the sleeve ring 26 is uniformly fitted with latches along the circumferential direction, and the latches match the limiting groove 13. The inner side wall of the locking ring 22 is set as an annular wedge-shaped surface 25, and the wedge-shaped surface 25 corresponds to the latches.

[0031] In actual use, the locking ring 22 is fitted onto the fiber optic adapter 20. When the locking ring 22 is manually pushed, it overcomes the compression and rebound force of the support spring 23 and moves backward on the fiber optic adapter 20, thus exposing the latch. Then, the sleeve ring 26 is fitted onto the connector 11 for positioning. Once the latch aligns with the limiting groove 13, it can be released. At this time, the locking ring 22 is pushed forward on the fiber optic adapter 20 by the rebound force of the support spring 23. During its movement, the wedge-shaped surface 25 on the locking ring 22 presses against the latch, causing the latch to insert into the limiting groove 13, thereby completing the limiting between the fiber optic connector 10 and the fiber optic adapter 20. The rebound force of the support spring 23 provides the pressing force of the locking ring 22 on the latch, thus completing the self-locking and improving the connection stability between the fiber optic connector 10 and the fiber optic adapter 20. It is easy to operate and has high stability.

[0032] Please see Figures 3-5 An annular groove 21 is provided on the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter 20 near the port, and a locking ring 22 is assembled in the annular groove 21. The outer wall of the locking ring 22 is flush with the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter 20. A support spring 23 is assembled in the annular groove 21. A corrugated sleeve 24 is fitted on the outer wall of the support spring 23 and fixed between the locking ring 22 and the inner wall of the annular groove 21. The annular groove 21 can accommodate the locking ring 22 and the support spring 23, ensuring the compactness of the structure. It is convenient for the support spring 23 to provide pressure on the locking ring 22 to the latch, preventing the fiber optic adapter 20 and the fiber optic connector 10 from falling off. The corrugated sleeve 24 fully covers the support spring 23, improving the dust protection of the support spring 23.

[0033] Please see Figure 4 The socket ring 26 is fitted onto the outer wall of the connector 11, and the depth of the socket ring 26 is the same as the length of the connector 11. The outer wall of the socket ring 26 is flush with the inner wall of the annular groove 21, so that after the socket ring 26 is fitted onto the connector 11, the connection between the fiber optic adapter 20 and the fiber optic connector 10 is compact, and the fiber optic conductive head 12 can be connected to the fiber optic body 30 on the fiber optic adapter 20.

[0034] Please see Figures 3-6The locking buckles are evenly arranged in eight groups along the circumference of the sleeve ring 26, and each group of locking buckles includes a guide hole 27 opened on the sleeve ring 26. A guide rod 28 is slidably fitted in the guide hole 27. A limit plate 29 is fixed on the outer wall of the guide rod 28. A return spring 210 sleeved on the outer wall of the guide rod 28 is connected to the bottom of the limit plate 29. The bottom end of the return spring 210 is fixed on the inner wall of the guide hole 27. When the locking ring 22 is pushed by the support spring 23, the locking ring 22 presses against the top of the guide rod 28. The guide rod 28 drives the limit plate 29 to press against the return spring 210, so that the return spring 210 is compressed. The bottom end of the guide rod 28 extends outward from the guide hole 27. When the connection assembly is performed, the locking ring 22 is manually pushed to compress the support spring 23. The guide rod 28 disengages from the pressure of the locking ring 22, thereby restoring the spring 210 to its reset state. At this time, the bottom end of the guide rod 28 retracts into the guide hole 27, which facilitates the fitting of the sleeve ring 26 onto the connector 11, completing the quick positioning and installation between the fiber optic adapter 20 and the fiber optic connector 10. This design changes the traditional plastic buckle to a locking structure, which can effectively prevent fatigue fracture after repeated use. At the same time, the locking structure has strong locking performance and strong self-locking ability.

[0035] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The bottom end of the guide rod 28 is integrally formed with a locking ball head 211, which matches the limiting groove 13. The top end of the guide rod 28 is integrally formed with a pressure bearing ball head 212, which matches the wedge-shaped surface 25. The locking ball head 211 can be quickly inserted into the limiting groove 13, and it is also easy for the buckle to be pulled out of the limiting groove 13. The pressure bearing ball head 212 facilitates the force transmission when the locking ring 22 squeezes it, and facilitates the pressure bearing ball head 212 to provide squeezing force to the buckle.

[0036] A magnetic ring 14 is fixed to the outer edge of the side wall of the fiber optic connector 10 near the fiber optic adapter 20. A locking ring 22 is fixed to the side wall of the fiber optic connector 10 near the magnetic ring 14 with an iron ring 213 that matches the magnetic ring 14. After the fiber optic connector 10 is installed on the fiber optic adapter 20, the magnetic ring 14 generates a magnetic attraction force on the iron ring 213, thereby increasing the connection stability between the fiber optic connector 10 and the fiber optic adapter 20.

[0037] It should be noted that you should refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 and Figure 6The pressure-bearing ball head 212 includes a lower hemispherical shell 2121 integrally formed with the guide rod 28. An upper hemispherical shell 2122 is mounted on the top of the lower hemispherical shell 2121. A pressurized air bag 2123 is connected and mounted inside the upper hemispherical shell 2122 and the lower hemispherical shell 2121. A limiting ring 2124 is provided at the bottom of the upper hemispherical shell 2122 and is slidably mounted inside the lower hemispherical shell 2121. A dustproof air bag 214 is fixedly mounted at the end of the sleeve ring 26. A sealing ring 215 corresponding to the connector 11 is fixedly mounted at the end of the fiber optic adapter 20. The dustproof air bag 214 is connected to each group of pressurized air bags 2123 through an air supply pipe. A waterproof felt is wrapped on the outer wall of the sealing ring 215. A displacement sensor is fixed on the outer wall of the locking ring 22. A solenoid valve is fixedly mounted on each group of air supply pipes.

[0038] After installation, the locking ring 22 presses against the pressure-bearing ball head 212, causing the locking ball head 211 at the bottom of the guide rod 28 to lock inside the limiting groove 13, thus completing the limiting and fixing. At the same time, the support spring 23 compresses the locking ring 22 to exert pressure on the pressure-bearing ball head 212, achieving locking. In actual use, as long as the locking ring 22 is not subjected to external force to push the support spring 23 to compress, the latch will not disengage from inside the limiting groove 13, that is, the fiber optic connector 10 will not disengage from inside the fiber optic adapter 20, improving the installation connection. While offering convenience, it also possesses good self-locking capability. Furthermore, after the fiber optic connector 10 is installed inside the fiber optic adapter 20, the connector head 11 will exert pressure on the dustproof air bag 214, causing the dustproof air bag 214 to expand and fill between the connector head 11 and the socket ring 26, thus completing the dustproof protection for the fiber optic connector 10 after it is installed inside the fiber optic adapter 20. Simultaneously, the connector head 11 will compress the sealing ring 215, enabling the sealing ring 215 to provide waterproof sealing protection for the fiber optic conductive head 12, thereby improving the protection of the fiber optic body 30.

[0039] When the locking ring 22 is pushed by an external force to compress the support spring 23, the compressive force of the locking ring 22 on the latch decreases as the locking ring 22 moves backward. This reduces the engagement depth inside the limiting groove 13 of the locking ball head 211, increasing the risk of the locking ball head 211 disengaging from the limiting groove 13. This could easily cause the fiber optic connector 10 to detach from the fiber optic adapter 20. Since a displacement sensor is fixed to the locking ring 22, its movement distance can be detected in real time. When the displacement sensor detects that the backward movement distance of the locking ring 22 reaches a threshold L, it indicates that the locking ball head 211 is at risk of disengaging from the limiting groove 13. At this point, the control solenoid valve opens, allowing gas inside the dustproof air bag 214 to be introduced into the pressurized air bag 21 through the air delivery pipe. In step 23, the pressurized air bag 2123 expands, which in turn increases the distance between the upper hemisphere 2122 and the lower hemisphere 2121. The lower hemisphere 2121 and the upper hemisphere 2122 are limited by the limiting ring 2124, which effectively ensures that the lower hemisphere 2121 and the upper hemisphere 2122 will not deviate or even detach when they move away from each other. Then, as the pressurized air bag 2123 expands, it can push the locking ball head 211 at the bottom of the guide rod 28 to extend into the limiting groove 13 for a second time, completing the self-locking compensation of the latch when the locking ring 22 moves backward. This avoids the latch from failing to connect due to accidental contact or unwarranted movement of the locking ring 22, and increases the compensation operation to deal with the risk of detachment. It has a pre-emptive effect and further improves the connection stability between the fiber optic connector 10 and the fiber optic adapter 20.

[0040] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spring-loaded fiber optic connector, comprising a mutually mating fiber optic connector (10) and a fiber optic adapter (20), characterized in that: The fiber optic connector (10) is integrally formed with a connector head (11), and a fiber optic conductive head (12) is installed at the end of the connector head (11). Limiting grooves (13) are evenly opened on the outer side wall of the connector head (11). A locking ring (22) is slidably fitted on the outer side wall of the fiber optic adapter (20). A support spring (23) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the locking ring (22) away from the fiber optic connector (10). The support spring (23) is fitted on the outer side wall of the fiber optic adapter (20), and its other end is fixed on the outer side wall of the fiber optic adapter (20). A sleeve ring (26) is integrally formed at the end of the fiber optic adapter (20). A latch is uniformly fitted on the outer side wall of the sleeve ring (26) along the circumferential direction, and the latch matches the limiting groove (13). The inner side wall of the locking ring (22) is set as an annular wedge surface (25), and the wedge surface (25) corresponds to the latch. The latches are evenly arranged in eight groups along the circumference of the sleeve ring (26), and each group of latches includes a guide hole (27) opened on the sleeve ring (26). A guide rod (28) is slidably assembled in the guide hole (27). A limit plate (29) is fixed on the outer side wall of the guide rod (28). A reset spring (210) sleeved on the outer side wall of the guide rod (28) is connected to the bottom of the limit plate (29). The bottom end of the reset spring (210) is fixed on the inner side wall of the guide hole (27). The bottom end of the guide rod (28) is integrally formed with a locking ball head (211), which matches the limiting groove (13). The top end of the guide rod (28) is integrally formed with a pressure bearing ball head (212), which matches the wedge-shaped surface (25). The pressure-bearing ball head (212) includes a lower hemispherical shell (2121) integrally formed with the guide rod (28). An upper hemispherical shell (2122) is assembled on the top of the lower hemispherical shell (2121). A pressurized air bag (2123) is connected and assembled inside the upper hemispherical shell (2122) and the lower hemispherical shell (2121). A limiting ring (2124) that is slidably assembled inside the lower hemispherical shell (2121) is provided at the bottom of the upper hemispherical shell (2122). The end of the socket (26) is fixedly fitted with a dustproof air bag (214), the end of the fiber optic adapter (20) is fixed with a sealing ring (215) corresponding to the connector (11), and the dustproof air bag (214) is connected to each group of pressurized air bags (2123) through an air supply pipe. A displacement sensor is fixed on the outer wall of the locking ring (22), and a solenoid valve is fixedly installed on each group of gas pipes.

2. The snap-on fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the fiber optic adapter (20) is provided with an annular groove (21) near the port, and the locking ring (22) is assembled in the annular groove (21). The outer wall of the locking ring (22) is flush with the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter (20). The support spring (23) is assembled in the annular groove (21), and the outer wall of the support spring (23) is fitted with a corrugated sleeve (24) fixed between the locking ring (22) and the inner wall of the annular groove (21).

3. The snap-on fiber optic connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sleeve ring (26) is fitted onto the outer wall of the connector (11), and the depth of the sleeve ring (26) is the same as the length of the connector (11). The outer wall of the sleeve ring (26) is flush with the inner wall of the annular groove (21).

4. The snap-on fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the fiber optic connector (10) and the fiber optic adapter (20) are equipped with fiber bodies (30), and the fiber optic adapter (20) has a storage port at the center of its port that matches the fiber optic connector head (12).

5. The snap-on fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the sealing ring (215) is covered with a waterproof felt.

6. The snap-on fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A magnetic ring (14) is fixed on the outer edge of the side wall of the fiber optic connector (10) near the fiber optic adapter (20), and an iron ring (213) matching the magnetic ring (14) is fixed on the side wall of the locking ring (22) near the fiber optic connector (10).

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