Optical connector

Abstract

The invention discloses an optical connector, and relates to the technical field of optical fiber connection equipment, the optical connector comprises a plug assembly and a socket assembly, the plug assembly comprises a connector plug body, the socket assembly comprises a connector socket body, and the plug assembly further comprises a plurality of elastic claw arms, claw hooks and a push-pull type sheath. The plurality of elastic claw arms are fixedly arranged at the front end of the connector plug body and are uniformly distributed around the axial direction of the connector plug body, and each elastic claw arm can generate radial elastic deformation; the claw hooks are arranged on the inner sides of the elastic claw arms; the push-pull type sheath is sleeved outside the connector plug body and the elastic claw arms in an axial sliding manner, and a wedge block is arranged at the front end of the inner wall of the push-pull type sheath; the socket assembly further comprises a clamping protrusion, and the clamping protrusion is arranged on the outer wall of the connector socket body and matched with the grabber in position and shape. The space utilization rate of the panel can be improved, and the deployment requirement of intelligent equipment for a high-density interface can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber connection equipment technology, and in particular to an optical connector. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of fiber optic communication technology in fields such as smart substations, the demand for high-density, high-reliability optical connectors is increasing. Currently, optical connectors with an outer ring locking structure, such as snap-fit ​​or threaded connectors, are commonly used between prefabricated optical cables and splice-free optical distribution boxes. These connectors typically consist of an aviation plug connector, an MPO / MTP fiber optic connector, and positioning components, offering advantages such as preventing mis-mating, convenient insertion and removal, and reliable connection.

[0003] However, to achieve the locking function, traditional optical connectors of this type must be equipped with an outer ring, which needs to be fitted onto the adapter housing and engage with clips or threads, resulting in a large overall outer diameter and bulky structure. In addition, due to the limited panel space in the splice-free optical distribution box, the outer ring connector also requires a certain amount of rotation or operation space during installation, further limiting the number of interfaces that can be arranged on the panel, making it difficult to meet the needs of high-density cabling.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a more compact optical connector that does not require an outer ring locking mechanism but still ensures a stable connection, in order to improve panel space utilization and meet the deployment requirements of intelligent devices for high-density interfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an optical connector that solves the problems existing in the prior art, improves panel space utilization, and adapts to the deployment requirements of intelligent devices for high-density interfaces.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: This invention provides an optical connector, including a plug assembly and a socket assembly. The plug assembly includes a connector plug body, and the socket assembly includes a connector socket body. The plug assembly further includes: multiple elastic claw arms, claw hooks, and a push-pull sheath. The multiple elastic claw arms are fixedly disposed at the front end of the connector plug body and evenly distributed around its axial direction. Each elastic claw arm is capable of radial elastic deformation. Claw hooks are disposed on the inner side of each elastic claw arm. The push-pull sheath is axially slidably sleeved on the outside of the connector plug body and the elastic claw arms, and its inner wall front end is provided with a wedge. The socket assembly also includes a latch, which is disposed on the outer wall of the connector socket body and is adapted to the position and shape of the claw hook. When the plug assembly mates with the socket assembly, the claw hook slides along the inclined surface of the latch, forcing the elastic claw arm to open radially outward until the claw hook passes the latch and rebounds, engaging with the rear end face of the latch to achieve locking. When the push-pull sheath is pulled backward, the wedge blocks radially outward compress the elastic claw arm, forcing the elastic claw arm to open and disengage the claw hook from the latch, thereby achieving separation.

[0007] Preferably, the connector plug body contains a female ferrule, and the connector socket body contains a male ferrule that mates with the female ferrule; the rear ends of the female ferrule and the male ferrule are respectively provided with ferrule springs that provide axial elastic force.

[0008] Preferably, the connector plug body is provided with a positioning structure for limiting the position of the ferrule spring and the female ferrule; the connector socket body is provided with a positioning structure for limiting the position of the ferrule spring and the male ferrule.

[0009] Preferably, the female ferrule is an MPO / MTP female ferrule; the male ferrule is an MPO / MTP male ferrule; the positioning structure is an MPO / MTP positioning element; and the ferrule spring is an MPO / MTP ferrule spring.

[0010] Preferably, the portions of the multiple elastic claw arms near the rear end are connected in sequence to form a sleeve-shaped connecting sleeve, and the connecting sleeve is fixedly installed on the connector plug body by a threaded connection.

[0011] Preferably, the push-pull sheath and the connector plug body or the elastic claw arm are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0012] Preferably, the connector plug body and the positioning structure therein are provided with matching guide structures; the connector socket body and the positioning structure therein are provided with matching guide structures.

[0013] Preferably, the guiding structure includes a matching guide groove and a guide key; the guide groove is provided on the inner wall of both the connector plug body and the connector socket body, and the guide key is provided on both positioning structures.

[0014] Preferably, the plug assembly and the socket assembly are provided with connection markings or structures to prevent mis-insertion on their exterior.

[0015] Preferably, the optical connector is used for the connection between prefabricated optical cables and splice-free optical distribution boxes in smart substations.

[0016] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art: This invention utilizes the elastic claw arm on the connector plug body to directly engage with the locking protrusion on the connector socket body, completely eliminating the need for the traditional external locking ring structure and significantly reducing the radial dimension of the connector. The push-pull sheath enables quick one-handed insertion and removal without requiring rotation space, greatly improving the convenience of installation and maintenance in confined spaces and maximizing panel space utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the push-pull sheath, leaf spring body, and connector plug body before assembly. Figure 2 In the diagram, 2a is a schematic diagram of the assembled push-pull sheath, leaf spring body, and connector plug body; 2b is... Figure 2 The left view of a; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning structure, ferrule spring, and female ferrule before assembly. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembled positioning structure, ferrule spring, and female ferrule. Figure 5 for Figure 4 The combined structure shown and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the combined structure before assembly, shown in figure a; Figure 6 6a is Figure 4 The combined structure shown and Figure 2 6b is a schematic diagram of the assembled structure of the combined structure shown in figure a; Figure 6 The left view of a; Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the combined structure, T-shaped pressure block, and plug body tail clip assembly before assembly in section a; Figure 8 In the middle, 8a is Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the combined structure, T-shaped pressure block, and plug body tail clip assembly in section a; Figure 8 b is Figure 8 The left view of a; Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the positioning structure, male ferrule, and ferrule spring before assembly. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the assembled positioning structure, male ferrule, and ferrule spring (i.e., plug assembly). Figure 11 For connector socket body and Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the combined structure before assembly is shown; Figure 12 In the middle, 12a is the connector socket body and Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the assembled combined structure shown in the figure; Figure 12 b is the left view of 12a; Figure 13 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the combined structure, T-shaped pressure block, and socket body tail clip assembly before assembly in section a; Figure 14 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the combined structure, T-shaped pressure block, and socket body tail clip assembly (i.e., socket assembly) after assembly in section a; Figure 15 A partial cross-sectional view of the completed docking of the plug assembly and the socket assembly in the optical connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 for Figure 15 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; In the diagram: 1-Push-pull sheath; 2-Leaf spring body; 3-Connector plug body; 4-Female ferrule; 5-Plug body tail clip assembly; 6-Connector socket body; 7-Male ferrule; 8-Socket body tail clip assembly; 9-Positioning component I; 10-Framing spring; 11-Positioning component II; 12-T-shaped pressure block; 13-Claw hook; 14-Elastic claw arm; 15-Clamping strip; 16-Clamping slot; 17-First clamping platform; 18-Clamping protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] In this invention, the direction in which an optical connector is inserted or connected under normal use is defined as the "front end" (or "mating end"), and the direction in which its connecting cable or tail is fixed is defined as the "rear end" (or "tail end").

[0022] Front end: This refers to the end of the optical connector (including plug and socket assemblies) that first contacts and inserts into each other during mating. This end is usually where the male and female ferrules are exposed or ready to make contact, and it is also the location where the locking mechanism (such as claws and latches) operates.

[0023] Rear end: This refers to the end of the optical connector (including plug and socket assemblies) that connects to the optical fiber cable. This end typically has a tail sleeve, clamping components (such as tail clip assemblies or T-shaped clamps), etc., to secure the optical cable, relieve cable stress, and provide protection.

[0024] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 16 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Example 1 This invention provides an optical connector, including a plug assembly and a socket assembly. The plug assembly includes a connector plug body 3, and the socket assembly includes a connector socket body 6. The plug assembly further includes: a plurality of elastic claw arms 14, claw hooks 13, and a push-pull sheath 1. The plurality of elastic claw arms 14 are fixedly disposed at the front end of the connector plug body 3 and are evenly distributed around its axial direction. Each elastic claw arm 14 is capable of radial elastic deformation. The claw hooks 13 are disposed on the inner side of each elastic claw arm 14. The push-pull sheath 1 is axially slidably sleeved on the outside of the connector plug body 3 and the elastic claw arms 14, and its inner wall front end is provided with The connector assembly includes a wedge block; the socket assembly also includes a locking protrusion 18, which is disposed on the outer wall of the connector socket body 6 and is adapted to the position and shape of the claw hook 13. When the plug assembly and the socket assembly are mated, the claw hook 13 slides along the inclined surface of the locking protrusion 18, forcing the elastic claw arm 14 to open radially outward until the claw hook 13 passes the locking protrusion 18 and rebounds, engaging with the rear end face of the locking protrusion 18 to achieve locking. When the push-pull sheath 1 is pulled backward, the wedge block presses the elastic claw arm 14 radially outward, forcing the elastic claw arm 14 to open, causing the claw hook 13 to disengage from the locking protrusion 18, thereby achieving separation.

[0026] In this embodiment, the elastic claw arm 14 installed on the connector plug body 3 directly engages with the locking protrusion 18 on the connector socket body 6, completely eliminating the traditional external locking ring structure and significantly reducing the radial dimension of the connector. The push-pull type sheath 1 enables quick one-handed insertion and removal operations without the need for rotation space, greatly improving the convenience of installation and maintenance in narrow spaces and the utilization rate of panel space.

[0027] In this invention, the elastic claw arm 14 can also be an independent metal spring, fixed to the connector plug body 3 by welding or riveting, or it can be integrated into a sleeve structure and fitted onto the connector plug body 3 as a whole. The inner wall wedge of the push-pull sheath 1 can be a continuous annular protrusion or multiple independent protrusions evenly distributed around its axial direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the connector plug body 3 contains a female ferrule 4, and the connector socket body 6 contains a male ferrule 7 that mates with the female ferrule 4; the rear ends of the female ferrule 4 and the male ferrule 7 are respectively provided with ferrule springs 10 that provide axial elastic force.

[0029] In this embodiment, the ferrule spring 10 provides continuous axial pressure to the fiber end face, ensuring stable and reliable physical contact when the male and female ferrules 4 are mated, thereby ensuring low insertion loss and high return loss performance of the optical signal. This structure is crucial for ensuring the optical performance of the fiber optic connection.

[0030] In addition, the ferrule spring 10 can also be replaced by other elastic elements such as silicone washers, as long as they can provide stable axial elastic force for the ferrule.

[0031] In some embodiments, the connector plug body 3 is provided with a positioning structure for limiting the position of the ferrule spring 10 and the female ferrule 4; the connector socket body 6 is provided with a positioning structure for limiting the position of the ferrule spring 10 and the male ferrule 7.

[0032] In this embodiment, the positioning structure precisely limits the axial and radial positions of the ferrule and spring, ensuring the ferrule's alignment within the connector and preventing it from tilting or shifting under pressure. This protects the delicate fiber end face from damage and maintains the stability of optical performance. Its snap-fit ​​installation method also facilitates assembly and maintenance.

[0033] In some embodiments, the female ferrule 4 is an MPO / MTP female ferrule; the male ferrule 7 is an MPO / MTP male ferrule; the positioning structure is an MPO / MTP positioning element; and the ferrule spring is an MPO / MTP ferrule spring.

[0034] This embodiment uses a standardized MPO / MTP multi-core connector, which can connect 12, 24 or more optical fibers at once. It is very suitable for the high-density, high-capacity optical fiber cabling needs in smart substations and greatly improves cabling efficiency.

[0035] Of course, for scenarios where the number of cores is not critical, other multi-core connector standards can be used.

[0036] In some embodiments, the structures of multiple elastic claw arms 14 near the rear end are connected in sequence to form a sleeve-shaped connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve is fixedly installed on the connector plug body 3 by a threaded connection. The integrated structure of multiple elastic claw arms 14 can be referred to as the leaf spring body 2.

[0037] This embodiment connects the roots of multiple elastic claw arms 14 into a single integral leaf spring body 2, significantly enhancing the overall structural strength and integrity of the elastic claw arms 14. This allows them to withstand greater insertion and extraction forces and mechanical stresses, making them less prone to deformation or damage. Furthermore, the threaded connection method is simple in structure, reliable in connection, and easy to process and assemble.

[0038] In addition, the leaf spring body 2 can also be installed on the connector plug body 3 by means of snap-fit, pin fixation or interference fit.

[0039] In some embodiments, the push-pull sheath 1 and the connector plug body 3 or the elastic claw arm 14 are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0040] In this embodiment, the latching structure consists of a first latching platform 17 located on the outside of the elastic claw arm 14 and a second latching platform located on the inner wall of the push-pull sleeve 1. The push-pull sleeve 1 is fitted over the elastic claw arm 14 from the front end. During installation, upon hearing a click, the first latching platform 17 on the outside of the elastic claw arm 14 moves past the second latching platform on the inner wall of the push-pull sleeve 1 to its rear end, thus realizing the installation of the push-pull sleeve 1. In addition, a latching strip 15 is provided at the rear end of the push-pull sleeve 1, and a slot 16 corresponding to the position of the latching strip 15 is provided on the connector plug body 3. After installation, the latching strip 15 is inserted into the slot 16. The function of the latching strip 15 and the slot 16 is to prevent the push-pull sleeve 1 from being unable to be properly inserted due to rotation.

[0041] In some embodiments, the plug assembly and socket assembly are provided with connection markings or structures to prevent mis-insertion.

[0042] This embodiment provides a simple and intuitive method to prevent mis-insertion. Even in environments with poor visibility or dense arrangement, operators can quickly identify and match the correct connection pairs through vision or touch, further improving the accuracy of connection and operational efficiency.

[0043] In some examples, the markings can be tactile markings such as raised Braille dots or indentations of different shapes, to adapt to different usage environments.

[0044] In some embodiments, the connector plug body 3 and the positioning structure therein are provided with matching guide structures; the connector socket body 6 and the positioning structure therein are provided with matching guide structures.

[0045] In this embodiment, the internal guiding structure ensures that the fiber optic ferrule is correctly oriented when installed inside the connector, and works in conjunction with the aforementioned external guiding structure to form a comprehensive anti-misinsertion and precise guiding system from the internal ferrule to the external housing, greatly improving the reliability and consistency of the connection.

[0046] Understandably, internal guide structures are not essential. They can be omitted for designs with less stringent precision requirements or those that have self-centering properties.

[0047] Specifically, both the connector plug body and the connector socket body have guide grooves on their inner walls, and both the connector plug body and the connector socket body have guide keys on their positioning structures. The guide keys and guide grooves work together.

[0048] In this embodiment, the cooperation between the guide key and the guide groove ensures that the positioning structure is inserted into the connector plug body and the connector socket body in a specific posture.

[0049] In some embodiments, optical connectors are used for connections between prefabricated optical cables and splice-free optical distribution boxes in smart substations.

[0050] The optical connector of this invention, with its small size, high density, fast insertion and removal and no need for rotation space, perfectly solves the problem of limited space on the optical distribution box panel of smart substations, allowing more fiber optic interfaces or other functional modules to be deployed on a limited panel, providing an excellent hardware foundation for the upgrade and expansion of smart substations.

[0051] Assembly and usage methods of optical connectors Assembly method of plug assembly The assembly of the optical connector plug assembly mainly includes the following steps: Installing the leaf spring body 2: Screw the leaf spring body 2 onto the front end of the connector plug body 3 via its rear thread to ensure a secure installation.

[0052] Pre-installation of the sheath: The push-pull sheath 1 is placed on the leaf spring body 2 from the front end, and the installation is completed; Fiber optic ferrule module assembly: a. Pass the optical fiber sequentially through the plug body tail clamp assembly 5, T-shaped pressure block 12, positioning element II 11 and ferrule spring 10, and then terminate it on the female ferrule 4.

[0053] b. Insert the female ferrule 4 with the optical fiber connected into the positioning piece I9.

[0054] c. Push in the ferrule spring 10 so that it rests against the step of the female ferrule 4.

[0055] d. Finally, press in the positioning member II11 to compress the ferrule spring 10, and use its protrusion to engage with the reserved slot on the positioning member I9 to form a complete fiber optic ferrule module.

[0056] Internal module installation: Align the guide key on the assembled fiber optic ferrule module with the guide groove inside the connector plug body 3, and push the module axially into the connector plug body 3 until it is in place.

[0057] Tail-end fixing: Insert the T-shaped clamp 12 from the rear of the assembly, so that its front end abuts against the internal assembly and the rear step is limited by the housing. Then screw the plug body tail clamp assembly 5 to the tail of the connector plug body 3, and its internal step presses against the T-shaped clamp 12, completing the fastening of the entire assembly and the stress release of the optical fiber.

[0058] Assembly method of socket components The assembly steps of the socket assembly are similar to those of the plug assembly, except that a male pin 7 and a connector socket body 6 are used. The steps also include assembling the male pin 7, spring, and positioning component into a module and then inserting it into the socket housing, and finally fixing it with the socket body tail clip assembly 8. These steps will not be described in detail here.

[0059] Methods for mating and disconnecting optical connectors Locking method for docking: a. Align the guide keys and guide slots (or other anti-misinsertion markings) on the plug assembly and socket assembly.

[0060] b. Smoothly push the plug assembly into the socket assembly along the axial direction. During this process, the claw hook 13 at the front end of the leaf spring body 2 will contact and slide along the inclined surface of the latch protrusion 18 on the connector socket body 6, forcing the elastic claw arm 14 to elastically open radially outward.

[0061] c. When the claw hook 13 passes the highest point of the latch protrusion 18, the rebound force generated by the elastic claw arm 14 drives the claw hook 13 to quickly return to its original radial direction and firmly engage with the rear end face of the latch protrusion 18. At the same time, a clear "click" sound can be heard. At this time, the connector is in the locked state and the optical connection has been established.

[0062] Separation method: a. Pull the push-pull sheath 1 backward (towards the cable) with your finger.

[0063] b. The wedge at the front end of the inner wall of the push-pull sheath 1 moves backward, and during the movement, it will radially and outwardly press the elastic claw arm 14 of the leaf spring body 2, forcing the claw hook 13 to disengage from the locking protrusion 18 on the connector socket body 6.

[0064] c. Once the claw hook 13 is completely disengaged, the plug assembly can be easily pulled axially out of the socket assembly to achieve separation.

[0065] The assembly method provided by this invention has clear steps, and the components are modularly combined, facilitating rapid on-site installation and maintenance. The method of use is extremely simple, requiring only two simple "push" and "pull" actions to achieve reliable connection and separation, without any rotation required. This makes it ideal for use on high-density panels with limited space, significantly improving operational efficiency and user experience.

[0066] In addition to using the T-shaped clamping block 12 and the tail clip assembly, the optical fiber module inside the plug and socket can also be fixed by a snap-lock structure or screw tightening to achieve the same function.

[0067] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. An optical connector comprising a plug assembly and a receptacle assembly, the plug assembly comprising a connector plug body, and the receptacle assembly comprising a connector receptacle body, characterized in that: The plug assembly also includes: Multiple elastic claw arms are fixedly disposed at the front end of the connector plug body and evenly distributed around its axial direction. Each elastic claw arm can generate radial elastic deformation. Claw hooks are disposed on the inner side of each of the elastic claw arms; A push-pull type sheath is axially slidably fitted onto the outside of the connector plug body and the elastic claw arm, and a wedge is provided at the front end of its inner wall; The socket assembly also includes: The latch is provided on the outer wall of the connector socket body and is adapted to the position and shape of the claw hook; When the plug assembly mates with the socket assembly, the claw hook slides along the inclined surface of the latch protrusion, forcing the elastic claw arm to open radially outward elastically until the claw hook passes the latch protrusion and rebounds, engaging with the rear end face of the latch protrusion to achieve locking; When the push-pull sheath is pulled backward, the wedge blocks radially outward press the elastic claw arm, forcing the elastic claw arm to open and disengage the claw hook from the locking protrusion, thereby achieving separation.

2. The optical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector plug body contains a female ferrule, and the connector socket body contains a male ferrule that mates with the female ferrule; the rear ends of the female ferrule and the male ferrule are respectively provided with ferrule springs that provide axial elastic force.

3. The optical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector plug body is provided with a positioning structure for limiting the position of the ferrule spring and the female ferrule; the connector socket body is provided with a positioning structure for limiting the position of the ferrule spring and the male ferrule.

4. The optical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The female ferrule is an MPO / MTP female ferrule; the male ferrule is an MPO / MTP male ferrule; the positioning structure is an MPO / MTP positioning element; and the ferrule spring is an MPO / MTP ferrule spring.

5. The optical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear portion of multiple elastic claw arms is connected in sequence to form a sleeve-shaped connecting sleeve, which is fixedly installed on the connector plug body by a threaded connection.

6. The optical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push-pull sheath and the connector plug body or the elastic claw arm are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure.

7. The optical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector plug body and the positioning structure therein are provided with matching guide structures; the connector socket body and the positioning structure therein are provided with matching guide structures.

8. The optical connector according to any one of claims 7, characterized in that, The guiding structure includes matching guide grooves and guide keys; the guide grooves are provided on the inner walls of both the connector plug body and the connector socket body, and the guide keys are provided on both positioning structures.

9. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1, characterized in that, The plug assembly and the socket assembly are provided with connection markings or structures to prevent mis-insertion on the outside.

10. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The optical connector is used to connect prefabricated optical cables and splice-free optical distribution boxes in smart substations.

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