Rapid assembly tool for photoelectric hybrid connector and assembly method of rapid assembly tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a rapid assembly tool for a photoelectric hybrid connector and an assembly method of the rapid assembly tool. The tool comprises a tool body which is provided with a limiting guide groove and a movable block movably connected to the limiting guide groove. The limiting guide groove is used for accommodating the connector shell and axially and movably guiding the connector shell; the end, facing the limiting guide groove, of the movable block is provided with an insertion core containing cavity used for containing the connector main shaft insertion core. The driving end of the driving piece is connected with the movable block; the main shaft clamping block is arranged at one end of the limiting guide groove, and the main shaft clamping block is provided with a clamping point used for abutting against the rear end of the connector main shaft; thrust output by the driving piece acts on the connector shell through the movable block so that the front end of the connector main shaft can be inserted into the connector shell. According to the invention, stable thrust can be provided in a short time, the assembly precision is ensured, and damage to parts is effectively prevented, so that the assembly efficiency and consistency of the photoelectric hybrid connector are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optoelectronic hybrid cable technology, and in particular to a rapid assembly tooling and assembly method for an optoelectronic hybrid connector. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial infrastructure for smart city construction, hybrid fiber-optic cable assemblies integrate optical fibers with power transmission lines, enabling "dual-purpose" signaling and power delivery, significantly improving resource utilization and system integration. With the large-scale construction of new infrastructure such as 5G communication networks and cloud computing data centers, the demand for hybrid fiber-optic cables in smart transportation, intelligent security, and smart energy continues to grow. This type of integrated transmission solution not only effectively enhances the intelligence level of urban management but also reduces construction costs through streamlined cabling, becoming a vital technological support for driving the digital and intelligent transformation of cities.

[0003] With the widespread adoption of smart city infrastructure, typical application scenarios such as smart streetlights, intelligent traffic signal control systems, and electronic police systems are rapidly developing, placing higher demands on the standardization of optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies' interfaces and ease of installation. To adapt to different application environments, new types of optoelectronic hybrid connectors are constantly emerging, significantly increasing their structural complexity and precision. However, this also makes it difficult for traditional assembly processes to meet the demands of high-precision and high-efficiency production.

[0004] Specifically, the assembly method of the outer shell of the new optoelectronic connector (such as the ESCU type connector) differs significantly from that of the traditional SC type components. First, the gap between the outer and inner shells is extremely small, requiring a large pushing force during assembly to ensure sealing and tensile strength. Second, while the right-angle barb locking structure enhances the bonding strength, it also significantly increases assembly resistance, easily leading to jamming or improper fit if not handled correctly. Furthermore, the optoelectronic components have a precise structure and fragile surfaces, requiring one-time press-fit during assembly to avoid repeated operations. If pauses or misalignments occur during press-fitting, the barb tip may accidentally enter a recessed area, causing barb wear or even breakage. This not only reduces connection strength but also leads to assembly blockage and sealing failure due to debris remaining in the shell gaps.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a rapid assembly tool that can provide stable thrust, ensure assembly accuracy, and effectively prevent component damage in a short time, so as to improve the assembly efficiency and consistency of optoelectronic hybrid connectors and meet the high-quality requirements of modern production and smart city construction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a rapid assembly fixture and assembly method for an optoelectronic hybrid connector, which can provide stable thrust, ensure assembly accuracy and effectively prevent component damage in a short time, thereby improving the assembly efficiency and consistency of the optoelectronic hybrid connector.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a rapid assembly fixture for a hybrid optoelectronic connector, used to connect the connector housing and the connector spindle, comprising: The tooling body is provided with a limiting guide groove and a movable block movably connected to the limiting guide groove; the limiting guide groove is used to accommodate the connector housing and guide its axial movement; the movable block is provided with a ferrule receiving cavity at one end facing the limiting guide groove for accommodating the connector spindle ferrule. A driving component, the driving end of which is connected to the movable block; A spindle locking block is disposed at one end of the limiting guide groove, and the spindle locking block is provided with locking points for abutting against the rear end of the connector spindle; The thrust output by the drive unit acts on the connector housing via the movable block to insert the front end of the connector spindle into the connector housing.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the driving component is a thin cylinder, the air passage of the thin cylinder is connected to an air intake pipe assembly and an exhaust pipe assembly, the air intake pipe assembly and the exhaust pipe assembly are connected to a foot pedal control assembly, the foot pedal control assembly realizes the forward and return of the movable block.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the movable block is connected to a connecting plate, and the connecting plate is perpendicularly connected to the movable block.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the drive end of the thin cylinder is connected to the connecting plate by a fixing stud.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tooling body is further provided with a main body cavity communicating with the limiting guide groove, and the connecting plate and the driving end of the thin cylinder are movably connected to the main body cavity.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spindle locking block includes two locking blocks that abut against the ends of the limiting guide groove, and the distance between the two locking blocks is less than the width of the limiting guide groove, so as to form the locking point between the locking block and the side wall of the limiting guide groove.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two limiting blocks are connected to a connecting block that is connected to the side wall of the tooling body.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting guide groove has a width of 10.3 mm and a height of 10 mm to limit the lateral swing of the connector housing during assembly and ensure axial linear movement.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the axial length of the ferrule receiving cavity on the movable block is 4mm ± 0.5mm to prevent damage to the ferrule during the pushing process.

[0016] This invention also provides a rapid assembly method for an optoelectronic hybrid connector, utilizing the aforementioned rapid assembly fixture for the optoelectronic hybrid connector, the method comprising: S1. After pre-assembling and aligning the connector spindle and connector housing, insert the entire assembly into the limiting guide groove of the tooling body, so that the rear end of the connector spindle abuts against the locking point of the spindle locking block, and adjust to make the connector spindle and the axis of the limiting guide groove coaxial. S2. Position the end of the connector housing in front of the pusher of the movable block, and make the ferrule of the connector spindle correspond to the ferrule receiving cavity of the movable block, so that the ferrule can be protected during the subsequent push process. S3. When the operator depresses the foot pedal control component, air is supplied to the thin cylinder through the air intake pipe component. The drive component drives the movable block to move forward axially along the limit guide groove. The movable block applies thrust to the connector housing, so that the front end of the connector spindle is inserted into the connector housing and completes the locking engagement. S4. Release the foot pedal control assembly, and the thin cylinder will exhaust and return to its original position via the exhaust pipe assembly. The movable block will then return to its initial position, completing the assembly.

[0017] The technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: The present invention discloses a rapid assembly fixture and assembly method for a photoelectric hybrid connector. The driving component is a pneumatic actuator system consisting of a thin cylinder, an air intake pipe assembly, an exhaust pipe assembly, and a foot pedal control assembly. It outputs an instantaneous thrust of not less than 500 N, enabling the connector housing to be press-fitted into place in one stroke. The average assembly time is less than 3 seconds, avoiding wear and jamming of the barbs caused by repeated pressurization, significantly shortening the cycle time of a single piece and reducing cycle time fluctuation.

[0018] The limiting guide groove set in the main body of the tooling of the present invention undertakes the axial guiding function. The guide groove width of 10.3 mm and height of 10 mm match the dimensions of the connector shell of 10.1 mm and 10 mm, which can suppress left and right swing and ensure linear movement throughout the press-fitting process, stabilize the coaxiality of the assembly, and reduce the risk of interference between the shell end face and the edge of the guide groove.

[0019] The movable block of this invention has a ferrule receiving cavity on its pressing surface with an axial length of 4 mm ± 0.5 mm. This cavity provides effective clearance for the connector spindle ferrule at the moment of force application, preventing the assembly thrust from being directly transmitted to the ferrule end face and avoiding end face indentation, chipping, and the resulting degradation of optical performance or poor electrical contact.

[0020] The spindle positioning block of this invention is equipped with a positioning point for abutting against the rear end of the connector spindle to achieve rigid positioning of the assembly reference and avoid relative misalignment between the spindle and the housing; the positioning point structure formed by two limiting blocks is smaller than the width of the limiting guide groove, and together with the side wall of the limiting guide groove, a stable positioning point is formed, which improves the directionality of the insertion force and the consistency of the positioning.

[0021] This invention combines single-stroke press-fitting with insert clearance and lateral limiting, significantly reducing the probability of right-angle barbs accidentally entering recessed areas when the process pauses midway, reducing wear and debris generation at the barb tip, thereby reducing rework rate and cleaning / maintenance frequency from the source and improving equipment availability.

[0022] This invention features a compact structure and easy assembly and adjustment, facilitating large-scale layout of the main cavity integrated cylinder stroke space and air passage. The connecting block and long screw quickly clamp and fix key components, reducing assembly and maintenance steps, concentrating and easily ensuring machining accuracy, and facilitating dense layout in unit workstations on the production line to achieve large-scale, rhythmic production. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To make the content of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the quick assembly tooling for the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the quick assembly tooling for the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the spindle positioning block of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optoelectronic hybrid connector before assembly.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the photoelectric hybrid connector after assembly.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the quick assembly tooling cylinder of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention before it extends.

[0030] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the quick assembly tooling cylinder of the optoelectronic hybrid connector of the present invention after it has been extended.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals on the accompanying drawings: 1. Tooling body; 11. Limiting guide groove; 12. Movable block; 121. Insert receiving cavity; 122. Connecting plate; 123. Fixing stud; 13. Main body cavity; 2. Connector housing; 3. Spindle positioning block; 31. Positioning point; 32. Limiting block; 33. Connecting block; 4. Drive components; 41. Thin-walled cylinders; 42. Intake pipe assembly; 43. Exhaust pipe assembly; 44. Foot pedal control assembly; 5. Connector spindle. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0033] In this invention, when directions (up, down, left, right, front, and back) are described, it is only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this invention, and does not indicate or imply that the technical features referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0034] In this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc., are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," "within," etc., are understood to include the stated number. In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrally formed connection; a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection capable of mutual communication; or the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, to address the issues of high assembly precision, large thrust requirements, and difficulty in protecting vulnerable parts in the assembly of novel optoelectronic connector housings, a rapid assembly fixture for optoelectronic hybrid connectors is proposed. This fixture utilizes specialized tooling to achieve fast, efficient, and safe assembly, connecting the connector housing 2 and the connector spindle 5. The fixture includes: The tooling body 1 is provided with a limiting guide groove 11 and a movable block 12 movably connected to the limiting guide groove 11; the limiting guide groove 11 is used to accommodate the connector housing 2 and guide it axially; the movable block 12 is provided with a ferrule receiving cavity 121 at one end facing the limiting guide groove 11 for accommodating the ferrule of the connector spindle 5. The driving component 4 has its driving end connected to the movable block 12; The spindle locking block 3 is disposed at one end of the limiting guide groove 11, and the spindle locking block 3 is provided with a locking point 31 for abutting against the rear end of the connector spindle 5; The thrust output by the drive component 4 is applied to the connector housing 2 via the movable block 12 to insert the front end of the connector spindle 5 into the connector housing 2.

[0037] Preferably, the driving component 4 is a thin cylinder 41, the air passage of the thin cylinder 41 is connected to an air intake pipe assembly 42 and an exhaust pipe assembly 43, the air intake pipe assembly 42 and the exhaust pipe assembly 43 are connected to a foot pedal control assembly 44, the foot pedal control assembly 44 realizes the forward and return of the movable block 12.

[0038] The thin-type cylinder 41 is the core actuator of this tooling. Driven by compressed air, it outputs an instantaneous thrust of no less than 500 N, enabling the optoelectronic connector housing 2 to be quickly press-fitted in one stroke. The average assembly time is less than 3 seconds, significantly improving the production cycle. The lower end of the movable block 12 is connected to the piston rod of the thin-type cylinder 41 via a fixing stud 123, and the upper end is embedded in the limiting guide groove 11 of the tooling body 1. The front pressing surface of the movable block 12 is provided with a ferrule receiving cavity 121, which provides clearance space for the spindle ferrule during the pressing process and prevents damage to the ferrule end face.

[0039] In one embodiment, the movable block 12 is connected to a connecting plate 122, and the connecting plate 122 is perpendicularly connected to the movable block 12.

[0040] In one embodiment, the drive end of the thin cylinder 41 is connected to the connecting plate 122 via a fixing stud 123.

[0041] In one embodiment, the tooling body 1 is further provided with a main body cavity 13 communicating with the limiting guide groove 11, and the connecting plate 122 and the driving end of the thin cylinder 41 are movably connected to the main body cavity 13.

[0042] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the spindle locking block 3 includes two locking blocks 32 that abut against the ends of the limiting guide groove 11 respectively. The distance between the two locking blocks 32 is less than the width of the limiting guide groove 11, so as to form the locking point 31 between the locking block 32 and the side wall of the limiting guide groove 11.

[0043] In one embodiment, the two limiting blocks 32 are connected to a connecting block 33 that is connected to the side wall of the tooling body 1. A telescopic cavity for a thin cylinder 41 is reserved inside the body to ensure smooth reciprocating motion of the cylinder and a compact structure. The connecting block 33 securely connects the structural components via four long screws, forming an assembly system with good overall rigidity.

[0044] In one embodiment, the limiting guide groove 11 has a width of 10.3 mm and a height of 10 mm, which matches the connector housing 2 (width 10.1 mm, height 10 mm) to limit the lateral swing of the connector housing 2 during assembly and ensure axial linear movement.

[0045] In one embodiment, the axial length of the ferrule receiving cavity 121 on the movable block 12 is 4mm ± 0.5mm to prevent damage to the ferrule during the pushing process.

[0046] Reference Figures 4 to 7 As shown, this embodiment also provides a rapid assembly method for an optoelectronic hybrid connector, utilizing the rapid assembly fixture for the optoelectronic hybrid connector. The method includes: S1. After pre-assembling and aligning the connector spindle 5 and the connector housing 2, insert the entire assembly into the limiting guide groove 11 of the tooling body 1, so that the rear end of the connector spindle 5 abuts against the locking point 31 of the spindle locking block 3, and adjust to make the axis of the connector spindle 5 and the limiting guide groove 11 coaxial. S2, Position the end of the connector housing 2 in front of the push front of the movable block 12, and make the ferrule of the connector spindle 5 correspond to the ferrule receiving cavity 121 of the movable block 12, so that the ferrule can be protected during the subsequent push process. S3. The operator presses the foot pedal control component 44, which supplies air to the thin cylinder 41 through the air intake pipe component 42. The drive component 4 drives the movable block 12 to move forward axially along the limit guide groove 11. The movable block 12 applies a thrust to the connector housing 2, causing the front end of the connector spindle 5 to be inserted into the connector housing 2 and complete the locking engagement. S4. Release the foot pedal control assembly 44, and the thin cylinder 41 will exhaust and return to its original position through the exhaust pipe assembly 43. The movable block 12 will return to its initial position, and the assembly will be completed.

[0047] This rapid assembly tooling significantly improves output thrust and assembly accuracy while maintaining a compact size. Combined with a customized limiting guide groove 11 and a protective movable block 12 structure, it effectively prevents wear and jamming of the right-angle barbs on the outer shell, avoids damage to the ferrule end face, and ensures press-fit quality and connection reliability. This tooling and method significantly improve the assembly efficiency and consistency of optoelectronic hybrid connectors, reduce manual operation intensity, and provide an efficient and safe assembly solution for the large-scale manufacturing of optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies.

[0048] Finally, it should be noted that the above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A quick assembly fixture for a hybrid optoelectronic connector, used to connect a connector housing (2) and a connector spindle (5), characterized in that, include: The tooling body (1) is provided with a limiting guide groove (11) and a movable block (12) movably connected to the limiting guide groove (11); the limiting guide groove (11) is used to accommodate the connector housing (2) and guide it axially; the movable block (12) is provided with a ferrule receiving cavity (121) for accommodating the ferrule of the connector spindle (5) at one end facing the limiting guide groove (11). The driving component (4) has its driving end connected to the movable block (12); A spindle locking block (3) is disposed at one end of the limiting guide groove (11), and the spindle locking block (3) is provided with a locking point (31) for abutting against the rear end of the connector spindle (5). The thrust output by the drive unit (4) is applied to the connector housing (2) via the movable block (12) to insert the front end of the connector spindle (5) into the connector housing (2).

2. The rapid assembly fixture for a photoelectric hybrid connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit (4) adopts a thin cylinder (41). The air passage of the thin cylinder (41) is connected to the air intake pipe assembly (42) and the exhaust pipe assembly (43). The air intake pipe assembly (42) and the exhaust pipe assembly (43) are connected to a foot pedal control assembly (44). The foot pedal control assembly (44) realizes the forward and return of the movable block (12).

3. The rapid assembly fixture for a photoelectric hybrid connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable block (12) is connected to a connecting plate (122), and the connecting plate (122) is perpendicularly connected to the movable block (12).

4. The rapid assembly fixture for a photoelectric hybrid connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive end of the thin cylinder (41) is connected to the connecting plate (122) by a fixing stud (123).

5. The rapid assembly fixture for a photoelectric hybrid connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tooling body (1) is also provided with a main body cavity (13) that communicates with the limiting guide groove (11), and the connecting plate (122) and the driving end of the thin cylinder (41) are movably connected in the main body cavity (13).

6. The rapid assembly fixture for a photoelectric hybrid connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spindle locking block (3) includes two locking blocks (32) that abut against the ends of the limiting guide groove (11) respectively. The distance between the two locking blocks (32) is less than the width of the limiting guide groove (11) so as to form the locking point (31) between the locking block (32) and the side wall of the limiting guide groove (11).

7. The rapid assembly fixture for a photoelectric hybrid connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The two limiting blocks (32) are connected to a connecting block (33) that is connected to the side wall of the tooling body (1).

8. The rapid assembly fixture for a photoelectric hybrid connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting guide groove (11) has a width of 10.3 mm and a height of 10 mm to limit the lateral swing of the connector housing (2) during the assembly process and ensure axial linear movement.

9. The rapid assembly fixture for a photoelectric hybrid connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial length of the ferrule receiving cavity (121) on the movable block (12) is 4mm ± 0.5mm to prevent damage to the ferrule during the pushing process.

10. A rapid assembly method for an optoelectronic hybrid connector, characterized in that, The method using the rapid assembly fixture for the optoelectronic hybrid connector according to any one of claims 1-9 includes: S1. After pre-assembling and aligning the connector spindle (5) and the connector housing (2), insert the entire assembly into the limiting guide groove (11) of the tooling body (1), so that the rear end of the connector spindle (5) abuts against the locking point (31) of the spindle locking block (3), and adjust to make the axis of the connector spindle (5) and the limiting guide groove (11) coaxial. S2, Position the end of the connector housing (2) in front of the push front of the movable block (12), and make the ferrule of the connector spindle (5) correspond to the ferrule receiving cavity (121) of the movable block (12), so that the ferrule can be protected during the subsequent push process; S3. The operator presses the foot pedal control component (44), which supplies air to the thin cylinder (41) through the air intake pipe component (42). The drive component (4) drives the movable block (12) to move forward axially along the limit guide groove (11). The movable block (12) applies thrust to the connector housing (2), causing the front end of the connector spindle (5) to be inserted into the connector housing (2) and complete the locking engagement. S4. Release the foot pedal control assembly (44), and the thin cylinder (41) will exhaust and return to its original position through the exhaust pipe assembly (43). The movable block (12) will return to its initial position, and the assembly will be completed.

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