Automatic dustproof optical fiber movable connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic dustproof optical fiber movable connector and a connector assembly, the automatic dustproof optical fiber movable connector comprises a main body, the main body is sleeved with an outer frame sleeve, and a mounting cavity is formed between the outer frame sleeve and the main body; the automatic dustproof assembly is installed in the installation cavity, the automatic dustproof assembly comprises an inner frame sleeve, a dustproof cover and a reset driving piece, the main body is sleeved with the inner frame sleeve, the dustproof cover is pivoted to the inner frame sleeve and covers the opening of the main body and the opening of the outer frame sleeve, at least part of the dustproof cover protrudes out of the outer frame sleeve to form a pressing tongue, and the reset driving piece is installed in the inner frame sleeve; when the automatic dustproof optical fiber movable connector is inserted into the adapter, the adapter extrudes the pressing tongue to open the dustproof cover; and when the automatic dustproof optical fiber movable connector is pulled out of the adapter, the reset driving piece drives the dustproof cover to automatically recover the cover closing state. The connector is small in size and can be matched with a universal interface; meanwhile, when the connector is not used, the internal structure of the outer frame sleeve is always in a protection state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, specifically to an automatic dustproof optical fiber active connector and connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the large-scale deployment of FTTH (Fiber To The Home), fiber optic connectors are widely used in various network nodes due to their ease of operation and scheduling. For example, they are widely used in products such as data center patch panels, junction boxes, fiber optic splice boxes, fiber distribution boxes, and information panels. To facilitate connections between various devices, fiber optic connectors have developed a series of international industry standard interfaces. Among these, the most widely used fiber optic connector types include SC, LC, and FC connectors.

[0003] However, fiber optic connectors are not used in a clean environment, and they are not necessarily used immediately after installation; therefore, they are often exposed to dusty environments. Although small dust caps are provided with the connector cores at the factory, installers often overlook this step during installation. Even if installers do not forget, the dust caps are easily lost, resulting in significant contamination of the connector end faces and affecting their optical performance.

[0004] Meanwhile, during use, the dust cap of the connector needs to be removed and then inserted into the adapter. However, the adapter is usually very tightly arranged, and the connector is also relatively tightly arranged, leaving very little space for the connector to operate. During the insertion of the connector into the adapter, the ferrule can easily touch other places, causing dirt to be on the end face of the ferrule and affecting the optical performance.

[0005] In related technologies, some manufacturers in the industry have explored automatic dustproof technology, but there are no automatic dustproof connectors that can be adapted to common interfaces such as SC, LC, and FC. Moreover, the structures are generally very complex and the sizes are generally too large, making it difficult to meet the current trend of high-density connector arrangement.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to design a new automatic dustproof fiber optic active connector to overcome the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides an automatic dustproof fiber optic active connector and connector assembly, which can solve the technical problems in the related art of the lack of automatic dustproof connectors with universal interfaces and the large size of automatic dustproof connectors.

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an automatic dustproof fiber optic connector, comprising: a main body, wherein an outer frame is fitted over the main body, and an installation cavity is formed between the outer frame and the main body; an automatic dustproof assembly, which is installed in the installation cavity, the automatic dustproof assembly comprising an inner frame, a dust cover, and a reset drive, wherein the inner frame is fitted over the main body, the dust cover is pivotally connected to the inner frame and covers the opening between the main body and the outer frame, the dust cover at least partially protrudes from the outer frame to form a pressure tongue, and the reset drive is installed on the inner frame; when the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector is inserted into an adapter, the adapter presses the pressure tongue to open the dust cover; when the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector is pulled out of the adapter, the reset drive drives the dust cover to automatically return to the closed state.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the reset drive includes: a drive piece slidably mounted on the inner frame sleeve, with one end of the drive piece abutting against the pressure tongue; and an elastic drive member mounted on the main body, with the elastic drive member abutting against the other end of the drive piece.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the drive piece includes a body and a tongue connected to the body, the body abutting against the elastic drive member, and the tongue extending from one end connected to the body in a direction away from the elastic drive member and away from the axis of the body, and abutting against the pressure tongue.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the inner frame is fitted with a slide rail, the drive piece is slidably mounted on the slide rail, and a first limiting boss is provided in the slide rail corresponding to the position of the tongue piece.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the slide rail is further provided with a support boss, the support boss is located at the connection between the tongue and the body, and the tongue is attached to the support boss.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the elastic drive member includes a push ring and a spring, both of which are sleeved on the outside of the main body, with one side of the push ring contacting the spring and the other side contacting the drive plate.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the main body has a slot corresponding to the position of the driving piece, and the slot penetrates the main body radially.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the main body is provided with a first axial limiting structure, and the inner frame is fitted with a second axial limiting structure; After the adapter and the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector are inserted into place, the inner frame, the dust cover and the reset drive all move away from the adapter and are housed in the outer frame. When the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector is pulled out of the adapter, the reset drive drives the dustproof cover and the inner frame to automatically reset, and the second axial limiting structure cooperates with the first axial limiting structure to limit movement.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the inner frame sleeve is pivotally connected to at least two dust covers, the at least two dust covers are disposed on opposite sides of the inner frame sleeve, each dust cover is provided with a pivot and is pivotally connected to the inner frame sleeve through the pivot, each dust cover is provided with a pressure tongue protruding from the pivot; the inner frame sleeve is also provided with a second limiting boss that limits the maximum closing angle of the dust cover.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the front end of the outer frame is provided with a first window and a second window, the first window and the second window are distributed on different sides of the outer frame, and the dust cover protrudes from the first window; The main body is provided with a locking structure corresponding to the second window, and the outer frame is provided with an unlocking structure at the second window.

[0018] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a connector assembly, which includes the aforementioned automatic dustproof fiber optic active connector and adapter.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include: By creating an installation cavity between the main body and the outer frame, the automatic dustproof component can be installed within this cavity. The outer frame can be the size of a standard SC connector, and most other components are housed within it. This ensures that the overall dimensions of the connector are essentially the same as those of a standard SC connector, without increasing the connector's size. The connector is small and compatible with universal interfaces. Furthermore, by incorporating an inner frame, dust cover, and reset drive, the internal structure of the outer frame remains protected when the connector is not in use. This solves the technical problems of the lack of universally compatible automatic dustproof connectors and the large size of existing automatic dustproof connectors in related technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an automatic dustproof optical fiber connector provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an automatic dustproof optical fiber active connector provided for an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an automatic dustproof fiber optic connector provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector provided in an embodiment of this application from another direction; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector dust cover when it is opened, as provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the opening and retraction of the dust cover of the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the outer frame provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the plug structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inner frame provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dust cover provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic dustproof component provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the main body provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic dustproof component installed on the main body according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector assembly provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector just inserted into the adapter, as provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic dustproof fiber optic movable connector portion inserted into the adapter according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic dustproof fiber optic active connector for inserting into the adapter, as provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0022] In the picture: 100. Automatic dustproof fiber optic connector; 1. Main body; 11. Slot; 12. First axial limiting structure; 13. Locking structure; 14. Plug; 15. Rear sleeve; 2. Outer frame; 21. First window; 22. Second window; 23. Unlocking structure; 24. Positioning key; 3. Automatic dustproof components; 31. Inner frame sleeve; 311. Slide rail; 312. First limiting boss; 313. Supporting boss; 314. Second axial limiting structure; 315. Second limiting boss; 32. Dust cover; 321. Tongue depressor; 3211. Groove; 322. Shaft; 33. Reset drive component; 331. Drive plate; 3311. Body; 3312. Tongue; 332. Elastic drive component; 3321. Push ring; 3322. Spring; 4. Fiber optic ferrule; 5. Optical cable; 200. Adapter. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0024] This application provides an automatic dustproof fiber optic active connector and connector assembly, which can solve the technical problems in the related art of the lack of automatic dustproof connectors with universal interfaces and the large size of automatic dustproof connectors.

[0025] See Figure 1 As shown, this application embodiment provides an automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100, which includes: a main body 1, an outer frame sleeve 2 covering the main body 1, and an installation cavity formed between the outer frame sleeve 2 and the main body 1; and an automatic dustproof assembly 3, which is installed in the installation cavity. The automatic dustproof assembly 3 includes an inner frame sleeve 31, a dustproof cover 32, and a reset drive 33. The inner frame sleeve 31 is sleeved outside the main body 1, and the dustproof cover 32 is pivotally connected to the inner frame sleeve 31 and covers the opening between the main body 1 and the outer frame sleeve 2. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown), the dust cover 32 at least partially protrudes from the outer frame 2 to form a pressure tongue 321, and the reset drive 33 is installed on the inner frame 31; when the automatic dustproof fiber optic movable connector 100 is inserted into the adapter 200, the adapter 200 squeezes the pressure tongue 321 to open the dust cover 32; when the automatic dustproof fiber optic movable connector 100 is pulled out of the adapter 200, the reset drive 33 drives the dust cover 32 to automatically return to the closed state.

[0026] See Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the main body 1 includes a plug 14 and a rear sleeve 15. The plug 14 and the rear sleeve 15 are fastened together by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. In this embodiment, the main body 1 adopts a split structure. In other embodiments, the main body 1 can also adopt an integrated structure. In this embodiment, an optical fiber ferrule 4 is installed inside the plug 14. The optical fiber ferrule 4 is used for movable docking. An optical cable 5 is also provided inside the plug 14 and the rear sleeve 15. The optical fiber in the optical cable 5 is inserted into the optical fiber ferrule 4.

[0027] It should be understood that the outer frame 2 in this embodiment can be designed to match the dimensions of existing SC, LC, or FC connectors and can be adapted to common interfaces such as SC, LC, or FC adapters 200. The main body 1, automatic dustproof assembly 3, and fiber optic ferrule 4 are all installed inside the outer frame 2. A mounting cavity is formed between the outer frame 2 and the main body 1. The inner frame 31 and reset drive 33 of the automatic dustproof assembly 3 are housed within this mounting cavity. In the non-use state, the dust cover 32 covers the front end of the main body 1 and the outer frame 2 to prevent dust from entering. When the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100 is inserted into the adapter 200, the inner wall of the adapter 200 will first contact the pressure tongue 321. Under the push of the inner wall of the adapter 200, the dust cover 32 is forced to flip outward and open, so as to realize the docking of the main body 1 inside the outer frame 2 with the adapter 200. When the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100 is pulled out of the adapter 200, the reset drive 33 automatically drives the dust cover 32 to close the opening between the main body 1 and the outer frame 2, so as to protect the internal structure of the outer frame 2.

[0028] This embodiment provides an installation cavity between the main body 1 and the outer frame 2, allowing the automatic dustproof component 3 to be installed within it. The outer frame 2 can be the size of a standard SC connector, with other components primarily located inside the outer frame 2. This ensures that the overall dimensions of the connector are essentially the same as those of a standard SC connector, without increasing the connector's size. The connector is small and compatible with universal interfaces. Furthermore, by providing an inner frame 31, a dust cover 32, and a reset drive 33, the reset drive 33 can automatically restore the dust cover 32 to its closed state when the connector is removed from the adapter 200. This ensures that the internal structure of the outer frame 2 remains protected when the connector is not in use, solving the technical problems of the lack of an automatic dustproof connector compatible with universal interfaces and the large size of such connectors in related technologies.

[0029] Further, in one embodiment, the reset drive member 33 includes: a drive piece 331, which is slidably mounted on the inner frame sleeve 31, and one end of the drive piece 331 abuts against the pressure tongue 321; and an elastic drive member 332, which is mounted on the main body 1 and abuts against the other end of the drive piece 331. See also Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner frame sleeve 31 is provided with a slide rail 311, and the drive plate 331 is slidably installed in the slide rail 311, allowing the drive plate 331 to slide axially relative to the inner frame sleeve 31 and providing elastic force for the flipping of the dust cover 32. The front end of the drive plate 331 extends forward to hold the pressure tongue 321, and the rear end holds the elastic drive member 332. The elastic drive member 332 can be a spring 3322 or other elastic components. When the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100 is inserted into the adapter 200, the inner wall of the adapter 200 pushes the pressure tongue 321 to rotate around the pivot point between the dust cover 32 and the inner frame sleeve 31. The pressure tongue 321 presses against the drive plate 331, causing the drive plate 331 to move backward. At the same time, the elastic drive member 332 is compressed, and the dust cover 32 gradually rotates open. When the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100 is pulled out of the adapter 200, the elastic force of the elastic drive member 332 pushes the pressure tongue 321 to rotate in the opposite direction, and the dust cover 32 gradually rotates and closes. This embodiment uses the drive plate 331 and the elastic drive member 332 to achieve automatic reset of the dust cover 32 in a small and limited space.

[0030] It should be understood that in the above embodiments, the drive piece 331 can be elastic or inelastic, and either can be used.

[0031] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the inner frame sleeve 31 is pivotally connected to at least two dust covers 32, which are located on opposite sides of the inner frame sleeve 31. Each dust cover 32 is provided with a pivot 322 and is pivotally connected to the inner frame sleeve 31 via the pivot 322. Each dust cover 32 is provided with a pressure tongue 321 protruding from the pivot 322. The inner frame sleeve 31 is also provided with a second limiting boss 315 that limits the maximum closing angle of the dust cover 32.

[0032] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in this embodiment, two dust covers 32 are provided, which are distributed vertically. Each dust cover 32 is provided with a rotating shaft 322. Figure 10 As shown, the inner frame 31 has a shaft hole that engages with the rotating shaft 322 of the dust cover 32, forming a rotating pivot structure that allows the dust cover 32 to rotate relative to the inner frame 31. The outer frame 2 has a positioning key 24, which matches the positioning groove of the adapter 200 when engaged with the adapter 200. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 322 is distributed on both sides of the positioning key 24, and the pressure tongue 321 of the dust cover 32 protrudes outside the rotating shaft 322. See also Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, the inner frame sleeve 31 has a second limiting boss 315 on both inner side walls. When the two dust covers 32 are closed, they can contact the second limiting boss 315 and limit the maximum closing angle of the dust cover 32 through the second limiting boss 315 to avoid excessive flipping and touching the fiber optic ferrule 4.

[0033] See Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, after the dust cover 32 is closed, the inner wall of the dust cover 32 will abut against the front end of the main body 1. This will also limit the maximum closing angle of the dust cover 32, prevent the dust cover 32 from over-flipping, and avoid touching the optical fiber ferrule 4.

[0034] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the front end of the outer frame 2 is provided with a first window 21 and a second window 22, the first window 21 and the second window 22 being distributed on different sides of the outer frame 2, and the dust cover 32 protruding from the first window 21; the main body 1 is provided with a locking structure 13 corresponding to the second window 22, and the outer frame 2 is provided with an unlocking structure 23 at the second window 22. See also Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, the upper and lower surfaces of the outer frame sleeve 2 are provided with first openings 21, and the left and right surfaces are provided with second openings 22. The first openings 21 allow the pressure tongue 321 and the drive piece 331 to protrude from the outer frame sleeve 2. The left and right sides of the main body 1 are provided with locking structures 13 that cooperate with the locking features on the adapter 200. The second openings 22 allow the locking structures 13 of the connector to cooperate with the locking features of the adapter 200 to lock. The left and right sides of the outer frame sleeve 2 are provided with unlocking structures 23 that cooperate with the locking features on the adapter 200. In this embodiment, the outer frame sleeve 2 and the plug 14 can move relative to each other axially, and the axial movement realizes the unlocking function.

[0035] Further, in one embodiment, the driving piece 331 includes a body 3311 and a tongue 3312 connected to the body 3311. The body 3311 abuts against the elastic driving member 332, and the tongue 3312 extends from one end connected to the body 3311 in a direction away from the elastic driving member 332 and away from the axis of the main body 1, and abuts against the pressure tongue 321. See also Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a raised tongue 3312 extends from one end of the main body 3311 and forms a resisting relationship with the pressing tongue 321. The resisting position is on the outside of the rotating shaft 322. In this embodiment, the driving plate 331 is elastic. During the flipping motion of the dust cover 32, the driving plate 331 will undergo elastic deformation and recovery process.

[0036] Based on the above technical solution, in one embodiment, the inner frame sleeve 31 is provided with a slide rail 311, the driving piece 331 is slidably mounted on the slide rail 311, and a first limiting boss 312 is provided in the slide rail 311 corresponding to the position of the tongue piece 3312. See also Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the first limiting boss 312 is preferably located at the foremost end of the slide 311 and directly below the pressure tongue 321. The first limiting boss 312 is used to limit the driving piece 331, so that when the driving piece 331 drives the pressure tongue 321 to rotate around the rotating shaft 322, the position of the driving piece 331 against the pressure tongue 321 is always kept far away from the rotating shaft 322, thereby providing a greater rotating driving force. At the same time, the pressure tongue 321 is provided with a groove 3211 that runs vertically through it. The groove 3211 is directly opposite the first limiting boss 312 along the radial direction of the main body 1, so that the first limiting boss 312 can enter the groove 3211 when the pressure tongue 321 rotates, and thus the first limiting boss 312 will not restrict the pressure tongue 321.

[0037] In other embodiments, the first limiting boss 312 may also move backward a certain distance, and does not necessarily have to be at the very front of the slide rail 311.

[0038] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the slide rail 311 is further provided with a support boss 313, which is located at the connection between the tongue 3312 and the body 3311, and the tongue 3312 is attached to the support boss 313. See also Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, a support boss 313 is provided near the body 3311. The surface of the support boss 313 is inclined, and the tongue 3312 is supported at an angle on the inclined surface of the support boss 313. In this embodiment, the support boss 313 can support the tongue 3312, ensuring that the tongue 3312 stably abuts against the pressing tongue 321.

[0039] Preferred, see Figure 12 As shown, the elastic drive member 332 includes a push ring 3321 and a spring 3322. Both the push ring 3321 and the spring 3322 are sleeved on the outside of the main body 1. One side of the push ring 3321 contacts the spring 3322, and the other side contacts the drive plate 331. In this embodiment, both the push ring 3321 and the spring 3322 are sleeved on the outside of the main body 1. The push ring 3321 can perform back-and-forth translational movement to balance the elastic force of the spring 3322. The rear end of the spring 3322 abuts against the non-moving structure of the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100, such as the plug 14 or the back sleeve 15; the front end of the spring 3322 abuts against the push ring 3321.

[0040] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the main body 1 has a slot 11 corresponding to the position of the driving piece 331, and the slot 11 penetrates the main body 1 radially. See also Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, radial through slots 11 are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the plug 14. By providing through slots 11, the thickness of the plug 14 in the vertical direction can be reduced, thereby freeing up more space to install the automatic dustproof component 3. This ensures that the automatic dustproof component 3, plug 14, and fiber optic ferrule 4 are installed inside the outer frame 2 without increasing the size of the outer frame 2.

[0041] In some optional embodiments, the main body 1 is provided with a first axial limiting structure 12, and the inner frame sleeve 31 is provided with a second axial limiting structure 314; when the adapter 200 and the automatic dustproof fiber optic movable connector 100 are inserted into place, the inner frame sleeve 31, the dustproof cover 32, and the reset drive component 33 all move away from the adapter 200 and are housed within the outer frame sleeve 2 (see...). Figure 6 and Figure 17(As shown); when the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100 is pulled out of the adapter 200, the reset drive 33 drives the dust cover 32 and the inner frame sleeve 31 to automatically reset, and the second axial limiting structure 314 cooperates with the first axial limiting structure 12 to limit movement. See also Figure 8 , Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, a second axial limiting structure 314 is provided at the tail of the inner frame sleeve 31, which cooperates with the first axial limiting structure 12 on the plug 14 to limit the axial movement of the inner frame sleeve 31.

[0042] The principle and process of the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100 of this application are explained below: See Figure 3 As shown, in the initial state, the spring 3322 squeezes the push ring 3321, and the drive plate 331, under the action of the elastic force of the spring 3322 and the elastic force of the drive plate 331 itself, causes the dust cover 32 to be subjected to a flipping torque, and the dust cover 32 is in a closed state. The second limiting boss 315 is used to limit the maximum closing angle of the dust cover 32 to avoid excessive flipping and touching the optical fiber ferrule 4. See Figure 15 As shown, in the initial state of the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100 inserted into the adapter 200, the outer frame of the adapter 200 touches the dust cover 32, forcing the dust cover 32 to flip outward. During the flipping process, the pressure tongue 321 of the dust cover 32 presses the tongue 3312 of the drive piece 331 downward and causes the drive piece 331 to move backward. Therefore, the drive piece 331 moves backward relative to the inner frame sleeve 31, while compressing the spring 3322.

[0043] See Figure 16 As shown, the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100 continues to be inserted into the adapter 200, and the inner surface of the outer frame of the adapter 200 forces the dust cover 32 to remain open. Until the dust cover 32 touches the bottom of the adapter 200, the adapter 200 forces the dust cover 32 to move axially backward. The dust cover 32 is connected to the inner frame sleeve 31 via a pivot 322, so the inner frame sleeve 31 also moves backward under the drive of the dust cover 32's pivot. Simultaneously, the dust cover 32 abuts against the drive plate 331, and the drive plate 331 also moves axially backward, compressing the spring 3322 during this movement.

[0044] See Figure 17 As shown, the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100 continues to be inserted into the adapter 200. The dustproof cover 32 is blocked by the adapter 200. The connector continues to be pushed forward, and the automatic dustproof assembly 3 moves back into the outer frame 2 until it reaches the normal docking position of the adapter 200.

[0045] If it is necessary to unlock the automatic dustproof fiber optic movable connector 100, pull the outer frame sleeve 2, and the locking spring of the adapter 200 will pop up to unlock it. The automatic dustproof fiber optic movable connector 100 can be pulled out. When the automatic dustproof fiber optic movable connector 100 is pulled out, when the dust cover 32 is no longer restrained by the inner wall of the outer frame of the adapter 200, the drive plate 331, under the elastic force of the spring 3322, holds the dust cover 32 back to the closed state.

[0046] The automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100 provided in this embodiment is small in size, does not increase the overall size of the standard SC connector, and has a simple structure. The opening and closing movement of the dustproof cover 32 is reliable. Simultaneously, it uses a standard interface and can be mated with a standard SC adapter 200. Before mating, the fiber optic ferrule 4 is always in a protected state. This solves the problem of standard interface connectors not being able to automatically prevent dust, resulting in end-face contamination during use. It also addresses the inability of existing automatic dustproof connector technology to match the most widely used interface standards in the industry. Furthermore, it solves the problem that existing automatic dustproof technologies are generally large in size, making it difficult to meet the increasingly high-density requirements of the industry.

[0047] See Figure 14 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a connector assembly, which includes the above-described automatic dustproof fiber optic active connector 100 and adapter 200.

[0048] The automatic dustproof fiber optic connector 100 in this embodiment can be any of the automatic dustproof fiber optic connectors 100 provided in the above embodiments and achieve the corresponding functions, which will not be described in detail here.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0051] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. An automatic dustproof fiber optic connector, characterized in that, It includes: The main body (1) is covered with an outer frame sleeve (2), and an installation cavity is formed between the outer frame sleeve (2) and the main body (1); An automatic dustproof assembly (3) is installed in the mounting cavity. The automatic dustproof assembly (3) includes an inner frame sleeve (31), a dust cover (32), and a reset drive (33). The inner frame sleeve (31) is fitted over the main body (1). The dust cover (32) is pivotally connected to the inner frame sleeve (31) and covers the opening between the main body (1) and the outer frame sleeve (2). The dust cover (32) protrudes at least partially from the outer frame sleeve (2) to form a pressure tongue (321). The reset drive (33) is installed on the inner frame sleeve (31). When the automatic dustproof fiber optic active connector is inserted into the adapter, the adapter presses the pressure tongue (321) to open the dustproof cover (32); When the automatic dustproof fiber optic active connector is pulled out of the adapter, the reset drive (33) drives the dustproof cover (32) to automatically return to the closed state.

2. The automatic dustproof fiber optic connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reset drive (33) includes: A drive piece (331) is slidably mounted on the inner frame sleeve (31), and one end of the drive piece (331) abuts against the pressure tongue (321). An elastic drive member (332) is mounted on the main body (1) and abuts against the other end of the drive piece (331).

3. The automatic dustproof fiber optic connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The drive piece (331) includes a body (3311) and a tongue (3312) connected to the body (3311). The body (3311) abuts against the elastic drive member (332). The tongue (3312) extends from one end connected to the body (3311) in a direction away from the elastic drive member (332) and away from the axis of the main body (1), and abuts against the depressor (321).

4. The automatic dustproof fiber optic connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The inner frame sleeve (31) is provided with a slide (311), the drive piece (331) is slidably installed in the slide (311), and a first limiting boss (312) is provided in the slide (311) corresponding to the position of the tongue piece (3312).

5. The automatic dustproof fiber optic connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The slide (311) is also provided with a support boss (313), which is located at the connection between the tongue (3312) and the body (3311), and the tongue (3312) is attached to the support boss (313).

6. The automatic dustproof fiber optic connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic drive member (332) includes a push ring (3321) and a spring (3322). The push ring (3321) and the spring (3322) are both sleeved on the outside of the main body (1). One side of the push ring (3321) is in contact with the spring (3322), and the other side is in contact with the drive plate (331).

7. The automatic dustproof fiber optic connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The main body (1) has a slot (11) at the position corresponding to the drive piece (331), and the slot (11) penetrates the main body (1) radially.

8. The automatic dustproof fiber optic connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (1) is provided with a first axial limiting structure (12), and the inner frame (31) is provided with a second axial limiting structure (314). When the adapter and the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector are inserted into place, the inner frame (31), the dust cover (32) and the reset drive (33) all move away from the adapter and are housed in the outer frame (2); When the automatic dustproof fiber optic connector is pulled out of the adapter, the reset drive (33) drives the dust cover (32) and the inner frame (31) to automatically reset, and the second axial limiting structure (314) cooperates with the first axial limiting structure (12) to limit the movement.

9. The automatic dustproof fiber optic connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner frame sleeve (31) is pivotally connected to at least two dust covers (32), which are located on opposite sides of the inner frame sleeve (31). Each dust cover (32) is provided with a pivot (322) and is pivotally connected to the inner frame sleeve (31) through the pivot (322). Each dust cover (32) is provided with a pressure tongue (321) protruding from the pivot (322). The inner frame sleeve (31) is also provided with a second limiting boss (315) that limits the maximum closing angle of the dust cover (32).

10. The automatic dustproof fiber optic connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The front end of the outer frame (2) is provided with a first window (21) and a second window (22). The first window (21) and the second window (22) are distributed on different sides of the outer frame (2). The dust cover (32) protrudes from the first window (21). The main body (1) is provided with a locking structure (13) corresponding to the second window (22), and the outer frame (2) is provided with an unlocking structure (23) at the second window (22).

11. A connector assembly, characterized in that, It includes the automatic dustproof fiber optic active connector and adapter as described in claim 1.

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