Miniaturized multi-core array pin connecting device, connector and connecting assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a miniaturized multi-core array pin connecting device, a connector and a connecting assembly, and relates to the technical field of connectors, the connecting assembly comprises an adapter and the connector which are matched for use, and the connector comprises a front shell, the miniaturized multi-core array pin connecting device and a tail sheath. The miniaturized multi-core array contact pin connecting device is connected in the front shell, the tail sheath is fixedly connected to the rear end of the front shell, the miniaturized multi-core array contact pin connecting device comprises optical fiber array contact pins, a contact pin base, a spring and a rear shell, the optical fiber array contact pins are fixedly connected with the contact pin base, and the spring is fixedly connected with the rear shell. A spring is installed in a space defined by a movable guide rail and a fixed guide rail which are arranged on the pin base and the rear shell respectively, key groove structures matched with each other are arranged on the movable guide rail and the fixed guide rail, the movable guide rail can move in the axial direction through the key groove structures, and the spring is pre-compressed in the defined space. And the problem that the optical fiber is instantly straightened due to the influence on the optical fiber caused by secondary rollback of the optical fiber array contact pin when the connector is unlocked is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, specifically to a miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device, connector, and connection assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the unprecedented growth in data demand from communication networks such as 5G and data centers, achieving higher speeds and capacity transmissions within limited space remains a persistent challenge for network equipment vendors. High-density deployment is the most direct solution. This involves reducing the size of connectors, adapters, and optical modules while increasing the core count, allowing for the deployment of more modules and connectors within a limited space. To address the applications of next-generation QSFP and OSFP fiber optic module interfaces and their connectors, a new type of miniaturized multi-core array ferrule connection component and connector has been developed.

[0003] In current communication systems, MT contacts using fiber array technology are widely used in multi-core high-density fiber optic transmission. The most commonly used connector using MT contacts is the MPO fiber optic connector, which has many advantages such as high connection density, stable and reliable performance, and small size, and is widely used in signal transmission or data transmission fields.

[0004] like Figures 1-3 As shown, existing MPO connectors have the following disadvantages: 1. The locking structure of the MPO fiber optic connector is a multi-layer, multi-part linkage locking structure. The specific locking principle is as follows: the elastic cantilever of the adapter or module is pressed upwards by the locking step, which in turn pushes the outer shell to move backwards. When the elastic cantilever enters the locking cavity, it returns to its original shape downwards. The outer shell, under the force of a spring, returns to its original shape, encasing the elastic cantilever and preventing it from detaching from the connector. This achieves locking.

[0005] This locking structure occupies a significant amount of space, has a large number of parts, and is structurally complex. Furthermore, the matching adapters or optical modules require corresponding irregular cantilever structures for locking, resulting in complex structures for these adapters or optical modules that also occupy considerable space. With the increasing demand for high-density fiber optic transmission, the connectors of the existing MPO locking structure cannot meet the growing needs for high-density transmission.

[0006] 2. Unlocking existing MPO fiber optic connectors requires pinching the outer casing and pulling it backward, but in high-density deployments, there is a lack of operating space, making operation difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a miniaturized multi-core array ferrule connection device, which avoids the secondary retraction of the fiber array ferrule component during connector unlocking, thus avoiding the impact on the fiber and the problem of the fiber optic cable taut instantly upon unlocking.

[0008] To achieve the above technical objectives, the adopted technical solution is as follows: a miniaturized multi-core array ferrule connection device, comprising fiber array ferrules, ferrule base, spring, and rear housing. The fiber array ferrules are connected to the ferrule base. The ferrule base and the rear housing are provided with installation spaces for the fiber array to pass through. The rear end of the ferrule base and the front end of the rear housing are respectively provided with limiting cavities for installing the two ends of the spring. The limiting cavity of the ferrule base is surrounded by a moving guide rail, and the limiting cavity of the rear housing is surrounded by a fixed guide rail. The spring is installed in the space enclosed by the moving guide rail and the fixed guide rail. The moving guide rail and the fixed guide rail are provided with matching keyway structures. The keyway structures enable the moving guide rail to move axially, so that the spring is pre-compressed in the enclosed space. The axial direction is the insertion direction.

[0009] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the connecting device, consisting of the fiber array ferrule, spring, ferrule base, and rear housing, can be self-contained. Utilizing the fixed structure formed by the pre-compressed springs on the moving and fixed guide rails, the unlocking operation does not require overcoming the spring force of the multi-core array ferrule when the front housing slides backward, facilitating the unlocking process. Upon unlocking, the fiber array ferrule component becomes self-contained, eliminating the problem of instantaneous spring force release and preventing the fiber from momentarily skewing, effectively avoiding fiber fatigue breakage.

[0010] The ferrule base includes a ferrule positioning base and a guide pin fixed on the ferrule positioning base. The fiber array ferrule is provided with a ferrule guide positioning hole for assembling the guide pin.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the positioning hole guided by the guide pin and the ferrule can realize the alignment and fixation of the ferrule base and the fiber array ferrule, and can guide the guide pin and the socket to be aligned.

[0012] The outer side of the fiber optic array ferrule is provided with a limiting step to prevent the fiber optic array ferrule from detaching from the assembly position.

[0013] The beneficial effect of this invention is that the limiting step prevents the fiber optic array pins from detaching from the front housing when the plug is pulled out, thus playing a limiting and anti-detachment role.

[0014] The movable guide rail and / or fixed guide rail includes two guide rail arms arranged opposite each other.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the guide rail arms, which are arranged in a relatively opposite manner, can be inserted into the fixed guide rail, which saves costs and also achieves the function of quick installation by deformation and springback.

[0016] A connector includes a front housing, a miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device, and a tail sleeve. The miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device is connected inside the front housing. A movable gap is provided between the mating ends of the front housing and the fiber array pins, allowing the front housing to move relative to the fiber array pins. The tail sleeve is fixedly connected to the rear end of the front housing.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The multi-core array ferrule connector realizes the functions of fixing, guiding, and floating retraction of the multi-core array ferrules. It facilitates assembly with the housing and improves assembly efficiency. The connector integrates a locking mechanism, achieving miniaturization of the locking structure, and thus miniaturizing the overall connector structure, significantly increasing fiber optic connection density. It is convenient for installation and removal; when inserting, simply push the connector forward; when removing, the tail sleeve or pull ring can be pulled directly from the tail, facilitating high-density deployment and operation in confined spaces.

[0018] The front housing has a first receiving hole and a second receiving hole on its two opposite sides in the front-rear direction. The front end of the rear housing has two elastic arms that extend outward at an angle. The ends of the elastic arms are provided with latches that can be inserted into the first receiving hole. The rear end of the rear housing has a protruding key that is engaged in the second receiving hole.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the locking component is integrated on the connecting part, thereby miniaturizing the locking structure and thus miniaturizing the overall connector structure, which greatly improves the fiber optic connection density.

[0020] The front housing has a third receiving hole on each of the two opposite sides at the rear end, and the tail sleeve has a buckle for engaging the third receiving hole.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the structure facilitates the installation of the tail cover and is not easily detached from the front housing.

[0022] The first receiving hole is provided with a slide for unlocking the connector, and the latch is provided with a sliding key that can be squeezed by the slide to drive the elastic arm to deform inward.

[0023] The advantages of this invention are: the locking structure is simple, and the adapter or optical module does not need to be equipped with a complex sandwich structure, saving internal space of the adapter or optical module.

[0024] A connection component includes a mating adapter and a connector, the connector employing the connector described above.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are: by using the above-mentioned connector and adapter, the product size is reduced, which facilitates high-density deployment and installation in narrow spaces.

[0026] The adapter has locking holes on two opposite sides. When the connector is in the adapter mounting position, the latches exposed from the front housing engage with the locking holes.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the unlocking of the adapter and connector is achieved by unlocking the front housing and the connecting device, which further reduces the size of the product, makes operation simple, and facilitates high-density deployment and operation in confined spaces. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a connector based on existing technology. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a connector plug in the prior art; Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of existing technology connection components; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the push-pull and plug-in connection components of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connector structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the pin base in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the rear shell of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the front housing of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting device and the front housing before assembly in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the connector insertion into the adapter product according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of connector unlocking in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the connector unlocking process in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking process of the slide and sliding key during unlocking in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the front housing and connecting device after unlocking in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 21 This is an exploded view of the miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the pin base in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the rear shell of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting device and the front housing before assembly in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the connector insertion into the adapter product in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of connector unlocking in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the slide and sliding key in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; in the figure: 1, connecting component, 2, connector, 3, adapter, 4, front housing, 5, miniaturized multi-core array pin, 6, fiber optic array pin, 7, pin base, 8, spring, 9, rear housing, 10, limiting protrusion key, 11, floating groove, 12, optical fiber, 13, tail sleeve, 401, first receiving hole, 402, second receiving hole, 403, third receiving hole, 404, slide, 601, fiber optic array hole, 602, limiting step, 603, pin guide positioning hole, 701, guide pin, 702, pin positioning base, 703, moving guide rail, 801, limiting cavity, 901, elastic arm, 902, fixed guide rail, 903, protrusion key, 904, buckle, 9011, sliding key, 9012, lock, 1', elastic cantilever, 2' 1. Locking cavity; 3'. Locking step; 4'. Outer shell. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0030] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0031] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., illustrated in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that the present invention can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention.

[0032] The orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "middle," "longitudinal," "lateral," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "radial," and "circumferential" used in this specification are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the purpose of simplifying the description. They 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 limiting the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish similar objects and should not be construed as a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use can be interchanged where appropriate.

[0033] Example 1 like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, a miniaturized multi-core array ferrule connection device includes an optical fiber array ferrule 6, a ferrule base 7, a spring 8, and a rear housing 9. The optical fiber array ferrule 6 is fixedly connected to the ferrule base 7. The ferrule base 7 and the rear housing 9 are provided with installation spaces for the optical fiber array to pass through. The rear end of the ferrule base 7 and the front end of the rear housing 9 are respectively provided with limiting cavities 801 for installing the two ends of the spring 8.

[0034] like Figure 8 As shown, the fiber optic array ferrule 6 includes features such as a ferrule guide positioning hole 603, a fiber optic array hole 601, and a limiting step 602. The fiber optic array hole 601 is used for the passage and fixation of optical fibers, enabling high-precision external connections of multiple optical fibers. The ferrule guide positioning hole 603 is used to connect with the guide pin 701 to achieve high-precision positioning.

[0035] like Figure 9As shown, the pin base 7 includes features such as a guide pin 701 and a pin positioning base 702. The guide pin is used to mate with the pin guide positioning hole 603 of the pin 701 to achieve high-precision positioning, and the pin positioning base 702 can be used to install the positioning guide pin 701.

[0036] like Figure 8 As shown, a movable guide rail 703 is provided around the limiting cavity of the pin base 7, and a fixed guide rail 902 is provided around the limiting cavity of the rear housing 9. The movable guide rail 703 and the fixed guide rail 902 are interlocked. A spring 8 is installed within the space enclosed by the movable guide rail 703 and the fixed guide rail 902. A matching keyway structure is provided on the movable guide rail 703 and the fixed guide rail 902. The keyway structure includes a limiting protrusion 10 and a floating groove 11. Through the limiting of the limiting protrusion 10 and the floating groove 11, the cavity formed between the pin base 7 and the rear housing 9 realizes the limiting, positioning, and pre-compression of the spring 8. This spring limiting cavity can ensure that the spring provides a expected and stable pre-compression force. The keyway structure allows the movable guide rail 703 to move axially, so that the spring is pre-compressed within the enclosed space. Spring 8 is located between the pin base 7 and the rear housing 9. The left end of the pin base 7 is connected to the fiber array pin 6, and the right end is connected to the rear housing 9. The pin base 7 is fixed to the rear housing 9 via a floating groove 11, a fixed guide rail 902, a limiting protrusion 10, and the floating groove 11, ensuring that the fiber array pin 6 can only move along the guide rail and limiting movement in other directions. Through the combined action of the pre-compression force of spring 8, the fixed guide rail 902, the limiting protrusion 10, and the floating groove 11, the fiber array pin 6 can only float backward within a certain range along the guide rail. When the two connectors 2 are mated in the adapter 3, the fiber array pin 6 can move slightly backward, and due to the pre-compression of spring 8, a larger mating force is obtained, ensuring the mating quality.

[0037] Assemble the fiber array ferrule 6, ferrule base 7, spring 8, and rear housing 9 according to... Figure 7 , Figure 12 As shown, the components are assembled to form a miniaturized multi-core array pin connector 5. One end of the pin base 7 connects to, positions, and fixes the fiber optic array pins 6 for high-precision mating with external connectors, while the other end can be used for assembly and positioning with the rear housing 9. Due to the requirement for secondary retraction during the mating of the fiber optic connector pins 6, the pin base 7 and the rear housing 9 can retract along guide rails. A spring 8 is located in the space between the moving guide rail 703 of the pin base 7 and the fixed guide rail 902 of the rear housing 9. It provides elasticity to the fiber optic array pins 6 during mating and also provides a holding force to maintain the relative position of the pin base 7 with respect to the rear housing 9. The moving guide rail 703 of the pin base 7 and the fixed guide rail 902 of the rear housing 9 both restrict and fix the spring 8 and guide the positioning of the pin base 7, facilitating assembly with the front housing 4. Simultaneously, the pin base 7 can move along the guide rail direction, enabling the floating function of the multi-core array pins.

[0038] like Figure 8 As shown, the outer side of the fiber optic array ferrule 6 is provided with a limiting step 602 to prevent the fiber optic array ferrule 6 from disengaging from the assembly position.

[0039] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the movable guide rail 703 and / or the fixed guide rail 902 include two guide rail arms arranged opposite each other.

[0040] like Figure 5 , Figure 16 As shown, a connector includes a front housing 4, a miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device 5, and a tail sleeve 13. The miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device is connected inside the front housing 4. A movement gap is provided between the mating ends of the front housing 4 and the fiber array pins 6 to prevent the fiber array pins 6 from moving when the front housing 4 is unlocked and pulled. The tail sleeve 13 is fixedly connected to the rear end of the front housing 4.

[0041] like Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the front housing 4 has a first receiving hole 401 and a second receiving hole 402 on its two opposite sides in the front-rear direction. The front end of the rear housing 9 has two outwardly extending elastic arms 901. The ends of the elastic arms 901 are provided with latches 9012 that can extend into the first receiving hole 401. The latches have a barbed structure and can achieve a locking function. The rear end of the rear housing 9 has a protruding key 903 that engages in the second receiving hole 402 to prevent the front and rear housings from separating.

[0042] The latch 9012 at the front end of the elastic arm 901 has a barbed structure with a gentle slope at the front. When a normal force F is applied to the slope, the elastic arm can be compressed, causing it to deform inwards towards the connector, facilitating the entry of the miniaturized multi-core array pin connector 5 into the adapter 3. When the force received by the latch 9012 disappears, the elastic arm 901 returns to its original shape, and the latch 9012 can also perform a locking function within the adapter 3.

[0043] like Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the front housing 4 has two opposite sides at the rear end with a third receiving hole 403. The tail sleeve 13 has a buckle 904 for engaging the third receiving hole 403. The tail sleeve 13 is inserted and fixed by the cooperation of the buckle 904 and the third receiving hole 403.

[0044] like Figure 9 , Figure 11 , Figure 16 , Figure 17As shown, a slide rail 404 for connector unlocking is provided at the first receiving hole 401. As the connector retracts and unlocks, a sliding key 9011 is provided on the latch 9012, which can be pressed by the slide rail 404 to deform the elastic arm 901 inward. Sliding keys 9011 are provided on both sides of the latch 9012. When the front housing 4 moves backward relative to the miniaturized multi-core array pin connector 5, the slide rails 404 on both sides of the front housing 4 will act on the sliding keys 9011, pressing the sliding keys 9011 and causing the elastic arm 901 to retract inward toward the inside of the connector 2, thereby causing the latch 9012 to disengage from the locking hole 301, realizing the unlocking function.

[0045] When the sliding key 9011 is subjected to pressure, it causes the elastic arm 901 to deform inward, causing the latch 9012 to retract inward, thereby unlocking the device. Simultaneously, a fixed guide rail 902 is provided on the rear housing 9, allowing the pin base 7 to move along the guide rail direction, ensuring that the fiber optic array pins 6 can smoothly retract during docking. A limiting floating groove 11 is provided on the fixed guide rail 902 to prevent the pin base 7 from disengaging from the rear housing 9, while also limiting the floating range of the pin base 7. The space between the fixed guide rail 902 and the moving guide rail 703 can be used to accommodate the spring 8 and provide space for the pin base 7 to retract.

[0046] like Figure 4 , Figure 14 As shown, a connection assembly includes an adapter 3 and a connector for use, the connector being the aforementioned connector 2 including a miniaturized multi-pin array.

[0047] like Figure 15 As shown, locking holes 301 are provided on two opposite sides of the adapter 3. When the connector is in the installation position of the adapter, the latch 9012 exposed from the front housing 4 engages and snaps into the locking hole 301.

[0048] The locking mechanism of the connection component works as follows: 1. When the connector 2 is pushed forward to move towards the adapter 3, the guide slope of the upper and lower locking buckles 9012 on both sides of the elastic arm 901 is squeezed and moves inward, which drives the locking buckles to move inward towards the inside of the connector 2, so that the connector 2 can move smoothly towards the adapter 3.

[0049] 2. As the connector 2 moves further toward the adapter 3, when the latch 9012 reaches the locking hole 301, there is no obstruction above the latch 9012, the elastic arm 901 returns to its original state, and the latch 9012 enters the locking hole 301. The barbed structure of the latch 9012 achieves locking in the locking hole 301 of the adapter 3.

[0050] How it works: 1. Pull the tail cover 13 backward to move the front housing 4 backward. At this time, the rear housing does not move because the latch 9012 of the elastic arm 901 of the rear housing and the locking hole 301 of the adapter 3 are still in a locked state. 2. When the front housing 4 moves backward relative to the rear housing 9, due to the gap or lack of force between the front housing 4 and the fiber array ferrule 6 (the pre-compression of the fiber array ferrule 6 is entirely provided by the internal fixing and floating component, and does not require compression from the front housing), the backward movement of the front housing 4 will not cause the fiber array ferrule 6 to move. Therefore, this process does not require overcoming the elastic force of the spring 8. Throughout the unlocking process, the fixing and floating component composed of the fiber array ferrule 6 and the rear housing 9 is not affected by the unlocking movement of the front housing 4. The fiber array ferrule 6 does not need to retract twice, and the fiber 12 will not undergo secondary retraction and compression. The entire miniaturized multi-core array ferrule connection device 5 is self-contained, and there will be no problem of the fiber optic cable tautness momentarily.

[0051] Example 2 The miniaturized multi-core array pin connector in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiment 1 in that it does not require a fixed guide rail 902 and a movable guide rail 703. The specific structure is as follows: Figure 19-28 As shown.

[0052] like Figure 21 As shown, the fiber optic array ferrule 6 includes features such as a ferrule guide positioning hole 603, a fiber optic array hole 601, and a limiting step 602. The fiber optic array hole 601 is used for the passage and fixation of optical fibers, realizing high-precision external connection of multiple optical fibers.

[0053] like Figure 21 , Figure 22 As shown, the pin guide positioning hole 603 is used to connect with the guide pin 701 to achieve high-precision positioning. The limiting step 602 cooperates with the front housing 4 to limit the fiber array pin 6. The pin base includes features such as the guide pin 701 and the pin positioning base 702. The guide pin 701 is used to mate with the pin guide positioning hole 603 to achieve high-precision positioning, and the positioning guide pin 701 can be installed on the pin positioning base 702. The rear end of the pin positioning base 702 is provided with a limiting cavity 801 for limiting one end of the installed spring 8.

[0054] like Figure 23 As shown, the rear housing 9 is characterized by an elastic arm 901, which is a cantilever structure. A sliding key 9011 is provided on the elastic arm 901, and a latch 9012 with a barbed structure is located at the front end of the elastic arm 901 for locking. When the sliding key 9011 is subjected to pressure, it causes the elastic arm 901 to elastically deform inward, causing the latch 9012 to disengage, thus unlocking the housing. A spring-limiting cavity 801 is provided between the two elastic arms 901 to accommodate and limit the spring.

[0055] Assemble the fiber array ferrule 6, ferrule base 7, spring 8, and rear housing 9 according to... Figure 19 As shown, the components are assembled to form a fiber optic array ferrule connector. One end of the ferrule base 7 connects to, positions, and fixes the fiber optic array ferrule 6 for high-precision mating with an external connector, while the other end can contact the spring 8. The spring 8 is located in the space between the ferrule base 7 and the rear housing 9, providing elastic force to the fiber optic array ferrule 6 during mating. The limiting cavity 801 at the ferrule base 7 and the limiting cavity 801 at the rear housing 9 together limit the spring 8.

[0056] like Figure 24 As shown, the connector 2 using the miniaturized multi-core array pin connection device 5 includes a front housing 4, a miniaturized connecting component, and a tail sleeve. The front housing 4 is provided with a first receiving hole 401 and a slide rail located near the first receiving hole 401. The first receiving hole 401 is used to receive the latch 9012 and elastic arm 901 of the rear housing 9. The slide rail 404 can act on the sliding key 9011 of the rear housing 9, causing the elastic arm 901 of the rear housing 9 to deform inward. A second receiving hole 402 is provided for assembly with the protruding key of the rear housing 9 to prevent the front and rear housings 9 from separating. A third receiving hole 403 is provided for connecting the tail sleeve 13.

[0057] like Figure 25 , Figure 26 , Figure 27 , Figure 28 As shown, the elastic arm 901 can elastically deform inward when subjected to external force; the front end of the elastic arm 901 is provided with a latch 9012, which can also be used to lock with the adapter 3. Sliding keys 9011 are provided on both sides of the latch 9012. When the front housing 4 moves backward relative to the miniaturized multi-core array pin connector 5, the slide 404 of the front housing 4 will act on the sliding key 9011, which can make the latches 9012 on both sides move inward to achieve the unlocking function.

[0058] When a fiber optic multi-core array ferrule is mated with another multi-core array ferrule, a suitable mating force is required to ensure the connection quality of the optical contact. This mating force is provided by the spring 8 at the rear end of the fiber optic multi-core array ferrule 6. Typically, the spring 8 needs to be pre-compressed. In this embodiment, the limiting step 602 at the front end of the front housing 4 limits the ferrule component, achieving pre-compression of the spring 8 and thus ensuring the mating elasticity of the optical contact. When the two connectors are mated, the fiber optic array ferrule 6 only needs one slight retraction to ensure effective pressure mating of the optical contact.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, the product locking mechanism works as follows: ① When the connector 2 is pushed forward to move towards the adapter 3, the chamfers of the upper and lower locking buckles 9012 on both sides of the elastic arm 901 are squeezed and deformed inward, so that the connector 2 can move smoothly towards the adapter 3.

[0060] ② As the connector 2 moves further toward the adapter 3, when the latch 9012 reaches the locking hole 301, there is no obstruction above the latch 9012, the elastic arm 901 returns to its original state, and the latch 9012 enters the locking hole 301 to lock the connector 2 and the adapter 3.

[0061] Unlocking mechanism: Pulling the tail sleeve backward causes the front housing 4 to move backward relative to the rear housing 9 (the rear housing 9 cannot move due to the locking buckle 9012 being locked to the lock hole). Simultaneously, the front housing 4 moves the fiber optic array pins 6 and pin base 7 backward relative to the rear housing 9, overcoming the spring force of the spring 8. During this process, the optical fiber will bend within the fiber bending space of the rear housing 9.

[0062] Simultaneously, as the front and rear housings 9 move relative to each other, the slide rails 404 on both sides of the front housing 4 press against the sliding keys 9011 on both sides of the front end of the elastic arm 901 of the rear housing 9, forcing the sliding keys 9011 to drive the elastic arm 901 and the latch 9012 to retract inward toward the connector. As the latch 9012 retracts relative to the locking hole, the contact area between the latch 9012 and the locking hole gradually decreases. At a certain moment, the latch 9012 completely disengages from the locking hole 301, and the connector 2 and the adapter 3 are unlocked.

[0063] At the instant that the latch 9012 completely disengages from the locking hole 301, the spring 8, which was previously compressed by the front housing 4 driving the fiber array pins 6 and pin base 7 to move backward relative to the rear housing 9, is released at the moment of unlocking. This will instantly straighten the fiber (the fiber is instantly straightened from a bent state). Since the fiber itself is relatively fragile, repeated connector plugging and unplugging operations can lead to the fiber breaking brittlely.

[0064] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit or restrict the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection declared by the present invention.

Claims

1. A miniaturized multi-core array ferrule connection device, comprising fiber array ferrules (6), ferrule base (7), spring (8), and rear housing (9), wherein the fiber array ferrules (6) are connected to the ferrule base (7), and mounting spaces for the fiber array to pass through are provided on the ferrule base (7) and the rear housing (9), and limiting cavities for mounting the two ends of the spring (8) are respectively provided at the rear end of the ferrule base (7) and the front end of the rear housing (9), characterized in that: The pin base (7) has a movable guide rail (703) around its limiting cavity, and the rear housing (9) has a fixed guide rail (902) around its limiting cavity. A spring (8) is installed in the space enclosed by the movable guide rail (703) and the fixed guide rail (902). The movable guide rail (703) and the fixed guide rail (902) have matching keyway structures. The keyway structure enables the movable guide rail (703) to move axially, so that the spring is pre-compressed in the enclosed space.

2. The miniaturized multi-core array pin connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The pin base (7) includes a pin positioning base (702) and a guide pin (701) fixed on the pin positioning base (702). The fiber array pin (6) is provided with a pin guide positioning hole (603) for assembling the guide pin (701).

3. The miniaturized multi-core array pin connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the fiber array ferrule (6) is provided with a limiting step (602) to prevent the fiber array ferrule (6) from disengaging from the assembly position.

4. The miniaturized multi-core array pin connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The movable guide rail (703) and / or the fixed guide rail (902) include two guide rail arms arranged opposite each other.

5. A connector, characterized in that: The device includes a front housing (4), a miniaturized multi-core array pin connector (5) as described in any one of claims 1-4, and a tail sleeve (13). The miniaturized multi-core array pin connector is connected inside the front housing (4). A moving gap is provided between the mating ends of the front housing (4) and the fiber array pin (6) to allow the front housing (4) to move relative to the fiber array pin (6). The tail sleeve (13) is fixedly connected to the rear end of the front housing (4).

6. A connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The front housing (4) has a first receiving hole (401) and a second receiving hole (402) on its two opposite sides in the front-rear direction. The front end of the rear housing (9) has two elastic arms (901) that extend outward at an angle. The end of the elastic arm (901) is provided with a latch (9012) that can extend into the first receiving hole (401). The rear end of the rear housing (9) is provided with a protruding key (903) that is locked in the second receiving hole (402).

7. A connector as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The front housing (4) has a third receiving hole (403) on two opposite sides at the rear end, and the tail sleeve (13) has a buckle (904) for engaging the third receiving hole (403).

8. A connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: A slide (404) for connector unlocking is provided at the first receiving hole (401), and a sliding key (9011) is provided on the latch (9012) that can be squeezed by the slide (404) to drive the elastic arm (901) to deform inward.

9. A connection assembly comprising a mating adapter (3) and a connector, characterized in that: The connector is the connector (2) as described in any one of claims 5-8.

10. A connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The adapter (3) has locking holes (301) on its two opposite sides. When the connector is in the mounting position of the adapter, the latch (9012) exposed from the front housing (4) engages with the locking hole (301).

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