Optical fiber connector, optical fiber cable assembly and optical fiber connection system

Abstract

The present application relates to an optical fiber connector comprising a ferrule assembly and a connector housing, the ferrule assembly being arranged in a head region of the connector housing, the optical fiber connector comprising an axially through inner channel, the inner channel being configured for an optical fiber to extend through the optical fiber connector, the connector shell comprises an elastic buckle structure, the buckle structure can move from an initial state to a deformation state which is biased inwards relative to the initial state and can move from the deformation state to the initial state under the action of reset elastic force, and the buckle structure is provided with a clamping and locking protruding part protruding outwards. The utility model also relates to an optical fiber cable assembly and an optical fiber connection system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a fiber optic connector, a fiber optic cable assembly, and a fiber optic connection system. Background Art

[0002] Fiber-optic communication systems are becoming increasingly popular. They utilize networks of optical fiber cables to efficiently transmit large amounts of data over long distances. Fiber optic connectors play a crucial role in most fiber-optic communication systems, enabling fast, splice-free optical connections between two optical fibers. For example, by docking two fiber optic connectors together, two fiber segments can be optically interconnected. Fiber optic connectors can also connect fiber optic cables to other devices, such as lasers, receivers, or optical splitters. Common fiber optic connector types include SC, LC, ST, and MTP / MPO.

[0003] There are many different types of fiber optic connectors available today. In practice, there may be a need to interconnect a fiber optic cable equipped with one type of fiber optic connector with an incompatible optical connector. To this end, corresponding conversion devices, such as fiber optic adapters or fiber optic adaptors, are required. Fiber optic adapters can convert a fiber optic connector into another type of fiber optic connector, while fiber optic adapters can be used to interconnect fiber optic connectors of the same or different types.

[0004] Due to the diverse application scenarios of fiber optic cables, it is important to achieve flexible interconnection between the fiber optic cables and matching components, such as connection ports of devices, fiber optic switches or fiber optic adapters. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present application aims to provide a fiber optic connector, a fiber optic cable assembly, and a fiber optic connection system that overcome at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art. In particular, the fiber optic connector, fiber optic cable assembly, and fiber optic connection system enable flexible interconnection of fiber optic cables.

[0006] A first aspect of the present application relates to a fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly and a connector housing, wherein the ferrule assembly is disposed in a head region of the connector housing. The fiber optic connector includes an axially extending internal passage configured to allow an optical fiber to extend through the fiber optic connector. The connector housing includes an elastic snap-fit ​​structure capable of moving from an initial state to a deformed state biased inward relative to the initial state, and capable of moving from the deformed state toward the initial state under the action of a restoring elastic force, the snap-fit ​​structure having an outwardly protruding locking protrusion.

[0007] The optical fiber connector according to the present application can be conveniently connected to matching devices, such as optical fiber connection ports, optical fiber adapters, dust covers, optical fiber adapters, etc., with the help of an elastic snap-on structure, thereby realizing flexible interconnection of optical fiber cables, which is conducive to the use of optical fiber cables in a variety of application scenarios.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present application, the snap structure includes a first section extending in the axial direction and a second section extending in the circumferential direction from the first section, and the locking protrusion is configured in a region of the second section remote from the first section.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present application, the first section and the second section are plate-shaped.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present application, the locking protrusion includes a first guide slope rising along a first direction, and the first direction points from the head of the optical fiber connector to the tail of the optical fiber connector.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present application, viewed along the first direction, the locking protrusion sequentially includes a top portion connected to the first guide slope and a step portion, and the step portion forms a locking action surface.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present application, the locking protrusion includes an unlocking slope that descends along the circumferential direction.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present application, the connector housing includes two snap-fit ​​structures, and the two snap-fit ​​structures are rotationally symmetric about the center axis of the optical fiber connector.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present application, the connector housing includes a connector body having the internal channel and a retaining ring having the snap structure, and the retaining ring is sleeved on the connector body.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present application, the retaining ring includes an annular base, and the snap-fit ​​structure is engaged with the base.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present application, the connector body includes a positioning rib extending in an axial direction on the outer wall, and the retaining ring includes a positioning groove corresponding to the positioning rib on the inner wall, and the positioning rib and the positioning groove cooperate to limit the relative position of the retaining ring and the connector body in the circumferential direction.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present application, the connector body includes a recess extending in a circumferential direction on the outer wall. When the retaining ring is mounted on the connector body, the second section of the snap-fit ​​structure is located in the area of ​​the recess, and the recess forms a movable space for the second section of the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present application, the snap-fit ​​structure includes a retaining protrusion located on the inner wall of the second section. When the retaining ring is mounted on the connector body, the retaining protrusion cooperates with the recess to limit the relative position of the retaining ring and the connector body in the axial direction.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present application, the retaining protrusion transitions to the inner wall of the second section along a second direction by means of a second guiding slope, and the second direction points from the tail of the optical fiber connector to the head of the optical fiber connector.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present application, the retaining protrusion is located at a position corresponding to the locking protrusion.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present application, the optical fiber connector includes at least one annular groove between the snap structure and the head of the optical fiber connector, and a sealing ring is provided in the annular groove.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present application, the ferrule assembly includes a ferrule, a spring, and a ferrule housing. The ferrule is pressed against the ferrule housing via the spring and extends from a front end of the ferrule housing.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present application, the ferrule housing includes a connecting groove configured in its tail region, and the connector housing includes a connecting key configured in its head region, and the ferrule housing is mounted on the connector housing in a manner that the connecting key engages in the connecting groove.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present application, the connecting key and the connecting groove extend in an axial direction.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present application, the insert housing has a chamfer extending from its front end to its rear end.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present application, the insert housing has a rectangular outer cross section at least in its front region, and the chamfer is formed on at least one edge of the insert housing.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present application, the chamfer extends over a partial length of the insert housing.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present application, when the ferrule housing is mounted on the connector housing, an outer surface of the ferrule housing and an outer surface of the connector housing smoothly merge with each other at least in a partial region.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present application, when the ferrule housing is mounted on the connector housing, the outer surface of the ferrule housing and the outer surface of the connector housing are smoothly connected to each other except for the areas of the connection key and the connection groove.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present application, the optical fiber connector includes an optical cable fixture.

[0031] A second aspect of the present application relates to an optical fiber cable assembly, comprising an optical fiber cable and an optical fiber connector according to the first aspect of the present application.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present application, the optical fiber cable assembly includes a tail sleeve that can be sleeved onto the optical fiber cable and the optical fiber connector in the area where the optical fiber cable extends from the tail end of the optical fiber connector.

[0033] The third aspect of the present application relates to a fiber optic connection system, which includes a fiber optic connector according to the first aspect of the present application or a fiber optic cable assembly according to the second aspect of the present application and a mating device, wherein the mating device includes a receiving portion that can detachably receive the fiber optic connector, and the mating device includes at least one of a fiber optic adapter, a dust cover, and a fiber optic adapter.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present application, the optical fiber adapter is an optical fiber adapter for an SC connector, a Huawei connector, an OptiTAP connector, or a DLX connector.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present application, the mating component includes a recess connected to the receiving portion, and a locking protrusion of the fiber optic connector can be engaged in the recess, thereby locking the mating component and the fiber optic connector to each other.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present application, the recess is a blind hole formed on the counter means.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present application, the recess is a through-hole formed on the counter component, and a latching projection engaging in the recess can be acted upon from outside the counter component via the through-hole.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present application, the receiving portion includes a section for defining a relative orientation of the optical fiber connector relative to the mating device in a circumferential direction, and a shape of the section matches a shape of a corresponding section of the optical fiber connector.

[0039] Other features and advantages of the subject technology of the present application will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practicing the subject technology of the present application. The advantages of the subject technology of the present application will be realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings.

[0040] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology of the application as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Aspects of the present application will be better understood after reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically illustrates an optical fiber cable assembly according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 2 Schematically shown Figure 1 Exploded view of the fiber optic cable assembly;

[0044] Figure 3 Schematically shown Figure 1 A perspective view of an optical fiber cable assembly;

[0045] Figure 4 Schematically shows the Figure 1 Different cable fixings for optical fiber cable assemblies;

[0046] Figure 5 Schematically shows an exploded view of a connector housing of an optical fiber connector according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 6 Schematically shown Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of a connector housing;

[0048] Figure 7 Schematically shown Figure 5 A perspective view of a connector housing;

[0049] Figures 8 to 10 Schematically shown from different perspectives Figure 5 a retaining ring of a connector housing;

[0050] Figure 11 Schematically illustrates an optical fiber connection system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 12 A partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrates an optical fiber connection system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 13 Schematically shown Figure 1 A ferrule housing of an optical fiber cable assembly;

[0053] Figure 14 Components of a mating device of an optical fiber connection system according to an embodiment of the present application are schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present application. However, it should be understood that the present application can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure of the present application more complete and fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present application. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide many additional embodiments.

[0055] It should be understood that like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. In the drawings, the dimensions of some features may be distorted for clarity.

[0056] It should be understood that the terms used in this specification are intended only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0057] The singular forms "a", "an", "the" and "the" used in the specification include the plural forms unless otherwise expressly stated. The terms "include", "comprise" and "contain" used in the specification indicate the presence of the claimed features, but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term "and / or" used in the specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. The terms "between X and Y" and "between approximately X and Y" used in the specification should be interpreted as including X and Y. The term "between approximately X and Y" used in this specification means "between approximately X and approximately Y", and the term "from about X to Y" used in this specification means "from about X to about Y".

[0058] In the specification, when an element is referred to as being "on," "attached," "connected," "coupled," or "in contact with" another element, the element may be directly on, attached, connected, coupled to, or in contact with another element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly" "on," "directly attached," "directly connected," "directly coupled," or "in direct contact with" another element, there may be no intervening elements. In the specification, when a feature is arranged "adjacent" to another feature, it may mean that the feature has a portion that overlaps with the adjacent feature or a portion that is located above or below the adjacent feature.

[0059] In the specification, spatial terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "higher," and "lower" may be used to describe the relationship of one feature to another feature in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these spatial terms encompass not only the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings, but also different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, a feature previously described as "below" another feature might now be described as "above" the other feature. The device may also be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and relative spatial relationships will be interpreted accordingly.

[0060] Next, exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 Schematically shows a perspective view of an optical fiber cable assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the fiber optic cable assembly 1 may include a fiber optic cable 2 and a fiber optic connector 3 mounted on the fiber optic cable 2. The fiber optic connector 3 may be used to connect the fiber optic cable 2 to another fiber optic cable or fiber segment to establish an optical connection between the fiber optic cable 2 and the other fiber optic cable or fiber segment. The fiber optic connector 3 may also be used to connect the fiber optic cable 2 to other devices, such as a laser, a receiver, or a splitter.

[0062] The optical fiber connector 3 may include a ferrule assembly 4 and a connector housing 5, wherein the ferrule assembly 4 is disposed in the head region of the connector housing 5. The optical fiber connector 3 may include an axially extending internal passage configured to allow the optical fiber (of the optical fiber cable 2) to extend through the optical fiber connector 3. In addition, the optical fiber connector 3 may include a cable fixing member 6 (see FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 4 ). When installing the optical fiber connector 3 on the optical fiber cable 2, the optical fiber cable 2 can be passed through the tail sleeve 9, the cable fixing part 6, the connector housing 5 and the ferrule assembly 4 in sequence. After the optical fiber of the optical fiber cable 2 is inserted and fixed on the ferrule assembly 4, the ferrule assembly 4, the connector housing 5 and the cable fixing part 6 can be connected and assembled to each other. This will be described in detail below in conjunction with the specific structure of each component of the optical fiber connector 3. Finally, for example, after sealing the optical fiber cable 2 and the optical fiber connector 3 with a heat shrink tube at the tail area of ​​the optical fiber connector 3 when necessary, the tail sleeve 9 can be pushed onto the optical fiber connector 3 to obtain the following. Figure 1 The optical fiber cable assembly 1 is shown.

[0063] like Figure 4As shown, in order to adapt to different optical fiber cables 2, the optical fiber connector 3 can have an optical cable fixing part 6 matched with the optical fiber cable 2 to be used. The optical fiber cable 2 to be used can be, for example, a 5mm round cable, a 3mm round cable, a 2mm×3mm / 2mm×5mm butterfly cable (for example, a butterfly cable with metal reinforcement), a 4mm×7mm flat cable, a 4mm×8mm flat cable, a 6mm armored round cable, etc. Figure 4 2 , a first optical fiber cable 21 in the form of a 3 mm round cable and a second optical fiber cable 22 in the form of a 4×7 mm flat cable, and a first optical fiber cable fixing member 61 and a second optical fiber cable fixing member 62 respectively associated therewith are shown as examples.

[0064] The first and second cable holders 61 and 62 can each include a base 63 and an extension 64 extending forward from the base 63 and having a reduced radial dimension relative to the base 63. The bases 63 of the first and second cable holders 61 and 62 can have the same outer circumferential dimensions. The outer circumferential dimensions of the bases 63 can be set so that when the extensions 64 are inserted into the rear portion of the connector housing 5, the bases 63 can abut against the rear end 51 of the connector housing 5. To this end, the bases 63 can have an outer diameter that is at least equal to, and preferably slightly larger than, the outer diameter of the rear end 51 of the connector housing 5. It is also conceivable that the connector housing 5 has a constriction in the rear region, and that the bases 63 can be pushed into the connector housing 5 and abut against the constriction.

[0065] from Figure 4 As can be seen in the figure, the first optical cable fixture 61 has a through hole 64 matched with the cross section of the first optical fiber cable 21, and the second optical cable fixture 62 has a through hole 64 matched with the cross section of the second optical fiber cable 22, so that the first optical fiber cable 21 can pass through the first optical cable fixture 61 without problem, and the second optical fiber cable 22 can pass through the second optical cable fixture 62 without problem.

[0066] In order to retain the optical cable holder 6 on the connector housing 5, the optical cable holder 6 may include latching hooks 65, in this case two diametrically opposed latching hooks 65. The connector housing 5 may have mating holes 52 corresponding to the latching hooks 65 on the sidewall of the rear region. When the extension 64 is pushed into the rear portion of the connector housing 5, the latching hooks 65 may be latched into the corresponding mating holes 52, thereby positioning and retaining the optical cable holder 6 (and therefore the optical fiber cable 2) on the connector housing 5.

[0067] Furthermore, the connector housing 5 may include a glue injection hole 53 , through which glue liquid can be injected into the connector housing 5 .

[0068] like Figure 2As can be seen most clearly, in the illustrated embodiment, the ferrule assembly 4 may include a ferrule 41, a spring 42, and a ferrule housing 43. The ferrule 41 is particularly a ceramic ferrule and may have a suitable ferrule end face structure, such as a PC, APC, UPC, or other end face structure. The ferrule 41 may have a fiber hole for passing the optical fiber of the optical fiber cable 2. The ferrule 41 may be mostly located in the ferrule housing 43, while the front end of the ferrule 41 may extend from the front end of the ferrule housing 43 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 3 One end of the spring 42 may be supported on the connector housing 5 , and the other end of the spring 42 may be supported on the ferrule 41 , so that the ferrule 41 can be pressed against the ferrule housing 43 by means of the spring 42 .

[0069] In order to hold the ferrule assembly 4 on the connector housing 5, the ferrule housing 43 may include a connecting groove 431 configured in the rear region thereof (see Figure 13 ), and the connector housing 5 may include a connection key 54 constructed in the head region thereof (see Figure 5 and Figure 7 ). The connecting key 54 and the connecting groove 431 may both extend in the axial direction. Figure 3 As shown, the ferrule housing 43 can be mounted on the connector housing 5 in such a manner that the connecting key 54 engages the connecting groove 431. A key-slot pairing consisting of only one connecting groove 431 and one connecting key 54 can be configured, or multiple key-slot pairs consisting of one connecting groove 431 and one connecting key 54 can be configured. Advantageously, a key-slot pairing can be provided on each of the opposing sides.

[0070] like Figure 3 Most clearly, when the ferrule housing 43 is installed on the connector housing 5, the outer surface of the ferrule housing 43 can smoothly connect and transition with the outer surface of the connector housing 5 in at least a portion of the area, and preferably along the entire periphery. In other embodiments, when the ferrule housing 43 is installed on the connector housing 5, the connecting key 54 can protrude from the ferrule housing 43. Here, except for the area where the connecting key 54 and the connecting groove 431 interlock, the outer surface of the ferrule housing 43 can smoothly connect and transition with the outer surface of the connector housing 5.

[0071] exist Figures 5 to 7 In the embodiment shown, the connector housing 5 may include an internal passage 81 (see FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 7) and includes a connector body 8 and a retaining ring 7. The retaining ring 7 can be fitted onto the connector body 8. Here, the entire axial length of the connector housing 5 can be defined by the connector body 8. Therefore, the previously described optical cable retainer 6 can be retained in the connector body 8 in the tail region of the connector body 8, while the previously described ferrule assembly 4 can be retained in the connector body 8 in the head region of the connector body 8. The retaining ring 7 can be fitted onto the connector body 8 in the middle region of the connector body 8 (i.e., the region between the head and tail regions of the connector body 8) and is therefore located between the ferrule assembly 4 and the optical cable retainer 6 when the optical fiber connector 3 is assembled.

[0072] In order to realize the connection between the optical fiber connector 3 and the matching device, such as the optical fiber connection port, the optical fiber adapter, the dust cover, the optical fiber adapter, etc., Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the connector housing 5, in particular the retaining ring 7, may include an elastic snap-fit ​​structure 71. The snap-fit ​​structure 71 can move from an initial state to a deformed state that is biased inward (i.e., toward the inner channel of the optical fiber connector 3 or the center axis of the connector housing 5) relative to the initial state, and can move from the deformed state toward the initial state under the action of a reset elastic force. The snap-fit ​​structure 71 may have a locking protrusion 72 that protrudes outward (i.e., away from the inner channel of the optical fiber connector 3 or the center axis of the connector housing 5). For example, when the optical fiber connector 3 is inserted into the corresponding receiving portion of the mating device for receiving the optical fiber connector 3, the locking protrusion 72 can be embedded in the corresponding recessed portion of the mating device, thereby locking the mating device and the optical fiber connector to each other. The specific structure of the mating device will be discussed in conjunction with the following. Figure 12 Describe in more detail.

[0073] Specifically, if Figures 8 to 10As shown, the retaining ring 7 may include an annular base 70, and a snap-fit ​​structure 71 may be connected forwardly to the base 70. The snap-fit ​​structure 71 may include a first section 711 extending elongated in the axial direction (substantially from the base 70), and a second section 712 extending elongated in the circumferential direction from the first section 711. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 72 may be configured in a region of the second section 712 remote from the first section 711. Due to the elasticity of the material of the retaining ring 7, the second section 712 may function as a spring arm. Specifically, for example, when an outward-inward force is applied to the region of the second section 712 remote from the first section 711, particularly to the snap-fit ​​protrusion 72, the second section 712 may be biased inwardly and deformed under the action of the force, substantially around the first section 711 (particularly the transition region 713 between the second section 712 and the first section 711). When the force is removed, the second section 712 may move from the deformed state toward the initial state shown in the figure due to its own elasticity. Advantageously, the first section 711 and the second section 712 can be constructed as a plate or thin-walled structure, which is conducive to giving the required elasticity to the snap structure 71. Here, "thin-walled" can be understood to mean that the thickness of the first section 711 and the second section 712 is significantly smaller than their surface extension.

[0074] Reference Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 10 The locking protrusion 72 may include a first guide slope 721 that rises along a first direction R1. Here, the first direction R1 points from the head of the optical fiber connector 3 to the tail of the optical fiber connector. It can be understood that when the optical fiber connector 3 is connected to a mating device, such as an optical fiber connection port, an optical fiber adapter, a dust cover, an optical fiber adapter, etc., the mating device generally moves relative to the optical fiber connector 3 along the first direction R1. Figure 12As shown, the mating device 100 may include a receiving portion 101 for receiving the optical fiber connector 3 as described above. The optical fiber connector 3 may be at least partially received in the receiving portion 101. Furthermore, the mating device 100 may include a recessed portion 102 communicating with the receiving portion 101. The recessed portion 102 may be disposed in an inner wall of the mating device 100. As shown, the recessed portion 102 may be configured as a through hole (permeating a side wall 103 of the mating device 100). Alternatively, the recessed portion 102 may be configured as a blind hole (not penetrating the side wall 103 of the mating device 100). When the optical fiber connector 3 is pushed into the receiving portion 101 of the mating device 100, the first guide slope 721 may first contact the mating device 100. As the mating device 100 moves in the first direction R1, the force applied by the mating device 100 on the first guide slope 721 may cause the latch structure 71, particularly the second section 712, and the latching protrusion 72 to be biased inward, thereby allowing the latch structure 71 to enter the receiving portion 101 of the mating device 100. As the mating device 100 continues to move in the first direction R1, the latching protrusion 72 may be engaged in the recess 102 due to the outward rebound of the second section 712, thereby locking the optical fiber connector 3 and the mating device 100 to each other.

[0075] like Figure 6 and Figure 12 As can be most clearly seen, viewed along the first direction R1, the locking protrusion 72 may include a top portion 722 that engages with the first guide ramp 721. The top portion 722 forms the highest portion of the locking protrusion 72 and has the greatest radial distance relative to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber connector 3. The locking protrusion 72 may also include a stepped portion 723 that engages with the top portion 722 along the first direction R1. The top portion 722 may descend along the first direction R1 via the stepped portion 723 and engage with the outer surface of the second section 712. The stepped portion 723 may form a locking engagement surface. When the locking protrusion 72 is engaged in the recess 102, the locked engagement surface, or stepped portion 723, cooperates with the locking engagement surface 104 of the recess 102 of the mating device 100 to prevent the optical fiber connector 3 from being pulled out of the mating device 100 along the first direction R1.

[0076] like Figure 12 As can be seen most clearly, the outer diameter of the base 70 of the retaining ring 7 can advantageously be larger than the outer diameters of the first section 711 and the second section 712. Furthermore, the distance between the forward annular surface 74 of the base 70 of the retaining ring 7 and the stepped portion 723 can be adapted to the distance between the rear end 105 of the mating component 100 and the latching mating surface 104, such that after the latching protrusion 72 is latched into the recess 102, the annular surface 74 of the base 70 prevents the mating component 100 from further moving in the first direction R1 relative to the optical fiber connector 3.

[0077] In order to unlock the optical fiber connector 3 and the mating device 100, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figures 7 to 9 As can be seen most clearly, the locking protrusion 72 can include an unlocking ramp 724 that descends in the circumferential direction. The top surface 722 of the locking protrusion 72 can transition, in particular smoothly, into the outer surface of the second section 712 via the unlocking ramp 724. In the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking ramp 724 descends from the free end of the second section 712 toward the first region 711. Naturally, an unlocking ramp located on the other side of the top surface 722 in the circumferential direction, and thus descending from the first region 711 toward the free end of the second section 712, is also feasible. By rotating the optical fiber connector 3 or the mating device 100 in the corresponding direction, the locking protrusion 72 can be disengaged from the cutout 102, thereby unlocking the optical fiber connector 3 from the mating device 100. In other embodiments, when the recess 102 is constructed as a through hole extending through the side wall 103 of the mating component 100, the locking protrusion 72 embedded in the recess 102 can also be acted upon from the outside of the mating component 100 (for example, with the aid of a tool or fingers), so that the second section 712 is elastically deformed inward, thereby disengaging the locking protrusion 72 and the recess 102 from each other.

[0078] Advantageously, the connector housing 5, in particular the retaining ring 7, may include two snap structures 71, which may be rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the optical fiber connector 3. In other words, the retaining ring 7 as a whole may be rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the optical fiber connector 3.

[0079] In order to define the relative position of the retaining ring 7 and the connector body 8, the connector body may include a positioning rib 85 extending in the axial direction on the outer wall (see Figure 5 ), and the retaining ring 7 may include a positioning groove 75 corresponding to the positioning rib 85 on the inner wall, especially on the inner wall of the base 70 (see Figure 9 The positioning rib 85 and the positioning groove 75 can cooperate to define the relative position of the retaining ring 7 and the connector body 8 in the circumferential direction. The positioning rib 85 can have a rounded or sharpened portion at its end toward the rear of the connector body 8 to facilitate insertion of the positioning rib 85 into the positioning groove 75.

[0080] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the connector body 8 can include a recess 82 extending circumferentially on its outer wall. When the retaining ring 7 is mounted on the connector body 8, the second section 712 of the snap-fit ​​structure 71 can be substantially located within the region of the recess 82. Here, the recess 82 can create a movable space for the second section 712 of the snap-fit ​​structure 71, allowing the second section 712 to be elastically biased inward. The circumferential extension of the recess 82 can be adapted to the circumferential extension of the second section 712. In the embodiment shown in the figure, a single recess 82 can extend circumferentially by an angle of, for example, 120° to 150°.

[0081] like Figure 6 、 Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the snap-fit ​​structure 71 may include a retaining protrusion 76 located on the inner wall of the second section 712. The retaining protrusion 76 can transition to the inner wall of the second section along a second direction opposite to the first direction R1 via a second guide ramp 77. The retaining ring 7 can be pushed from the rear end of the connector body 8 onto the connector body 8. During this process, the force exerted by the connector body 8 on the second guide ramp 77 can cause the second section 712 of the retaining ring 7 to slightly expand. After the positioning rib 85 of the connector body 8 is inserted into the positioning groove 75 of the retaining ring 7, as the retaining ring 7 is pushed forward further, the second section 712 can rebound inward within the recess 82 of the connector body 8. The retaining protrusion 76 can cooperate with the recess 82 to define the relative axial position of the retaining ring 7 and the connector body 8, specifically preventing the retaining ring 7 from moving relative to the connector body 8 in the first direction R1. Furthermore, the front end of the retaining ring 7 can abut against a flange of the connector body 8, thereby preventing the retaining ring 7 from being pushed further forward. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the retaining protrusion 76 can be located at a position corresponding to the latching protrusion 72 with respect to the second section 712. In other words, the retaining protrusion 76 and the latching protrusion 72 can both be located in the free end region of the second section 712 away from the first section 711.

[0082] It will be appreciated that the connector housing 5 is not limited to the two-piece construction described above. The connector body 8 and the retaining ring 7 may be integrally formed with each other to form a one-piece connector housing 5. The details described above with respect to the connector body 8 and the retaining ring 7 may be transferred to the one-piece connector housing 5 accordingly.

[0083] See also Figure 13In some embodiments, in order to ensure that the optical fiber connector 3 is inserted into the mating device 100 in the desired circumferential direction, the ferrule housing 43 may have a chamfer 432 extending from its front end to its rear end. The ferrule housing 43 may have a substantially rectangular outer cross-section at least in its front region, preferably as a whole. The chamfer 432 may be constructed on at least one edge of the ferrule housing 43, for example, two or three edges. Here, the chamfer 432 may extend over a partial length of the ferrule housing 43. It is also feasible that the chamfer 432 extends over the entire axial length of the ferrule housing 43. Accordingly, as Figure 14 As shown, the shape of the receiving portion 101 of the mating device 100 may correspond to the shape of the ferrule housing 43. Specifically, the receiving portion 101 of the mating device 100 may have a section 106 that matches the chamfer 432. The section 106 and the chamfer 432 may uniquely define the relative orientation of the optical fiber connector 3 with respect to the mating device 100 in the circumferential direction.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the optical fiber connector 3, in particular the connector body 8, may further include at least one annular groove 83 located between the snap structure 71 and the head of the optical fiber connector 3, in particular the ferrule assembly 4, and a sealing ring 84 may be provided in the annular groove 83 (see Figure 2 The sealing ring 84 can be used to seal between the optical fiber connector 3 and the mating device 100 .

[0085] Figure 11 The optical fiber connection system 200 according to the present application is shown as an example. The optical fiber connection system 200 may include an optical fiber cable assembly 1 having an optical fiber connector 3 and at least one mating device 100. The mating device 100 may be a dust cover 110 for the optical fiber cable assembly 1 and an optical fiber adapter 120 for a Huawei connector, etc. The optical fiber adapter 120 for the Huawei connector may be used to convert the optical fiber connector 3 into a Huawei connector. Without being limited to this, the optical fiber adapter 120 may also be an optical fiber adapter for various different connectors, such as an SC connector, an OptiTAP connector, or a DLX connector, etc. In addition, the mating device 100 may also be an optical fiber adapter or an optical fiber connection port of any device, etc.

[0086] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present application have been described, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, all changes and modifications are included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector, characterized in that: The optical fiber connector includes a ferrule assembly and a connector housing, the ferrule assembly is arranged in the head area of ​​the connector housing, the optical fiber connector includes an axially through-going internal channel, the internal channel is configured for allowing the optical fiber to extend through the optical fiber connector, the connector housing includes an elastic snap-fit ​​structure, the snap-fit ​​structure can move from an initial state to a deformed state biased inward relative to the initial state, and can move from the deformed state toward the initial state under the action of a reset elastic force, the snap-fit ​​structure has an outwardly protruding locking protrusion.

2. The optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein The latching structure includes a first section extending in the axial direction and a second section extending in the circumferential direction starting from the first section, and the latching projection is formed in a region of the second section remote from the first section.

3. The optical fiber connector according to claim 2, wherein: The first section and the second section are plate-shaped.

4. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The locking protrusion includes a first guide slope rising along a first direction, wherein the first direction points from the head portion of the optical fiber connector to the tail portion of the optical fiber connector.

5. The optical fiber connector according to claim 4, wherein: Viewed along the first direction, the locking protrusion sequentially includes a top portion connected to the first guide slope and a step portion, wherein the step portion forms a locking action surface.

6. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The locking protrusion includes an unlocking slope that descends along the circumferential direction.

7. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The connector housing includes two snap-fit ​​structures, and the two snap-fit ​​structures are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the optical fiber connector.

8. The optical fiber connector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The connector housing includes a connector body having the internal channel and a retaining ring having the snap structure, wherein the retaining ring is sleeved on the connector body.

9. The optical fiber connector according to claim 8, wherein: The retaining ring includes an annular base, and the buckle structure is engaged with the base.

10. The optical fiber connector according to claim 8, wherein The connector body includes a positioning rib extending in the axial direction on the outer wall, and the retaining ring includes a positioning groove corresponding to the positioning rib on the inner wall. The positioning rib and the positioning groove cooperate to limit the relative position of the retaining ring and the connector body in the circumferential direction.

11. The optical fiber connector according to claim 8, wherein The connector body includes a recess extending in a circumferential direction on the outer wall. When the retaining ring is mounted on the connector body, the second section of the snap-fit ​​structure is located in the region of the recess, forming an active space for the second section of the snap-fit ​​structure.

12. The optical fiber connector according to claim 11, wherein The snap-fit ​​structure includes a retaining protrusion on the inner wall of the second section. When the retaining ring is sleeved on the connector body, the retaining protrusion cooperates with the recess to define the relative position of the retaining ring and the connector body in the axial direction.

13. The optical fiber connector according to claim 12, wherein: The retaining protrusion transitions to the inner wall of the second section along a second direction by means of a second guiding slope, and the second direction points from the tail end of the optical fiber connector to the head end of the optical fiber connector.

14. The optical fiber connector according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The retaining protrusion is located at a position corresponding to the locking protrusion.

15. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The optical fiber connector comprises at least one annular groove between the snap structure and the head of the optical fiber connector, and a sealing ring is arranged in the annular groove.

16. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The ferrule assembly includes a ferrule, a spring and a ferrule housing. The ferrule abuts against the ferrule housing via the spring and extends from the front end of the ferrule housing.

17. The optical fiber connector according to claim 16, wherein: The ferrule housing includes a connecting groove formed in a tail region thereof, and the connector housing includes a connecting key formed in a head region thereof. The ferrule housing is mounted on the connector housing in a manner that the connecting key engages with the connecting groove.

18. The optical fiber connector according to claim 17, wherein: The connecting key and the connecting groove extend in an axial direction.

19. The optical fiber connector according to claim 16, wherein The insert housing has a chamfer extending from its front end to its rear end.

20. The optical fiber connector according to claim 19, wherein The insert insert housing has a rectangular outer cross section at least in its front region, and the chamfer is formed on at least one edge of the insert insert housing.

21. The optical fiber connector according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that: The chamfer extends over a partial length of the insert housing.

22. The optical fiber connector according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: When the ferrule housing is mounted on the connector housing, the outer surface of the ferrule housing and the outer surface of the connector housing smoothly merge with each other at least in a partial region.

23. The optical fiber connector according to claim 22, wherein: When the ferrule housing is mounted on the connector housing, the outer surface of the ferrule housing and the outer surface of the connector housing smoothly connect with each other except for the areas of the connection key and the connection groove.

24. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The optical fiber connector includes an optical cable fixture.

25. An optical fiber cable assembly, characterized in that: The optical fiber cable assembly comprises an optical fiber cable and an optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. The optical fiber cable assembly of claim 25, wherein: The fiber optic cable assembly includes a tail boot.

27. An optical fiber connection system, characterized in that: The fiber optic connection system includes a fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 24 or a fiber optic cable assembly according to claim 25 or 26, and a mating device, wherein the mating device includes a receiving portion that can detachably receive the fiber optic connector, and the mating device includes at least one of a fiber optic adapter, a dust cover, and a fiber optic adapter.

28. The optical fiber connection system according to claim 27, wherein: The optical fiber adapter is an optical fiber adapter for an SC connector, a Huawei connector, an OptiTAP connector, or a DLX connector.

29. The optical fiber connection system according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that: The mating component includes a recess communicating with the receiving portion, and a locking protrusion of the optical fiber connector can be engaged in the recess, thereby locking the mating component and the optical fiber connector to each other.

30. The optical fiber connection system according to claim 29, wherein: The recess is a blind hole formed on the counter means.

31. The optical fiber connection system according to claim 29, wherein: The recess is a through-hole formed on the counter component, through which a latching projection engaging in the recess can be acted upon from outside the counter component.

32. The optical fiber connection system according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that: The receiving portion includes a section for defining a relative orientation of the optical fiber connector relative to the mating device in a circumferential direction, and a shape of the section matches a shape of a corresponding section of the optical fiber connector.

Images