Miniature optical fiber connector assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a miniature optical fiber connector assembly. The assembly comprises a connector main body and an adapter main body. The connector main body comprises an outer frame sleeve, an inner frame sleeve, an insertion core, a tail handle, a spring, a stopper and an optical cable pressing sleeve; the inner frame sleeve and the insertion core are contained in the outer frame sleeve, the insertion core is fixed to the inner frame sleeve, the insertion core is sleeved with the spring, and the stop dog is in threaded connection with the rear end of the inner frame sleeve and provides axial pre-tightening for the spring. The front end of the tail handle is inserted into the rear end of the inner frame sleeve, and the rear end of the tail handle is axially and movably sleeved with the optical cable pressing sleeve; internal threads are arranged on the inner side of the front end of the outer frame sleeve; the two ends of the adapter main body are provided with external thread rings matched with the internal threads so as to achieve threaded locking butt joint of the adapter main body and the internal threads. According to the utility model, through the miniature floating sealing structure, wiring in a narrow space is realized, and the space adaptability, the connection stability and the environment tolerance are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical fiber connector technology, and in particular to a miniature optical fiber connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the fiber optic communication industry, the application scenarios of fiber optic connectors are becoming increasingly widespread and their types are constantly increasing. However, existing technologies still have significant shortcomings. Conventional fiber optic connectors and adapters are relatively large in size, with connector outer diameters typically around 10mm and adapter outer diameters reaching up to 22mm. This makes it difficult to meet the wiring and splicing needs of narrow spaces such as inside instruments and confined pipes. Some miniature connectors are made of plastic, which has poor resistance to high-temperature aging and is prone to structural failure under harsh operating conditions, affecting the stability of use. At the same time, the fiber optic cable crimping part of traditional miniature connectors is often directly fixed to the ferrule. When the fiber optic cable is subjected to external forces such as pulling or bending, the force is directly transmitted to the ferrule, causing the ferrule to misalign and reducing the reliability of fiber optic signal transmission.

[0003] In addition, for scenarios requiring waterproofing, dustproofing, and anti-loosening, existing waterproof fiber optic connectors are generally over 16mm in size, making them bulky and unable to be installed in miniaturized equipment. Furthermore, their sealing structures are mostly one-time designs, making it difficult to reseal and reconnect them after disassembly, resulting in insufficient flexibility and limiting their applicability. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a miniature optical fiber connector assembly.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A miniature fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector body and an adapter body;

[0007] The connector body includes an outer frame, an inner frame, a ferrule, a tail shank, a spring, a stopper, and an optical cable clamping sleeve;

[0008] The inner frame and the insert are housed within the outer frame, the insert is fixed to the inner frame, the spring is sleeved on the insert, and the stopper is threaded to the rear end of the inner frame and provides axial preload to the spring.

[0009] The front end of the tail shank is inserted into the rear end of the inner frame sleeve, and the rear end is axially movablely sleeved with the optical cable pressure sleeve.

[0010] The inner side of the front end of the outer frame is provided with an internal thread; both ends of the adapter body are provided with external thread rings that mate with the internal thread to achieve threaded locking and connection between the two.

[0011] Furthermore, the connector body, adapter body, and stopper are made of metal.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer wall of the front end of the inner frame is provided with a raised key, and a marker is provided next to the key.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner sidewall of the inner frame is provided with a limiting protrusion, and a positioning groove is provided on the limiting protrusion; the tail shank is provided with a milled edge structure that matches the positioning groove.

[0014] Furthermore, at least one axially extending notch is provided on the external threaded rings at both ends of the adapter body in the circumferential direction, which is used to accommodate the key during mating.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a heat shrink tubing configured to wrap around the connector body, adapter body, and part of the optical cable after docking, and shrink upon heating to form a seal.

[0016] Furthermore, the heat shrink tubing is a double-walled heat shrink tubing with its inner wall coated with hot melt adhesive.

[0017] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the ferrule is 1.25 mm.

[0018] Furthermore, the two ends of the spring abut against the annular shoulder of the insert and the inner end face of the stopper, respectively.

[0019] The miniature fiber optic connector assembly provided by this utility model has the following advantages:

[0020] This invention significantly reduces size through a miniaturized structural design, making it suitable for wiring in confined spaces. The axial floating sleeve structure between the tailstock and the optical cable sleeve effectively isolates external forces on the optical cable, protecting the stability of the ferrule connection. The selection of metal materials for key components improves high-temperature aging resistance and structural strength. Heat shrink tubing allows for complete sealing of the entire assembly, achieving waterproof, dustproof, anti-loosening, and shockproof effects. Furthermore, this seal is removable and reworkable, meeting the requirements for high reliability and reentrancy in applications. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the connector assembly of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the component of this utility model being completely sealed by heat shrink tubing after docking.

[0023] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the connector body of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the connector body of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-sectional structure of the connector body of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the adapter body of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the inner frame and insert of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the adapter body and the traction head of this utility model.

[0029] Reference numerals: 100, Connector body; 1, Outer frame; 11, Internal thread; 12, Limiting slot; 2, Inner frame; 21, Annular boss; 22, Identification point; 23, Limiting protrusion; 24, Positioning groove; 25, Key; 3, Molded core; 31, Shoulder; 4, Tail handle; 41, Milled edge structure; 5, Spring; 6, Stopper; 7, Optical cable sleeve; 200, Adapter body; 201, External thread ring; 202, Notch; 8, Heat shrink tubing; 9, Optical cable; 300, Traction head; 301, Through hole; 302, Traction rope. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0033] like Figures 1-8 As shown, this embodiment provides a miniature fiber optic connector assembly, including a connector body 100 and an adapter body 200; the connector body 100 includes an outer frame sleeve 1, an inner frame sleeve 2, a ferrule 3, a tail shank 4, a spring 5, a stopper 6, and an optical cable clamping sleeve 7.

[0034] In this embodiment, the connector body 100 and the adapter body 200 are preferably made of stainless steel to ensure structural strength, corrosion resistance and high temperature aging resistance.

[0035] To achieve extreme miniaturization to meet the wiring and connection requirements of demanding spaces such as inside instruments and narrow pipes, this embodiment features rigorous collaborative design and optimization of the overall component dimensions. The basis for miniaturization is that the outer diameter of the insert 3 is 1.25 mm, preferably an LC-type insert. Based on the fixed dimensions of the insert 3, and comprehensively considering necessary component assembly space, structural strength, threaded connection reliability (internal thread 11 and external thread ring 201), and the machinable wall thickness limit of the metal material, in a preferred embodiment, the outer diameters of the connector body 100 and the adapter body 200 are approximately 6 mm. This allows it to be used in extremely narrow spaces where traditional connectors cannot access.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer frame sleeve 1 is provided with a limiting groove 12 inside. The limiting groove 12 is used to cooperate with the annular boss 21 on the outer wall of the inner frame sleeve 2 and the axial positioning plane on the outer wall of the inner frame sleeve 2, thereby constraining the position of the inner frame sleeve 2 in the outer frame sleeve 1 in the axial and / or circumferential directions, so as to achieve accurate positioning and reliable fixation of the inner frame sleeve 2.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, the tail shank 4 of the ferrule 3 is machined with a directional milling structure 41. A positioning groove 24 is provided on the limiting protrusion 23 on the inner side of the inner frame sleeve 2. In this embodiment, the tail shank 4 of the ferrule 3 passes through the inner frame sleeve 2, and the directional milling structure 41 on it is correspondingly embedded in the positioning groove 24, abutting against the corresponding engaging structure in the limiting protrusion 23. Through the cooperation of the directional milling structure 41 and the positioning groove 24, the circumferential orientation of the ferrule 3 within the inner frame sleeve 2 is achieved; through the engaging structure, the axial positioning of the ferrule 3 is achieved. Simultaneously, a key position 25 is also provided on the outer front end of the inner frame sleeve 2. The key position is in a raised state and is used to achieve directional positioning of the connector body 100. A marking point 22 is also provided on the same axial direction as the key position 25 near the port of the inner frame sleeve 2, used to confirm the direction of the key position 25 during assembly and docking, facilitating connection operation. The marking point 22 can be dot-shaped, line-shaped, or other shapes.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 , Figure 7As shown, the spring 5 is sleeved on the outside of the insert 3, with one end abutting against the annular shoulder 31 of the insert 3. The stopper 6 is threaded to the rear end of the inner frame sleeve 2, with its inner end face abutting against the other end of the spring 5, thereby providing axial preload to the insert 3 and ensuring that the insert 3 is tightly connected.

[0039] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the stopper 6 is threadedly connected to the rear end of the inner frame sleeve 2. By screwing the stopper 6, the axial position of the inner frame sleeve 2 and the insert 3 in the outer frame sleeve 1 can be adjusted, thereby precisely controlling the docking stroke of the insert 3.

[0040] The assembled inner frame sleeve 2, insert 3, spring 5, and stopper 6 are housed as a sub-assembly inside the outer frame sleeve 1. At this time, the annular protrusion 21 on the outer wall of the inner frame sleeve 2 engages with the limiting groove 12 on the inner wall of the outer frame sleeve 1, thereby achieving axial and circumferential fixation of the inner frame sleeve 2 within the outer frame sleeve 1.

[0041] The rear end of the tail shank 4 and the front end of the optical cable sleeve 7 are fitted with a clearance. This fit allows for a slight relative sliding between them along the axial direction, thus forming a floating stress-relieving structure. Specifically, when the optical cable 9 is subjected to axial tension, this tension is transmitted through the optical cable sleeve 7 and is mainly borne by the static friction at the mating surface between the tail shank 4 and the optical cable sleeve 7, as well as possible mechanical restraint. Because this connection allows for a slight relative sliding or deformation, most of the impact axial force is buffered and dissipated, thereby effectively decoupling the rigid transmission of external force on the optical cable 9 to the ferrule 3 and improving the stability of the connection.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, the adapter body 200 has a hollow cylindrical structure with external threaded rings 201 at both ends. In a preferred embodiment, the external threaded ring 201 has at least one axially extending notch 202 along its circumferential direction. This notch is used to embed the key 25 on the inner frame sleeve 2, thereby achieving directional positioning of the connector body 100. The inner side of the front end of the outer frame sleeve 1 is correspondingly machined with an internal thread 11. When the connector body 100 and the adapter body 200 are mated, the external threaded ring 201 of the adapter body 200 is screwed into the internal thread 11 at the front end of the outer frame sleeve 1, and locking is achieved through thread engagement. To ensure the accuracy of the mating direction, the notch 202 on the external threaded ring 201 of the adapter body 200 is configured to correspond to the key 25 at the front end of the inner frame sleeve 2. During mating, the notch 202 is aligned with the position indicated by the marking point 22, and the key 25 can be embedded in the notch 202, achieving pre-positioning in the circumferential direction. Subsequently, by rotating the adapter body 200, the external threaded ring 201 is screwed into the internal thread 11 until it is locked, thereby completing the mechanical connection.

[0043] In this embodiment, the connector assembly is suitable for scenarios with high-level protection requirements. For example... Figure 2 As shown, after the two connector bodies 100 are connected through the adapter body 200, a heat shrink tube 8 with hot melt adhesive on its inner wall can be sleeved on the connection part, preferably a double-wall heat shrink tube.

[0044] Specifically, the length of the heat shrink tubing 8 is configured to cover the front ends of both connector bodies 100, the entire adapter body 200, and the adjacent optical cable sleeves 7 and portions of the optical cables 9. Heated with a hot air gun, the heat shrink tubing 8 contracts radially, melting, flowing, and filling all gaps between the mating areas and adjacent components with its hot melt adhesive. After cooling and solidification, it forms a robust, continuous, and sealed protective layer. This sealed protective layer effectively provides waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, and prevents loosening. Thanks to the extremely small outer diameter of the connector assembly, a single standard-sized heat shrink tubing 8 is sufficient to seal the entire mating area, while maintaining a compact overall size. When line maintenance or reconnection is required, the heat shrink tubing 8 can be cut axially to separate the connector body 100 from the adapter body 200. After subsequent reconnection, a new heat shrink tubing 8 can be fitted and heated to seal, forming a seal with the same level of protection as the initial seal.

[0045] In another embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, one end of the adapter body 200 is connected to the connector body 100, and the other end is detachably connected to a traction head 300. The traction head 300 has a through hole 301 for threading a traction rope 302, facilitating the pulling operation of components or cables via the traction rope 302. This avoids the difficulties and risks of directly operating precision connectors in confined spaces, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of wiring construction.

[0046] The above is a description of a miniature fiber optic connector assembly of the present invention, which is used to help understand the present invention; however, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the principle of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A miniature fiber optic connector assembly, characterized in that, Includes connector body and adapter body; The connector body includes an outer frame, an inner frame, a ferrule, a tail shank, a spring, a stopper, and an optical cable clamping sleeve; The inner frame and the insert are housed within the outer frame, the insert is fixed to the inner frame, the spring is sleeved on the insert, and the stopper is threaded to the rear end of the inner frame and provides axial preload to the spring. The front end of the tail shank is inserted into the rear end of the inner frame sleeve, and the rear end is axially movablely sleeved with the optical cable pressure sleeve. The inner side of the front end of the outer frame is provided with an internal thread; both ends of the adapter body are provided with external thread rings that mate with the internal thread to achieve threaded locking and connection between the two.

2. The miniature fiber optic connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector body, adapter body, and stopper are made of metal.

3. The miniature fiber optic connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner frame has a raised key on the outer wall of the front end, and a marker is provided next to the key.

4. The miniature fiber optic connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner sidewall of the inner frame is provided with a limiting protrusion, and a positioning groove is provided on the limiting protrusion; the tail shank is provided with a milled edge structure that matches the positioning groove.

5. The miniature fiber optic connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one axially extending notch is provided on the external threaded rings at both ends of the adapter body in the circumferential direction, which is used to accommodate the key during mating.

6. The miniature fiber optic connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a heat shrink tubing configured to wrap around the connector body, adapter body and part of the optical cable after docking, and shrink upon heating to form a seal.

7. The miniature fiber optic connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heat shrink tubing is a double-walled heat shrink tubing with its inner wall coated with hot melt adhesive.

8. The miniature fiber optic connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the insert is 1.25 mm.

9. The miniature fiber optic connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the spring abut against the annular shoulder of the insert and the inner end face of the stopper, respectively.

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