Connecting structure of optical fiber adapter and optical communication equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a connection structure of an optical fiber adapter and optical communication equipment, relates to the technical field of optical communication, and aims to solve the problem that the connection stability of the optical fiber adapter and a limiting bracket is poor. The connecting structure comprises a supporting plate and a limiting support arranged on the supporting plate, and the limiting support comprises two limiting structures oppositely arranged in the first direction, side lug plates used for limiting the two sides of the optical fiber adapter and limiting reeds. The connecting structure further comprises an elastic structure arranged on the supporting plate, and the elastic structure is located between the two limiting structures. When the optical fiber adapter is connected with the limiting support, the optical fiber adapter is located between the two limiting structures, and the side ear plates and the limiting reeds on the same side of the optical fiber adapter are arranged on the two sides of the limiting structures in the second direction respectively. The elastic structure is used for elastically abutting against the side face of the optical fiber adapter in the third direction. Wherein the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to one another in pairs. The connection structure can be applied to optical communication equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a connection structure for an optical fiber adapter and an optical communication device. Background Technology

[0002] An optical network terminal (ONT) is a key node device in a passive optical network (PON) and is widely used in FTTH (Fiber To The Home) and FTTR (Fiber To The Room) scenarios.

[0003] An optical network terminal provided by related technology includes a housing and a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic adapter includes a limiting spring and a side ear plate disposed on opposite side plates; the side ear plate has a limiting hole. The housing has a limiting bracket for connecting the fiber optic adapter, which includes two opposing limiting structures spaced apart to allow the fiber optic adapter to be pushed in. Each limiting structure also has a limiting pin for engaging with the limiting hole. During installation, the fiber optic adapter is pushed into the limiting hole on one side of the limiting bracket. During this pushing process, the limiting structures on both sides of the limiting hole deform against the limiting spring, and springs open after passing the limiting structure. After the spring opens, the side of the limiting structure closer to the spring contacts the spring, and the side farther from the spring contacts the side ear plate. Furthermore, during the pushing process, the limiting pin in the limiting structure extends into the limiting hole. Ultimately, the connection between the limiting bracket and the fiber optic adapter is achieved through the cooperation of the limiting spring and the limiting structure, as well as the cooperation of the limiting hole and the limiting pin.

[0004] However, because the fit between the limiting spring and the limiting structure, as well as the fit between the limiting hole and the limiting pin, is a clearance fit, the fiber optic adapter is not very stable after being connected to the limiting bracket and is prone to shaking. This can cause the fiber optic adapter to collide with other parts of the optical network terminal, resulting in abnormal noises and affecting the reliability of the equipment. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a connection structure for a fiber optic adapter and an optical communication device to improve the problem of poor stability in the connection between the fiber optic adapter and the limiting bracket.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, a connection structure for an optical fiber adapter is provided. The connection structure includes a support plate and a limiting bracket disposed on the support plate. The limiting bracket includes two limiting structures disposed opposite to each other in a first direction for limiting the side ear plates and limiting springs on both sides of the optical fiber adapter.

[0008] The connecting structure also includes an elastic structure disposed on the support plate, which is located between the two limiting structures.

[0009] When the fiber optic adapter is connected to the limiting bracket, the fiber optic adapter is located between the two limiting structures. The side ear plate and the limiting spring on the same side of the fiber optic adapter are placed on both sides of the limiting structure along the second direction. The elastic structure is used to elastically press against the side of the fiber optic adapter along the third direction.

[0010] Among them, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are all perpendicular to each other.

[0011] This design, through the elastic structure's pressure on the fiber optic adapter, compensates for the gap between the fiber optic adapter and the limiting bracket, thereby preventing the fiber optic adapter from wobbling relative to the limiting bracket and improving connection stability. Furthermore, this design offers advantages such as simple structure, low cost, and ease of implementation. Additionally, compensating for the gap between the fiber optic adapter and the limiting bracket through elastic pressure avoids problems such as installation difficulties and structural damage caused by hard interference.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the elastic structure includes an elastic arm integral with the support plate, one end of which is a fixed end connected to the support plate in the longitudinal direction, and the other end is a suspended free end.

[0013] The elastic structure also includes a pressure protrusion, which is located on the side of the elastic arm near the limiting bracket and near the free end; the pressure protrusion is used to press against the side of the fiber optic adapter.

[0014] This design simplifies the structure of the elastic structure, making it easier to process and shape.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the tip of the pressure protrusion, located away from the elastic arm along a third direction, is parallel to the plane of the first and second directions. This design improves the support performance of the pressure protrusion for the fiber optic adapter through surface contact.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the limiting structure includes a limiting plate and a limiting pin. The limiting plate includes a first limiting plate surface and a second limiting plate surface disposed opposite to each other in a second direction. The limiting pin is perpendicularly disposed on the first limiting plate surface. The first limiting plate surface is used to contact the side ear plate, and the limiting pin is used to extend into the limiting hole on the side ear plate.

[0017] The length direction of the elastic arm is parallel to the second direction; in the second direction, the fixed end and the free end are arranged in the same order as the first limiting plate surface and the second limiting plate surface. This design allows the force applied to the elastic arm to gradually increase during the insertion of the fiber optic adapter, causing the reaction force on the fiber optic adapter to increase from small to large, thus facilitating the installation of the fiber optic adapter.

[0018] In some possible implementations, in the second direction, the pressure protrusion is positioned near the limiting pin. This design allows the elastic force generated by the pressure protrusion to act on a position closer to the mating position of the limiting pin and the limiting hole; thereby improving the compensation effect of the pressure protrusion on the mating gap between the fiber optic adapter and the limiting bracket.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the pressure protrusion is at least partially located in the region between the two limiting pins in the orthographic projection onto a reference plane perpendicular to the third direction. This design allows the elastic force generated by the pressure protrusion to act on the mating position of the limiting pins and the limiting holes, thereby further improving the compensation effect of the pressure protrusion on the mating gap between the fiber optic adapter and the limiting bracket.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the elastic structure further includes guide protrusions, which, in the second direction, are arranged in the same order as the first and second limiting plate surfaces.

[0021] The guide protrusion and the pressing protrusion are connected and arranged in a second direction, and at the connection point, the guide protrusion and the pressing protrusion are flush in a third direction. As the guide protrusion moves away from the pressing protrusion along the second direction, the size of the guide protrusion in the third direction gradually decreases.

[0022] This design allows the fiber optic adapter to be guided from the support plate to the pressing protrusion during installation via the guide protrusion. The force applied to the elastic arm is gradually increased, causing the reaction force on the fiber optic adapter to increase from small to large, which is beneficial for the installation of the fiber optic adapter.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the elastic structure further includes a pressure rib extending along a second direction, the pressure rib being disposed on the side of the elastic arm near the limiting bracket; the pressure protrusion and the guide protrusion are different portions of the pressure rib in the second direction. This design improves the integral shape of the structure and facilitates its processing and forming.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the elastic structure includes at least two counterweight ribs arranged in a first direction. This design improves the support performance of the counterweight protrusions for the fiber optic adapter by increasing the contact area.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the support plate includes a first support plate surface and a second support plate surface disposed opposite each other along a third direction; the first support plate surface is located on the side closer to the limiting bracket.

[0026] In the third direction, the size of the elastic arm is smaller than that of the support plate; and the surface of the elastic arm near the limiting bracket is flush with the surface of the first support plate. This design helps to prevent the elastic arm from extending beyond the outer surface of the support plate when deformation occurs.

[0027] In some possible implementations, in the third direction, the difference between the size of the elastic arm and the size of the support plate is 1 mm to 2 mm. This design prevents the elastic arm from extending beyond the outer surface of the support plate during deformation.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the elastic structure is a pressure spring provided on the side of the support plate near the limiting bracket, with one end of the pressure spring in the longitudinal direction being a fixed end connected to the support plate and the other end being a free end suspended in the air.

[0029] On the third side, the portion of the pressure spring near the free end is further away from the support plate than the portion near the fixed end; the portion of the pressure spring near the free end is used to press against the side of the fiber optic adapter.

[0030] In the connection structure provided in this application, the elastic structure can be achieved by a pressure spring, thus enabling the use of different application scenarios, such as the modification of existing products.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the interference between the elastic structure and the fiber optic adapter is 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. This interference design ensures both ease of connection between the fiber optic adapter and the connection structure, and also significantly improves the stability of the connection between the fiber optic adapter and the limiting bracket.

[0032] In a second aspect, an optical communication device is provided, the optical communication device including an optical fiber adapter and a connection structure as described in any one of the first aspects, the optical fiber adapter being connected to the connection structure.

[0033] In some possible implementations, the support plate in the connection structure is part of the housing of the optical communication device.

[0034] The technical effects achievable by the optical communication equipment provided in this application are the same as those achievable by the connection structure in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an optical communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 2A perspective view of an optical fiber adapter provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 A top view of an optical fiber adapter provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a connection structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a limiting structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a limiting bracket and an optical fiber adapter, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the engagement of a limiting bracket and an optical fiber adapter at another angle, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an elastic structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between an elastic structure and an optical fiber adapter, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an elastic structure provided in an embodiment of this application from another angle. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them.

[0046] In the following embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive convenience only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0047] In the embodiments of this application, "upper", "lower", "left" and "right" are not limited to the orientation of the components in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms can be relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation of the components in the accompanying drawings.

[0048] In the embodiments of this application, unless the context otherwise requires, the term "comprising" is interpreted as open and encompassing throughout the specification and claims, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiment," "exemplarily," or "some examples" are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0049] As used herein, “about,” “approximately,” or “approximately” includes the stated value and the average value within an acceptable range of deviation from the given value, wherein the acceptable range of deviation is determined by a person skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the error associated with the measurement of the given quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system).

[0050] As used herein, “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and “equal” include the described situation and situations that are similar to the described situation, within an acceptable range of deviation, which is determined by those skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “parallel” includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate parallelism may be, for example, within 5°; “perpendicular” includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate perpendicularity may also be, for example, within 5°; “equal” includes absolute equality and approximate equality, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate equality may be, for example, a difference between the two equals being less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0051] It should be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being on another layer or substrate, it can mean that the layer or element is directly on the other layer or substrate, or that there is an intermediate layer between the layer or element and the other layer or substrate.

[0052] Exemplary embodiments are described in this application with reference to cross-sectional views and / or plan views and / or equivalent circuit diagrams, which are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions is enlarged for clarity. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the drawings are contemplated due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Thus, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but rather include shape deviations due to, for example, manufacturing processes. For example, etched regions shown as rectangular would typically have curved features. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shapes of the regions of the device, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0053] This application provides an optical communication device, which can be an optical network terminal (ONT) in a passive optical network (PON). For example, the optical communication device 100 can be an optical modem in FTTH (Fiber To The Home) and FTTR (Fiber To The Room) access scenarios.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the optical communication device 100 includes a housing 1 and an optical fiber adapter (also known as a flange) 2. The housing 1 encloses a cavity 4, in which a circuit board, a Bi-Directional Optical Subassembly (BOSA), and the optical fiber adapter 2 can be housed. The housing 1 also has a connection structure 3 within the cavity 4 for connecting the optical fiber adapter 2.

[0055] For ease of description, this paper uses the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z, which are mutually perpendicular, as references to describe the connection structure 3; and describes the structure of the fiber optic adapter 2 in the posture when it is installed with the connection structure 3.

[0056] In the optical communication device 100 provided in this application embodiment, the fiber optic adapter 2 has a square flange structure, for example, it can be an SC (Standard Connector) fiber optic adapter 2. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the fiber optic adapter 2 includes a first side plate 5 and a second side plate 6 arranged opposite each other along a first direction X, and a third side plate 7 and a fourth side plate 8 arranged opposite each other along a third direction Z. The first side plate 5, the third side plate 7, the second side plate 6 and the fourth side plate 8 are connected to form a connection cavity. The connection cavity includes a first connection port and a second connection port arranged opposite each other along a second direction Y. Two fiber optic connectors can be inserted into the connection cavity through the first connection port and the second connection port respectively, and coupling is achieved in the connection cavity.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fiber optic adapter 2 also includes a limiting spring 9 and a side ear plate 10 symmetrically arranged on the first side plate 5 and the second side plate 6. Taking the limiting spring 9 and the side ear plate 10 arranged on the first side plate 5 as an example, the side ear plate 10 is arranged on the outer surface of the first side plate 5 and is a plate-shaped structure perpendicular to the first side plate 5; the thickness direction of this plate-shaped structure is parallel to the second direction Y, and a limiting hole 11 is also provided that penetrates along the second direction Y (i.e., the thickness direction). The side ear plate 10 includes a first side ear plate surface and a second side ear plate surface arranged opposite to each other in the second direction Y, and both the first side ear plate surface and the second side ear plate surface are parallel to the first direction X and the third direction Z.

[0058] The limiting spring 9 is also disposed on the outer surface of the first side plate 5 and is located on the side of the side ear plate 10 facing the first side ear plate. The end of the limiting spring 9 away from the side ear plate 10 in the second direction Y is the fixed end, which is fixedly connected to the first side plate 5, and the end closer to the side ear plate 10 is the free end. The free end is spaced apart from the side ear plate 10 in the second direction Y. As the limiting spring 9 extends from the fixed end to the free end, that is, as it extends from the fixed position toward the side ear plate 10, it gradually moves away from the first side plate 5 in the first direction X, presenting a gradually expanding shape.

[0059] For the two limiting springs 9 set on the first side plate 5 and the second side plate 6, as they approach the side ear plate 10 from the fixed end, the distance between them in the first direction X gradually increases.

[0060] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 In the optical communication device 100 provided in this application embodiment, a connection structure 3 for connecting the optical fiber adapter 2 is provided on the housing 1. Figure 4As shown, the connection structure 3 includes a support plate 15 and a limiting bracket 13. The support plate 15 is a plate-like structure with its thickness direction parallel to the third direction Z. This plate-like structure includes a first support plate surface and a second support plate surface disposed opposite each other in the third direction Z (i.e., the thickness direction). Both the first and second support plate surfaces are parallel to the first direction X and the second direction Y. The support plate 15 can be a part of the housing 1, with the first support plate surface located near the receiving cavity 4, i.e., inside the optical communication device 100. In some embodiments, the support plate 15 can also be a structural component outside the housing 1, such as a specially designed plate-like structure, a circuit board, etc.

[0061] A limiting bracket 13 is disposed on the first support plate surface of the support plate 15, including two limiting structures 14 disposed opposite each other in the first direction X. The distance between the two limiting structures 14 in the first direction X is slightly larger than the distance between the first side plate 5 and the second side plate 6 in the fiber optic adapter 2. A limiting opening is formed between the two limiting structures 14, allowing the fiber optic adapter 2 to pass through. In the second direction Y, one side of the limiting bracket 13 is the push-in side of the fiber optic adapter 2. When the fiber optic adapter 2 is connected to the connecting structure 3, the fiber optic adapter 2 is pushed into the limiting opening between the two limiting structures 14 along the second direction Y on the push-in side. After the fiber optic adapter 2 is pushed into the limiting opening, the two limiting structures 14 are located outside the first side plate 5 and the second side plate 6, respectively.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The two limiting structures 14 are identical. Taking one of the limiting structures 14 as an example, the limiting structure 14 includes a limiting plate 17 and a limiting pin 16. The limiting plate 17 is a plate-shaped structure with its thickness direction parallel to the second direction Y, including a first limiting plate surface and a second limiting plate surface disposed opposite each other in the second direction Y (thickness direction). Both the first and second limiting plate surfaces are parallel to the first direction X and the third direction Z. The first limiting plate surface is close to the push-in side of the fiber optic adapter 2, and the second limiting plate surface is away from the push-in side of the fiber optic adapter 2. The thickness of the limiting plate 17 is slightly less than the distance between the limiting spring 9 and the side ear plate 10 on the same side of the fiber optic adapter 2 in the second direction Y.

[0063] The limiting pin 16 is disposed on the surface of the first limiting plate and is a pin-shaped structure extending along the second direction Y toward the push-in side. The size of the limiting pin 16 is slightly smaller than the limiting hole 11 on the ear plate 10 of the fiber optic adapter 2.

[0064] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the connection process and principle between the fiber optic adapter 2 and the limiting bracket 13 are as follows: The fiber optic adapter 2 is pushed into the limiting port along the second direction Y on the pushing side of the limiting bracket 13, with the third side plate 7 and the support plate 15 in contact. During the pushing process, the limiting plates 17 in the two limiting structures 14 will squeeze the limiting springs 9 on both sides of the fiber optic adapter 2 until the free ends of the limiting springs 9 pass through the limiting plates 17. After the limiting springs 9 pass through the limiting plates 17, they will spring away from the action of the limiting plates 17 in the first direction X. After springing away, the distance between the free ends of the two limiting springs 9 in the first direction X exceeds the distance between the limiting plates 17 in the first direction X, so the limiting plates 17 will prevent the fiber optic adapter 2 from coming out. After the limiting springs 9 pass through the limiting plates 17, the first support plate surface of the limiting plate 17 contacts the first side ear plate surface of the side ear plate 10 and prevents the fiber optic adapter 2 from being pushed in further. During the above pushing process, the limiting pin 16 extends into the limiting hole 11.

[0065] To ensure the success rate and ease of connection between the fiber optic adapter 2 and the connection structure 3, a clearance fit design is used between the limiting pin 16 and the limiting post, and between the limiting spring 9 and the limiting plate 17, with a clearance distance of approximately 0.2mm. Therefore, relying solely on the connection between the limiting bracket 13 and the fiber optic adapter 2 cannot guarantee the stability of the connection, and problems such as shaking and abnormal noise caused by impacts with other structures are likely to occur.

[0066] Based on this, such as Figure 4 As shown, the connection structure 3 provided in this application embodiment also includes an elastic structure 12. The elastic structure 12 is disposed on the support plate 15 and located between the two limiting structures 14. When the fiber optic adapter 2 is connected to the limiting bracket 13, it elastically presses against the third side plate 7 of the fiber optic adapter 2, that is, the side of the fiber optic adapter 2. In this way, the elastic pressing compensates for the fitting gap between the fiber optic adapter 2 and the limiting bracket 13, so as to improve the stability of the connection between the two.

[0067] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the elastic structure 12 includes an elastic arm 18 integral with the support plate 15. The length direction of the elastic arm 18 is parallel to the second direction Y, and one end in the second direction Y is a fixed end connected to the support plate 15, while the other end is a suspended free end. From another perspective, the elastic arm 18, formed on the support plate 15, is a cantilever beam structure that releases power from the support plate 15 through a slot. The free end of the elastic arm 18 can elastically deform relative to the fixed end in the third direction Z.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 4The elastic arm 18 and the limiting pin 16 are located on the same side of the limiting plate 17, that is, on the side where the fiber optic adapter 2 is pushed into the limiting bracket 13. In the second direction Y, the fixed end is farther away from the limiting bracket 13 relative to the free end, and the free end is in a position flush with the connection position of the limiting plate 17 and the limiting pin 16. During the pushing process of the fiber optic adapter 2, it first passes through the fixed end of the elastic arm 18, and then through the free end of the elastic arm 18.

[0069] In some embodiments, the elastic arm 18 is located opposite the insertion side of the fiber optic adapter 2 relative to the limiting bracket 13, or extends from the insertion side to the opposite side. In this case, the fixed end and the free end can be arranged in the same order as the first limiting plate surface and the second limiting plate surface in the second direction Y. With this design, the fiber optic adapter 2 can still pass through the fixed end of the elastic arm 18 first and then through the free end of the elastic arm 18 during the insertion process.

[0070] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 8 The elastic arm 18 includes a first elastic arm surface and a second elastic arm surface disposed opposite each other in the third direction Z. Both the first elastic arm surface and the second elastic arm surface are parallel to the first direction X and the second direction Y. In the third direction Z, the first elastic arm surface is flush with the first support plate surface of the support plate 15.

[0071] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the elastic structure 12 also includes two pressure ribs 19 disposed on the surface of the first elastic arm. The two pressure ribs 19 are spaced apart in the first direction X and have the same structure. Taking one of the pressure ribs 19 as an example, the pressure rib 19 extends along the second direction Y and includes a pressure protrusion 20 and a guide protrusion 21 connected in the second direction Y. The pressure protrusion 20 is located near the free end of the elastic arm 18 relative to the guide protrusion 21 and is used to press against the side of the fiber optic adapter 2. The interference between the pressure protrusion 20 and the side of the fiber optic adapter 2 is 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. For example, the interference can be 0.4 mm or 0.5 mm. Here, the interference refers to the overlap size of the pressure protrusion 20 and the fiber optic adapter 2 in the third direction Z. Figure 9 The symbol Δ is used in the middle.

[0072] The interference amount designed above can ensure the ease of connection between the fiber optic adapter 2 and the connection structure 3, and can also improve the stability of the connection between the fiber optic adapter 2 and the limiting bracket 13.

[0073] The top of the pressure protrusion 20, located away from the elastic arm 18 in the third direction Z, can be a pressure contact surface parallel to the first direction X and the second direction Y. This pressure contact surface can increase the contact area with the side of the fiber optic adapter 2, thereby improving the support performance of the fiber optic adapter 2. In some embodiments, the top of the pressure protrusion 20, located away from the elastic arm 18 in the third direction Z, can also be a plurality of protrusions for contact with the side of the fiber optic adapter 2.

[0074] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 8 In the pressure rib 19, the guide protrusion 21 is positioned relative to the pressure protrusion 20 near the fixed end of the elastic arm 18. From another perspective, in the second direction Y, the fixed end and free end are arranged in the same order as the first and second limiting plate surfaces. This design allows the fiber optic adapter 2 to pass through the guide protrusion 21 of the pressure rib 19 first, and then through the pressure protrusion 20, during the insertion process. The guide protrusion 21 guides the fiber optic adapter 2 from the support plate 15 to the pressure protrusion 20 during insertion.

[0075] The top of the guide protrusion 21, located away from the elastic arm 18 in the third direction Z, is an inclined surface extending in the second direction Y. The end of this inclined surface near the pressing protrusion 20 is connected to the pressing contact surface, and the end away from the pressing protrusion 20 is connected to the surface of the first elastic arm. In other words, the tops of the guide protrusion 21 and the pressing protrusion 20, located away from the elastic arm 18 in the third direction Z, are flush at the connection point. As the guide protrusion 21 moves away from the pressing protrusion 20 in the second direction Y, its top gradually approaches the elastic arm 18 in the third direction Z, meaning its size relative to the elastic arm 18 gradually decreases in the third direction Z. This design facilitates the guiding effect on the fiber optic adapter 2.

[0076] The working principle of the connection structure 3 designed above is as follows:

[0077] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The fiber optic adapter 2 is pushed into the limiting port along the second direction Y on the pushing side of the limiting bracket 13, with the third side plate 7 and the support plate 15 in contact. During the pushing process, the fiber optic adapter 2 will contact the guide protrusion 21 on the elastic arm 18 and continue to be pushed on the guide protrusion 21, causing the elastic arm 18 to undergo elastic deformation in the third direction Z. During the pushing process, the limiting plates 17 in the two limiting structures 14 will squeeze the limiting springs 9 on both sides of the fiber optic adapter 2 until the free end of the limiting spring 9 passes the limiting plate 17.

[0078] After the limiting spring 9 passes the limiting plate 17, it will spring away from the limiting plate 17 in the first direction X. The limiting plate 17 will then block the limiting spring 9 in the second direction Y to prevent the fiber optic adapter 2 from coming out. After the limiting spring 9 passes the limiting plate 17, the first support plate surface of the limiting plate 17 contacts the first side ear plate surface of the side ear plate 10 to prevent the fiber optic adapter 2 from being pushed in further. During the above-mentioned pushing process, the limiting pin 16 extends into the limiting hole 11. After the limiting spring 9 passes the limiting plate 17, the fiber optic adapter 2 will also move to the pressing protrusion 20 through the guide protrusion 21. Under the action of the elastic force of the elastic arm 18, the pressing protrusion 20 applies a force along the third direction Z toward the fourth side plate 8 to the third side plate 7 of the fiber optic adapter 2. This force will press the limiting pin 16 and the limiting hole 11 together, thereby compensating for the fit gap between the limiting pin 16 and the limiting hole 11 and ensuring the reliability of the connection. Furthermore, this method has advantages such as simple structure, low cost, and ease of implementation; in addition, the use of elastic contact improves the reliability of the connection and can avoid the problem of hard interference affecting the installation and structural reliability.

[0079] To further improve the compensation effect of the pressure protrusion 20 on the mating gap between the fiber optic adapter 2 and the limiting bracket 13, the pressure protrusion 20 is disposed near the limiting pin 16 in the second direction Y. For example, in this embodiment, in the orthographic projection of a reference plane perpendicular to the third direction Z, the pressure protrusion 20 is at least partially located in the area between the two limiting pins 16.

[0080] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in the third direction Z, the size of the elastic arm 18 is smaller than the size of the support plate 15; the difference in size between the two should be greater than the maximum deformation of the elastic structure 12 when the pressing protrusion 20 presses against the fiber optic adapter 2. For example, the difference between the size of the elastic arm 18 and the size of the support plate 15 is 1 mm to 2 mm, for example, 1.5 mm; thereby preventing the elastic structure 12 from extending beyond the outer surface of the support plate 15 during elastic deformation.

[0081] The elastic structure 12 has been exemplarily described in the above embodiments, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the pressure rib 19 on the elastic arm 18 can be a single rib; in this case, the distance of the pressure rib 19 in the first direction X can be increased to improve the support effect of the pressure rib 19 on the fiber optic adapter 2. Three or more pressure ribs 19 can also be provided.

[0082] In some embodiments, the pressure rib 19 can also be replaced by a stepped protrusion; the function of the pressure rib 19 can also be achieved by utilizing the change in the thickness of the elastic arm 18 itself.

[0083] In some embodiments, the length direction of the elastic arm 18 may not be parallel to the second direction Y; in this case, the effect of elastically pressing against the fiber optic adapter 2 can still be achieved. If the elastic arm 18 is also provided with a guide protrusion 21, the guide protrusion 21 and the pressing protrusion 20 can be arranged in the second direction Y.

[0084] In some embodiments, the elastic structure 12 can also be implemented by a pressure spring provided on the side of the support plate 15 near the limiting bracket 13. One end of the pressure spring in the longitudinal direction is a fixed end connected to the support plate 15, and the other end is a suspended free end. In the third direction Z, the portion of the pressure spring near the free end is farther from the support plate 15 than the portion near the fixed end; the portion of the pressure spring near the free end is used to press against the side of the fiber optic adapter 2. The pressure spring can be designed with reference to the above embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0085] In addition, although the above description uses a square fiber optic adapter 2 as an example to illustrate the solution, based on the same design and principle, the elastic structure 12 provided in this application can be applied to compensate for the mating gap between the fiber optic adapter 2 of any shape and the limiting bracket 13.

[0086] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A connection structure (3) of an optical fiber adapter (2), characterized by, The connecting structure (3) comprises a support plate (15) and a limiting support (13) arranged on the support plate (15), the limiting support (13) comprises two limiting structures (14) oppositely arranged in a first direction (X), for limiting the side lug plate (10) and the limiting spring sheet (9) on both sides of the fiber adapter (2); The connecting structure (3) further comprises an elastic structure (12) arranged on the support plate (15), the elastic structure (12) is located between the two limiting structures (14); When the fiber adapter (2) is connected with the limiting support (13), the fiber adapter (2) is located between the two limiting structures (14), the side lug plate (10) and the limiting spring sheet (9) on the same side of the fiber adapter (2) are arranged on both sides of the limiting structure (14) along a second direction (Y); the elastic structure (12) is used for elastically pressing the side of the fiber adapter (2) along a third direction (Z); Wherein, the first direction (X), the second direction (Y) and the third direction (Z) are perpendicular to each other.

2. The connection structure (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The elastic structure (12) comprises an elastic arm (18) integrated with the support plate (15), one end of the elastic arm (18) in the length direction is a fixed end connected with the support plate (15), and the other end is a free end suspended; The elastic structure (12) further comprises a pressing protrusion (20), the pressing protrusion (20) is arranged on one side of the elastic arm (18) close to the limiting support (13), and is located close to the free end; the pressing protrusion (20) is used for pressing the side of the fiber adapter (2).

3. The connection structure (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that The pressing protrusion (20) is away from the top end of the elastic arm (18) along the third direction (Z), which is parallel to the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) plane.

4. The connection structure (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that The limiting structure (14) comprises a limiting plate (17) and a limiting pin (16), the limiting plate (17) comprises a first limiting plate surface and a second limiting plate surface oppositely arranged in the second direction (Y), and the limiting pin (16) is vertically arranged on the first limiting plate surface; the first limiting plate surface is used for contacting the side lug plate (10), and the limiting pin (16) is used for extending into the limiting hole (11) on the side lug plate (10); The length direction of the elastic arm (18) is parallel to the second direction (Y); in the second direction (Y), the fixed end and the free end have the same arrangement order as the first limiting plate surface and the second limiting plate surface.

5. The connection structure (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that In the second direction (Y), the pressing protrusion (20) is arranged close to the limiting pin (16).

6. The connection structure (3) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that In the orthographic projection of the reference plane perpendicular to the third direction (Z), the pressing protrusion (20) is at least partially located between the two limiting pins (16).

7. The connection structure (3) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The elastic structure (12) further comprises a guiding protrusion (21), which is arranged in the same order as the pressing protrusion (20) and the first and second limiting plate surfaces in the second direction (Y); The guiding protrusion (21) and the pressing protrusion (20) are arranged in connection in the second direction (Y), and at the connection position, the guiding protrusion (21) is flush with the pressing protrusion (20) in the third direction (Z); The size of the guiding protrusion (21) in the third direction (Z) gradually decreases during the process of moving away from the pressing protrusion (20) in the second direction (Y).

8. The connection structure (3) according to claim 7, characterized in that The elastic structure (12) further comprises a pressing rib (19) extending in the second direction (Y), which is arranged on the side of the elastic arm (18) close to the limiting support (13); The pressing protrusion (20) and the guiding protrusion (21) are different parts of the pressing rib (19) in the second direction (Y).

9. The connection structure (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that The elastic structure (12) comprises at least two pressing ribs (19) arranged in the first direction (X).

10. The connection structure (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that The support plate (15) comprises a first support plate surface and a second support plate surface arranged oppositely in the third direction (Z); the first support plate surface is located on the side close to the limiting support (13); In the third direction (Z), the size of the elastic arm (18) is smaller than the size of the support plate (15); and the surface of the elastic arm (18) close to the limiting support (13) is flush with the first support plate surface.

11. The connection structure (3) according to claim 10, characterized in that In the third direction (Z), the difference between the size of the elastic arm (18) and the size of the support plate (15) is 1mm to 2mm.

12. The connection structure (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The elastic structure (12) is a pressing spring plate arranged on the side of the support plate (15) close to the limiting support (13); one end of the pressing spring plate in the length direction is a fixed end connected with the support plate (15), and the other end is a free end hanging in the air; In the third direction (Z), the part of the pressing spring plate close to the free end is away from the support plate (15) relative to the part close to the fixed end; The part of the pressing spring plate close to the free end is used to press the side surface of the fiber optic adapter (2).

13. The connection structure (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The interference amount of the elastic structure (12) with the fiber optic adapter (2) is 0.3mm to 0.6mm.

14. An optical communication device, comprising: The connection structure (3) comprises a fiber optic adapter (2) and a support plate (15) arranged on the side of the limiting support (13) close to the fiber optic adapter (2).

15. The optical communication device of claim 14, wherein, The support plate (15) in the connection structure (3) is part of the shell of the optical communication equipment.

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