Optical fiber connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses an optical fiber connector, and belongs to the technical field of connectors. The optical fiber connector comprises a plug used for being connected with a socket; the plug comprises a plug housing which is provided with a plug pin hole used for installing an optical fiber pin; the plug pressing block is arranged in the plug shell and is used for limiting the optical fiber pin in the plug pin hole; the rear sleeve is connected with the plug shell and abuts against the plug pressing block; the connecting nut is arranged outside the plug shell in a sleeving manner, the connecting nut can be screwed with the socket through threads when rotating in the first direction, and the connecting nut can be separated from the socket when rotating in the second direction opposite to the first direction; the anti-loose shell can move in the front-back direction relative to the plug shell, and the front end of the anti-loose shell and the rear end of the connecting nut are provided with anti-loose ratchets which are meshed with each other so as to prevent the connecting nut from rotating in the second direction; the spring abuts against the anti-loosening shell towards the front side so that the anti-loosening ratchet can be kept at the meshing position. The optical fiber connector has an anti-loosening function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of connector technology, and more particularly to an optical fiber connector. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic connectors are devices that allow for detachable connections between optical fibers. By precisely mating the two end faces of the optical fibers together, they enable the optical energy output from the transmitting fiber to be coupled into the receiving fiber to the maximum extent.

[0003] Most existing miniaturized multi-core connectors use threads to connect plugs and sockets, lacking anti-loosening features. Their application environments are limited, and they are not suitable for outdoor environments with continuous high vibration and impact. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an optical fiber connector with an anti-loosening function.

[0005] A fiber optic connector includes: a plug for connecting to a socket; defining one end of the plug that connects to the socket as the front end of the plug, and the other end of the plug opposite to the front end as the rear end of the plug.

[0006] The plug includes:

[0007] The plug housing has a plug pin hole for installing fiber optic ferrules;

[0008] The plug clamp is installed inside the plug housing from the rear end and is used to limit the fiber optic ferrule within the plug pin hole;

[0009] The rear sleeve is connected to the plug housing and abuts against the rear end of the plug clamping block. A second limiting step is provided on the outer periphery of the rear sleeve.

[0010] A connecting nut is fitted onto the outside of the plug housing. When the connecting nut is rotated in the first direction, it can be tightened with the socket through the thread. When the connecting nut is rotated in the second direction opposite to the first direction, it can be separated from the socket.

[0011] The anti-loosening housing can move relative to the plug housing in the front-back direction. The front end of the anti-loosening housing and the rear end of the connecting nut are provided with interlocking anti-loosening ratchet teeth to prevent the connecting nut from rotating in the second direction. When the anti-loosening housing moves to the rear, the anti-loosening ratchet teeth separate. The inner wall of the anti-loosening housing is provided with a first limiting step.

[0012] A spring is installed between the plug housing and the anti-loosening housing and is limited between the first limiting step and the second limiting step. The spring presses the anti-loosening housing forward so that the anti-loosening ratchet remains in the engaged position.

[0013] In this technical solution, a plug clamp is used to confine the fiber optic ferrule within the plug pin hole of the plug housing. Multiple fiber optic ferrules can be mounted on the plug housing, thus achieving a multi-core plug structure. By incorporating interlocking anti-loosening ratchet teeth between the connecting nut and the anti-loosening housing, the connecting nut is prevented from rotating and loosening in the second direction. A spring that presses against the anti-loosening housing from the front ensures the anti-loosening ratchet teeth remain engaged.

[0014] This technical solution uses an anti-loosening shell to lock the connecting nut, thereby preventing the connecting nut on the plug from loosening in a vibrating environment and affecting the normal connection between the plug and the socket.

[0015] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the plug housing is provided with a protrusion, and the first limiting step is provided with a sliding groove extending in the front-back direction. The sliding groove is adapted to the protrusion so that the sliding groove can move relative to the protrusion in the front-back direction and prevent the sliding groove from rotating relative to the protrusion in the circumferential direction.

[0016] In this technical solution, when it is necessary to separate the plug and socket, the anti-loosening housing is moved backward. Due to the cooperation between the protrusion and the slide groove, the anti-loosening housing can be guided to move back and forth relative to the plug housing. After the external force acting on the anti-loosening housing disappears, the spring pushes the anti-loosening housing forward. Due to the cooperation between the protrusion and the slide groove, the anti-loosening housing can move forward stably.

[0017] Furthermore, the first limiting step is also provided with a stop groove, the front end of which is open and the rear end of which has a stop wall.

[0018] After the anti-loosening housing moves backward and disengages from the slide groove, rotating the anti-loosening housing allows the protrusion to enter the stop groove; the protrusion abuts against the stop wall to keep the anti-loosening housing and the connecting nut in the separated position.

[0019] In this technical solution, the protrusion on the plug housing abuts against the stop wall, which keeps the anti-loosening housing in a position separated from the connecting nut. At this time, the connecting nut can be separated from the socket without having to hold the anti-loosening housing in the separated position.

[0020] Furthermore, the chute and the stop groove are arranged circumferentially, and there is a partition wall between the chute and the stop groove to prevent the protrusion from returning to the chute from the stop groove.

[0021] In this technical solution, by setting a partition wall between the slide groove and the stop groove, the anti-loosening housing can be prevented from returning from the position separated from the connecting nut to the position where the connecting nut is locked.

[0022] Furthermore, the front end of the partition wall is located behind the front end face of the first limiting step.

[0023] In this technical solution, since the partition wall is relatively short in the front-to-back direction, the anti-loosening shell only needs to move a short distance backward and then rotate to maintain the separated position, which shortens the movement stroke of the anti-loosening shell and improves the operation efficiency.

[0024] Furthermore, the second limiting step abuts against the rear end of the plug housing.

[0025] In this technical solution, the second limiting step abuts against the rear end of the plug housing, which makes the connection gap between the plug housing and the rear sleeve in the front-rear direction relatively far from the fiber optic ferrule, thereby preventing dust from entering the fiber optic ferrule through the connection gap.

[0026] Furthermore, the inner wall of the connecting nut is provided with a third limiting step, and the outer periphery of the plug housing is provided with a fourth limiting step located in front of the third limiting step, which is used to prevent the connecting nut from coming out of the plug housing from the front end;

[0027] The outer periphery of the plug housing is provided with a recessed slot;

[0028] The plug also includes a retaining ring, which engages with the retaining groove and abuts against the rear end of the third limiting step to prevent the connecting nut from coming out of the plug housing from the rear end.

[0029] Furthermore, the plug clamp is provided with a through hole corresponding to the plug pin hole, for the optical fiber connected to the optical fiber ferrule to pass through. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an optical fiber connector according to some embodiments is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an optical fiber connector according to some embodiments is shown;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a plug according to some embodiments is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a plug according to some embodiments is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 A perspective view of a plug housing according to some embodiments is shown;

[0035] Figure 6 A perspective view of the locking housing according to some embodiments is shown;

[0036] Figure 7 A perspective view of the anti-loosening housing according to some other embodiments is shown;

[0037] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a socket according to some embodiments is shown;

[0038] Figure 9 A perspective view of a socket housing according to some embodiments is shown;

[0039] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of an optical fiber connector according to some other embodiments is shown;

[0040] Figure 11 A perspective view of a plug housing according to some other embodiments is shown.

[0041] In the above figures, 1. Plug; 11. Plug housing; 111. Plug pinhole; 112. Protrusion; 113. Fourth limiting step; 114. Slot; 115. Small diameter section; 116. Large diameter section; 117. Locating key; 118. Third mounting groove; 12. Connecting nut; 121. First anti-loosening ratchet; 122. Third limiting step; 13. Plug clamping block; 131. Through hole; 14. Rear sleeve; 141. Second limiting step; 142. First mounting groove; 143. Glue filling cavity; 15. Anti-loosening housing 151. Second anti-loosening ratchet; 152. First limiting step; 153. Slide groove; 154. Fixed stop groove; 155. Stop wall; 156. Partition wall; 16. Spring; 17. Snap ring; 18. First seal; 19. Plug sheath; 2. Socket; 21. Socket housing; 211. Receiving cavity; 212. Socket pin hole; 213. Second mounting groove; 214. Positioning groove; 215. Body section; 216. Outward expansion section; 22. Socket clamping block; 3. Fiber optic pin; 4. Optical cable; 5. Second seal. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives and implementation methods of this application clearer, the exemplary implementation methods of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the exemplary embodiments of this application. Obviously, the exemplary embodiments described are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0044] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0046] The embodiments of this application will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fiber optic connector according to an embodiment of this application includes a plug 1 and a socket 2 that can be connected and disconnected from each other.

[0048] The end of plug 1 that connects to socket 2 is defined as the front end of plug 1, and the end of plug 1 opposite to its front end is defined as the rear end of plug 1; the end of socket 2 that connects to plug 1 is defined as the front end of socket 2, and the end of socket 2 opposite to its front end is defined as the rear end of socket 2.

[0049] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The plug 1 includes a plug housing 11. The plug housing 11 is generally cylindrical, and its front end is used to insert into the socket 2.

[0050] The plug housing 11 has a plug pin hole 111 that extends through the front and rear of the plug housing 11 in the part near its front end. The plug pin hole 111 is used to install the fiber optic ferrule 3.

[0051] The plug 1 includes a connecting nut 12. The connecting nut 12 is generally cylindrical and is fitted onto the plug housing 11. The connecting nut 12 has a threaded structure for threaded connection with the socket housing 21 of the socket 2.

[0052] For example, the connecting nut 12 is provided with an internal thread, and the socket housing 21 is provided with an external thread. The connection between the connecting nut 12 and the socket housing 21 is achieved through the cooperation of the internal thread and the external thread.

[0053] The plug 1 includes a plug clamp 13. The plug clamp 13 is installed inside the plug housing 11 from the rear. The plug clamp 13 is used to limit the fiber optic ferrule 3 within the plug pin hole 11 to prevent the fiber optic ferrule 3 from dislodging from the rear of the plug housing 11.

[0054] The plug 1 includes a rear sleeve 14. The rear sleeve 14 is connected to the plug housing 11 and abuts against the rear end of the plug clamp 13. The rear sleeve 14 is used to limit the plug clamp 13 within the plug housing 11 to prevent the plug clamp 13 from coming out of the plug housing 11.

[0055] In some embodiments, a plurality of plug pin holes 111 may be provided on the plug housing 11 to install a plurality of fiber optic pins 3, thereby realizing a multi-core structure.

[0056] In some embodiments, a plug pin hole 111 may be provided on the plug housing 11. The cross-section of the plug pin hole 111 is a square hole, which is used to install the MT insert to realize a multi-core structure.

[0057] The plug 1 includes a locking housing 15. The locking housing 15 is connected to the rear end of the connecting nut 12 and is used to prevent the connecting nut 12 from loosening when the plug 1 is in the connected state.

[0058] The anti-loosening housing 15 is generally cylindrical, fitted over the plug housing 11, and located behind the connecting nut 12.

[0059] In some embodiments, see specific references. Figure 3 The anti-loosening shell 15 and the connecting nut 12 are prevented from loosening by meshing anti-loosening ratchet teeth.

[0060] Specifically, the connecting nut 12 is provided with a first anti-loosening ratchet 121, and the anti-loosening housing 15 is provided with a second anti-loosening ratchet 151. When the first anti-loosening ratchet 121 and the second anti-loosening ratchet 151 are engaged, they can prevent the connecting nut 12 from rotating in the direction of loosening.

[0061] The first direction is defined as the direction in which the connecting nut 12 is tightened onto the socket housing 21, and the second direction is the direction in which the connecting nut 12 is loosened from the socket housing 21. The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0062] For example, the first direction is clockwise, and the second direction is counterclockwise. When the connecting nut 12 is turned clockwise, it can be tightened onto the socket housing 21, and when the connecting nut 12 is turned counterclockwise, it can be loosened from the socket housing 21.

[0063] Along the circumference, the anti-loosening ratchet teeth are distributed alternately on gentle and steep slopes.

[0064] In the assembled state, the ratchet slope of the first anti-loosening ratchet 121 is located on the clockwise side of the ratchet slope; the ratchet slope of the second anti-loosening ratchet 151 is located on the counterclockwise side of the ratchet slope.

[0065] When the connecting nut 12 is turned clockwise to connect the plug 1 to the socket 2, the torque on the gentle slope side is small, causing the gentle slopes of the first anti-loosening ratchet 121 and the second anti-loosening ratchet 151 to move relative to each other. However, when the connecting nut 12 is turned counterclockwise to separate the plug 1 and the socket 2, the torque on the steep slope side is large, making it difficult for the first anti-loosening ratchet 121 to rotate relative to the second anti-loosening ratchet 151, thereby preventing the connecting nut 12 from loosening from the socket housing 21 and achieving the purpose of preventing loosening.

[0066] The anti-loosening housing 15 can move back and forth along the plug housing 11. When the anti-loosening housing 15 is moved backward, the anti-loosening ratchet separates, that is, the second anti-loosening ratchet 151 on the anti-loosening housing 15 separates from the first anti-loosening ratchet 121 on the connecting nut 12. At this time, without the obstruction of the anti-loosening housing 15, the connecting nut 12 can be rotated in the second direction to separate from the socket housing 21.

[0067] Specific reference Figure 4 The plug 1 includes a spring 16. The spring 16 is used to press the anti-loosening housing 15 forward so that the second anti-loosening ratchet 151 and the first anti-loosening ratchet 121 can remain in the engaged state.

[0068] In some embodiments, a first limiting step 152 is provided on the inner wall of the anti-loosening housing 15. A second limiting step 141 is provided on the outer periphery of the rear sleeve 14. The first limiting step 152 and the second limiting step 141 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction, with the first limiting step 152 located in front of the second limiting step 141.

[0069] Spring 16 is installed between plug housing 11 and anti-loosening housing 15. Spring 16 is located axially (front and back direction) between first limiting step 152 and second limiting step 141.

[0070] The front end of the spring 16 abuts against the first limiting step 152, thereby providing a forward force to the anti-loosening housing 15 provided with the first limiting step 152. The rear end of the spring 16 abuts against the second limiting step 141. Since the rear sleeve 14 provided with the second limiting step 141 is fixed in position relative to the plug housing 11, the rear end of the spring 16 remains stationary.

[0071] When the anti-loosening housing 15 is moved backward, the first limiting step 152 of the anti-loosening housing 15 compresses the spring 16 to the rear. When the force acting on the anti-loosening housing 15 disappears, the front end of the spring 16 moves forward to reset and pushes the anti-loosening housing 15 forward until the second anti-loosening ratchet 151 on the anti-loosening housing 15 contacts the first anti-loosening ratchet 121 on the connecting nut 12.

[0072] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6The outer periphery of the plug housing 11 is provided with a protrusion 112. The first limiting step 152 of the anti-loosening housing 15 is provided with a sliding groove 153 extending in the front-back direction. The sliding groove 153 is adapted to the protrusion 112 so that the sliding groove 153 can move relative to the protrusion 112 in the front-back direction and stop the sliding groove 153 from rotating relative to the protrusion 112 in the circumferential direction.

[0073] The cooperation between the slide groove 153 and the protrusion 112 can serve as a guide, guiding the back-and-forth movement of the anti-loosening housing 15 relative to the plug housing 11.

[0074] The engagement of the groove 153 and the protrusion 112 also prevents the groove 153 from rotating circumferentially relative to the protrusion 112, thus preventing the anti-loosening housing 15 from rotating relative to the plug housing 11. If the anti-loosening housing 15 could rotate relative to the plug housing 11, then when the connecting nut 12 rotates in the second direction and separates from the socket housing 21, the anti-loosening housing 15 will rotate along with the connecting nut 12 under the engagement of the anti-loosening ratchet 151, which would cause the anti-loosening function of the anti-loosening housing 15 against the connecting nut 12 to fail.

[0075] In some embodiments, the front end of the slide 153 is open. When assembling the anti-loosening housing 15, the anti-loosening housing 15 is slipped onto the rear end of the plug housing 11, and then the anti-loosening housing 15 is rotated so that the protrusion 112 on the plug housing 11 enters the front end of the slide 153, and then the anti-loosening housing 15 is pushed forward so that the anti-loosening ratchet engages.

[0076] The rear end of the slide 153 can be closed or open. In the current example, the slide 153 extends through the first limiting step 152 in the front-to-back direction.

[0077] If the positions of the groove 153 and the protrusion 112 are interchanged, i.e., the anti-loosening housing 15 has the protrusion 112 and the plug housing 11 has the groove 153. In one case, the groove 153 does not penetrate the side wall of the plug housing 11, and the groove 153 is countersunk in the plug housing 11. In order to ensure the effective fit between the groove 153 and the protrusion 112, the wall thickness of the plug housing 11 needs to be increased so that the groove 153 has sufficient radial depth, which increases the weight and cost of the plug housing 11. In another case, the groove 153 penetrates the side wall of the plug housing 11. In outdoor environments, dust can easily enter the plug housing 11 through the penetrated groove 153, thereby affecting the signal transmission performance of the fiber optic pin 3 inside the plug housing 11.

[0078] In this application, the protrusion 112 is only located in a local position of the plug housing 11, and it is not necessary to thicken the overall wall thickness of the plug housing 11; the groove 153 is set on the inner side of the anti-loosening housing 15, which can prevent dust, rainwater and other substances from entering the interior of the plug housing 11.

[0079] If the groove 153 and the protrusion 112 are located between the anti-loosening housing 15 and the rear sleeve 14, that is, the groove 153 is still located on the first limiting step 152 of the anti-loosening housing 15 and the protrusion 112 is located on the rear sleeve 14, then the radial connection gap between the rear sleeve 14 and the plug housing 11 is relatively close to the fiber optic ferrule 3. Dust, rainwater, etc. can easily spread to the fiber optic ferrule 3 through this connection gap, thereby affecting the fiber optic ferrule 3 inside the plug housing 11.

[0080] Therefore, in this application, the length of the plug housing 11 in the front-to-back direction is increased, and the length of the rear sleeve 14 is shortened, so that the radial connection gap between the plug housing 11 and the rear sleeve 14 is far away from the fiber optic ferrule 3.

[0081] In some embodiments, the front side of the second limiting step 141 on the rear sleeve 14 abuts against the rear end of the plug housing 11, thereby making the radial connection gap between the plug housing 11 and the rear sleeve 14 as far away from the fiber optic ferrule 3 as possible. In addition, the abutment of the second limiting step 141 against the plug housing 11 has a positioning function and can be used as a mark for the rear sleeve 14 to be installed in place on the plug housing 11, which is beneficial to the assembly work.

[0082] In some embodiments, in the front-rear direction, the front end face of the first limiting step 152 is spaced from the front end of the anti-loosening housing 15, and the first limiting step 152 does not extend to the front end of the anti-loosening housing 15. The thickness of the first limiting step 152 in the front-rear direction is not too large, which can reduce the weight of the anti-loosening housing 15 and lower material costs. If the distance between the front end of the first limiting step 152 and the front end of the anti-loosening housing 15 is relatively short, then the thickness of the first limiting step 152 in the front-rear direction is relatively large, which will increase the weight of the anti-loosening housing 15.

[0083] In some embodiments, in the front-rear direction, the distance from the rear end of the first limiting step 152 to the front end of the anti-loosening housing 15 is less than the distance from the rear end of the first limiting step 152 to the rear end of the anti-loosening housing 15. That is, in the front-rear direction, the first limiting step 152 is located closer to the front end of the anti-loosening housing 15. This provides sufficient installation space for the spring 16 connected to its rear side. In addition, the point of force of the spring 16 on the anti-loosening housing 15 is close to the front side of the anti-loosening housing 15, which allows the second anti-loosening ratchet 151 at the front end of the anti-loosening housing 15 to stably engage with the first anti-loosening ratchet 121. If the point of force of the spring 16 on the anti-loosening housing 15 is far away from the front end of the anti-loosening housing 15, then because the second anti-loosening ratchet 151 is far from the point of force, the anti-loosening housing 15 is prone to warping, resulting in some anti-loosening ratchets not being stably engaged.

[0084] When separating the plug 1 and the socket 2, the locking housing 11 needs to remain in the retracted position before unscrewing the connecting nut 12 from the socket 2. Therefore, continue referring to... Figure 6A locking groove 154 may be provided on the first limiting step 152. The front end of the locking groove 154 is open, and the rear end of the locking groove 154 has a stop wall 155. After the anti-loosening housing 15 moves backward and disengages from the slide groove 153, rotating the anti-loosening housing 15 allows the protrusion 112 to enter the locking groove 154; the protrusion 112 abuts against the stop wall 155 to keep the anti-loosening ratchet in the separated position.

[0085] The locking groove 154 can be arranged in the circumferential direction with the sliding groove 153. After moving the anti-loosening shell 15 backward and then rotating the anti-loosening shell 15 towards the locking groove 154, the protrusion 112 can enter the locking groove 154.

[0086] The locking groove 154 can be arranged adjacent to the sliding groove 153, so that only a slight rotation of the anti-loosening housing 15 is required.

[0087] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 7 A partition wall 156 is provided between the slide groove 153 and the stop groove 154 to prevent the protrusion 112 from returning from the stop groove 154 to the slide groove 153 when the anti-loosening ratchet is in the separated position, so as to prevent the anti-loosening ratchet from changing from the separated position back to the engaged position when the connecting nut 12 is not completely separated from the socket housing 21.

[0088] In some embodiments, the front end of the partition wall 156 is located behind the front end face of the first limiting step 152. In this way, the partition wall 156 is relatively short in the front-rear direction. Only a short distance needs to be moved rearward by the anti-loosening housing 15 so that the protrusion 112 can reach the front end of the partition wall 156, which can improve the operating efficiency.

[0089] In some embodiments, the slide groove 153 and the protrusion 112 are a plurality of those evenly distributed along the circumference, thereby ensuring a balanced and stable guiding effect. The locking groove 154 is a plurality of those corresponding to the slide groove 153, which can ensure the stability of the anti-loosening housing 15 when it is in the separated position.

[0090] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The inner wall of the connecting nut 12 is provided with a third limiting step 122, and the outer periphery of the plug housing 11 is provided with a fourth limiting step 113 located in front of the third limiting step 122, which is used to prevent the connecting nut 12 from coming out of the plug housing 11 from the front end.

[0091] The plug housing 11 has a recessed groove 114 on its outer periphery. The plug 1 may include a retaining spring 17, which is engaged in the groove 114. The retaining spring 17 can abut against the rear end of the third limiting step 122 to prevent the connecting nut 12 from coming out of the plug housing 11 from the rear end.

[0092] During assembly, the connecting nut 12 can be slipped onto the plug housing 11 from the rear, and then the snap ring 17 can be installed into the slot 114 to achieve the installation of the connecting nut 12 on the plug housing 11.

[0093] In some embodiments, the plug clamp 13 is provided with a through hole 131 corresponding to the plug pin hole 111. The plug clamp 13 is used to limit the fiber optic ferrule 3 in the plug pin hole 111 from the rear end, and the through hole 131 allows the fiber optic cable connected to the fiber optic ferrule 3 to pass through.

[0094] The front end of the rear sleeve 14 is threaded into the plug housing 11, and the rear sleeve 14 is used to limit the plug clamp 13 within the plug housing 11 from the rear end. The interior of the rear sleeve 14 is hollow, allowing optical fibers to pass through.

[0095] In common application scenarios, socket 2 is usually installed on the side wall of the equipment. The rear end of socket 2 is located inside the equipment, and the front end of socket 2 protrudes from the equipment. Plug 1 is connected to the front end of socket 2.

[0096] When fiber optic connectors are used in outdoor environments, plug 1 needs to be waterproof to prevent rainwater and other substances from entering the interior of plug 1.

[0097] Reference Figure 4 A first sealing element 18 is provided between the plug housing 11 and the rear sleeve 14 in the radial direction. The first sealing element 18 is deformed by the plug housing 11 and the rear sleeve 14, thereby achieving a seal between the plug housing 11 and the rear sleeve 14, preventing water from entering the plug housing 11 from the connection gap between the plug housing 11 and the rear sleeve 14 and affecting the fiber optic ferrule 3 inside the plug housing 11.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first seal 18 is mounted on the rear sleeve 14. The outer periphery of the rear sleeve 14 is provided with a first mounting groove 142. The first seal 18 is mounted in the first mounting groove 142.

[0099] In other embodiments, the first seal 18 is mounted on the plug housing 11.

[0100] The front end of the outer periphery of the rear sleeve 14 is provided with an external thread that connects to the plug housing 11, and the first mounting groove 142 is located on the rear side of the external thread.

[0101] The first seal 18 is positioned on the rear sleeve 14 near the second limiting step 141. This means the first seal 18 is relatively close to the rear end of the plug housing 11, which significantly reduces the friction time between the first seal 18 and the inner wall of the plug housing 11 during the rotational installation of the rear sleeve 14, thereby improving the service life of the first seal 18. Furthermore, the proximity of the first seal 18 to the rear end of the plug housing 11 effectively seals the rear end of the plug housing 11, preventing water from entering the plug housing 11 from the rear end.

[0102] In some embodiments, the second limiting step 141 forms the rear wall of the first mounting groove 142, which can make the plug 1 more compact in the front-rear direction.

[0103] In some embodiments, a potting cavity 143 is provided at the front position inside the rear sleeve 14. Potting glue in the potting cavity 143 can bond the optical fiber to the rear sleeve 14. In addition, filling the potting cavity 143 with glue can seal the rear sleeve 14 and prevent water from flowing from the rear sleeve 14 to the optical fiber ferrule 3.

[0104] In some embodiments, the plug 1 may include a plug sleeve 19. The front end of the plug sleeve 19 is fitted onto the rear end of the rear sleeve 14. The plug sleeve 19 is a rubber component that is interference-fitted with the rear sleeve 14 to seal the rear end of the sleeve 19.

[0105] The rear end of the plug sheath 19 is fitted over the optical cable 4 to prevent water from entering the plug 1 from the optical cable 4 connected to the rear end of the plug 1.

[0106] Reference Figure 8 The socket 2 includes a socket housing 21. The socket housing 21 forms the general appearance of the socket 2.

[0107] The socket housing 21 has a receiving cavity 211 located at the front of its interior. The front end of the plug housing 11 is inserted into the receiving cavity 211.

[0108] The socket housing 21 has a socket pin hole 212 that runs through the socket housing 21 from front to back in the middle of the front-to-back direction. The socket pin hole 212 is used to install the fiber optic ferrule 3.

[0109] The outer periphery of the socket housing 21 is provided with external threads for connection with the connecting nut 12 of the plug 1.

[0110] The socket 2 includes a socket clamp 22. The socket clamp 22 is installed inside the socket housing 21 from the rear. The socket clamp 22 is used to limit the fiber optic ferrule 3 within the socket pin hole 212 to prevent the fiber optic ferrule 3 from dislodging from the rear of the socket housing 21.

[0111] When plug 1 is connected to socket 2, the fiber optic pin 3 inside plug 1 mates with the fiber optic pin 3 inside socket 2, thereby enabling the transmission of fiber optic signals.

[0112] In some embodiments, a plurality of socket pinholes 212 may be provided on the socket housing 21 to install a plurality of fiber optic pins 3, thereby realizing a multi-core structure.

[0113] In some embodiments, a socket pinhole 212 may be provided on the socket housing 21. The socket pinhole 212 has a square cross-section and is used to install the MT insert to achieve a multi-core structure.

[0114] In some embodiments, when the socket 2 and the plug 1 are in a connected state, a second seal 5 is provided between the plug housing 11 and the socket housing 21 in the radial direction. The second seal 5 is compressed by the plug housing 11 and the socket housing 21, thereby sealing the space between the plug housing 11 and the socket housing 21 and preventing water from flowing from the connection between the plug housing 11 and the socket housing 21 to the fiber optic ferrule 3.

[0115] In some embodiments, the second seal 5 is disposed between the front end of the plug housing 11 and the socket housing 21.

[0116] The second seal 5 is connected to the rear end of the receiving cavity 211 of the socket housing 21. Specifically, the rear end of the receiving cavity 211 is provided with a second mounting groove 213. The second seal 5 is installed in the second mounting groove 213.

[0117] After the plug 1 and socket 2 are connected in place, the outer periphery of the front end of the plug 1 is inserted into the second seal 5. Water enters from the front end of the socket housing 21 and spreads backward along the inner wall of the socket housing 21. It is blocked after encountering the second seal 5, thereby preventing water from entering the interior of the plug housing 11 and the socket pinhole 212 of the socket 2.

[0118] Reference Figure 9 The inner wall of the socket housing 21 is provided with a positioning groove 214 located in front of the second mounting groove 213. The positioning groove 214 extends along the axial direction (front and back direction) of the socket 2.

[0119] Combination Figure 5 The portion of the plug housing 11 that inserts into the receiving cavity 211 includes a small-diameter section 115 and a large-diameter section 116. The outer diameter of the small-diameter section 115 is smaller than that of the large-diameter section 116 and it is located at the front end of the large-diameter section 116. The large-diameter section 116 is provided with a positioning key 117 that mates with the positioning groove 214. When the plug 1 is connected to the socket 2, the positioning key 117 of the plug housing 11 is aligned with the positioning groove 214 on the socket housing 21 and inserted. The engagement of the positioning key 117 and the positioning groove 214 guides the installation of the plug 1 into the socket 2, and the engagement of the positioning key 117 and the positioning groove 214 enables radial positioning of the plug housing 11 and the socket housing 21, so that the fiber optic ferrule 3 in the socket 1 can be aligned with the fiber optic ferrule 3 in the plug 1.

[0120] Combination Figure 2 When the plug 1 and the socket 2 are in the connected state, the small diameter section 115 is inserted into the inner ring of the second seal 5 and squeezes the second seal 5 to achieve a seal.

[0121] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 10 , Figure 11 The second seal 5 is disposed between the front end of the socket housing 21 and the plug housing 11.

[0122] The second seal 5 is connected to the middle of the plug housing 11 and is located in front of the fourth limiting step 113. Specifically, the outer periphery of the plug housing 11 is provided with a third mounting groove 118. The second seal 5 is installed in the third mounting groove 118.

[0123] After the plug 1 and socket 2 are connected in place, the front end of the socket housing 21 is fitted over the second seal 5. The second seal 5 seals the gap between the front end of the socket housing 21 and the plug housing 11, thereby preventing water from entering the socket housing 21 from the connection gap.

[0124] On the plug housing 11, the third mounting groove 118 is located between the positioning key 117 and the fourth limiting step 113. That is, the third mounting groove 118 is located behind the positioning key 117 and in front of the fourth limiting step 113.

[0125] Reference Figure 9 The socket housing 21 includes a body section 215 and an extension section 216. The extension section 216 is connected to the front end of the body section 215.

[0126] The main body section 215 is provided with a positioning groove 214. The inner diameter of the outer expansion section 216 is larger than the inner diameter of the main body section 215.

[0127] After the plug 1 and socket 2 are connected in place, the outward extension 216 corresponds to the outer peripheral side of the second seal 5.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first seal 18 may be an O-ring. The second seal 5 may be an O-ring.

[0129] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0130] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the described embodiments and various different variations of embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector, characterized by, Includes a plug for connecting to a socket; the end of the plug that connects to the socket is defined as the front end of the plug, and the end of the plug opposite to the front end is defined as the rear end of the plug; The plug includes: The plug housing has a plug pin hole for installing fiber optic ferrules; A plug clamp is installed inside the plug housing from the rear end to limit the fiber optic ferrule within the plug pin hole; The rear sleeve is connected to the plug housing and abuts against the rear end of the plug clamping block; a second limiting step is provided on the outer periphery of the rear sleeve. A connecting nut is fitted onto the outside of the plug housing. When the connecting nut rotates in a first direction, it can be tightened with the socket through threads. When the connecting nut rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, it can be separated from the socket. The anti-loosening housing is movable relative to the plug housing in the front-back direction. The front end of the anti-loosening housing and the rear end of the connecting nut are provided with interlocking anti-loosening ratchet teeth to prevent the connecting nut from rotating in the second direction. When the anti-loosening housing moves to the rear, the anti-loosening ratchet teeth are separated. The inner wall of the anti-loosening housing is provided with a first limiting step. A spring is installed between the plug housing and the anti-loosening housing and is limited between the first limiting step and the second limiting step. The spring presses the anti-loosening housing forward so that the anti-loosening ratchet is kept in the engaged position.

2. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein, The outer periphery of the plug housing is provided with a protrusion, and the first limiting step is provided with a sliding groove extending in the front-back direction. The sliding groove is adapted to the protrusion so that the sliding groove can move relative to the protrusion in the front-back direction and prevent the sliding groove from rotating relative to the protrusion in the circumferential direction.

3. The fiber optic connector of claim 2, wherein, The first limiting step is also provided with a stop groove, the front end of the stop groove is open, and the rear end of the stop groove has a stop wall; After the anti-loosening housing moves backward and disengages from the slide groove, rotating the anti-loosening housing allows the protrusion to enter the stop groove; the protrusion abuts against the stop wall to keep the anti-loosening housing and the connecting nut in a separate position.

4. The fiber optic connector of claim 3, wherein, The chute and the stop groove are arranged circumferentially, and there is a partition wall between the chute and the stop groove to prevent the protrusion from returning from the stop groove to the chute.

5. The fiber optic connector of claim 4, wherein, The front end of the partition wall is located behind the front end face of the first limiting step.

6. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein, The second limiting step abuts against the rear end of the plug housing.

7. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein, The inner wall of the connecting nut is provided with a third limiting step, and the outer periphery of the plug housing is provided with a fourth limiting step located in front of the third limiting step, which is used to prevent the connecting nut from coming out of the plug housing from the front end; The outer periphery of the plug housing is provided with a recessed slot; The plug also includes: A retaining ring is engaged in the retaining groove. The retaining ring can abut against the rear end of the third limiting step to prevent the connecting nut from coming out of the plug housing from the rear end.

8. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein, The plug clamp has a through hole corresponding to the plug pin hole, for the optical fiber connected to the optical fiber pin to pass through.

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