Optical fiber push-pull self-locking connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses an optical fiber push-pull self-locking type connector, which comprises a plug and a socket, the plug comprises an inner sleeve, a first optical core assembly is arranged in the inner sleeve, and the outer wall of the inner sleeve is sleeved with a clamping assembly; the socket comprises a shell, a second optical core assembly is arranged in the shell, a clamping groove is formed in the inner wall of the shell, when the plug and the socket are connected in an inserted mode, the clamping assembly is clamped in the clamping groove, and the first optical core assembly is connected to the second optical core assembly in an inserted mode. According to the technical scheme, the installation convenience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to a fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of optical communication systems, fiber optic connectors are widely used in data centers, industrial automation, medical equipment, and other fields. Their performance directly affects the stability of signal transmission and the ease of equipment operation.

[0003] In existing technologies, common fiber optic connectors (such as LC and SC types) mostly adopt threaded tightening or snap-on locking structures. Threaded connectors require multiple rotations to secure them, making the operation cumbersome; while snap-on connectors require both hands, making single-handed operation difficult and prone to accidental unlocking due to accidental contact. However, in confined spaces or blind-fit scenarios (such as medical endoscopes and back-of-rack cabling), these locking structures make it difficult for operators to quickly complete the connection, leading to increased installation time. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector, which aims to improve the ease of installation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector, comprising a plug and a socket. The plug includes an inner sleeve containing a first optical core assembly, and a snap-fit ​​assembly is fitted onto the outer wall of the inner sleeve. The socket includes a housing containing a second optical core assembly, and a snap-fit ​​groove is formed on the inner wall of the housing. When the plug and socket are plugged in, the snap-fit ​​assembly snaps into the snap-fit ​​groove, and the first optical core assembly is plugged into the second optical core assembly.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the snap-fit ​​assembly includes an intermediate sleeve and an outer sleeve. The main body of the intermediate sleeve is provided with a plurality of spring tabs that are partially separated from the intermediate sleeve, and the ends of the spring tabs are provided with protrusions. The outer sleeve is fitted onto the outer wall of the intermediate sleeve, and the outer sleeve is provided with notches corresponding to the protrusions, so that the protrusions protrude from the outside of the outer sleeve. When the plug and socket are plugged in, the protrusions snap into the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the outer wall of the outer casing is further provided with a limiting protrusion, and the inner wall of the outer casing is provided with a limiting groove. When the plug and socket are connected, the limiting protrusion is inserted into the limiting groove.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first optical core assembly is further fitted with a retaining ring, which is inserted into the inner sleeve, and the outer wall of the inner sleeve is further fitted with a retaining ring.

[0009] In one possible implementation, a wire clamp is also provided at one end of the first optical core assembly, and a portion of the wire clamp is inserted into the inner sleeve.

[0010] In one possible implementation, one end of the inner sleeve is screwed with a tail cap, which covers the wire clamp.

[0011] In one possible implementation, a sealing ring and a shielding ring are also provided between the wire clamp and the tail cap.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the plug and socket are respectively provided with positioning grooves.

[0013] This utility model's technical solution uses a snap-fit ​​component set on the outer wall of the plug, which works in conjunction with the snap-fit ​​groove on the inner wall of the socket. It can automatically snap and lock at the end of the insertion process simply by pushing it in axially, without the need for additional rotation or tool intervention. It achieves a "push-in and lock" self-locking function, and the connection can be completed quickly with one hand, improving construction efficiency and operational safety. It is especially suitable for confined spaces and emergency repair scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the plug of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of an embodiment of the plug of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the socket of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the structure of an embodiment of the socket of this utility model.

[0019] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0020] 10. Plug; 11. Inner sleeve; 12. First optical core assembly; 13. Snap-fit ​​assembly; 131. Intermediate sleeve; 1311. Spring piece; 1312. Protrusion; 132. Outer sleeve; 1321. Notch; 1322. Limiting protrusion; 14. Snap ring; 141. Retaining ring; 15. Wire clamp; 16. Tail cap; 17. Sealing ring; 18. Shielding ring; 20. Socket; 21. Outer shell; 211. Snap-fit ​​groove; 212. Limiting groove; 22. Second optical core assembly; 30. Positioning groove.

[0021] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0023] In response to the problems in the background art, and in conjunction with reference Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector proposed in this utility model includes a plug 10 and a socket 20. The plug 10 includes an inner sleeve 11, in which a first optical core assembly 12 is disposed. A snap-fit ​​assembly 13 is fitted onto the outer wall of the inner sleeve 11. The socket 20 includes a housing 21, in which a second optical core assembly 22 is disposed. A snap-fit ​​groove 211 is formed on the inner wall of the housing 21. When the plug 10 and the socket 20 are plugged in, the snap-fit ​​assembly 13 snaps into the snap-fit ​​groove 211, and the first optical core assembly 12 is plugged into the second optical core assembly 22.

[0024] In this embodiment, the plug 10 can be made of an integrally molded engineering plastic inner sleeve 11. The inner wall is ultrasonically welded to fix the ceramic sleeve and coaxial single-mode optical fiber, and the end face of the ceramic sleeve is chamfered and polished at 8° to reduce reflection loss. The outer wall of the inner sleeve 11 is equipped with a snap-fit ​​assembly 13 consisting of a stainless steel spring 1311 and a preloaded spring. The spring 1311 protrudes in the non-stressed state to achieve a self-locking engagement with the socket 20. The socket 20 is made of an aluminum alloy CNC machined and anodized shell 21. The inner wall of the shell 21 has a snap-fit ​​groove 211 that matches the shape of the snap-fit ​​assembly 13, and a guide structure is provided to ensure that the spring 1311 is accurately embedded. The front end of the shell 21 is coaxially assembled with a ceramic mating sleeve, an O-ring seal 17, and a locking nut that precisely match the ceramic sleeve of the plug 10. An end gap of about 0.2mm is left between the two sleeves to compensate for thermal expansion caused by temperature changes. In use, the plug 10 is pushed axially into the inner cavity of the socket 20. The ceramic sleeve automatically centers under the action of the guide structure. The snap-fit ​​component 13 is compressed and reset after passing through the snap-fit ​​groove 211 entrance, achieving reliable self-locking with an insertion force ≤20N and a pull-out force ≥30N. When pulled in the opposite direction, the spring piece 1311 is pushed open along the inner wall slope, completing the "one push self-locking, one pull self-disengaging" operation.

[0025] Combined with reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in one possible implementation, the snap-fit ​​assembly 13 includes an intermediate sleeve 131 and an outer sleeve 132. The main body of the intermediate sleeve 131 is provided with a plurality of spring tabs 1311 that are partially separated from the intermediate sleeve 131. The end of each spring tab 1311 is provided with a protrusion 1312. The outer sleeve 132 is fitted onto the outer wall of the intermediate sleeve 131. The outer sleeve 132 is provided with a notch 1321 corresponding to the protrusion 1312, so that the protrusion 1312 protrudes out of the outer sleeve 132. When the plug 10 and the socket 20 are plugged in, the protrusion 1312 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove 211.

[0026] In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​assembly 13 is composed of an outer sleeve 132 sleeved on the outer wall of the intermediate sleeve 131 and the intermediate sleeve 131 coaxial with it. The main body of the intermediate sleeve 131 is formed with multiple spring pieces 1311 separated from the main body by laser cutting or stamping process. Each spring piece 1311 extends outward at its end and is provided with a symmetrical protrusion 1312. The outer sleeve 132 is a thin-walled annular sleeve with notches 1321 on its wall surface that correspond one-to-one with the protrusions 1312 of the spring pieces 1311 of the intermediate sleeve 131, so that under normal conditions, the protrusions 1312 of the spring pieces 1311 protrude outward from the corresponding notches 1321. When the plug 10 is pushed axially into the inner cavity of the socket 20, the spring piece 1311 is compressed and retracted under the action of the guide structure. After the ceramic mating sleeve is precisely aligned and in place, the spring piece 1311 quickly resets, and the protrusion 1312 directly engages with the positioning step in the snap-fit ​​groove 211 on the inner wall of the socket 20 through the notch 1321 of the outer sleeve 132, achieving mechanical self-locking. This structure separates the spring piece 1311, which bears the elastic force, from the wear-resistant protective outer sleeve 132, ensuring the rebound performance and positioning accuracy of the spring piece 1311, while reducing direct wear between the outer sleeve 132 and the inner wall of the socket 20, improving the durability and repeated insertion and removal life of the connector, while maintaining the stability and controllability of the insertion and removal forces.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the outer wall of the outer casing 132 is further provided with a limiting protrusion 1322, and the inner wall of the outer casing 21 is provided with a limiting groove 212. When the plug 10 and the socket 20 are plugged in and connected, the limiting protrusion 1322 is inserted into the limiting groove 212.

[0028] In this embodiment, in conjunction with reference Figure 2 As shown, the outer wall of the outer sleeve 132 of the snap-fit ​​assembly 13 is provided with equally spaced limiting protrusions 1322, and the inner wall of the outer shell 21 of the socket 20 is provided with a limiting groove 212 that matches the shape of the limiting protrusions 1322. When the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20 axially, the limiting protrusions 1322 enter the limiting groove 212. This not only provides preliminary positioning of the insertion depth before the spring tab 1311 protrusion 1312 engages, preventing excessive pushing and collision of the optical core assembly, but also locks the rotational position of the plug 10 through the engagement of the limiting protrusions 1322 and the limiting groove 212, ensuring that the ceramic sleeve always maintains the best optical alignment angle. This structure, while achieving the function of "one push to self-lock, one pull to self-release", further improves the installation accuracy and anti-torsion performance of the connector, reduces micro-displacement caused by vibration or external force, and thus enhances the reliability and service life of the entire fiber optic connector.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first optical core assembly 12 is further fitted with a retaining ring 14, the retaining ring 14 being inserted into the inner sleeve 11, and the outer wall of the inner sleeve 11 is further fitted with a retaining ring 141.

[0030] Combined with reference Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector also adds a retaining ring 14 and a retaining ring 141 structure for axial positioning and anti-displacement of the first optical core assembly 12 inside the inner sleeve 11 of the plug 10: the end of the first optical core assembly 12 is fitted with a stainless steel retaining ring 14, and the outer edge of the retaining ring 14 is provided with a snap stop corresponding to the inner wall of the inner sleeve 11. By inserting the retaining ring 14 into the end slot of the inner sleeve 11, the precise axial positioning of the optical core assembly is achieved and its backward displacement is prevented during insertion and removal; at the same time, a retaining ring 141 made of elastic material (such as POM or silicone rubber) is fitted on the outer wall of the inner sleeve 11. The retaining ring 141 forms an interference fit with the inner sleeve 11 and the outer sleeve 132, which not only provides additional lateral limiting and anti-torsional support for the retaining ring 14 and the optical core assembly, but also has the function of end face dustproof sealing. The combination structure of the retaining ring 14 and retaining ring 141 effectively improves the stability and coaxial alignment accuracy of the optical core assembly under vibration, impact or repeated insertion and removal conditions, simplifies the assembly process and enhances the reliability and service life of the connector.

[0031] In one possible implementation, a wire clamp 15 is also provided at one end of the first optical core assembly 12, and a portion of the wire clamp 15 is inserted into the inner sleeve 11.

[0032] Combined with reference Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, one end of the first optical core assembly 12 is further provided with a clamp 15. The clamp 15 can be made of stainless steel or reinforced plastic, and has a C-shaped or U-shaped opening structure. It is partially inserted into the reserved slot or hole of the inner sleeve 11 and fixed by interference fit or elastic buckle. The optical fiber sheath is clamped at the opening of the clamp 15, providing stress relief: when the optical cable is subjected to tension, the clamp 15 first bears and disperses the external force, preventing the tension from acting directly on the ceramic sleeve and the optical fiber end face, thereby effectively protecting the optical path alignment accuracy and end face polishing quality. The clamp 15 can be used in conjunction with the elastic sealing ring 17 to achieve anti-pull-out and dustproof / waterproof sealing functions for the optical cable.

[0033] In one possible implementation, one end of the inner sleeve 11 is screwed with a tail cap 16, which covers the wire clamp 15.

[0034] In this embodiment, a tail cap 16 is added to the rear end of the inner sleeve 11 of the plug 10 to further protect the cable clamp 15 and the fiber optic interface. The rear end of the inner sleeve 11 is machined with an internal thread structure, which mates with the external thread of the tail cap 16. The tail cap 16 is tightened onto the inner sleeve 11 by screwing. The tail cap 16 is made of metal or engineering plastic, and an elastic rubber sealing ring 17 is embedded on the inner side of the cover. When the tail cap 16 is tightened, the sealing ring 17 presses against the cable clamp 15 and the optical cable sheath, achieving full coverage protection for the cable clamp 15 and dustproof and waterproof sealing for the rear end of the plug 10. The tail cap 16 has a reserved limiting step inside that corresponds to the shape of the cable clamp 15 to ensure that the cable clamp 15 will not move backward during assembly, and at the same time, it can provide sufficient locking force while avoiding excessive squeezing force on the cable clamp 15.

[0035] In one possible implementation, a sealing ring 17 and a shielding ring 18 are further provided between the wire clamp 15 and the tail cap 16.

[0036] In this embodiment, an O-ring 17 made of fluororubber and a shielding ring 18 made of nickel-plated copper ring are added between the tail cap 16 and the wire clamp 15. The sealing ring 17 is located inside the tail cap 16 and close to the upper end of the wire clamp 15. It is pressed onto the axial limiting step between the tail cap 16 and the wire clamp 15. When the tail cap 16 is tightened, the sealing ring 17 is compressed and deformed, achieving all-round dustproof and waterproof sealing at the interface of the wire clamp 15. The shielding ring 18 is sleeved on the outside of the sealing ring 17 and forms a coaxial structure with the tail cap 16 and the inner sleeve 11. It adopts a ring elastic contact design, which can be tightly attached to the inner sleeve 11 and the inner wall of the outer shell 21 by micro-elastic force after the tail cap 16 is tightened, forming a continuous Faraday shielding path. This effectively isolates external electromagnetic interference, ensures stable transmission of optical fiber signals in high-frequency switching environments, and further enhances the reliability and long service life of the connector under outdoor high electromagnetic noise and complex climatic conditions.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the plug 10 and the socket 20 are respectively provided with positioning grooves 30.

[0038] In this embodiment, positioning grooves 30 are respectively provided in the structural design of the plug 10 and the socket 20 to ensure precise angular alignment and stable optical path cooperation during the insertion process. The outer surface of the plug 10 has a narrow, elongated V-shaped, semi-circular, or circular positioning groove 30 along the axial direction. The inner wall of the socket 20 can also be provided with corresponding guide ribs or tongue structures of matching shape and position. When the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20, the guide ribs automatically slide into the positioning groove 30 of the plug 10, achieving angular limiting and directional correction between the plug 10 and the socket 20, thereby avoiding misalignment of the optical core components or insufficient end-face contact due to rotational deviation. This positioning groove 30 structure not only improves the coaxial accuracy of the fiber end-face contact but also significantly reduces the fluctuation of insertion and extraction losses caused by improper operating angles, ensuring the stability of insertion loss and return loss during long-term use. Simultaneously, the positioning groove 30 can also serve as an assembly guidance auxiliary structure, improving on-site installation efficiency, and is particularly suitable for applications such as communication systems requiring rapid deployment and data centers with high docking accuracy requirements.

[0039] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they 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. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector, characterized in that, The device includes a plug and a socket. The plug includes an inner sleeve containing a first optical core assembly, and a snap-fit ​​assembly is fitted onto the outer wall of the inner sleeve. The socket includes a outer shell containing a second optical core assembly, and a snap-fit ​​groove is formed on the inner wall of the outer shell. When the plug and socket are plugged in, the snap-fit ​​assembly snaps into the snap-fit ​​groove, and the first optical core assembly is plugged into the second optical core assembly.

2. The fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​assembly includes an intermediate sleeve and an outer sleeve. The main body of the intermediate sleeve is provided with a plurality of spring tabs that are partially separated from the intermediate sleeve, and the ends of the spring tabs are provided with protrusions. The outer sleeve is fitted onto the outer wall of the intermediate sleeve, and the outer sleeve is provided with a notch corresponding to the protrusions so that the protrusions out of the outer sleeve. When the plug and socket are connected, the protrusions are snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove.

3. The fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer wall of the outer casing is also provided with a limiting protrusion, and the inner wall of the outer casing is provided with a limiting groove. When the plug and socket are connected, the limiting protrusion is inserted into the limiting groove.

4. The fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first optical core assembly is also fitted with a retaining ring, which is inserted into the inner sleeve, and a retaining ring is fitted onto the outer wall of the inner sleeve.

5. The fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the first optical core assembly is also provided with a wire clamp, and part of the wire clamp is inserted into the inner sleeve.

6. The fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, One end of the inner sleeve is screwed with a tail cap, which covers the wire clamp.

7. The fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, A sealing ring and a shielding ring are also provided between the wire clamp and the tail cap.

8. The fiber optic push-pull self-locking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plug and socket are respectively provided with positioning grooves.

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