An angle-adjustable fiber optic adapter

The fiber optic adapter with hinge and positioning tooth structure solves the problems of fixed angle and cumbersome connection of traditional adapters, realizes flexible adjustment and stability of fiber optic connection, and improves signal transmission quality and equipment life.

CN224328263UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-05GUANGDONG CHENYANG COMMUNICATION ELECTRONICS CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG CHENYANG COMMUNICATION ELECTRONICS CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-09-02
Publication Date
2026-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional fiber optic adapters have a fixed angle, making them unsuitable for diverse installation environments. Their connection structures are cumbersome and susceptible to interference from external impurities, affecting signal transmission quality and system stability.

Method used

An adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter was designed, which achieves angle adjustment through a hinge and positioning tooth structure. Combined with a protective hose and sealing gasket, it ensures connection stability and sealing, and reduces signal loss.

Benefits of technology

It enables flexible adjustment and stability of fiber optic connections, reduces signal loss, improves installation convenience and signal transmission continuity, and extends equipment lifespan.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224328263U_ABST
    Figure CN224328263U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model discloses an angle adjustable optical fiber adapter relates to optical fiber adapter technical field. The angle adjustable optical fiber adapter, and the both ends of adapter are all seted up with the slot, and the slot is in accord with the bolt, and the top of connector is seted up with the connection port, and the fiber head is seted up in the connection port, and the both ends of the adapter of first optical fiber and second optical fiber are all fixedly connected with fixed plate, and the hinge is rotatably connected between fixed plate, and a plurality of positioning tooth is fixedly connected on the hinge, and the V type groove is seted up on the one end of fixed plate and hinge connection, and two adapters are rotatably connected with the hinge through the fixed plate of both ends, and first optical fiber and second optical fiber can rotate around the hinge relatively, thereby realizing the adjustment of the connection angle, and the V type groove seted up on the fixed plate is in accord with a plurality of positioning tooth fixedly connected on the hinge, and when adjusting to the angle required, the positioning tooth will be clamped into the corresponding V type groove, and forms the stable positioning.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fiber optic adapter technology, and in particular to an adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter. Background Technology

[0002] As optical fiber communication technology continues to develop, optical fiber adapters, as key components for enabling detachable connections between optical fibers, directly affect the transmission quality of optical signals and the stability of the system. However, traditional optical fiber adapters have many limitations in practical applications and are difficult to meet the needs of complex scenarios.

[0003] Traditional fiber optic adapters typically have a fixed angle and cannot be flexibly adjusted according to the actual installation environment. During fiber optic cabling, due to factors such as spatial layout and equipment location, fiber optic cables often need to form connections at specific angles. However, fixed-angle adapters are difficult to adapt to diverse angle requirements, leading to cabling difficulties and even requiring additional adapter components. This not only increases system complexity but may also introduce additional signal loss.

[0004] Meanwhile, the connection structure design of traditional adapters is not optimized enough, the installation and disassembly process is relatively cumbersome, some products lack precise positioning structure, and the connection is prone to misalignment, which affects the transmission efficiency of optical signals. In addition, the connection sealing is not good, and external dust, moisture and other impurities can easily enter the connection part, causing signal transmission to be interfered with, or even causing fiber end face contamination, which increases maintenance costs and difficulty.

[0005] Based on the technical pain points of traditional fiber optic adapters in terms of angle adaptability, connection convenience and reliability, and signal transmission protection, the development of a fiber optic adapter with adjustable angle function, while ensuring stable connection, efficient signal transmission, and convenient installation and maintenance, has become an urgent need in the industry to meet the increasingly complex installation and usage requirements of fiber optic communication systems. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide an adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter, comprising a first fiber and a second fiber, characterized in that: the first fiber and the second fiber are arranged opposite to each other, and both are fixedly connected to a connector; the connector has a fiber tip fixed at its top, a retaining ring fixed around its periphery, and pins fixed at both its upper and lower ends.

[0008] The connector has an adapter at its front end, and the adapter has slots at its upper and lower ends that fit the pin. The connector has a connection port at its top end, and the fiber optic connector is placed inside the connection port.

[0009] A protective flexible tube is fixed between the connection ports of the two adapters, and a connecting optical fiber is fixed inside the protective flexible tube. After installation, the fiber ends in the two connection ports are aligned with the connecting optical fiber. Anti-slip pads are fixed at both ends of the adapter, and a sealing gasket is provided at its opening. After the adapter and connector are installed, the sealing gasket fits into the retaining ring.

[0010] The first and second optical fibers are both fixed with fixing plates at their upper and lower ends. The fixing plates are rotatably connected by a hinge. Several positioning teeth are fixed on the hinge. A V-groove is opened at the end of the fixing plate connected to the hinge. A soft pad is fixed between the adapters.

[0011] Preferably, the protective hose is a flexible metal braided hose.

[0012] Preferably, the surface of the anti-slip pad is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0013] Preferably, the sealing gasket is made of rubber.

[0014] Preferably, the fixing plate is fixedly connected to the adapter by bolts.

[0015] Preferably, the positioning teeth are evenly distributed on the hinge.

[0016] Preferably, a sealing gasket is provided at the opening of the adapter, and the sealing gasket fits against the retaining ring after the adapter and connector are installed.

[0017] Preferably, a V-shaped groove is provided on the end of the fixing plate that is connected to the hinge, and the V-shaped groove is engaged with the positioning teeth.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0019] 1. In terms of angle adjustment and positioning, the two adapters are rotatably connected to the hinge via upper and lower fixing plates, allowing the first and second optical fibers to rotate relative to each other around the hinge, thereby adjusting the connection angle. Several positioning teeth fixedly connected to the hinge engage with the V-grooves on the fixing plate. When the desired angle is reached, the positioning teeth will engage in the corresponding V-grooves, forming a stable position and preventing angle deviation during use, thus ensuring the stability of the optical fiber connection. At the same time, the soft pads fixedly connected between the adapters reduce direct friction and collision between the two adapters during angle adjustment, providing buffering and protection and preventing the components from being worn down over time, thus affecting their service life.

[0020] 2. This adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter features a fiber optic tip located at the top of the connector port. The two connector ports are connected via a connecting fiber optic cable within a protective flexible tube. After installation, the fiber optic tips in both ports are precisely aligned with the connecting fiber optic cable. This design ensures that optical signals can be smoothly transmitted from the tip of the first fiber optic cable to the tip of the second fiber optic cable, or vice versa, guaranteeing the continuity and stability of optical signal transmission, reducing signal loss, and providing excellent protection for the connecting fiber optic cable from external forces such as compression and pulling, thus ensuring its normal signal transmission function. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of an adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter according to the present invention.

[0026] Reference numerals: 1. First optical fiber; 2. Second optical fiber; 3. Connector; 4. Retaining ring; 5. Adapter connector; 6. Pin; 7. Slot; 8. Anti-slip pad; 9. Sealing gasket; 10. Fiber end; 11. Connection port; 12. Protective flexible tube; 13. Connecting optical fiber; 14. Fixing plate; 15. V-groove; 16. Hinge; 17. Positioning tooth; 18. Soft pad. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This section will describe in detail the specific embodiments of the present utility model. The preferred embodiments of the present utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and the overall technical solution of the present utility model, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, terms such as greater than, less than, and exceeding are understood to exclude the stated number, while terms such as above, below, and within are understood to include the stated number. The use of terms like "first" and "second" is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the quantity or sequence of the indicated technical features.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0031] Please see Figure 1-4 This utility model provides a technical solution: an adjustable-angle optical fiber adapter, including a first optical fiber 1 and a second optical fiber 2, the first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2 are arranged opposite to each other, and a connector 3 is fixedly connected to both the first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2.

[0032] A fiber head 10 is fixedly connected to the top of the connector 3, a retaining ring 4 is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the connector 3, and pins 6 are fixedly connected to both the upper and lower ends of the connector 3.

[0033] The connector 3 is provided with an adapter 5 at the front end. The adapter 5 has slots 7 at both the top and bottom. The slots 7 fit with the pins 6. The connector 3 has a connection port 11 at the top. The fiber head 10 is located in the connection port 11.

[0034] In terms of connection and fixation, the first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2 are connected to the adapter 5 through their respective connectors 3. The pin 6 on the connector 3 is engaged with the slot 7 on the adapter 5. Through the precise cooperation between the pin 6 and the slot 7, the positioning and installation of the connector 3 and the adapter 5 can be completed quickly, ensuring the accuracy of the connection between the two.

[0035] A protective flexible tube 12 is fixedly connected between the connection ports 11 on the two adapters 5. A connecting optical fiber 13 is fixedly connected in the protective flexible tube 12. The fiber heads 10 in the two connection ports 11 are aligned with the connecting optical fiber 13 after installation.

[0036] The adapter 5 is fixedly connected to anti-slip rubber pads 8 at both ends, and a sealing gasket 9 is provided at the opening of the adapter 5. After the adapter 5 and the connector 3 are installed, the sealing gasket 9 fits into the retaining ring 4.

[0037] The retaining ring 4 on connector 3 fits tightly against the sealing gasket 9 at the opening of adapter 5. The sealing gasket 9 effectively prevents external dust, moisture, and other impurities from entering the connection area, ensuring a clean fiber optic connection environment and preventing impurities from interfering with optical signal transmission. In addition, the anti-slip rubber pads 8 on both ends of adapter 5 increase friction when gripping, facilitating installation and disassembly, and also provide some cushioning protection when the adapter is subjected to minor impacts.

[0038] The adapter connectors 5 of the first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2 are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the fixed plate 14. The fixed plate 14 is rotatably connected to the hinge 16. Several positioning teeth 17 are fixedly connected to the hinge 16. A V-groove 15 is opened on the end of the fixed plate 14 connected to the hinge 16. The V-groove 15 fits with the positioning teeth 17. A soft pad 18 is fixedly connected between the adapter connectors 5.

[0039] Two adapters 5 are rotatably connected to the hinge 16 via the upper and lower fixing plates 14, respectively, so that the first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2 can rotate relative to each other around the hinge 16, thereby realizing the adjustment of the connection angle. Several positioning teeth 17 fixedly connected on the hinge 16 fit into the V-shaped grooves 15 opened on the fixing plate 14. When the required angle is adjusted, the positioning teeth 17 will be inserted into the corresponding V-shaped grooves 15 to form a stable positioning.

[0040] Working principle: In terms of connection and fixation, the first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2 are connected to the adapter 5 through their respective connectors 3. The pin 6 on the connector 3 and the slot 7 on the adapter 5 are engaged. Through the precise cooperation between the pin 6 and the slot 7, the positioning and installation of the connector 3 and the adapter 5 can be completed quickly, ensuring the accuracy of the connection between the two.

[0041] After installation, the retaining ring 4 on connector 3 fits tightly against the sealing gasket 9 at the opening of adapter 5. The sealing gasket 9 effectively prevents external dust, moisture, and other impurities from entering the connection area, ensuring a clean fiber optic connection environment and preventing impurities from interfering with optical signal transmission. In addition, the anti-slip rubber pads 8 on both ends of adapter 5 increase friction when gripping, facilitating installation and disassembly, and also provide some cushioning protection when the adapter is subjected to minor impacts.

[0042] In terms of angle adjustment and positioning, the two adapters 5 are rotatably connected to the hinge 16 via the upper and lower fixing plates 14, respectively, so that the first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2 can rotate relative to each other around the hinge 16, thereby realizing the adjustment of the connection angle. Several positioning teeth 17 fixedly connected on the hinge 16 fit into the V-shaped grooves 15 opened on the fixing plate 14. When the required angle is adjusted, the positioning teeth 17 will be engaged in the corresponding V-shaped grooves 15 to form a stable positioning, preventing the angle from shifting during use and ensuring the stability of the optical fiber connection. At the same time, the soft pads 18 fixedly connected between the adapters 5 can reduce the direct friction and collision between the two adapters 5 during the angle adjustment process, playing a buffering and protective role and preventing the components from affecting their service life due to long-term wear.

[0043] In terms of signal transmission, the fiber optic tip 10 at the top of connector 3 is located in the connection port 11. The connection ports 11 on the two adapters 5 are connected by the connecting optical fiber 13 inside the protective hose 12. After installation, the fiber optic tips 10 in the two connection ports 11 are precisely aligned with the connecting optical fiber 13. This structural design ensures that the optical signal can be smoothly transmitted from the fiber optic tip 10 of the first optical fiber 1 to the fiber optic tip 10 of the second optical fiber 2 through the connecting optical fiber 13, or vice versa. This ensures the continuity and stability of the optical signal transmission, reduces signal loss, and the protective hose 12 provides good protection for the connecting optical fiber 13, preventing it from being damaged by external forces such as squeezing or pulling, thus ensuring its normal signal transmission function.

[0044] In terms of ease of connection and reliability, the pin 6 of connector 3 and the slot 7 of adapter 5 fit precisely, which can quickly complete the positioning and installation, greatly simplifying the connection operation process and saving installation time. At the same time, the retaining ring 4 and the sealing gasket 9 fit tightly, which can reliably prevent external dust, moisture and other impurities from entering the connection part, providing a clean and stable environment for fiber optic connection, reducing the risk of signal transmission interference caused by impurities, and ensuring the reliability of the connection.

[0045] The flexibility of angle adjustment is a major advantage. The two adapters 5 are rotatably connected to the hinge 16 via the fixing plate 14, allowing the first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2 to flexibly adjust their relative angles around the hinge 16. This can adapt to the diverse needs of optical fiber connection angles in different installation scenarios. The positioning teeth 17 on the hinge 16 fit into the V-groove 15 of the fixing plate 14, achieving stable positioning after adjustment to the required angle. This prevents the angle from shifting during use, ensuring the stability of the connection at various angles and further improving the applicability of the equipment.

[0046] In terms of signal transmission quality assurance, the fiber head 10 in the connection port 11 is precisely aligned with the connecting optical fiber 13 in the protective hose 12, which ensures the continuity of optical signal transmission, reduces signal loss, and helps maintain stable and efficient signal transmission. In addition, the protective hose 12 can provide good protection for the connecting optical fiber 13, preventing it from being damaged by external forces such as external squeezing and pulling, extending the service life of the connecting optical fiber 13, and indirectly ensuring the long-term stability of signal transmission.

[0047] In addition, the anti-slip rubber pads 8 on both ends of the adapter 5 increase the friction when gripping, making the installation and disassembly operations more convenient and effortless. The soft pads 18 between the adapters 5 can reduce the direct friction and collision between the parts during the angle adjustment process, playing a buffering and protective role, reducing the probability of parts being damaged due to long-term wear, extending the overall service life of the equipment, and reducing the cost of use.

[0048] Structural Description:

[0049] First optical fiber 1 and second optical fiber 2: These two are arranged opposite each other and are the basic carriers for the adapter to realize optical signal transmission. They are responsible for the input and output of optical signals. Through the connection and cooperation of subsequent components, the effective transmission of optical signals is completed.

[0050] Connector 3: It is fixedly connected to the first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2 respectively, and serves as a bridge connecting the optical fiber and the adapter 5, so as to stably connect the optical fiber and the adapter 5 and ensure the continuity of the optical signal transmission path.

[0051] Retaining ring 4: It is fixedly connected to the periphery of connector 3. After the adapter 5 and connector 3 are installed, it fits into the sealing gasket 9 at the opening of adapter 5. Through the cooperation with sealing gasket 9, it enhances the sealing of the connection part and prevents dust, water vapor and other impurities from entering and affecting the transmission of optical signals.

[0052] Adapter 5: Located at the front end of connector 3, it is a key component for connecting connector 3 with other components. Through cooperation with connector 3, it realizes the indirect connection between the first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2, providing a stable channel for optical signal transmission.

[0053] Pin 6: It is fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the connector 3 and fits into the slots 7 opened at the upper and lower ends of the adapter 5. Through the cooperation of pin 6 and slot 7, the connector 3 and the adapter 5 are accurately positioned and stably connected, preventing relative displacement between the two during use and ensuring the reliability of the connection.

[0054] Slot 7: Located at both ends of the adapter 5, it fits into the pin 6. Its function is to cooperate with the pin 6 to position and connect the connector 3 and the adapter 5, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the connection between the two.

[0055] Anti-slip pads 8: Fixedly connected to the left and right ends of the adapter 5, increasing the friction between the adapter 5 and the external contact parts, making it easier for operators to hold the adapter 5 during installation, disassembly or use, preventing slippage, and improving the convenience and safety of operation.

[0056] Sealing gasket 9: It is placed at the opening of the adapter 5. After the adapter 5 and the connector 3 are installed, it fits with the retaining ring 4 to further enhance the sealing of the connection. Together with the retaining ring 4, it effectively prevents impurities from entering and ensures the stability of optical signal transmission.

[0057] Fiber head 10: Fixedly connected to the top of connector 3 and set in connector port 11, it is a key endpoint for optical signal transmission, responsible for transmitting or receiving optical signals in the optical fiber. Its precise alignment is an important prerequisite for ensuring efficient optical signal transmission.

[0058] Connection port 11: Located at the top of connector 3, fiber optic connector 10 is installed therein, providing an installation position for fiber optic connector 10. It is also the interface for connecting to connecting fiber optic cable 13, ensuring that fiber optic connector 10 and connecting fiber optic cable 13 can be accurately connected to achieve smooth transmission of optical signals.

[0059] Protective flexible tube 12: It is fixedly connected between the connection ports 11 on the two adapters 5, and plays a protective role for the internal connecting optical fiber 13, preventing the connecting optical fiber 13 from being damaged by external forces such as squeezing and pulling, and ensuring the stability of its transmission performance.

[0060] Connecting fiber 13: It is fixedly connected in the protective flexible tube 12. After installation, it is aligned with the fiber head 10 in the two connection ports 11, and serves to connect the two fiber heads 10 to realize the indirect transmission of optical signals between the first fiber 1 and the second fiber 2. It is an intermediate bridge for optical signal transmission.

[0061] Fixed plate 14: It is fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the adapter joints 5 of the first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2 respectively, providing support for the installation of the hinge 16. Through cooperation with the hinge 16, the angle adjustment function between the two adapter joints 5 is realized.

[0062] V-groove 15: It is formed on the end where the fixed plate 14 connects to the hinge 16 and engages with the positioning teeth 17 on the hinge 16. When adjusting the angle between the two adapters 5, the angle is fixed by the cooperation of the V-groove 15 and the different positioning teeth 17, so that the adjusted angle can be maintained stably.

[0063] Hinge 16: Rotatably connected between the fixed plates 14, it is the core component for adjusting the angle of the two adapters 5. Through its rotational characteristics, the two adapters 5 can rotate around the hinge 16, thereby adjusting the angle of the entire adapter to adapt to different installation and usage scenarios.

[0064] Positioning tooth 17: It is fixedly connected to the hinge 16 and fits into the V-groove 15 on the fixed plate 14. During the angle adjustment process, the positioning tooth 17 and the V-groove 15 cooperate at different positions to achieve positioning at different angles, ensuring that the adjusted angle is stable and reliable.

[0065] Soft pad 18: It is fixedly connected between the adapters 5. When the two adapters 5 are adjusted at an angle, it plays a buffering and protective role, preventing damage caused by direct contact and collision between the adapters 5, and also reducing noise during the angle adjustment process.

[0066] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter, comprising a first optical fiber (1) and a second optical fiber (2), characterized in that: The first optical fiber (1) and the second optical fiber (2) are arranged opposite to each other, and both are fixedly connected with connectors (3); the connector (3) is fixed with a fiber head (10) at the top, a retaining ring (4) is fixed around it, and pins (6) are fixed at both the top and bottom ends. The connector (3) has an adapter (5) at its front end. The adapter (5) has slots (7) at its upper and lower ends that fit with the pin (6). The connector (3) has a connection port (11) at its top end. The fiber head (10) is placed inside the connection port (11). A protective hose (12) is fixed between the connection ports (11) of the two adapters (5), and a connecting optical fiber (13) is fixed inside the protective hose (12). After installation, the fiber heads (10) in the two connection ports (11) are aligned with the connecting optical fiber (13). Anti-slip pads (8) are fixed at both ends of the adapter (5), and a sealing gasket (9) is provided at its opening. After the adapter (5) and the connector (3) are installed, the sealing gasket (9) fits against the retaining ring (4). The adapter connectors (5) of the first optical fiber (1) and the second optical fiber (2) are fixed with fixing plates (14) at both ends. The fixing plates (14) are rotatably connected by hinges (16). Several positioning teeth (17) are fixed on the hinges (16). A V-groove (15) is opened at one end of the fixing plate (14) connected to the hinge. A soft pad (18) is fixed between the adapter connectors (5).

2. The adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective hose (12) is a flexible metal braided hose.

3. The adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surface of the anti-slip pad (8) is provided with anti-slip texture.

4. The adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sealing gasket (9) is made of rubber.

5. An adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing plate (14) is fixedly connected to the adapter (5) by bolts.

6. An adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter according to claim 5, characterized in that: The positioning teeth (17) are evenly distributed on the hinge (16).

7. An adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter according to claim 6, characterized in that: A sealing gasket (9) is provided at the opening of the adapter (5). After the adapter (5) and the connector (3) are installed, the sealing gasket (9) fits against the retaining ring (4).

8. An adjustable-angle fiber optic adapter according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fixed plate (14) has a V-groove (15) on one end connected to the hinge, and the V-groove (15) matches the positioning tooth (17).