An LC type optical-electric composite cable patch cord

Abstract

This application relates to an LC-type optical fiber composite cable patch cord, belonging to the field of optical fiber patch cord technology. It includes an optical fiber connector and a butterfly optical cable. The optical fiber connector includes a front shell module, a rear shell module, and a tail sleeve. The front shell module has a cavity for the butterfly optical cable to pass through. Hook grooves are formed on opposite side walls of the front shell module. The rear shell module has a receiving cavity for the butterfly optical cable to pass through. An insertion hole for the front shell module to extend into the receiving cavity is formed on the end wall of the rear shell module. Hooks are provided on opposite side walls of the receiving cavity. The hooks extend at an angle away from the insertion hole and are elastically deformable. The hooks are inserted into and abut against the hook grooves. A stop block is provided inside the receiving cavity, abutting against the end of the front shell module that extends into the receiving cavity. This application solves the problem of loosening of the front and rear shell modules in existing LC patch cords, improving the stability of connections after repeated insertion and removal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fiber optic patch cord technology, and in particular to an LC type optical-electric composite cable patch cord. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic patch cords (also called fiber optic connectors) are used to connect devices to fiber optic cabling links, enabling detachable connections between optical fibers. LC-type fiber optic connectors are square connectors that utilize a modular jack latching mechanism, and are widely used in high-speed networks due to their small size and high density.

[0003] A common fiber optic patch cord design in related technologies includes two fiber optic connectors and two butterfly-shaped optical cables. The butterfly-shaped optical cables pass through both connectors and extend from their ends. Each connector includes a front housing module, a rear housing module, and a tail sleeve. The end of the butterfly-shaped optical cable passes sequentially through the tail sleeve, the rear housing module, and the front housing module. The rear housing module positions the butterfly-shaped optical cable, while the front housing module stabilizes its end. A portion of the front housing module is inserted into the rear housing module and press-fits against its inner wall. The rear housing module and the tail sleeve are integrally formed.

[0004] In the process of developing this application, it was found that the technology has at least the following problems: the front shell module and the rear shell module adopt an interference fit. After the fiber optic patch cord is plugged and unplugged multiple times, the direction of force on the fiber optic movable connector is consistent with the direction of insertion of the front shell module into the rear shell module, which may cause the front shell module and the rear shell module to become loose, which may lead to unstable photoelectric transmission between the fiber optic cable and the device. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the issue of loosening between the front and rear housing modules of existing LC patch cords and to improve connection stability during repeated plugging and unplugging, this application provides an LC-type optical-electric composite cable patch cord.

[0006] The LC-type optical-electric composite cable patch cord provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An LC-type optical fiber composite cable patch cord includes an optical fiber connector and a butterfly optical cable. The optical fiber connector is fixedly connected to the end of the butterfly optical cable. The butterfly optical cable passes through the optical fiber connector and extends out from the end of the connector. The optical fiber connector includes a front shell module, a rear shell module, and a tail sleeve. The front shell module has a cavity for the butterfly optical cable to pass through. Hook grooves are formed on opposite side walls of the front shell module. The rear shell module has a receiving cavity for the butterfly optical cable to pass through. An insertion hole is formed on the end wall of the rear shell module for the front shell module to extend into the receiving cavity. The tail sleeve is integrally formed at the end of the rear shell module opposite to the insertion hole and communicates with the receiving cavity. Hooks are provided on opposite side walls of the receiving cavity. The hooks extend at an angle away from the insertion hole and are elastically deformable. The hooks correspond one-to-one with the hook grooves. The hooks are inserted into the hook grooves and abut against them. A stop is provided in the receiving cavity, and the stop abuts against the end of the front shell module that extends into the receiving cavity.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, when the front shell module is inserted into the rear shell module, the front shell module abuts against the hook, and the hook is forced to deform, providing space for the front shell module to enter. After the front shell module and the rear shell module are in place, the hook returns to its original shape and extends into the hook groove, abutting against the hook groove. At this time, the end of the front shell module abuts against the stop block. When the movable connector is inserted, the stop block blocks the front shell module, preventing the front shell module from moving backward. When the movable connector is pulled out, the hook bites the hook groove in the opposite direction, preventing the front shell module from moving forward. This solves the problem that the front shell module and the rear shell module of the existing LC jumper are easy to loosen, and improves the connection stability of repeated insertion and removal.

[0009] Preferably, a limiting ring is provided inside the receiving cavity. The limiting ring has a semi-circular cross-section. An annular groove is provided on the outer wall of the front shell module. The limiting ring extends into the annular groove and abuts against the annular groove.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the limiting ring is embedded in the annular groove to form a constraint, preventing the front shell module from shaking in the receiving cavity; and the semi-circular cross section provides a flexible contact surface, which guides and allows the annular groove or constraint ring to deform slightly and separate under the strong external force of installing the front shell module and the rear shell module. Under the small external force of the movable connector being plugged and unplugged, it further hinders and absorbs the relative movement between the front shell module and the rear shell module.

[0011] Preferably, the side wall of the rear shell module is provided with a blocking hole that connects to the receiving cavity. The block is inserted into the blocking hole and enters the receiving cavity, and the block abuts against the side wall of the blocking hole.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, when the front shell module is inserted into the rear shell module, the stop block disengages from the blocking hole, providing sufficient space for the front shell module to move, allowing the end of the hook to pass over the hook groove before retracting, ensuring that the hook can smoothly enter the hook groove. After the hook and hook groove are aligned, the stop block is inserted into the blocking hole, obstructing the front shell module from continuing to enter the receiving groove. When the movable connector is inserted, the stop block blocks the front shell module, preventing the front shell module from moving backward.

[0013] Preferably, two blocking holes are symmetrically opened on opposite side walls of the rear shell module, and one block is inserted into each blocking hole. One of the blocks has a mating block fixedly installed at one end in the receiving cavity, and the other block has a mating groove opened at one end in the receiving cavity. The mating block is inserted into the mating groove and is interference-fitted with the mating groove.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the interference fit between the docking block and the docking groove connects the two side blocks into an integral frame structure, improving the shear strength of the blocks. The symmetrical layout makes the front shell module bear the force evenly, further improving the stability of the front shell module.

[0015] Preferably, the two blocks have positioning grooves at their close ends for the butterfly-shaped optical cable to pass through, and the two positioning grooves together clamp the butterfly-shaped optical cable.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the two positioning grooves form a closed-loop clamping area, which evenly wraps the outer sheath of the butterfly optical cable, while suppressing the axial movement of the optical cable during insertion and removal.

[0017] Preferably, the cavity is provided with a plurality of fixing grooves, and a pressure block is provided in the fixing grooves to abut against the side wall of the butterfly optical cable.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the pressure block applies radial pressure to the butterfly optical cable, offsetting the gap in the cavity inside the front shell module. Multi-point contact compression avoids excessive compression of the optical fiber as much as possible, thereby improving the stability of the butterfly optical cable end.

[0019] Preferably, a spring is provided in the fixing groove, one end of the spring abuts against the bottom wall of the fixing groove, and the other end of the spring abuts against the pressure block, and the spring drives the pressure block away from the fixing groove.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the spring provides continuous elastic force to compensate for the gap between the pressure block and the butterfly optical cable, ensuring that the clamping force remains constant during long-term use; and the flexible buffering characteristics of the spring can absorb external impact loads, preventing the butterfly optical cable from bending and breaking due to instantaneous overload.

[0021] Preferably, a reinforcing plate is fixedly embedded in the front shell module, and the reinforcing plate is located between the hook groove and the cavity.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the reinforcing plate embedded between the hook groove and the cavity forms a local rigid support area, which blocks the transmission of external mechanical force to the cavity, which serves as the optical fiber channel, and reduces the risk of micro-bending loss.

[0023] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0024] 1. By setting up a hook groove, receiving cavity, insertion hole, hook, and stop, a two-way mechanical locking structure is formed. When inserting or removing, the engagement of the hook and the axial limiting of the stop work together. When the front shell module is subjected to tensile force, the hook locks the hook groove in the opposite direction. When subjected to thrust, the stop prevents the front shell module from moving.

[0025] 2. By setting up blocking holes, docking blocks, docking grooves, and stop blocks, the stop blocks are inserted through the lateral blocking holes to form a detachable structure. When the stop blocks are removed from the blocking holes, they provide sufficient space for the front shell module to move, so that the hooks can be smoothly inserted into the hook grooves. When the stop blocks are inserted into the blocking holes, the interference fit between the docking blocks and the docking grooves integrates the split stop blocks into a rigid frame, improving the load-bearing capacity of the stop blocks for the front shell module.

[0026] 3. By setting a fixing groove, pressure block, and spring, the pressure block applies radial pressure to the butterfly optical cable, which counteracts the gap in the cavity inside the front shell module. Multi-point contact pressing avoids excessive compression of the optical fiber and improves the stability of the butterfly optical cable end. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an LC-type optical-electric composite cable patch cord provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an LC-type optical-electric composite cable patch cord provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part A in the middle.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the stop block in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Butterfly-shaped optical cable; 2. Front shell module; 21. Cavity; 22. Hook groove; 23. Annular groove; 24. Fixing groove; 241. Pressure block; 242. Spring; 25. Reinforcing plate; 3. Rear shell module; 31. Receiving cavity; 32. Hook; 33. Insertion hole; 35. Limiting ring; 36. Blocking hole; 4. Tail sleeve; 5. Stop block; 51. Connecting block; 52. Connecting groove; 53. Positioning groove. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0033] This application discloses an LC-type optical-electric composite cable patch cord. (Refer to...) Figure 1 It includes an optical fiber connector and a butterfly optical cable 1. The optical fiber connector is fixedly installed at each of the two ends of the butterfly optical cable 1, and the end of the butterfly optical cable 1 passes through the optical fiber connector and extends out from the end of the connector.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Specifically, the fiber optic connector includes a front housing module 2, a rear housing module 3, and a tail sleeve 4. The front housing module 2 has a cavity 21 for the butterfly-shaped optical cable 1 to pass through. The cavity 21 is square and extends through both ends of the front housing module 2. The rear housing module 3 has a receiving cavity 31 for the butterfly-shaped optical cable 1 to pass through, and an insertion hole 33 is provided on the end wall of the rear housing module 3 for the front housing module 2 to extend into the receiving cavity 31. The shape and size of the insertion hole 33 are adapted to the front housing module 2 to ensure smooth insertion of the front housing module 2 and to prevent the front housing module 2 from wobbling in the non-insertion direction within the cavity 21. The tail sleeve 4 is integrally formed at the end of the rear housing module 3 opposite to the insertion hole 33 and communicates with the receiving cavity 31. In this embodiment, the front housing module 2, the rear housing module 3, and the tail sleeve 4 are all made of plastic with a certain degree of elasticity and hardness, such as PVC.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The front shell module 2 has hook grooves 22 on its opposite side walls. The receiving cavity 31 has hooks 32 on its opposite side walls. The hooks 32 can be made of a metal material with a certain degree of elasticity, such as spring steel, or of a non-metallic deformable material such as PVC. The hooks 32 extend obliquely away from the insertion hole 33 and are elastically deformable. The hooks 32 correspond one-to-one with the hook grooves 22 and extend into and abut against the hook grooves 22. When the front shell module 2 is inserted, the hook 32 is forced to deform, providing space for the front shell module 2 to enter. When the front shell module 2 moves to the point where the opening of the hook groove 22 is directly opposite the end of the hook 32, the hook 32 returns to its original shape and initially extends into the hook groove 22. Then, the front shell module 2 is pulled back slightly to make the hook 32 fully inserted into the hook groove 22 and abut against it. If the front shell module 2 is pulled in the opposite direction again, the hook 32 will bite the hook groove 22 and prevent the front shell module 2 from detaching from the rear shell module 3.

[0036] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4A stop block 5 is provided inside the receiving cavity 31, and the stop block 5 abuts against the end of the front shell module 2 that extends into the receiving cavity 31. Specifically, two blocking holes 36 communicating with the receiving cavity 31 are symmetrically opened on opposite side walls of the rear shell module 3. One stop block 5 is inserted into each blocking hole 36 and enters the receiving cavity 31. The stop block 5 abuts against the side wall of the blocking hole 36. A limiting part that abuts against the outer wall of the rear shell module 3 is integrally formed on one end of the stop block 5 outside the rear shell module 3. A docking block 51 is fixedly provided at one end of one stop block 5 inside the receiving cavity 31, and a docking groove 52 is opened at one end of the other stop block 5 inside the receiving cavity 31. The docking block 51 is inserted into the docking groove 52 and is interference-fitted with the docking groove 52. Positioning grooves 53 for the butterfly optical cable 1 to pass through are opened at the two stops 5 near each other. The two positioning grooves 53 together clamp and fix the butterfly optical cable 1. After the stop block 5 is inserted into the blocking hole 36, the stop block 5 further extends the front shell module 2 into the receiving cavity 31 to form a limit. When the movable connector is inserted, the stop block 5 blocks the front shell module 2, preventing the front shell module 2 from moving backward; when the movable connector is pulled out, the hook 32 engages the hook groove 22 in the opposite direction to prevent the front shell module 2 from moving forward. Through the synergistic action of the hook 32 and the stop block 5, a two-way locking structure is formed.

[0037] Reference Figure 3 A limiting ring 35 with a semi-circular cross-section is provided on the inner wall of the receiving cavity 31. An annular groove 23 is provided on the outer wall of the front shell module 2, and the limiting ring 35 extends into the annular groove 23 and abuts against it. In this embodiment, a connecting ring is integrally formed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity 31. The connecting ring is circumferentially framed around the four walls of the receiving cavity 31. A limiting ring 35 with a semi-circular cross-section is integrally formed on the side of the connecting ring away from the receiving cavity 31. An annular groove 23 is provided on the outer wall of the front shell module 2, and the limiting ring 35 extends into the annular groove 23 and abuts against it. The semi-circular cross-section provides a flexible contact surface. Under the strong external force of installing the front shell module 2 and the rear shell module 3, the limiting ring 35 can guide the front shell module 2 or the rear shell module 3 to deform slightly, causing the limiting ring 35 to disengage from the annular groove 23. Under the action of a small external force when the active connector is plugged in and out, the limiting ring 35 and the annular groove 23 can hinder and absorb the relative movement between the front shell module 2 and the rear shell module 3, further preventing the front shell module 2 from shaking in the receiving cavity 31.

[0038] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The cavity 21 has several fixing slots 24, each containing a pressure block 241 that abuts against the side wall of the butterfly optical cable 1. A spring 242 is also installed within each slot 24, with one end abutting against the bottom wall of the slot and the other end against the pressure block 241. The spring 242 drives the pressure block 241 away from the slot 24. The spring 242 provides continuous elastic force to compensate for the gap between the pressure block 241 and the butterfly optical cable 1, ensuring a constant clamping force during long-term use and allowing the pressure block 241 to press against the end of the butterfly optical cable 1, thus improving the stability of the end of the butterfly optical cable 1. A reinforcing plate 25 is fixed and embedded within the front shell module 2, located between the hook groove 22 and the cavity 21. This reinforcing plate 25 prevents external mechanical forces from being transmitted to the cavity 21, which serves as the optical fiber channel.

[0039] The implementation principle of an LC-type optical-electric composite cable jumper according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: When the front shell module 2 is inserted, the hook 32 is forced to deform, providing space for the entry of the front shell module 2. When the front shell module 2 moves to the point where the opening of the hook groove 22 is directly opposite the end of the hook 32, the hook 32 recovers its deformation and initially extends into the hook groove 22. Then, the front shell module 2 is pulled back slightly, so that the hook 32 is fully inserted into the hook groove 22 and abuts against the hook groove 22. If the front shell module 2 is pulled in the opposite direction, the hook 32 will bite the hook groove 22, preventing the front shell module 2 from detaching from the rear shell module 3. Afterwards, the stop block 5 is inserted into the blocking hole 36. The two stop blocks 5 are connected to the docking block 51 through the docking groove 52. The stop blocks 5 limit the further extension of the front shell module 2 into the receiving cavity 31. When the movable connector is inserted, the stop 5 blocks the front housing module 2, preventing it from moving backward. When the movable connector is pulled out, the hook 32 engages with the hook groove 22 in the opposite direction, preventing the front housing module 2 from moving forward. Through the synergistic action of the hook 32 and the stop 5, a bidirectional locking structure is formed. This solves the problem of easy loosening between the front housing module 2 and the rear housing module 3 in existing LC jumpers, and improves the stability of the connection during repeated insertion and removal.

[0040] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An LC-type optical-electric composite cable patch cord, comprising an optical fiber connector and a butterfly optical cable (1), wherein the optical fiber connector is fixedly connected to the end of the butterfly optical cable (1), the butterfly optical cable (1) passes through the optical fiber connector and extends out from the end of the connector, the optical fiber connector comprising a front shell module (2), a rear shell module (3), and a tail sleeve (4), characterized in that: The front shell module (2) has a cavity (21) for the butterfly optical cable (1) to pass through. Hook grooves (22) are provided on the opposite side walls of the front shell module (2). The rear shell module (3) has a receiving cavity (31) for the butterfly optical cable (1) to pass through. An insertion hole (33) is provided on the end wall of the rear shell module (3) for the front shell module (2) to extend into the receiving cavity (31). The tail sleeve (4) is integrally formed at the end of the rear shell module (3) opposite to the insertion hole (33), and is connected to... The cavity (31) is provided with hooks (32) on two opposite side walls. The hooks (32) extend obliquely away from the insertion hole (33) and can be elastically deformed. The hooks (32) correspond one-to-one with the hook grooves (22). The hooks (32) are inserted into the hook grooves (22) and abut against the hook grooves (22). The cavity (31) is provided with a stop block (5). The stop block (5) abuts against one end of the front shell module (2) that extends into the cavity (31).

2. The LC-type optical-electric composite cable patch cord according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting ring (35) is provided in the cavity (31). The cross-section of the limiting ring (35) is semi-circular. An annular groove (23) is provided on the outer wall of the front shell module (2). The limiting ring (35) extends into the annular groove (23) and abuts against the annular groove (23).

3. The LC type optical-electrical composite cable jumper wire according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear shell module (3) has a blocking hole (36) on its side wall that connects to the receiving cavity (31). The stop block (5) is inserted into the blocking hole (36) and enters the receiving cavity (31). The stop block (5) abuts against the side wall of the blocking hole (36).

4. The LC type optical-electrical composite cable jumper wire according to claim 3, characterized in that: Two blocking holes (36) are symmetrically opened on opposite side walls of the rear shell module (3). One of the blocking blocks (5) is inserted into each blocking hole (36). One of the blocking blocks (5) has a mating block (51) fixedly installed at one end in the receiving cavity (31), and the other blocking block (5) has a mating groove (52) opened at one end in the receiving cavity (31). The mating block (51) is inserted into the mating groove (52) and is interference-fitted with the mating groove (52).

5. The LC type optical-electrical composite cable jumper wire according to claim 4, characterized in that: The two blocks (5) have positioning grooves (53) at their close ends for the butterfly optical cable (1) to pass through, and the two positioning grooves (53) together clamp the butterfly optical cable (1).

6. The LC type optical-electrical composite cable jumper wire according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cavity (21) is provided with a plurality of fixing grooves (24), and a pressure block (241) is provided in the fixing groove (24) to abut against the side wall of the butterfly optical cable (1).

7. The LC type optical-electrical composite cable jumper wire according to claim 6, characterized in that: A spring (242) is provided in the fixing groove (24). One end of the spring (242) abuts against the bottom wall of the fixing groove (24), and the other end of the spring (242) abuts against the pressure block (241). The spring (242) drives the pressure block (241) away from the fixing groove (24).

8. The LC type optical-electrical composite cable jumper wire according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front shell module (2) is fixed and embedded with a reinforcing plate (25), which is located between the hook groove (22) and the cavity (21).

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