An MPO connector

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of fiber optic connector technology and discloses an MPO connector, including an inner frame, a stopper, and a support sleeve. The inner frame has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, and an inner cavity extending through the first direction is provided inside the inner frame. The stopper is connected to the second end of the inner frame, and at least partially inserted into the inner cavity. The stopper has a mounting hole, the central axis of which extends along the first direction. The support sleeve is connected to the stopper, and at least partially extends into the mounting hole and abuts against the wall of the mounting hole, so that the support sleeve can provide sufficient support for the stopper. When crimping the stopper, the support sleeve can provide support for the stopper, preventing the stopper from cracking during the crimping process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fiber optic connector technology, and in particular to an MPO connector. Background Technology

[0002] MPO (Multi-fiber Push-On) connectors are a type of fiber optic connector that enables the connection of multiple fiber cores within a single connector, significantly increasing fiber density. They are commonly used for fiber optic cable connections in high-speed, high-capacity optical communication systems. With the increasing integration of data centers, high-density MPO connectors are becoming increasingly widely used.

[0003] During the assembly of MPO connectors, retainers are used to secure optical fibers or cables, preventing them from loosening or falling off. This is typically achieved through crimping to firmly connect the retainer to the fiber or cable, ensuring connection stability. However, during crimping, the retainer must withstand significant pressure. Currently available MPO connectors have retainers with weak load-bearing capacity, making them prone to cracking during the crimping process. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an MPO connector to solve the problem that the stopper of the MPO connector is prone to cracking during crimping in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This utility model provides an MPO connector having a first orientation, including:

[0007] The inner frame sleeve has a first end and a second end that are disposed opposite to each other along the first direction, and the inner frame sleeve has an inner cavity that extends through the first direction.

[0008] A stopper is connected to the second end of the inner frame sleeve, and the stopper is at least partially inserted into the inner cavity; the stopper is provided with a mounting hole, the central axis of which extends along the first direction;

[0009] A support sleeve is connected to the stopper, and the support sleeve extends at least partially into the mounting hole and is in contact with the wall of the mounting hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the stopper has a first end face at one end in the first direction, and the first end face is flush with the end face of the second end.

[0011] In some embodiments, the stopper includes a stop body and a cantilever, the cantilever being connected to the stop body, the cantilever extending along the first direction and extending out of the stop body, the cantilever being connected to the inner frame sleeve, the stop body having a stop ring on one side in the first direction, the mounting hole being opened on the other side of the stop body in the first direction, and the support sleeve abutting against the stop ring.

[0012] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the stop body protrudes in a direction away from the center of the mounting hole along the radial direction of the mounting hole, forming an arc-shaped protrusion; the inner cavity near the second end has a groove, and the arc-shaped protrusion is embedded in the groove and abuts against the groove wall.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the groove protrudes outward to form a guide protrusion on the outer wall of the inner frame sleeve; the MPO connector further includes an outer frame sleeve, which is sleeved on the inner frame sleeve, and a guide groove is provided inside the outer frame sleeve, with the guide protrusion embedded in the guide groove.

[0014] In some embodiments, the guide protrusion is arc-shaped, and the guide protrusion, the arc-shaped protrusion, and the support sleeve are coaxially arranged.

[0015] In some embodiments, the outer frame sleeve has a protrusion at one end facing the second end, and a limiting hole is formed near the protrusion on the outer frame sleeve. The limiting hole penetrates the outer frame sleeve along the thickness direction of the outer frame sleeve. The inner wall of the protrusion and the hole wall of the limiting hole are both recessed outward to form the guide groove, and the guide protrusion extends into the limiting hole.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second end of the inner frame sleeve is provided with a stop portion, and the outer frame sleeve is provided with a stop groove that cooperates with the stop portion. When the outer frame sleeve moves along the first direction toward the direction close to the second end, the stop portion abuts against the stop groove to limit the movement stroke of the outer frame sleeve.

[0017] In some embodiments, the inner frame is provided with a guide block near the first end, the guide block extends along the first direction, the guide block and the guide protrusion are spaced apart along the first direction, the outer frame is provided with a guide groove, and the guide block is partially installed in the guide groove.

[0018] In some embodiments, a protective sleeve and a tail sleeve are also included, wherein the protective sleeve is fitted over the portion of the support sleeve that extends out of the mounting hole, and the tail sleeve is fitted over the protective sleeve.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the MPO connector of this utility model has the following advantages:

[0020] The MPO connector of this embodiment features a mounting hole within the stopper. A support sleeve is connected to the stopper, extending into the mounting hole and fitting against the hole wall, providing sufficient support for the stopper. With the mounting hole wall of the stopper fitting against the support sleeve, when the stopper is subjected to radial pressing force, the stopper transmits the pressing force to the support sleeve. The support sleeve acts as a load-bearing component, enhancing the load-bearing strength of the stopper and preventing cracking during the pressing process. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the MPO connector described in an embodiment of the present invention from one viewpoint;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the MPO connector described in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0023] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the MPO connector described in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the stopper and the support sleeve in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the stopper and the support sleeve in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the inner frame sleeve in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the outer frame fitted into one viewpoint in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the outer frame in an embodiment of this utility model from another perspective.

[0029] Numbering on the map:

[0030] 10. Inner frame sleeve; 101. First end; 102. Second end; 103. Inner cavity; 1031. Groove; 1032. Guide protrusion; 104. Stop part; 105. Guide block; 106. Slot; 107. Positioning groove; 108. Snap-on groove; 20. Stopper; 201. Mounting hole; 202. First end face; 21. Stop body; 211. Stop ring; 212. Arc-shaped protrusion; 22. Cantilever; 221. Hook; 222. Positioning protrusion; 30. Support sleeve; 40. Outer frame sleeve; 41. Guide groove; 42. Protrusion; 43. Limiting hole; 44. Stop groove; 45. Guide groove; 50. Protective sleeve; 60. Tail sleeve; 70. Insert assembly; X. First direction. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0034] See Figures 1-3As shown, this utility model embodiment provides an MPO connector with a first direction X, which is the length direction of the MPO connector. The MPO connector includes an inner frame sleeve 10, a stopper 20, and a support sleeve 30. The inner frame sleeve 10 has a first end 101 and a second end 102 disposed opposite to each other along the first direction X. The inner frame sleeve 10 has an inner cavity 103 extending along the first direction X. The stopper 20 is connected to the second end 102 of the inner frame sleeve 10, and the stopper 20 is at least partially inserted into the inner cavity 103. The stopper 20 has a mounting hole 201, the central axis of which extends along the first direction X. The support sleeve 30 is connected to the stopper 20, and the support sleeve 30 extends at least partially into the mounting hole 201 and is in contact with the hole wall of the mounting hole 201, so that the support sleeve 30 can provide sufficient support for the stopper 20. When the stopper 20 is crimped, the support sleeve 30 can provide support for the stopper 20, preventing the stopper 20 from cracking during the crimping process.

[0035] In some embodiments, the support sleeve 30 is a metal sleeve to improve its supporting strength, thereby increasing the load-bearing strength of the stopper 20. In the prior art, the stopper 20 generally uses an all-plastic structure, which is very prone to cracking during the pressing process. This invention, by inserting a metal support sleeve 30 into the stopper 20, greatly improves the load-bearing strength of the stopper 20 and prevents cracking.

[0036] See Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the stop 20 has a first end face 202 at one end in the first direction X, which is flush with the end face of the second end 102. The end face of the second end 102 refers to the end face perpendicular to the first direction X. Compared to the first end face 202 of the stop 20 extending outward into the inner cavity 103 of the inner frame sleeve 10, setting the first end face 202 to be flush with the end face of the second end 102 can shorten the overall length of the MPO connector, improve the compactness of the MPO connector, and make it more suitable for use in confined spaces.

[0037] See Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the stopper 20 includes a stop body 21 and a cantilever 22. The cantilever 22 is connected to the stop body 21 and extends along a first direction X, protruding from the stop body 21. The cantilever 22 is connected to the inner frame sleeve 10. A stop ring 211 is provided on one side of the stop body 21 in the first direction X, and a mounting hole 201 is opened on the other side of the stop body 21 in the first direction X. The support sleeve 30 abuts against the stop ring 211. The cantilever 22 facilitates the connection between the stopper 20 and the inner frame sleeve 10. The stop ring 211 on the stop body 21 can stop and limit the support sleeve 30, facilitating the installation of the support sleeve 30. A first end face 202 is provided at the end of the stop body 21 away from the stop ring 211. In some embodiments, the stop body 21 and the cantilever 22 are integrally formed.

[0038] See Figures 4-6 As shown, the end of the cantilever 22 away from the stop body 21 is provided with a hook 221, and the inner frame sleeve 10 is provided with a groove 106 corresponding to the hook 221. When the stopper 20 is installed inside the inner frame sleeve 10, the hook 221 is engaged in the groove 106, thereby connecting the stopper 20 with the inner frame sleeve 10 and preventing the stopper 20 from coming out of the inner frame sleeve 10. To facilitate the entry of the stopper 20 into the inner frame sleeve 10, the cantilever 22 is elastic, allowing the end of the cantilever 22 away from the stop body 21 to move away from the inner wall of the inner frame sleeve 10, preventing the hook 221 from interfering with the entry of the stopper 20 into the inner frame sleeve 10. There are two cantilever arms 22, which are symmetrically connected to the stop body 21. Each cantilever arm 22 is provided with a hook 221 to ensure a stable connection between the stopper 20 and the inner frame sleeve 10.

[0039] See Figures 4-6 As shown, the cantilever 22 has a positioning protrusion 222 at one end near the stop body 21, and the inner frame sleeve 10 has a positioning groove 107. The inner wall of the inner frame sleeve 10 is recessed towards the outer wall to form the positioning groove 107. The positioning groove 107 extends along the first direction X to the end face of the second end 102. When the stopper 20 is inserted into the inner frame sleeve 10, the positioning protrusion 222 is inserted into the positioning groove 107 to achieve the positioning and installation of the stopper 20.

[0040] See Figures 4-6As shown, in some embodiments, the outer wall of the stop body 21 protrudes radially away from the center of the mounting hole 201, forming an arc-shaped protrusion 212; the inner cavity 103 has a groove 1031 near the second end 102, and the arc-shaped protrusion 212 is embedded in the groove 1031 and abuts against the groove wall of the groove 1031. The cooperation between the arc-shaped protrusion 212 and the groove 1031 guides the stop body 21 into the inner frame 10, restricting the movement path of the stop body 21 within the inner frame 10. Furthermore, by setting the outer wall of the stop body 21 to be arc-shaped and the radial section of the mounting hole 201 to be circular, the stop body 21 is made into a hollow cylinder, facilitating its manufacturing.

[0041] See Figures 4-7 As shown, in some embodiments, the bottom surface of the groove 1031 protrudes outward to form a guide protrusion 1032 on the outer wall of the inner frame sleeve 10; the MPO connector also includes an outer frame sleeve 40, which is hollow inside and is fitted onto the inner frame sleeve 10. A guide groove 41 is provided inside the outer frame sleeve 40, and the guide protrusion 1032 is embedded within the guide groove 41. The cooperation between the guide groove 41 and the guide protrusion 1032 guides the movement of the outer frame sleeve 40 on the inner frame sleeve 10. Furthermore, by forming a guide protrusion 1032 by setting the outward protrusion of the groove 1031, the inward side of the groove 1031 engages with the stop body 21, and the outward side of the groove 1031 engages with the outer frame sleeve 40. This facilitates the processing and forming of the groove 1031 and avoids increasing the thickness of the inner frame sleeve 10 by additionally setting the guide protrusion 1032 on the outer wall of the inner frame sleeve 10, thereby relatively reducing the thickness of the MPO connector and improving the compactness of the MPO connector.

[0042] See Figure 6 As shown, to facilitate the connection between the MPO connector and the adapter, the outer wall of the inner frame 10 is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove 108 that mates with the adapter. A return spring is provided in the gap between the outer frame 40 and the inner frame 10. One end of the return spring is connected to the inner frame 10, and the other end is connected to the outer frame 40. When connected to the adapter, the outer frame 40 is engaged with the adapter through the snap-fit ​​groove 108. At this time, the outer frame 40 covers the snap-fit ​​groove 108 under the elastic force of the return spring, preventing the adapter from disengaging from the snap-fit ​​groove 108. When the connector is pulled out of the adapter, the outer frame 40 moves towards the second end 102 under the action of external force, overcoming the elastic force of the return spring, exposing the snap-fit ​​groove 108, facilitating the disconnection of the connector from the adapter.

[0043] See Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the guide protrusion 1032 is arc-shaped, and the guide protrusion 1032, the arc-shaped protrusion 212, and the support sleeve 30 are coaxially arranged. By making the guide protrusion 1032 arc-shaped, both the inner wall and the outer wall of the groove 1031 are arc-shaped, so that the thickness of the inner frame sleeve 10 at the corresponding position where the groove 1031 is set is as small as possible.

[0044] See Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the outer frame sleeve 40 has a protrusion 42 at one end facing the second end 102. A limiting hole 43 is formed near the protrusion 42 on the outer frame sleeve 40. The limiting hole 43 penetrates the outer frame sleeve 40 along its thickness direction. The inner wall of the protrusion 42 and the hole wall of the limiting hole 43 are both recessed outwards to form a guide groove 41. A guide protrusion 1032 partially extends into the limiting hole 43. When the outer frame sleeve 40 moves along the inner frame sleeve 10, the guide protrusion 1032 abuts against the hole wall of the limiting hole 43, thus limiting the travel of the outer frame sleeve 40. Furthermore, the through-hole limiting hole 43 facilitates observation of whether the outer frame sleeve 40 has moved into position. A limiting surface is provided at the end of the guide protrusion 1032 that extends into the limiting hole 43. When the outer frame sleeve 40 moves into position, the limiting surface abuts against the hole wall of the limiting hole 43.

[0045] See Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the inner frame sleeve 10 is provided with a guide block 105 near the first end 101. The guide block 105 extends along the first direction X, and the guide block 105 and the guide protrusion 1032 are spaced apart along the first direction X. The outer frame sleeve 40 is provided with a guide groove 45, and the guide block 105 is partially installed in the guide groove 45. Through the cooperation between the guide block 105 and the guide groove 45, the movement of the outer frame sleeve 40 is further guided.

[0046] See Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, the second end 102 of the inner frame sleeve 10 is provided with a stop portion 104, and the outer frame sleeve 40 is provided with a stop groove 44 that cooperates with the stop portion 104. When the outer frame sleeve 40 moves along the first direction X toward the second end 102, the stop portion 104 abuts against the stop groove 44 to limit the movement of the outer frame sleeve 40 and prevent the outer frame sleeve 40 from coming off the inner frame sleeve 10. By providing the stop portion 104 and the guide protrusion 1032, the movement of the outer frame sleeve 40 is doubly limited, preventing the outer frame sleeve 40 from coming off the inner frame sleeve 10. Moreover, the stop portion 104 is embedded in the stop groove 44 and abuts against the groove wall of the stop groove 44, so that when the outer frame sleeve 40 moves into place, the second end 102 of the inner frame sleeve 10 is located inside the outer frame sleeve 40, improving the compactness of the connector.

[0047] See Figures 1-3 As shown, in some embodiments, the MPO connector further includes a protective sleeve 50 and a tail sleeve 60. The protective sleeve 50 is fitted onto the portion of the support sleeve 30 that extends out of the mounting hole 201, and the tail sleeve 60 is fitted onto the protective sleeve 50. The protective sleeve 50 provides protection for the support sleeve 30, and the protective sleeve 50, tail sleeve 60, and support sleeve 30 together protect the internal optical fiber.

[0048] See Figures 1-3 As shown, to achieve the basic functions of the MPO, the MPO connector also includes a ferrule assembly 70, which is disposed within the inner frame 10. One end of the ferrule assembly 70 extends out of the first end 101 of the inner frame 10, and the other end of the ferrule assembly 70 is connected to the stop 20. The end of the ferrule assembly 70 extending out of the inner frame 10 mates with the socket of the adapter.

[0049] In summary, this utility model embodiment provides an MPO connector, which has a mounting hole 201 in the stop 20, and a support sleeve 30 is connected to the stop 20. The support sleeve 30 extends into the mounting hole 201 and is in contact with the wall of the mounting hole 201, so that the support sleeve 30 can provide sufficient support for the stop 20. When crimping the stop 20, since the support sleeve 30 can provide support for the stop 20, cracking of the stop 20 is avoided during the crimping process.

[0050] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An MPO connector having a first orientation (X), characterized in that, include: The inner frame sleeve (10) has a first end (101) and a second end (102) disposed opposite to each other along the first direction (X), and the inner frame sleeve (10) has an inner cavity (103) that extends through the first direction (X); A stopper (20) is connected to the second end (102) of the inner frame sleeve (10), and the stopper (20) is at least partially inserted into the inner cavity (103); the stopper (20) is provided with a mounting hole (201), the central axis of which extends along the first direction (X); A support sleeve (30) is connected to the stopper (20), and the support sleeve (30) extends at least partially into the mounting hole (201) and is in contact with the wall of the mounting hole (201).

2. The MPO connector of claim 1, wherein, The stopper (20) has a first end face (202) at one end in the first direction (X), and the first end face (202) is flush with the end face of the second end (102).

3. The MPO connector of claim 1, wherein, The stopper (20) includes a stop body (21) and a cantilever (22). The cantilever (22) is connected to the stop body (21). The cantilever (22) extends along the first direction (X) and protrudes from the stop body (21). The cantilever (22) is connected to the inner frame sleeve (10). The stop body (21) has a stop ring (211) on one side in the first direction (X). The mounting hole (201) is opened on the other side of the stop body (21) in the first direction (X). The support sleeve (30) abuts against the stop ring (211).

4. The MPO connector of claim 3, wherein, The outer wall of the stop body (21) protrudes in the radial direction of the mounting hole (201) away from the center of the mounting hole (201) to form an arc-shaped protrusion (212); the inner cavity (103) has a groove (1031) near the second end (102) on the cavity wall, and the arc-shaped protrusion (212) is embedded in the groove (1031) and abuts against the groove wall of the groove (1031).

5. The MPO connector of claim 4, wherein, The groove (1031) is provided with an outward protrusion at the bottom of the groove to form a guide protrusion (1032) on the outer wall of the inner frame sleeve (10); the MPO connector also includes an outer frame sleeve (40), which is sleeved on the inner frame sleeve (10), and a guide groove (41) is provided in the outer frame sleeve (40), and the guide protrusion (1032) is embedded in the guide groove (41).

6. The MPO connector of claim 5, wherein, The guide protrusion (1032) is arc-shaped, and the guide protrusion (1032), the arc-shaped protrusion (212), and the support sleeve (30) are coaxially arranged.

7. The MPO connector of claim 5, wherein, The outer frame sleeve (40) has a protrusion (42) at one end facing the second end (102). The outer frame sleeve (40) has a limiting hole (43) near the protrusion (42). The limiting hole (43) penetrates the outer frame sleeve (40) along the thickness direction. The inner wall of the protrusion (42) and the hole wall of the limiting hole (43) are both recessed outward to form the guide groove (41). The guide protrusion (1032) extends into the limiting hole (43).

8. The MPO connector of claim 5, wherein, The second end (102) of the inner frame sleeve (10) is provided with a stop part (104), and the outer frame sleeve (40) is provided with a stop groove (44) that cooperates with the stop part (104). When the outer frame sleeve (40) moves along the first direction (X) toward the direction close to the second end (102), the stop part (104) abuts against the stop groove (44) to limit the movement stroke of the outer frame sleeve (40).

9. The MPO connector of claim 5, wherein, The inner frame sleeve (10) is provided with a guide block (105) near the first end (101). The guide block (105) extends along the first direction (X) and the guide block (105) and the guide protrusion (1032) are spaced apart along the first direction (X). The outer frame sleeve (40) is provided with a guide groove (45) and the guide block (105) is partially installed in the guide groove (45).

10. The MPO connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a protective sleeve (50) and a tail sleeve (60), wherein the protective sleeve (50) is fitted onto the portion of the support sleeve (30) that extends out of the mounting hole (201), and the tail sleeve (60) is fitted onto the protective sleeve (50).

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