A fiber optic camera connector

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of optical fiber camera connector, including connector shell, connector shell and optical fiber camera shell plug-in cooperation;Power terminal, power terminal is set in connector shell, and power cord is connected in it, for power supply for optical fiber camera;Optical fiber ferrule subassembly, optical fiber ferrule subassembly is set in connector shell, and is connected with optical fiber line, for transmission optical signal. Through built-in power terminal, make the power on function of connector self, optical fiber camera does not need in connector outer additional power cord, enhance use convenience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of the automotive industry and the rise of intelligent driving and assisted driving, the amount of information transmitted between various modules within a vehicle has increased significantly. Simultaneously, the requirements for the speed and stability of information transmission are constantly rising, necessitating a shift from traditional electrical transmission to optical transmission. Cameras, as crucial sensing devices for intelligent driving, also need to transition to fiber optic technology. Traditional automotive cameras typically transmit image signals to the onboard computer or display screen via cables, while fiber optic cameras use optical fibers (usually optical fiber guides) to transmit image data. This transmission method not only avoids the electromagnetic interference of traditional cables but also significantly reduces signal loss during transmission.

[0003] For example, Chinese invention patent (CN202410542815.6) discloses an intelligent connected fiber optic vehicle camera, including a camera housing and a circuit board disposed within the camera housing. The circuit board integrates an optical lens, an optical sensor, an image processor, a photoelectric conversion device, a data storage device, and a fiber optic transmission interface. The photoelectric conversion device includes an optical module chip and a laser transceiver, which perform mutual conversion and data transmission between electrical and optical signals through the circuit board. The optical module chip is connected to the laser transceiver, and the data is transmitted to an optical fiber cable through the fiber optic transmission interface. The fiber optic transmission interface uses the FC fiber optic communication protocol for data transmission, and the optical module chip and the circuit board use the FCoE communication protocol. This invention integrates the entire circuit connection onto a single circuit board and uses optical fiber for data transmission, achieving high data transmission, high image quality, and resistance to electromagnetic interference in the vehicle camera.

[0004] The connection between a fiber optic camera and the optical fiber requires a fiber optic connector. In existing technology, assembling the connector involves threading the optical fiber through the connector and precisely connecting it to the ceramic ferrule at the connector head. The assembled connector is then aligned and connected to the optical fiber transmission interface to establish communication between the fibers. However, existing fiber optic connectors lack built-in power supply functionality, requiring a separate power cord to power the camera, causing significant inconvenience for the user. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the deficiencies of the existing technology, this utility model provides a fiber optic camera connector, comprising:

[0006] A connector housing that is plugged into the housing of a fiber optic camera.

[0007] A power terminal is disposed inside the connector housing, and a power cord is disposed therein for supplying power to the fiber optic camera.

[0008] An optical fiber ferrule assembly is disposed inside a connector housing and connected to an optical fiber line for transmitting optical signals.

[0009] Preferably, the fiber optic ferrule assembly includes:

[0010] A ceramic ferrule, wherein an optical fiber is coaxially disposed within the ceramic ferrule and connected to an optical fiber camera;

[0011] A fixing mechanism is fixedly connected to the connector housing. An optical fiber line passes through the fixing mechanism and is inserted into the ceramic ferrule. Both ends of the fixing mechanism are fixedly connected to the ceramic ferrule and the optical fiber line, respectively.

[0012] Preferably, the connector housing includes:

[0013] Terminal back cover, which is plugged into the housing of the fiber optic camera;

[0014] A terminal front cover is inserted into and fitted with a terminal rear cover. A slot is provided on the outer wall of the terminal front cover, and a buckle is provided on the inner wall of the terminal rear cover corresponding to the slot.

[0015] Preferably, there are two slots, which are respectively opened on one pair of outer walls parallel to the front cover of the terminal, and the power terminal is embedded in the front cover of the terminal. The two slots are at different distances from the power terminal.

[0016] Preferably, an ear seat is provided on the outer wall of the terminal back cover, and a fixing bolt for threaded connection with the housing of the fiber optic camera is provided in the ear seat.

[0017] Preferably, the connector housing has an annular socket at the point where the optical fiber is inserted, and an optical fiber protective sleeve is provided outside the socket.

[0018] Preferably, a heat-shrinkable sleeve for connecting the optical fiber is fitted at the opening of the optical fiber protective sleeve into which the optical fiber is inserted.

[0019] Beneficial effects:

[0020] The technical solution of this utility model achieves convenient connection between the connector and the fiber optic camera by setting a connector housing that plugs into and mates with the housing of the fiber optic camera. The connector housing also has power terminals, thus the connector has built-in power conduction function, eliminating the need for a separate power cable for the fiber optic camera. This enhances the ease of use of the connector, expands its applicable scenarios, and ensures a compact and simple overall structure.

[0021] The fiber optic ferrule assembly inside the connector can be directly plugged into the optical module inside the fiber optic camera to achieve optical signal transmission, without the need for a fiber optic transmission interface inside the fiber optic camera for connecting to the fiber optic cable inside the connector. This simplifies the internal structure of the fiber optic camera, reduces its overall size, and lowers costs. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The following figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal front cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal back cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Fiber optic camera housing; 2. Connector housing; 3. Power terminal; 21. Terminal front cover; 22. Terminal rear cover; 23. Ear socket; 24. Fixing bolt; 27. Slot; 28. Buckle; 31. Power cord; 5. Optical module; 6. Lens assembly; 41. Ceramic ferrule; 43. Fixing mechanism; 7. Fiber optic cable protective sleeve; 8. Heat shrink tubing; 9. Fiber optic cable. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this invention, specific embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. For the sake of simplicity, the parts related to the present invention are shown schematically in each drawing and do not represent their actual structure as a product. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity and ease of understanding, in some drawings, components with the same structure or function are only schematically depicted, or only one is labeled.

[0028] In this utility model, "connection" can include direct connection, indirect connection, communication connection, and electrical connection, unless otherwise specified.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. It will also be understood that, when used in the specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” mean the presence of the stated features, values, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items.

[0030] This utility model provides a fiber optic camera connector, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a connector housing 2, a power terminal 3, and a fiber optic ferrule assembly. Both the power terminal 3 and the fiber optic ferrule assembly are inserted into the connector housing 2. In this embodiment, the fiber optic camera housing 1 has a connector interface at the end furthest from the camera, and the connector housing 2 is inserted into the fiber optic camera housing 1 through the connector interface.

[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the connector housing 2 includes a terminal rear cover 22 and a terminal front cover 21. The terminal rear cover 22 is inserted into the connector interface. The terminal rear cover 22 is not completely embedded in the fiber optic camera housing 1. A pair of parallel sidewalls at the end of the fiber optic camera housing 1 are respectively provided with ear seats 23. The ear seats 23 are integrally formed with the terminal rear cover 22. A fixing bolt 24 for connecting the fiber optic camera housing 1 passes through the ear seats 23. When the terminal rear cover 22 is inserted into the fiber optic camera housing 1, the ear seats 23 on the terminal rear cover 22 abut against the fiber optic camera housing 1. After the fixing bolt 24 passes through the ear seats 23, it is threadedly connected to the fiber optic camera housing 1, thereby fixing the terminal rear cover 22 to the fiber optic camera housing 1.

[0032] The terminal rear cover 22 has a cavity, and the terminal front cover 21 is inserted into the cavity of the terminal rear cover 22 to complete the insertion and engagement. The outer wall of the terminal front cover 21 has a slot 27, and the inner wall of the terminal rear cover 22 has a corresponding latch 28, which is integrally formed with the terminal rear cover 22. When the terminal front cover 21 is inserted into the terminal rear cover 22, the latch 28 on the terminal rear cover 22 engages with the slot 27 on the terminal front cover 21, thereby fixing the terminal front cover 21 and the terminal rear cover 22.

[0033] To prevent incorrect insertion of the terminal front cover 21 into the terminal rear cover 22 and to enhance installation convenience, two slots 27 are provided on the terminal front cover 21, respectively opened on one pair of parallel outer walls of the terminal front cover 21. Furthermore, the two slots 27 are staggered in position perpendicular to the insertion direction of the terminal front cover 21. Correspondingly, the latches 28 on the terminal rear cover 22 are also staggered accordingly, thereby ensuring that the terminal front cover 21 can only be inserted into the terminal rear cover 22 in a fixed posture, thus preventing misinsertion.

[0034] In existing technologies, fiber optic connectors can only transmit optical signals and do not have power conduction capabilities, which cannot meet the needs of applications requiring power conduction. Users need to connect an external power source to power the camera, making connector installation cumbersome. In this embodiment, a power terminal 3 is embedded in the terminal front cover 21, and the power terminal 3 is fixed by snapping with the terminal front cover 21. A power cable 31 is installed inside the power terminal 3, which powers the fiber optic camera. Thus, when the connector is connected to the fiber optic camera, it can achieve both optical signal transmission and power conduction.

[0035] To enable optical signal transmission, a fiber optic ferrule assembly is also inserted into the front cover 21, offset from the power supply terminal 3. In this embodiment, a cylindrical lens assembly 6 is provided on the optical module 5 inside the fiber optic camera. The fiber optic ferrule assembly can be directly inserted into the lens assembly 6 to connect with the optical module 5, without the need for a corresponding fiber optic transmission interface inside the fiber optic camera. The fiber optic ferrule assembly includes a ceramic ferrule 41 and a fixing mechanism 43. The ceramic ferrule 41 is inserted into the optical module 5 inside the fiber optic camera to connect the optical module 5 and the fiber optic cable 9 for transmitting optical signals.

[0036] The fixing mechanism 43 is embedded in the terminal back cover 22 and fits tightly. The optical fiber 9 passes through the fixing mechanism 43 and is inserted into the ceramic ferrule 41, maintaining coaxial alignment with the ceramic ferrule 41. One end of the fixing mechanism 43 is fixedly connected to the ceramic ferrule 41, and the other end fits tightly with the protruding optical fiber 9. After the fixing mechanism 43 is installed on the terminal back cover 22, it is then sealed with epoxy resin. Thus, the optical fiber 9 is kept fixed relative to the connector housing 2 under the action of the fixing mechanism 43, and there is no risk of the optical fiber detaching even when the fiber optic camera is used in a car.

[0037] A ring-shaped socket is provided at the insertion and fixing mechanism 43 of the terminal cover 22. The power cord 31 is inserted into the terminal cover 22 through the socket, and then deflected before being inserted into the power terminal 3. Thus, both the power cord 31 and the fiber optic cable 9 extend out of the terminal cover 22 from the socket. A fiber optic cable protective sleeve 7 is provided over the socket, and the fiber optic cable protective sleeve 7 is fixed to the socket with epoxy adhesive. A heat shrink tubing 8 is fitted over the opening of the fiber optic cable protective sleeve 7. When the power cord 31 and the fiber optic cable 9 extend out of the heat shrink tubing 8, the heat shrink tubing 8 is heated, so that both ends of the heat shrink tubing 8 wrap around the fiber optic cable protective sleeve 7 and the power cord 31 and the fiber optic cable 9, respectively. This seals the connection between the power cord 31 and the fiber optic cable 9 and the terminal cover 22, enhancing waterproof and dustproof performance. Furthermore, the heat shrink tubing 8 can fix the power cord 31 and the fiber optic cable 9, strengthening the connection between the power cord 31 and the fiber optic cable 9 and the terminal cover 22, preventing the power cord 31 and the fiber optic cable 9 from falling off during insertion and removal.

[0038] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the form in this embodiment is not limited thereto, nor is the adjustment method limited thereto. It is understood that other improvements and variations directly derived or conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the basic concept of the present invention should be considered to be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fiber optic camera connector, characterized in that, include: A connector housing that is plugged into the housing of a fiber optic camera. A power terminal is disposed inside the connector housing, and a power cord is disposed therein for supplying power to the fiber optic camera. An optical fiber ferrule assembly is disposed inside a connector housing and connected to an optical fiber line for transmitting optical signals.

2. The fiber optic camera connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber optic ferrule assembly includes: A ceramic ferrule, wherein an optical fiber is coaxially disposed within the ceramic ferrule and connected to an optical fiber camera; A fixing mechanism is fixedly connected to the connector housing. An optical fiber line passes through the fixing mechanism and is inserted into the ceramic ferrule. Both ends of the fixing mechanism are fixedly connected to the ceramic ferrule and the optical fiber line, respectively.

3. The fiber optic camera connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connector housing includes: Terminal back cover, which is plugged into the housing of the fiber optic camera; A terminal front cover is inserted into and fitted with a terminal rear cover. A slot is provided on the outer wall of the terminal front cover, and a buckle is provided on the inner wall of the terminal rear cover corresponding to the slot.

4. A fiber optic camera connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The card slots are configured as two, respectively opened on one outer wall parallel to the front cover of the terminal. The power terminal is embedded in the front cover of the terminal, and the two card slots are at different distances from the power terminal.

5. A fiber optic camera connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, An ear seat is provided on the outer wall of the terminal back cover, and a fixing bolt for threaded connection with the housing of the fiber optic camera is provided in the ear seat.

6. A fiber optic camera connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connector housing has an annular socket at the point where the optical fiber is inserted, and an optical fiber protective sleeve is provided outside the socket.

7. A fiber optic camera connector as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The fiber optic cable protective sleeve is fitted with a heat-shrink tubing for connecting the fiber optic cable at the opening into which the fiber optic cable is inserted.

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