Fiber Optic Connector Assembly Cable End Connector

Abstract

To provide a cable end connector of an optical fiber connector assembly that can simultaneously achieve the objectives of efficient and sufficient power supply. [Solution] The cable end connector (200) includes a cable end housing (5), an insulating housing (6), a first terminal module (71), a second terminal module (72), and a cable end optical communications module (8). The second terminal module is provided at one end of the insulating housing remote from the docking frame (61), and the second terminal module includes a second terminal block (721) and a plurality of second plug power terminals (722) provided on the second terminal block, one end of each second plug power terminal extending from the second plate (64) to the other side of each slot (62), the second terminal block and the first terminal block (711) are coupled together, and the cable end optical communications module is provided in the docking frame and positioned between the slots.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fiber optic connector assembly, and more particularly to a cable end connector of a fiber optic connector assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, connectors use copper as a conductor to transmit electrical signals, but the faster the signal transmission speed, the more susceptible it is to interference from external signals and the environment. Currently, the physical transmission speed of copper conductors is a bottleneck, so optical fiber connector assemblies using light as a medium are required, and the development of connector assemblies using optical fiber must continue to be promoted. Furthermore, using copper as a conductor for both signal transmission and power supply is prone to mutual interference, so special planning is required to ensure the consistency of signal and power. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, although the use of fiber optic connector assemblies improves signal transmission speed, they do not simultaneously address the issue of efficient and sufficient power supply. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0005] That is, in a cable end connector of an optical fiber connector assembly including the cable end connector, the cable end connector includes a cable end housing, an insulating housing, a first terminal module, a second terminal module, and a cable end optical communication module; the cable end housing includes a receiving slot; the insulating housing is positioned in the receiving slot, the insulating housing includes a first plate and a second plate facing each other, two slots positioned between the first plate and the second plate, and a docking frame, the docking frame communicating with each of the slots; the first terminal module is provided at one end of the insulating housing remote from the docking frame, the first terminal module including a first terminal block and a plurality of first plug power terminals provided on the first terminal block, one end of each of the first plug power terminals extending from the first plate to one side of each of the slots; the second terminal module is provided at one end of the insulating housing remote from the docking frame, the second terminal module includes a second terminal block and a plurality of second plug power terminals provided on the second terminal block, one end of each of the second plug power terminals extends from the second plate to the other side of each of the slots, and the second terminal block and the first terminal block are coupled together; The cable-end optical communication modules are mounted on the docking frame and positioned between the slots.

[0006] Further, the plurality of first plug power terminals each include a plurality of first resilient contact portions located on two sides of the cable end optical communication module, the plurality of second plug power terminals each include a plurality of second resilient contact portions located on two sides of the cable end optical communication module, each of the first resilient contact portions defines a first axis extending toward the second plate, each of the second resilient contact portions defines a second axis extending toward the first plate, and each of the first axis and each of the second axis are positioned differently from each other.

[0007] Furthermore, the number of the plurality of plug power terminals located on the first plate is four or more, the number of the plurality of second plug power terminals located on the second plate is four or more, the plurality of first plug power terminals each include four or more first elastic contact portions located on two sides of the cable end optical communication module, and the plurality of second plug power terminals each include four or more second elastic contact portions located on two sides of the cable end optical communication module.

[0008] The cable end housing also has two opposing long side walls and two short side walls, each of the short side walls being connected to two sides of each of the long side walls, and chamfers being formed at the corners between each of the short side walls and the opposing long side walls.

[0009] The cable-end optical communication module also includes a lens, the lens having a docking surface facing outward from the docking frame, a recess located on the docking surface, and a plurality of contacts located within the recess.

[0010] The number of the plurality of contacts is 12 or more, and the plurality of contacts are arranged in two rows.

[0011] The cable-end optical communication module also includes guide portions located on two sides of the docking surface and a plurality of elastic parts provided at one end of the lens away from each of the guide portions, and both ends of each elastic part are pressed against the lens and the inside of the insulating housing, respectively.

[0012] In addition, in an optical fiber connector including a cable end connector, the cable end connector includes a cable end housing, an insulating housing, a first terminal module, a second terminal module, and a cable end optical communication module; the cable end housing includes a receiving groove; the insulating housing is positioned in the receiving slot, the insulating housing includes a first plate and a second plate facing each other, a slot positioned between the first plate and the second plate, and a docking frame, the docking frame communicating with the slot; the first terminal module is provided at one end of the insulating housing remote from the docking frame, the first terminal module including a first terminal block and a plurality of first plug power terminals provided on the first terminal block, one end of each of the first plug power terminals extending from the first plate to one side of the slot; the second terminal module is provided at one end of the insulating housing remote from the docking frame, the second terminal module includes a second terminal block and a plurality of second plug power terminals provided on the second terminal block, one end of each of the second plug power terminals extends from the second plate to the other side of the slot, and the second terminal block and the first terminal block are coupled together; The cable-end optical communication module is mounted on the docking frame and is located on the side of the slot.

[0013] Further, the plurality of first plug power terminals include a plurality of first resilient contact portions located on the side of the cable end optical communication module, and the plurality of second plug power terminals include a plurality of second resilient contact portions located on the side of the cable end optical communication module and adjacent to the plurality of first resilient contact portions, each of the first resilient contact portions defining a first axis extending to the second plate, and each of the second resilient contact portions defining a second axis extending to the first plate, and each of the first axis and each of the second axis are at different positions from each other.

[0014] Furthermore, the number of the plurality of first plug power terminals located on the first plate is three or more, the number of the plurality of second plug power terminals located on the second plate is three or more, the plurality of first plug power terminals include three of the first elastic contact portions located on the side edges of the cable end optical communication module, and the plurality of second plug power terminals include three of the second elastic contact portions located on the side edges of the cable end optical communication module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As described above, according to some embodiments, the insulating housing accommodated in the cable end housing includes a first plate and a second plate facing each other, and two slots between the first plate and the second plate, and the first and second terminal modules each include a plurality of first and second plug power terminals extending from the first plate and the second plate to the slots, respectively, to form a cable end connector of an optical fiber connector assembly. The number of plug power terminals of the cable end connector can be increased as needed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating the appearance of board-end and cable-end connectors of a fiber optic connector assembly according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a board edge connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a board edge connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B illustrate the appearance of a board edge connector in a semi-assembled state after assembly according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a top view of a cable end connector according to some embodiments. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a cable end connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] 1A-1C illustrate the appearance of a semi-assembled cable end connector according to some embodiments after assembly. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional top view of a board-edge connector and a cable-edge connector according to some embodiments before assembly. [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional top view of a board-edge connector and a cable-edge connector according to some embodiments after assembly. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a board-edge connector and a cable-edge connector according to some embodiments before assembly. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a board-edge connector and a cable-edge connector according to some embodiments after assembly. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line 12-12 in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken from the viewpoint of FIG. [Figure 14] 1A-1C illustrate external views of a board-end connector and a cable-end connector of an optical fiber connector assembly according to some embodiments. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a board edge connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 16] 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a cable end connector according to some embodiments. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken from the viewpoint of FIG. [Figure 18] 1A-1C illustrate external views of a board-end connector and a cable-end connector of an optical fiber connector assembly according to some embodiments. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken from the viewpoint of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail below based on the embodiments. Anyone skilled in the art can understand the technical content of the present invention and can implement it based on the above. Furthermore, anyone skilled in the art can easily understand the objectives and advantages of the present invention based on the contents of the specification, claims and drawings of this application.

[0018] The term "connection" described in the following embodiments refers to a physical connection as well as a direct or indirect connection between physical components. To more clearly explain the present invention, in the embodiments shown in the present invention, the first axis X direction is the X axis direction of a three-dimensional coordinate system, which is the short-side direction of the board edge connector 100 in the example shown in FIG. 2 described below. The second axis Y direction is the Y axis direction of a three-dimensional coordinate system, which is the longitudinal direction of the board edge connector 100 that is orthogonal to the short-side direction in the horizontal direction. The third axis Z direction is the Z axis direction of a three-dimensional coordinate system, which is the height direction that is orthogonal to both the first axis X direction and the second axis Y direction.

[0019] First, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 1. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a board-end connector and a cable-end connector of an optical fiber connector assembly according to some embodiments. The optical fiber connector assembly includes a board-end connector 100 and a cable-end connector 200. Generally, optical fiber connector assembly products are small in size, approximately the same size as a USB Type-C connector. The optical fiber connector assembly is suitable for various 3C products (computers, communications equipment, consumer electronics, and wearable devices).

[0020] Next, a description will be given with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is an exploded top perspective view of a board edge connector according to some embodiments. Figure 3 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a board edge connector according to some embodiments. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the appearance of a board edge connector according to some embodiments in a semi-assembled state after assembly.

[0021] The board edge connector 100 includes a board edge housing 1, an insulating housing 2, a plurality of socket power terminals 3, and a board edge optical communication module 4. The board edge housing 1 has a plug frame (plug frame opening) 11 and an accommodating space 12 located within the plug frame 11 and penetrating the board edge housing 1 along the third axis Z.

[0022] The insulating housing 2 is located within the accommodating space 12 and includes a base 21 and a tongue plate 22. The pair of tongue plates 22 extend outward along the third axis Z from near both ends in the first axis X direction of a side surface of the base 21 formed in the third axis Z direction, i.e., toward the side where the board end housing 1 is provided in FIG. 2. In addition to FIG. 2, in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 13 described below, the pair of tongue plates 22 may be simply referred to as tongue plates. The insulating housing 2 has an assembly portion 23 that penetrates the base 21 along the third axis Z direction and is adjacent to the tongue plate 22 along the first axis X direction.

[0023] A plurality of socket power terminals 3 are arranged on the base 21, and one end of each socket power terminal 3 is exposed on both sides in the direction of the second axis Y at the position of the tongue plate 22. The board-end optical communication module 4 is arranged in an assembly section 23, which is a space formed to pass through the insulating housing 2 along the direction of the third axis Z.

[0024] The other end of each socket power terminal 3 (the end on the side away from the board end housing 1 in the direction of the third axis Z in FIG. 2, and the end on the side protruding from the base 21 to the right as viewed in FIG. 4) is exposed from the base 21 and can be connected to a circuit board (not shown). The board end optical communication module 4 can be connected to an optical fiber core (not shown).

[0025] 2 to 4. In some embodiments, the plurality of socket power supply terminals 3 include a plurality of socket power supply terminals 3 (upper row terminals) and a plurality of second socket power supply terminals 3 (lower row terminals), and the plurality of upper row terminals are four flat terminals that are elongated and extend in the direction of the third axis Z.

[0026] The lower row terminals are four flat terminals extending in the direction of the third axis Z, and the socket power terminals 3 include four or more first flat contact portions 31 located on one surface of each tongue plate 22, i.e., on the upper surface in the direction of the second axis Y.

[0027] The socket power terminals 3 each include four or more second flat contact portions 32 located on the other surface of each tongue plate 22, that is, on the bottom surface in the second axis Y direction.

[0028] Each first flat contact portion 31 defines a first axis 31a extending toward the other surface of the tongue plate 22 (shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later).

[0029] Each second flat contact portion 32 defines a second axis 32a extending toward one face of the tongue plate 22 (shown in FIG. 12).

[0030] Each first axis 31a and each second axis 32a are positioned differently from each other, and as a result, the upper row terminals and the lower row terminals are positioned differently from each other, making it easier to injection mold the insulating housing 2 and the multiple socket power terminals 3 in a single operation.

[0031] 2 to 4. In some embodiments, each tongue plate 22 is provided to correspond to an intermediate position 21a on a side surface of the base 21, that is, each tongue plate 22 is located at an intermediate position 21a between the upper surface and the lower surface (bottom surface) of the base 21 along the second axis Y direction.

[0032] The pair of tongue plates 22 are arranged side by side along the first axis X, with a gap 22a between the pair of tongue plates 22. The insulating housing 2 also has a plurality of buckle grooves 215 provided between the base 21 and the tongue plates 22.

[0033] Specifically, the buckle grooves 215 are formed as follows: The base 21 is a generally plate-shaped body formed on its upper and lower surfaces that protrude toward the board end housing 1 along the third axis Z direction as shown in Fig. 2, and a pair of grooves is formed on the pair of plate-shaped bodies near the board end housing 1 in the direction of the first axis X, so that they are recessed in a U-shape. As this pair of grooves is on each of the upper and lower surfaces, a total of four buckle grooves 215 are formed in the example of Fig. 2.

[0034] 2 to 4, in some embodiments, the board end housing 1 has two longitudinal side walls 1a extending in the direction of the first axis X and facing each other in the direction of the second axis Y, and two short side walls 1b extending in the direction of the second axis Y and connecting the ends of the two longitudinal side walls 1a in the direction of the first axis X. Here, each short side wall 1b has a chamfer 1c formed at the corner formed by the corresponding long side wall 1a.

[0035] 1 and 12, each chamfer 1c of the board end housing 1 is formed between the bottom of each of the two short side walls 1b and two side surfaces of the corresponding long side wall 1a, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, each chamfer 1c may be formed between the upper side of each of the two short side walls 1b in the second axis Y direction and two side surfaces of the corresponding long side wall 1a.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, in some embodiments, the board-end optical communication module 4 includes a lens 41 having a docking surface 411 facing the plug frame 11, a recess 412 located on the docking surface 411 and formed to extend in the direction of the first axis X, and a plurality of contacts 413 located within the recess 412 and facing the plug frame 11 as viewed from the perspective of Figure 2.

[0037] The number of the contacts 413 is 12 or more (for example, it may be 16 or 20), and the contacts 413 are arranged in two rows along the second axis Y direction, and in each of the two rows, the contacts 413 are arranged at equal intervals along the first axis X direction.

[0038] The overall width of the boat end connector 100 varies depending on the number of contacts 413. That is, as the number of contacts 413 increases, the overall width of the boat end connector 100 also increases.

[0039] 2 to 4. In some embodiments, the board-end optical communications module 4 includes a pair of guide adjustment sections 42 positioned to face each other in the direction of the first axis X on the docking surface 411 and formed in a groove shape that opens outward in the direction of the first axis X. The guide adjustment sections 42 are groove-shaped (conical), and the groove is a recess whose diameter gradually decreases from the opening to the bottom, resulting in a substantially U-shaped configuration when viewed in the direction of the third axis Z.

[0040] Furthermore, the lens 41 has a plurality of card blocks 415 located above and below the docking surface 411 in the direction of the second axis Y. Taking Fig. 2 as an example, a total of two card blocks 415 are provided on the upper side, one near each end in the direction of the first axis X, and a similar number are provided on the lower side, for a total of four card blocks 415.

[0041] When the board-end optical communication module 4 is mounted in the assembly section 23 of the insulating housing 2, each card block 415 is locked into the four buckle grooves 215 described above.

[0042] 5 to 7, in which Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the top of a cable end connector according to some embodiments, Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom of a cable end connector according to some embodiments, and Fig. 7 is a view showing the appearance of the cable end connector in a semi-assembled state after assembly according to some embodiments.

[0043] The cable end connector 200 includes a cable end housing 5, an insulating housing 6, a first terminal module 71, a second terminal module 72, and a cable end optical communication module 8. The cable end housing 5 is provided with a storage slot 52.

[0044] The insulating housing 6 is arranged in the storage slot 52 and comprises a first plate 63 and a second plate 64 facing each other, two slots 62 located between the first plate 63 and the second plate 64, and a docking frame 61, the docking frame 61 being connected to each slot 62.

[0045] The first terminal module 71 includes a first terminal block 711 and a plurality of first plug power terminals 712 arranged on the first terminal block 711. When the first terminal module 71 is mounted on the insulating housing 6, one end of each of the first plug power terminals 712 extends from the first plate 63 to one side of each slot 62.

[0046] 5 to 7, the second terminal module 72 includes a second terminal block 721 and a plurality of second plug power terminals 722 arranged on the second terminal block 721. When the second terminal module 72 is mounted on the insulating housing 6, one end of each second plug power terminal 722 extends from the second plate 64 to the other end of each slot 62.

[0047] The cable-end optical communications module 8 is placed in the docking frame 61 and positioned between the slots 62. The other end of each first plug power terminal 712 is exposed at the first terminal block 711 and can be connected to a circuit board (not shown). The other end of each second plug power terminal 722 exposes the second terminal block 721 and can be connected to a circuit board, allowing the cable-end optical communications module 8 to be connected to an optical fiber core.

[0048] After combining the second terminal block 721 with the first terminal block 711, the first terminal module 71 and the second terminal module 72 are mounted on the insulating housing 6. The first terminal module 71 is provided at one end of the insulating housing 6 remote from the docking frame 61, and the second terminal module 72 is provided at one end of the insulating housing 6 remote from the docking frame 61.

[0049] 5 to 7, in some embodiments, the plurality of first plug power terminals 712 include four first resilient contact portions 7121 located on both sides of the cable end optical communications module 8. The plurality of second plug power terminals 722 include four second resilient contact portions 7221 located on both sides of the cable end optical communications module 8.

[0050] Each of the first resilient contact portions 7121 is defined by a first axis 7121a extending toward the second plate 64 (shown in FIG. 12). Each of the second resilient contact portions 7221 is defined by a second axis 7221a extending toward the first plate 63 (shown in FIG. 12). The positions of each of the first axis 7121a and each of the second axis 7221a are different from each other.

[0051] 12, the first axis 7121a of the first resilient contact portion 7121 overlaps with the first axis 31a of the first flat plate contact portion 31. The second axis 7221a of the second resilient contact portion 7221 overlaps with the second axis 32a of the second flat plate contact portion 32.

[0052] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, in some embodiments, the number of first plug power terminals 712 arranged on the first plate 63 is four or more, and the number of second plug power terminals 722 arranged on the second plate 64 is four or more.

[0053] The plurality of first plug power terminals 712 include four or more first resilient contact portions 7121 located on both sides of the cable end optical communications module 8. The plurality of second plug power terminals 722 include four or more second resilient contact portions 7221 located on both sides of the cable end optical communications module 8.

[0054] 5-7, in some embodiments, the cable end housing 5 has two opposing longitudinal side walls 5a and two opposing short side walls 5b. Each short side wall 5b is connected to either side of each longitudinal side wall 5a, and a chamfer 5c is formed at the corner between each short side wall 5b and the corresponding longitudinal side wall 5a.

[0055] 5 and 12, each chamfer 5c of the cable end housing 5 is formed between the bottom of each of the two short side walls 5b and both sides of the corresponding long side wall 5a, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, each chamfer 5c may be formed between the top (upper surface) of each of the two short side walls 5b and two side surfaces of the corresponding long side wall 5a.

[0056] 5 to 7, in some embodiments, the cable-end optical communications module 8 includes a lens 81 having a docking surface 811 facing the outside of the docking frame 61, a recess 812 located on the docking surface 811, and a plurality of contacts 813 located within the recess 812. The lens 81 has a cavity at one end remote from the docking surface 811 for connecting an optical fiber.

[0057] Furthermore, the number of the plurality of contacts 813 is 12 or more (for example, it may be 16 or 20), and the plurality of contacts 813 are arranged in two parallel rows to form two rows of the plurality of contacts 813. The overall width of the cable end connector 200 changes relatively depending on the number of contacts 813, and the greater the number of contacts 813, the wider the overall width of the cable end connector 200.

[0058] 5 to 7, in some embodiments, the cable-end optical communications module 8 includes a guide portion 82 and a plurality of elastic components 83 located on both sides of a docking surface 811. The guide portion 82 is convex columnar (conical), and each elastic component 83 has a lens 81 provided at one end remote from the guide portion 82.

[0059] Both ends of each elastic member 83 are pressed against the lens 81 and the inside of the insulating housing 6, respectively. One end of the lens 81 is pressed against the elastic member 83, and an active space 810 (see FIG. 8) is formed between the lens 81 and the inner wall of the docking frame 61. The other end of the lens 81 abuts against the cable end housing 5.

[0060] When the board end connector 100 is connected to the cable end connector 200, the board end optical communication module 4 and the cable end optical communication module 8 are precisely positioned, and each guide portion 82 is guided to connect with each guide adjustment portion 42, forming a gap (see Figure 9) between the board end connector 100 and the cable end connector 200.

[0061] A gap is provided between the recess 412 of the board-end optical communications module 4 and the recess 812 of the cable-end optical communications module 8, and the contact 413 of the board-end optical communications module 4 is aligned linearly with the contact 813 of the cable-end optical communications module 8.

[0062] 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the first terminal block 711 of the cable end connector 200 has a plurality of first fixing structures 7111. The second terminal block 721 of the cable end connector 200 has a plurality of second fixing structures 7211, each of the first fixing structures 7111 being a protrusion and a buckle hole, and each of the second fixing structures 7211 being a protrusion and a buckle hole.

[0063] When assembling the first terminal block 711 and the second terminal block 721, the protrusions and buckle holes of each first fixing structure 7111 are fastened so as to match with the protrusions and buckle holes of each second fixing structure 7211, and the second terminal block 721 and the first terminal block 711 are combined.

[0064] 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the first terminal block 711 of the cable end connector 200 includes a first convex buckle structure 7113, the second terminal block 721 of the cable end connector 200 includes a second convex buckle structure 7213, and both sides of the cable end housing 5 include concave buckle structures 53.

[0065] When the first terminal block 711 and the second terminal block 721 are mounted in the cable end housing 5, the first convex buckle structure 7113 and the second convex buckle structure 7213 are fixed in the concave buckle structure 53, respectively.

[0066] The following description will be given with reference to Figures 8 to 12. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view from above of some embodiments of the board edge connector 100 and the cable edge connector 200 before assembly. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view from above of some embodiments of the board edge connector 100 and the cable edge connector 200 after assembly. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view from a side of some embodiments of the board edge connector 100 and the cable edge connector 200 before assembly. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view from a side of some embodiments of the board edge connector 100 and the cable edge connector 200 after assembly, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line 12-12 in Figure 11.

[0067] When the cable end connector 200 is inserted into the board end connector 100, the cable end housing 5 is inserted into the accommodating space 12 via the plug frame 11 of the board end housing 1. The cable end connector 200 and the board end connector 100 can be connected by inserting the two tongue plates 22 into the two slots 62, respectively.

[0068] Next, the first resilient contact portion 7121 of the first plug power terminal 712 contacts the first flat plate contact portion 31 , and the second resilient contact portion 7221 of the second plug power terminal 722 contacts the second flat plate contact portion 32 .

[0069] Next, the board-end optical communication module 4 is connected to the cable-end optical communication module 8, and an optical signal is transmitted via the optical fiber line connected to the board-end optical communication module 4 and the optical fiber line connected to the cable-end optical communication module 8.

[0070] 12, each chamfer 1c of the board edge housing 1 corresponds to each chamfer 5c of the cable edge housing 5. When the cable edge connector 200 is docked with the board edge connector 100, each chamfer 1c of the board edge housing 1 docks with each chamfer 5c of the cable edge housing 5, providing a reliable function, and the cable edge connector 200 can only be inserted into the board edge connector 100 in the forward direction, although the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0071] Next, reference will be made to Figure 13, which is a cross-sectional view taken from the perspective of Figure 12. In some embodiments, the corners of the board edge housing 1 do not have chamfers 1c formed thereon.

[0072] In other words, chamfers 1c do not need to be formed on the long side walls 1a and short side walls 1b of the board end housing 1, and chamfers 5c do not need to be formed on the long side walls 5a and short side walls 5b of the cable end housing 5, and the outer shape of the board end housing 1 matches the outer shape of the cable end housing 5.

[0073] When the cable end connector 200 is docked with the board end connector 100, the cable end connector 200 can be plugged into the board end connector 100 in either a forward or reverse direction.

[0074] That is, the plurality of socket power terminals 3 of the board edge connector 100 are arranged in so-called point symmetry with respect to the center point of the accommodation space 12 (see FIG. 2).

[0075] Here, so-called point symmetry means that after the upper and lower multiple socket power terminals 3 are rotated 180 degrees around the center of symmetry, the rotated upper and lower multiple socket power terminals 3 completely overlap each other.

[0076] That is, after rotation, the upper multiple socket power terminals 3 are located in the original arrangement position of the lower multiple socket power terminals 3, and after rotation, the lower multiple socket power terminals 3 are located in the original arrangement position of the upper multiple socket power terminals 3.

[0077] In other words, the upper and lower socket power terminals 3 are upside down, and the arrangement of the upper and lower socket power terminals 3 is reversed.

[0078] The cable end connector 200 is securely inserted into the board end connector 100 and is used to transmit a first set of signals; the cable end connector 200 can also be inserted back into the board end connector 100; to transmit a second set of signals, the transmission standard of the first set of signals must comply with the transmission standard of the second set of signals.

[0079] When the cable end connector 200 is inserted into the board end connector 100 to transmit signals, the insertion direction is not restricted to the forward or backward direction.

[0080] Next, a description will be given with reference to Figures 14 to 17. Here, Figure 14 is a diagram showing the appearance of a board-end connector 100' and a cable-end connector 200' of an optical fiber connector assembly according to some embodiments. Also, Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view from above of the board-end connector 100' according to some embodiments, Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view from above of the cable-end connector 200' according to some embodiments, and Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view seen from the perspective of Figure 12.

[0081] In some embodiments, the board edge connector 100′ includes a tongue plate 22 extending outward from a side surface of the base 21. When viewed from the plug frame 11 toward the accommodating space 12, the tongue plate 22 is located on the left side of the accommodating space 12 (the far side in the direction of the first axis X in FIG. 15 ). The insulating housing 2 has an assembly portion 23 that penetrates the base 21 and is adjacent to the tongue plate 22. The assembly portion 23 is located on the right side of the accommodating space 12 (the near side in the direction of the first axis X in FIG. 15 ).

[0082] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in some embodiments, the multiple socket power terminals 3 of the board edge connector 100' include multiple socket power terminals 3 (upper terminals) and multiple socket power terminals 3 (lower terminals), where the upper terminals are three flat terminals and the lower terminals are three flat terminals, and the number may be six or more (e.g., eight or more).

[0083] Furthermore, the multiple socket power terminals 3 (upper terminals) have three first flat contact portions 31 located on one side of the tongue plate 22, and the multiple socket power terminals 3 (lower terminals) have three second flat contact portions 32 located on the other side of the tongue plate 22.

[0084] Furthermore, the plurality of socket power terminals 3 (upper terminals) have three first flat contact portions 31 located on one surface of the tongue plate 22. The plurality of socket power terminals 3 (lower terminals) have three second flat contact portions 32 located on the other surface of the tongue plate 22.

[0085] The first flat contact portion 31 defines a first axis 31a extending toward the other surface of the tongue plate 22. The second flat contact portion 32 defines a second axis 32a extending toward one surface of the tongue plate 22. The first axis 31a and the second axis 32a are positioned at different positions from each other.

[0086] All of the terminals can be injection molded at once by arranging the upper and lower rows of terminals so that they do not overlap in the direction of the first axis X. The overall width of the tongue plate 22 changes relatively depending on the number of terminals, and the greater the number of terminals, the wider the overall width of the tongue plate 22.

[0087] 14-17, in some embodiments, the insulating housing 6 of the cable end connector 200' includes a slot 62 and a docking frame 61 formed between a first plate 63 and a second plate 64.

[0088] Here, there is one slot 62. Looking from the docking frame 61 toward the inside, the slot 62 is located on the right side as shown in Figure 14, and the docking frame 61 is in communication with the slot 62. The cable-end optical communications module 8 is provided in the docking frame 61 and is located on the side of the slot 62.

[0089] 14 to 17. In some embodiments, the plurality of first plug power terminals 712 of the cable end connector 200′ includes three first resilient contact portions 7121 located on the sides of the cable end optical communications module 8, respectively.

[0090] The second plug power terminal 722 has three second elastic contact portions 7221 respectively positioned on the side edges of the cable-end optical communication module 8. The number of first plug power terminals 712 and second plug power terminals 722 may be six or more (e.g., eight or more).

[0091] Furthermore, each first elastic contact portion 7121 defines a first axis 7121a extending toward the second plate 64, and each second elastic contact portion 7221 defines a second axis 7221a extending toward the first plate 63, and the first axis 7121a and the second axis 7221a are arranged at different positions from each other, and further the upper and lower rows of terminals are also arranged offset, which makes it easy to injection mold the terminals in a single operation.

[0092] Furthermore, the first axis 7121a of the first elastic contact portion 7121 overlaps with the first axis 31a of the first flat plate contact portion 31, and the second axis 7221a of the second elastic contact portion 7221 overlaps with the second axis 32a of the second flat plate contact portion 32.

[0093] In addition, the overall width of the first plate 63 and the second plate 64 changes relatively depending on the number of terminals, and the greater the number of terminals, the wider the overall width of the first plate 63 and the second plate 64 becomes.

[0094] When the cable end connector 200' is inserted into the board end connector 100', the cable end housing 5 is inserted into the accommodating space 12 via the plug frame 11 of the board end housing 1, and the tongue plates 22 are inserted into the slots 62, respectively, thereby docking and combining the cable end connector 200' and the board end connector 100'.

[0095] Then, the first resilient contact portion 7121 of the first plug power terminal 712 contacts the first flat plate contact portion 31 , and the second resilient contact portion 7221 of the second plug power terminal 722 contacts the second flat plate contact portion 32 .

[0096] Next, the board-end optical communication module 4 is connected to the cable-end optical communication module 8, and an optical signal is transmitted via the optical fiber line connected to the board-end optical communication module 4 and the optical fiber line connected to the cable-end optical communication module 8.

[0097] 18 and 19. Figure 18 shows the exterior of a board-end connector 100'' and a cable-end connector 200'' of an optical fiber connector assembly according to some embodiments, and Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken from the perspective of Figure 12.

[0098] In some embodiments, the board edge connector 100'' includes a tongue plate 22 that extends outward from the side of the base 21. When viewed from the plug frame 11 toward the receiving space 12, the tongue plate 22 is located on the right side of the receiving space 12.

[0099] The insulating housing 2 has an assembly portion 23 that penetrates the base 21 and is adjacent to the tongue plate 22. The assembly portion 23 is located on the left side of the receiving space 12. The detailed structure of the board edge connector 100'' is the same as that of the board edge connector 100' described above, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0100] 18 and 19. In some embodiments, the insulating housing 6 of the cable end connector 200'' includes a slot 62 located between a first plate 63 and a second plate 64, and a docking frame 61, the number of slots 62 being one, and when viewed from the docking frame 61 toward the inside, the slot 62 is located on the left side, and the docking frame 61 is in communication with the slot 62.

[0101] The cable end optical communication module 8 is placed in the docking frame 61 and is located on the side of the slot 62. The detailed structure of the cable end connector 200'' is the same as that of the cable end connector 200' described above, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0102] As described above, according to some embodiments, the insulating housing accommodated in the cable end housing includes a first plate and a second plate facing each other, and two slots between the first plate and the second plate. The first terminal module and the second terminal module each have a plurality of first plug power terminals and a plurality of second plug power terminals extending from the first plate and the second plate to the slots, respectively, to form a cable end connector of an optical fiber connector assembly. The number of plug power terminals of the cable end connector can also be increased as needed.

[0103] The above detailed description fully demonstrates that the objectives and effects of several embodiments of the present invention are inventive in their implementation, are industrially applicable, and fully meet the requirements for registration. Therefore, this application has been filed under the Utility Model Act. However, the above description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made within the scope of the utility model registration claims of the present invention are also considered to be within the technical scope of the utility model registration claims illustrating several embodiments of the present invention. We hope that the Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office will understand this and grant the registration of this application. This is the applicant's request. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 100, 100', 100'' Board Edge Connectors 200, 200', 200'' Cable End Connectors 1 Board Edge Housing 1a Longitudinal side wall 1b Short side wall 1c Chamfer 11 Plug Frame 12 Containment Space 2 Insulating housing 21 Base 21a Intermediate position 215 Buckle groove 22 Tongue plate 22a distance 23 Assembly Department 3 socket power terminal 31 first flat contact portion 31a First Axis 32 Second flat contact part 32a Second Axis 4. Board-edge optical communication module 41 Lens 411 Docking Surface 412 recess 413 Contact 415 Card Block 42 Guide adjustment section 5 Cable End Housing 5a Longitudinal side wall 5b Short side wall 5c Chamfer 52 storage slots 53 Concave buckle structure 6 Insulating housing 61 Docking Frame 62 slots 63 First Plate 64 Second Plate 71 First terminal module 711 First terminal block 7111 First fixed structure 7113 First convex buckle structure 712 First plug power terminal 7121 First elastic contact part 7121a First Axis 72 Second Terminal Module 721 Second terminal block 7211 Second fixed structure 7213 Second convex buckle structure 722 Second plug power terminal 7221 Second elastic contact part 7221a Second Axis 8. Cable-end optical communication module 81 Lens 810 Activity space 811 Docking Surface 812 recess 813 contacts 82 Guide section 83 Elastic parts

Claims

1. A cable end connector of an optical fiber connector assembly including the cable end connector, the cable end connector includes a cable end housing, an insulating housing, a first terminal module, a second terminal module, and a cable end optical communication module; the cable end housing includes a receiving slot; the insulating housing is positioned in the receiving slot, the insulating housing includes a first plate and a second plate facing each other, two slots positioned between the first plate and the second plate, and a docking frame, the docking frame communicating with each of the slots; the first terminal module is provided at one end of the insulating housing remote from the docking frame, the first terminal module including a first terminal block and a plurality of first plug power terminals provided on the first terminal block, one end of each of the first plug power terminals extending from the first plate to one side of each of the slots; the second terminal module is provided at one end of the insulating housing remote from the docking frame, the second terminal module includes a second terminal block and a plurality of second plug power terminals provided on the second terminal block, one end of each of the second plug power terminals extends from the second plate to the other side of each of the slots, and the second terminal block and the first terminal block are coupled together; The cable-end optical communication module is mounted on the docking frame and positioned between the slots.

1. A cable end connector for a fiber optic connector assembly comprising:

2. The plurality of first plug power terminals each include a plurality of first resilient contact portions located on two sides of the cable end optical communication module, and the plurality of second plug power terminals each include a plurality of second resilient contact portions located on two sides of the cable end optical communication module, each of the first resilient contact portions defining a first axis extending toward the second plate, and each of the second resilient contact portions defining a second axis extending toward the first plate, and each of the first axis and each of the second axis are positioned differently from each other.

2. The cable end connector of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic connector assembly includes: a first end;

3. The number of the plurality of plug power terminals located on the first plate is four or more, the number of the plurality of second plug power terminals located on the second plate is four or more, the plurality of first plug power terminals each include four or more first elastic contact portions located on two sides of the cable end optical communication module, and the plurality of second plug power terminals each include four or more second elastic contact portions located on two sides of the cable end optical communication module.

3. The cable end connector of claim 2.

4. The cable end housing has two opposing long side walls and two short side walls, each of the short side walls being connected to two sides of each of the long side walls, and a chamfer is formed at a corner between each of the short side walls and each of the opposing long side walls.

2. The cable end connector of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic connector assembly includes: a first end;

5. The cable-end optical communications module includes a lens, the lens having a docking surface facing outward from the docking frame, a recess located on the docking surface, and a plurality of contacts located within the recess.

2. The cable end connector of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic connector assembly includes: a first end;

6. The number of the plurality of contacts is 12 or more, and the plurality of contacts are arranged in two rows.

6. The cable end connector of claim 5, wherein the fiber optic connector assembly includes:

7. The cable-end optical communication module includes guide portions located on two sides of the docking surface, and a plurality of elastic members provided at one end of the lens remote from each of the guide portions, with both ends of each elastic member being pressed against the lens and the inside of the insulating housing, respectively.

6. The cable end connector of claim 5, wherein the fiber optic connector assembly includes:

8. In a cable end connector of an optical fiber connector assembly including the cable end connector, the cable end connector includes a cable end housing, an insulating housing, a first terminal module, a second terminal module, and a cable end optical communication module; the cable end housing includes a receiving groove; the insulating housing is positioned in the receiving slot, the insulating housing includes a first plate and a second plate facing each other, a slot positioned between the first plate and the second plate, and a docking frame, the docking frame communicating with the slot; the first terminal module is provided at one end of the insulating housing remote from the docking frame, the first terminal module including a first terminal block and a plurality of first plug power terminals provided on the first terminal block, one end of each of the first plug power terminals extending from the first plate to one side of the slot; the second terminal module is provided at one end of the insulating housing remote from the docking frame, the second terminal module includes a second terminal block and a plurality of second plug power terminals provided on the second terminal block, one end of each of the second plug power terminals extends from the second plate to the other side of the slot, and the second terminal block and the first terminal block are coupled together; The cable-end optical communication module is mounted on the docking frame and is positioned on the side of the slot.

1. A cable end connector for a fiber optic connector assembly comprising:

9. The plurality of first plug power terminals include a plurality of first resilient contact portions located on a side edge of the cable end optical communication module, and the plurality of second plug power terminals include a plurality of second resilient contact portions located on a side edge of the cable end optical communication module and adjacent to the plurality of first resilient contact portions, each of the first resilient contact portions defining a first axis extending to the second plate, and each of the second resilient contact portions defining a second axis extending to the first plate, and each of the first axis and each of the second axis are positioned differently from each other.

9. The cable end connector of claim 8.

10. The number of the first plug power terminals located on the first plate is three or more, the number of the second plug power terminals located on the second plate is three or more, the first plug power terminals include three of the first elastic contact portions located on a side edge of the cable end optical communication module, and the second plug power terminals include three of the second elastic contact portions located on a side edge of the cable end optical communication module.

9. The cable end connector of claim 8.

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