Fiber connector plug, fiber adapter, connector assembly, and communication device
The fiber connector plug with a sliding locking mechanism addresses the challenge of high-density fiber port packing by enabling direct insertion and removal within a limited space, enhancing the operational efficiency and density of fiber connections.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023513328
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-08-27
- Filing Date
- 2021-03-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-03-23
AI Technical Summary
The challenge in the field of optical communications is to efficiently pack more fiber connection ports within a limited space while designing a locking structure that saves operational space, particularly in high-density fiber management trays.
The proposed solution involves a fiber connector plug with a sleeve-shaped main housing and a sliding member connected to a locking portion on the outer surface. This design allows for direct insertion and removal of the fiber connector plug into the fiber adapter, utilizing a sliding mechanism for locking and unlocking, which reduces the operational space required.
This design enables a miniaturized fiber connector plug configuration, allowing for increased density of fiber connection ports within communication devices. The sliding member's axial movement simplifies the locking and unlocking process, maintaining the integrity of fiber connections without the need for additional operational space around each connector.
Smart Images

Figure 0007648744000001 
Figure 0007648744000002 
Figure 0007648744000003
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical communications, and in particular to fiber connector plugs, fiber adapters, connector assemblies, and communication devices. [Background technology]
[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010880697.1, entitled "FIBER CONNECTOR PLUG, FIBER ADAPTER, CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE," filed on August 27, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0003] With the development of communication technology, fiber transmission is increasingly applied in communication systems. For fiber to home network, in the drop phase, the fiber pulled out from the equipment room is connected to the drop fiber of the fiber management tray, so that the optical network is introduced to every home. With the population density of the city, the number of ports on each fiber management tray increases. The focus of the industry is how to arrange more fiber connection ports in a limited space, and how to design a locking structure to save operating space, considering that each fiber connector plug needs to be inserted into a fiber adapter, and the fiber adapter needs to be locked. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a fiber connector plug, a fiber adapter, a connector assembly, and a communication device. The fiber connector plug can be designed to save operational space and help place more fiber connection ports in a limited space of a communication device.
[0005] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a fiber connector plug including a fiber, a ferrule fixed to a front end of the fiber, a main housing, and a first locking structure. The main housing is sleeve-shaped and fitted to cover the fiber. In the present application, the first locking structure disposed on the outer surface of the main housing provides an insertion path for directly inserting the fiber connector plug into the fiber connector and removing the fiber connector plug from the fiber connector, which helps to save operation space. Specifically, the first locking structure includes a sliding member and a locking portion. The locking portion is fixed to the outer surface of the main housing. The sliding member is slidably connected to the main housing between a first position and a second position. The locking portion is located between the sliding member and the ferrule along the axial direction of the main housing. When the sliding member is located in the first position, the sliding member engages with the locking portion to cooperate with the second locking structure to lock it. When the sliding member is located in the second position, unlocking between the locking portion and the second locking structure is performed.
[0006] In the present application, the sliding member is engaged with the locking portion to cooperate with the second locking structure on the fiber adapter, and the sliding member slides in the axial direction to perform locking and unlocking, i.e., the user only needs to drive the sliding member to move in the axial direction. In the process of inserting the fiber connector plug into the fiber adapter or removing the fiber connector plug from the fiber adapter, the operating space is also the surrounding space on the side corresponding to the fiber connector plug, for example, the space above the fiber connector plug, and the sliding member only needs to be driven to slide on the main housing. In the present application, it is not necessary to ensure the operating space around the circumferential direction of the fiber connector plug (the space surrounding the periphery of the main housing of the fiber connector plug). Therefore, in the present application, not only is a miniaturized design of the fiber connector plug implemented, but more fiber connector plugs can also be configured in a communication device having multiple fiber interfaces. These fiber connector plugs can be densely arranged, and even if there is no space between adjacent fiber connector plugs, the insertion / removal, locking, and unlocking of each fiber connector plug are not affected.
[0007] In a possible implementation, the fiber connector plug further includes a sealing structure disposed on an outer surface of the main housing. The sealing structure is located between the first locking structure and the ferrule along the axial direction of the main housing. The sealing structure is used to sealingly connect to an inner surface of the fiber adapter. In the present application, an outdoor fiber connector plug is defined. The structure of the fiber connector plug is simplified by the engagement between the sealing structure and the first locking structure, and only one sealing structure needs to be configured to be located between the first locking structure and the ferrule. This facilitates miniaturization of the structure of the fiber connector plug. Furthermore, since the first locking structure is engaged with the fiber adapter in a direct insertion manner, the fiber connector plug can have a small operating space, thereby reducing the occupied space of the fiber connector plug.
[0008] In a possible implementation, the locking portion is a fixed block arranged to protrude on an outer surface of the main housing. The locking portion is used to mate with a clamp groove of the second locking structure. A locking groove is formed between the sliding member and the main housing. The locking groove is used to mate with a resilient arm of the second locking structure. An opening of the locking groove is located between one end of the sliding member and the main housing. The sliding member includes a mating surface formed on an inner wall surface of the locking groove. The mating surface faces the main housing. The mating surface includes a first region and a second region. The first region is located between the second region and the opening of the locking groove. A vertical distance between the first region and the main housing is greater than a vertical distance between the second region and the main housing.
[0009] In this implementation, the vertical distance between the first region and the main housing is set to be different from the vertical distance between the second region and the main housing, so that the mating surface is designed to resemble a two-stage structure, or a structure extending obliquely to the axial direction. When the mating surface and the second locking structure are mated, the mating surface presses the elastic arm of the second locking structure into the locking groove. The first region and the second region both apply pressure to the elastic arm, and the first region and the second region form a two-stage architecture, or an architecture extending obliquely in the radial direction. This not only helps to increase the contact area between the mating surface and the elastic arm, but also implements the function of pressing the elastic arm in the radial direction. The clamping force and locking force applied to the elastic arm can ensure that the elastic arm is firmly locked in the locking groove and cannot be easily pulled out.
[0010] The size of the axially extending mating surface is a first size, and the size of the axially extending first region is a second size. It is clear that the second size is smaller than the first size, and the second size may even be less than half of the first size. In the locked state, the mutual pressing region between the mating surface and the elastic arm may be the region where the entire mating surface is located. However, in the unlocking process, only the first region needs to be moved to the position where the second region is located in the locked state, and the second region is synchronously moved away from the elastic arm. In this case, both the first region and the second region are separated from the elastic arm, and the elastic arm is not pressed, so that unlocking is performed. It can be seen that during the movement in the unlocking process, the sliding member only needs to move the distance of the second size, and does not need to move the distance of the first size. Therefore, this implementation has the advantages of stable locking and easy unlocking.
[0011] In a possible implementation, when the sliding member is in the first position, the first region is disposed to face the locking portion, and the second region is disposed to face the outer surface of the main housing. Or, when the sliding member is in the second position, the mating surface is disposed to face the outer surface of the main housing. In the present application, since the positional relationship between the sliding member and the main housing in the first position and the positional relationship between the sliding member and the main housing in the second position are defined, accurate positioning of the sliding member on the main housing can be ensured, and the efficiency of locking and unlocking can be improved.
[0012] In a possible implementation, the mating surface is stepped and the extension direction of the first region in the direction from the front end face towards the rear end face of the sliding member is parallel to the central axis of the sliding member.
[0013] In a possible implementation, the mating surface is bevelled and an included angle is formed between the extension direction of the first region in a direction from the front end face towards the rear end face of the sliding member and a central axis of the sliding member.
[0014] In possible implementations, an etching structure is arranged in the first region, or an etching structure is arranged in the second region, or an etching structure is arranged in each of the first region and the second region.
[0015] In a possible implementation, a groove is disposed on the mating surface, which is used to mate with a protruding portion on the resilient arm, and which may be disposed in the first region or the second region.
[0016] Both the etched structure and the groove structure disposed on the mating surfaces help to increase the locking force.
[0017] In a possible implementation, the sliding member includes a first plate member, a second plate member, a third plate member, and a fourth plate member connected in sequence. The first plate member is arranged to face the third plate member. The second plate member is arranged to face the fourth plate member. The mating surfaces are arranged on the inner surfaces of the first plate member and the third plate member. In this implementation, the first plate member and the third plate member are convex arc-shaped structures, and anti-slip structures are arranged on the outer surfaces of each of the first plate member and the third plate member. The second plate member and the fourth plate member are flat plate structures. The second plate member and the fourth plate member are arranged parallel to each other. The distance between the second plate member and the fourth plate member is less than the maximum distance between the first plate member and the third plate member. When the sliding member operates, an external force is applied to the first plate member and the third plate member, and one side of the second plate member and one side of the fourth plate member can be used to adjacent to another fiber connector plug, so that multiple fiber connector plugs are closely arranged to save space.
[0018] In a possible implementation, the second plate member and the fourth plate member may be in direct contact with the outer surface of the main shaft, or may be connected to the outer surface of the main shaft using a guide structure. A gap is formed between the main shaft and each of the first plate member and the third plate member. The gap may be a locking groove for receiving the second locking structure of the fiber adapter, or a receiving space for receiving the second elastic element and the fixed base.
[0019] In a possible implementation, a second sliding guide structure is further disposed on the inner surface of the sliding member. The second sliding guide structure is used to mate with the first sliding guide structure on the main shaft. The second sliding guide structure is located on the inner surfaces of the second plate member and the fourth plate member.
[0020] In a possible implementation, the second sliding guide structure includes a second guide portion and a second limiting portion. The second limiting portion is located on a side of the second guide portion that is far from the front end surface of the sliding member. The second guide portion is used to mate with a first guide portion on the outer surface of the main shaft. The second limiting portion is used to mate with a first limiting portion on the outer surface of the main shaft. The side of the second limiting portion facing the front end surface of the sliding member forms a second limiting step. The second limiting step mates with the first limiting step of the first limiting portion on the main shaft to define a boundary position for the sliding of the sliding member toward the front end of the main shaft.
[0021] In a possible implementation, the second limiting portion and the second guiding portion form a T-shaped structure. In this implementation, the second limiting portion and the second guiding portion are guide groove structures grooved into the inner surface of the slide member. Alternatively, in another implementation, the second limiting portion and the second guiding portion can be guide rail structures arranged to protrude onto the inner surface of the slide member.
[0022] In a possible implementation, a step locating surface opposing the rear end surface of the sliding member is disposed on the inner surface of the sliding member and is used to position the second resilient member.
[0023] In a possible implementation, the fiber connector plug provided in this embodiment further includes a dust-proof cap. The dust-proof cap includes a cap body and an elastic arm. The cap body is hollow, and an opening is disposed in the cap body. The elastic arm is formed at the position of the opening of the cap body. The cap body has a central symmetric structure, and a central axis is disposed. There are two elastic arms disposed to face each other on two sides of the central axis. Along the axial direction, a first mating portion and a second mating portion are disposed at the end of the elastic arm far from the cap body. The first mating portion is located between the second mating portion and the elastic arm. A vertical distance between the first mating portion and the central axis is greater than a distance between the second mating portion and the central axis. In use, the dust cap covers the periphery of the front cover, and the elastic arm extends into the locking groove formed between the mating surface of the sliding member and the outer surface of the main housing, and the first mating portion abuts against the first region and the second mating portion abuts against the second region due to the mating of the elastic arm with the mating surface, and the dust cap is fixed to the fiber connector plug by the clamping force applied to the first mating portion and the second mating portion by the mating surface. When the dust cap needs to be removed, the sliding member is moved toward the tail end of the main shaft so that the first region is separated from the first mating portion and the second region is separated from the second mating portion. When the first region is directly radially opposed to the second mating portion, unlocking between the fiber connector plug and the dust cap can be performed.
[0024] In a possible implementation, the locking portion includes a resilient arm and a clamp block, one end of the resilient arm is fixed to the main housing. The resilient arm and the main housing may be an integrated structure or may be a split structure integrally assembled. The clamp block is fixed to the other end of the resilient arm and protrudes from a surface of the resilient arm remote from the main housing. A gap is disposed between the resilient arm and the main housing. The sliding member includes a sliding body slidably connected to the main housing and a blocking portion connected to one end of the sliding body. The resilient arm is used to engage with a clamp groove on the fiber adapter. The blocking portion can move into the gap and abut against the resilient arm to lock the resilient arm in the clamp groove.
[0025] In a possible implementation, a clamp structure is further disposed on the outer surface of the main housing, and the clamp structure is used to engage with the sliding member to restrict the sliding member to a first position. Specifically, the clamp structure is a limiting block disposed to protrude on the outer surface of the main housing. There are two clamp structures, and the clamp structures are spaced apart, i.e., a limiting groove is formed between the two clamp structures. The sliding member includes a sliding positioning structure. The sliding positioning structure includes a connection portion connected to the sliding body and a bump structure disposed to protrude on the connection portion. The connection portion is formed by arranging a pair of band-shaped slits on the sliding body. By arranging these slits, the connection portion can easily undergo radial elastic deformation under the action of an external force. The bump structure is used to engage with a clamp structure on the main shaft. Specifically, when the bump structure is clamped in the limiting groove, the sliding member can be restricted to a first position. In this implementation, another solution of the first locking structure is also provided. The elastic arm and the clamp block arranged on the locking part are engaged with the clamp groove of the second locking structure, and the blocking part of the sliding member abuts against the elastic arm, so that the lock between the first locking structure and the second locking structure is performed. Similarly, in this implementation, the locking part is released from the elastic arm by moving the sliding member. Specifically, the clamp block is located on the side of the elastic arm far from the front end of the main housing. The clamp block is located on the end of the elastic arm facing the sliding member. When the fiber connector plug is inserted into the fiber adapter, the elastic arm is inserted into the adapter first, and then the clamp block enters the fiber adapter. In the locked state, the clamp block is connected to one end of the sliding body corresponding to the blocking part, and this end of the sliding body may be considered as the root of the blocking part, and the abutment force at this position is greater than that at the end of the blocking part far from the sliding body (this end may be considered as the tail of the blocking part). Therefore, in this application, the structure of this clamp block and resilient arm that fits with the position of the sliding member helps to increase the locking force.
[0026] In a possible implementation, the locking portion includes a locking arm. An accommodation space is disposed between the locking arm and an outer surface of the main housing. Opposite ends of the two accommodation spaces are open along the axial direction of the main housing. A clamping groove or hole is disposed in the locking arm. The accommodation space is used to accommodate a second locking structure. The clamping groove or hole is used to mate with the second locking structure. The sliding member includes a sliding body slidably connected to the main housing and a blocking portion connected to one end of the sliding body. The blocking portion can move into the accommodation space to abut against the second locking structure. Specifically, an opening at one end of the accommodation space is used to allow the second locking structure on the fiber adapter to extend into the accommodation space, and an opening at the other end of the accommodation space is used to allow the blocking portion of the sliding member to move into the accommodation space. The second locking structure may be a connection section structure (i.e., an elastic arm structure with a buckle disposed therein) connected to a buckle portion. The blocking portion of the sliding member abuts against the connecting portion and locks the buckle portion in the clamping groove or hole to implement the locked state. During unlocking, only the sliding member needs to be moved to make the blocking portion leave the receiving space, and the buckle portion can be pulled away from the clamping groove or hole under the action of the elastic force of the connecting portion.
[0027] Specifically, the locking part is a sleeve-shaped structure, and a positioning groove, a locking groove, and a hole are arranged on the inner surface of the locking part. The positioning groove is used to fit with the connecting part on the outer surface of the main shaft to fix the locking part to the main shaft. There are two positioning grooves distributed symmetrically on two sides of the central axis of the locking part. The hole is located at the bottom of the locking groove, and the hole is a through-hole structure, so that the inner surface of the locking part communicates with the outer surface of the locking part. The extension direction of the locking groove is the axial direction of the locking part, and the opening of the locking groove is formed at one end of the locking part. There are two holes and two locking grooves, and the two holes and two locking grooves are distributed symmetrically on two different sides of the central axis of the locking part. During assembly, the locking part is fitted to cover the main shaft, and the connecting part is clamped in the positioning groove to implement the connection between the locking part and the main shaft. In this state, the bottom wall surface of the locking groove and the main shaft form a receiving section, and the locking part at the position of the bottom wall surface of the locking groove forms a locking arm. It can be understood that the hole is disposed on the locking arm. The hole can be a clamp groove or hole structure. The receiving space is formed between the locking arm and an outer surface of the main shaft. The receiving space is used to receive a second locking structure of the fiber adapter, and the hole is used to mate with the second locking structure.
[0028] In a possible implementation, the sliding member is resiliently connected to the main housing, and the sliding member is maintained in the first position using a resilient force.
[0029] In a possible implementation, a limiting structure is disposed between the sliding member and the main housing, the limiting structure being used to limit the sliding member to a first position, or the limiting structure may be used to limit the sliding member to a second position.
[0030] In a possible implementation, the main housing includes a sleeve-shaped main shaft. The main shaft includes opposing forward and aft ends. The forward end of the main shaft is connected to the front cover. The fiber is housed in the main shaft. The aft end is fixed to the fiber. A through hole is disposed in the aft end. The through hole passes through an outer surface and an inner surface of the main shaft. The through hole is used to fill a gap between the fiber and the inner surface of the main shaft with adhesive to fix the fiber to the main shaft.
[0031] Specifically, the fiber includes a fiber core, a reinforcing layer wound around the fiber core, and an outer layer wound around the reinforcing layer. A portion of the fiber core extends outside the reinforcing layer and is fixed to the ferrule, and a portion of the reinforcing layer is not wound with the outer layer. An adhesive is used to fix the reinforcing layer to the main shaft. In this application, a through hole for adhesive filling is arranged at the tail end of the main shaft, and the fiber is fixed by adhesive filling. The adhesive fills the gap between the reinforcing layer and the main shaft, and the form of the surface structure of the reinforcing layer is further utilized, and the surface of the reinforcing layer has a space for adhesive filling. Therefore, the adhesive can be in full contact with the fiber and the main shaft, and the fixing effect is improved. Furthermore, by removing some material from the main shaft (without adding any clamp structure) and fixing the fiber in the main shaft without occupying the space outside the main shaft, a compact design is facilitated. Furthermore, by filling the gap between the main shaft and the fiber with adhesive, the fiber can be more sealingly connected to the main shaft. In this way, the arrangement of the through hole does not produce a low sealing effect.
[0032] In a possible implementation, the fiber connector plug includes a main housing fitted around the fiber and a front cover. The main housing is sleeve-shaped. The front cover is fixed to one end of the main housing and surrounds the ferrule. The end face of the ferrule remote from the fiber is the front end face of the ferrule. The end face of the front cover remote from the main housing is the front end face of the front cover. The front end face of the ferrule is flush with the front end face of the front cover, but it can be understood that the front end face of the ferrule is radially flush with the front end face of the front cover or axially the front end face of the ferrule is located between the front end face of the front cover and the rear end face of the front cover, and the rear end face of the front cover is the end face of the front cover facing the main housing. A slot is formed between the front cover and the ferrule. This slot is used to receive a ferrule sleeve of a fiber adapter. One end of the ferrule sleeve extends into the slot. It can be understood that the front end of the ferrule sleeve is fully inserted into the slot. The radial size of the ferrule sleeve matches the radial size of the slot, i.e. the radial sizes of the ferrule sleeve and the slot may be equal, or the difference in the radial sizes of the ferrule sleeve and the slot complies with machining tolerances and assembly clearances, in other words the slot does not accommodate any element other than the ferrule, and the ferrule is used to be inserted into the ferrule sleeve.
[0033] In the present application, the front end face of the ferrule is protected by the front end face of the front cover, so that the front end face of the ferrule can be prevented from being scratched. Specifically, the front cover can protect the front end face of the ferrule during replacement, transportation, and the process of inserting into and removing from the fiber adapter. During the subsequent connection of the connector plug of the mating end to the ferrule, it is ensured that the optical signal can be transmitted between the two connector plugs stably and reliably. Since a slot that fits into the ferrule sleeve of the fiber adapter is formed between the inside of the front cover and the ferrule, the front cover has the function of protecting the front end face of the ferrule and fitting with the fiber adapter, and there is no need for other elements to be arranged around the front cover. Therefore, the radial size of the fiber connector plug can be sufficiently small, so that more fiber connection ports can be arranged in the limited space of the communication device.
[0034] In this fiber connector plug, the outer surface of the front cover is also the outer surface of the entire fiber connector plug, i.e., there is only one structural member of the front cover around the ferrule. In this application, the protection mechanism configured around the ferrule (the front end surface of the outer frame sleeve) and the insertion / removal mating mechanism (the slot formed between the inner surface of the outer frame sleeve and the ferrule, and the mating of the outer surface of the outer frame sleeve and the inner surface of the fiber adapter) are concentrated on the outer frame sleeve. This not only reduces the parts and simplifies the structure of the fiber connector plug, but also facilitates the design of a compact radial size.
[0035] In a possible implementation, a first guide structure is disposed on an outer surface of the front cover, and the first guide structure is used to mate with a guide key on the fiber adapter. The outer surface of the front cover provided herein contacts and mates with an inner surface of the fiber adapter, and the first guide structure can mate with the guide key to provide guidance in the process of inserting the fiber connector plug into the fiber adapter.
[0036] In a possible implementation, the first guide structure extends along the axial direction, and the fiber connector plug having the axially extending first guide structure can be inserted into or removed from the fiber adapter in a direct insertion or removal manner, and the insertion process does not involve a rotational movement. This design helps reduce the operating space around the fiber connector plug. When multiple fiber connector plugs are arranged side by side in a communication device, the direct insertion or removal operation only requires axial space, so there is no need to ensure an operating space between adjacent fiber connector plugs.
[0037] In a possible implementation, in the radial direction, the first guide structure is a groove structure arranged on the outer surface of the front cover, i.e., the first guide structure does not penetrate the inner surface of the front cover. A notch may be arranged at a position close to the front end face of the front cover. The arrangement of the notch can form an open annular structure of the front end face or a structure with at least two faces (e.g., when there are two notches, the front end face is divided into a first face and a second face). In this implementation, the first guide structure, which is a groove structure arranged on the outer surface of the front cover, has an opening formed on one side facing the front end face, which opening communicates with the notch. The first guide structure and the notch can provide the function of a visible mark for alignment in the process of inserting the fiber connector plug.
[0038] In a possible implementation, the first guide structure penetrates the inner and outer surfaces of the front cover. It can be understood that the first guide structure is a notch or hollowed out structure disposed in the front cover.
[0039] In a possible implementation, the first guide structure is arranged to protrude on an outer surface of the front cover.
[0040] In a possible implementation, the first guide structure may extend from the front end surface of the front cover to the rear end surface of the front cover, or may extend from the front end surface of the front cover to a central location of the front cover, the central location being a location between the front end surface and the rear end surface, and the central location may not only represent a center location between the front end surface and the rear end surface, but may also represent a location close to the front end surface, or a location close to the rear end surface.
[0041] In possible implementations, there may be one first guidance structure, or two or more first guidance structures may be uniformly spaced apart circumferentially on the outer surface of the front cover 21.
[0042] In a possible implementation, a second guide structure is disposed on an outer surface of the main housing, and the second guide structure is connected to the first guide structure, and together are used to mate with a guide key on the fiber adapter. The first guide structure and the second guide structure may be the same. For example, the first guide structure and the second guide structure are both groove structures, notch structures, or protrusion structures. The first guide structure and the second guide structure may be different. For example, the first guide structure is a groove structure and the second guide structure is a notch structure. Or, the first guide structure is a notch structure and the second guide structure is a protrusion structure.
[0043] Because the first guiding structure is disposed (or the first guiding structure is combined with the second guiding structure), in the process of connecting the fiber connector plug to the fiber adapter, the front cover can have the function of a conspicuous mark and guide, which facilitates the alignment between the fiber connector plug and the fiber adapter, improves the connection accuracy, prevents the ferrule component of the fiber connector plug from being damaged or malfunctioning due to multiple collisions caused by incorrect insertion of the fiber connector plug, and effectively extends the service life of the fiber connector plug.
[0044] In a possible implementation, the front end surface of the front cover is a closed annular structure.
[0045] In a possible implementation, one notch of the front cover is arranged on the front cover close to the front end surface of the front cover, so that the front end surface of the front cover forms a non-closed continuously extending surface. This arrangement of the notch allows the front end of the fiber connector plug to have a concave-convex shape suitable for insertion. Thus, when the fiber connector plug is inserted into the fiber adapter, the fiber connector plug can better adapt to the inner space of the fiber adapter compared with the front end of the fiber connector plug with a flat shape. Therefore, the loose connection caused by the limited inner space of the fiber adapter is avoided, the stability and reliability of insertion are improved, the practicality is high, and the application range is wide.
[0046] In a possible implementation, two notches facing each other are disposed at an end of the front cover close to the front end face of the front cover, so that the front end face of the front cover is formed between the two notches. In this implementation, the front end face includes a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface and the second surface are disposed symmetrically on two sides of the central axis of the front cover. Specifically, when the first surface and the second surface are connected to form a complete ring, both the first surface and the second surface are less than a quarter of the ring, and the positions of the two notches are such that they can accommodate a portion of the side wall on which the front end face of the front cover of another fiber connector plug is located. It can be understood that, since the front end face of the front cover protrudes beyond the front end face of the ferrule, when the same pair of fiber connector plugs are inserted into the same fiber adapter, the front end faces of the two ferrules need to be connected, and an interference fit is required between the two front covers. The two notches are designed to solve the problem of interference fit during this connection. The position of the two notches can accommodate a portion of the area where the front end surface of the other front cover is located. Specifically, the two notches can be symmetrically arranged on two sides of the central axis of the front cover. This symmetrical arrangement can make the force that the outer frame sleeve receives during insertion relatively uniform and balanced, and can also increase the overall strength of the outer frame sleeve, minimizing the possibility of connection failure due to force imbalance.
[0047] In the present application, the notch disposed at the front end of the front cover is also advantageous for observation. When an operator looks at the outer surface of the outer frame sleeve where the notch is disposed, the operator can at least see the front end face of the ferrule. Based on this, when connecting the fiber connector plug to the fiber adapter, the operator knows the position of the ferrule. This facilitates insertion, improves the success rate of insertion, and prevents the ferrule from being subjected to multiple collisions due to incorrect insertion, which prevents the ferrule from being damaged.
[0048] In a possible implementation, a first limiting structure is disposed on a surface of the ferrule and a second limiting structure is disposed on an inner surface of the front cover, the first limiting structure mating with the second limiting structure to prevent the ferrule and front cover from rotating relative to one another.
[0049] In a possible implementation, the first limiting structure includes a first plane, and the second limiting structure is arranged to protrude on the inner surface of the front cover, and the second limiting structure includes a second plane facing the ferrule, and the first plane is in contact with the second plane. The limiting structures, i.e., the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure, are arranged between the front cover and the ferrule provided in the present application. It can be understood that the outer surface of the ferrule directly contacts and mates with the inner surface of the front cover. This architecture makes the structure between the ferrule and the front cover more compact, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design.
[0050] In a possible implementation, the main housing includes a main shaft and a mounting member, both of which are sleeve-shaped. The mounting member is connected to an end of the main shaft facing the front cover. The first blocking portion is disposed on the outer surface of the ferrule. The mounting member includes a mounting member body and a second blocking portion. The second blocking portion is located at the front end of the mounting member body and protrudes from the inner surface of the mounting member body. A portion of the ferrule is accommodated inside the mounting member, and the first blocking portion engages with the second blocking portion to prevent the ferrule from moving out of the mounting member from the front end of the mounting member body. The front cover is fitted to cover the outer surface of the mounting member and fixed to the mounting member. In this application, the assembly of the ferrule and the main shaft is performed using the mounting member. The detailed position of the ferrule on the main shaft is determined, and the front cover is directly fitted to cover the periphery of the mounting member. Specifically, the inside of the mounting member is used to mount the ferrule, the outside of the mounting member is used to mount the front cover, and the rear end of the mounting member is used to connect to the main shaft. In this application, the mounting member structure is used to implement multi-dimensional assembly and connection relationships, so that the structure of the fiber connector plug is easily simplified and a miniaturized design is easily implemented.
[0051] In a possible implementation, the first limiting structure and the first blocking portion of the ferrule are axially adjacent, the first blocking portion includes a first limiting surface facing the front end of the ferrule, the first limiting surface being connected perpendicular to a first plane of the first limiting structure.
[0052] In a possible implementation, the attachment member body is sleeve-shaped and includes a central axis. The second blocking portion protrudes from an inner surface of the attachment member body. The second blocking portion includes a second limiting surface and a contact surface. The second limiting surface faces a rear end of the attachment member body. The contact surface faces a central axis of the attachment member body. The second limiting surface is used to mate with a first limiting surface of the first blocking portion of the ferrule. The contact surface is used to mate with a first flat surface of the first limiting structure of the ferrule. In a possible implementation, there are two second blocking portions arranged to face each other on two sides of the central axis of the attachment member body. The axial size of one second blocking portion is smaller than the axial size of the other second blocking portion. The side of one second blocking portion remote from the attachment member body forms an attachment member notch. The location of the attachment member notch is directly opposite a portion of the contact surface of the other second blocking portion. The attachment member notch is used to accommodate the second limiting structure of the front cover.
[0053] In a possible implementation, the mounting member further includes an elastic clamp hook. The elastic clamp hook is formed at the front end of the mounting member body. A clamp groove or hole is arranged on the front cover. The elastic clamp hook fits with the clamp groove or hole to fix the mounting member to the front cover. The fixing manner based on the fitting of the elastic clamp hook and the hole can implement a separable connection between the mounting member and the front cover to facilitate assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, the elastic clamp hook is clamped in the hole, and the elastic clamp hook occupies the inner space of the front cover and does not increase the radial size of the fiber connector plug. In this implementation, the front cover is fitted to cover the circumference of the mounting member in the manner of direct insertion along the axial direction, so that the positioning of the first guide structure of the front cover is easily implemented. In particular, when the first guide structure needs to be connected to the second guide structure on the main shaft, the circumferential positioning between the front cover and the main shaft needs to be guaranteed.
[0054] In a possible implementation, the rear end of the front cover is a fully enclosed cylindrical architecture, i.e., the rear end of the front cover is a circumferentially closed architecture, which can improve the structural strength of the front cover on the one hand, and can also improve the connection strength between the front cover and the main shaft on the other hand. Furthermore, the front cover is used as the outer part of the fiber connector plug, and this fully enclosed circumferential structure can implement the outer integrity and improve the user experience.
[0055] In a possible implementation, the rear end surface of the mounting member body and the rear end surface of the front cover are coplanar and cooperate to form a connection surface, which is in contact with the end surface of the main shaft. In the present application, a structural design is adopted in which the connection surface is in contact with the end surface of the main shaft, so that the connection between the front cover and the main shaft only occupies the space of the end surface of the main shaft and does not extend to the outer surface of the main shaft. The connection surface is planar, and correspondingly, the end surface of the main shaft is also planar. In another implementation, the connection surface may alternatively be an arc-shaped surface. Correspondingly, the end surface of the main shaft is also an arc-shaped surface that contacts and coincides with the connection surface. For example, the connection surface is a convex arc-shaped surface, and the end surface of the main shaft is a concave arc-shaped surface.
[0056] In a possible implementation, the outer surface of the front cover and the outer surface of the main shaft of the present application may be coplanar or have a smooth transition. For example, the outer surface of the front cover is a cylindrical surface and the outer surface of the main shaft is also a cylindrical surface. When the front cover contacts the end face of the main shaft, the outer surfaces of the two cylinders having the same radial size contact to form a complete cylindrical outer surface.
[0057] In a possible implementation, a positioning structure is disposed at the junction between the connection surface and the front end surface of the main shaft, and the positioning structure is used to circumferentially position the main housing and the front cover and / or to circumferentially position the main housing and the mounting member.
[0058] In a possible implementation, the first notch is disposed on the rear end surface of the front cover, and the second notch is disposed on the rear end surface of the mounting member body. The first notch and the second notch are radially opposite each other. A bump is disposed on the end surface of the main shaft, and the bump fits with the first notch and the second notch. A positioning structure between the main shaft, the front cover, and the mounting member is located at this joint, and positioning is performed by fitting the first notch, the second notch, and the bump. In this way, the radial size of the fiber connector is not increased, and a miniaturized design is facilitated.
[0059] In a possible implementation, one or more first notches may be present on the rear end surface of the front cover. When there are two first notches, the two first notches may be symmetrically distributed on two sides of the central axis of the front cover. When there are multiple first notches, the first notches may be circumferentially spaced apart. Similarly, there may be one or more second notches, and the arrangement of the second notches may be the same as that of the first notches.
[0060] In a possible implementation, the mounting member is connected to the main shaft using a fastener, one part of which is located inside the main shaft and another part of which is located inside the mounting member, i.e. the fastener is completely enclosed and the main shaft is connected to the mounting member around the fastener.
[0061] In a possible implementation, the attachment member is connected to the main shaft by means of a fastener, which may alternatively be partially exposed as an outer surface of the fiber connector plug. The fastener is a sleeve-shaped structure. The fastener includes a front end, a rear end, and a central portion connected between the front end and the rear end. The front end of the fastener extends inside the attachment member and is fixed to the attachment member. The rear end of the fastener extends inside the main shaft and is fixed to the main shaft. The central portion is located between the front end of the main shaft and the rear end of the attachment member. It can also be understood that the central portion is located between the front end of the main shaft and the rear end of the front cover. The outer surface of the central portion forms the outer surface of the fiber connector plug.
[0062] In a possible implementation, the front end of the fastener is releasably connected to the attachment member in the manner of a buckle-and-hole fit. The buckle is disposed around the front end. A hole is disposed in the attachment member through the inner and outer surfaces. The buckle at the front end is received in the hole in the attachment member. The rear end is also releasably connected to the main shaft in the manner of a buckle-and-hole fit. The buckle is disposed around the rear end. A hole is disposed in the main shaft through the inner and outer surfaces. The buckle at the rear end is received in the hole in the main shaft.
[0063] In another possible implementation, the front end of the fastener may be fixed to the mounting member by a threaded connection, and likewise, the rear end of the fastener may be fixed to the main shaft by a threaded connection.
[0064] In a possible implementation, a sealing groove is disposed around the central portion of the fixture and is used to accommodate a sealing structure. Of course, in this implementation architecture, the sealing groove could alternatively be disposed on the outer surface of the main shaft rather than around the central portion. When the fiber connector plug is inserted into the fiber adapter, the central portion is located inside the fiber adapter and the front end of the main shaft also extends into the fiber adapter.
[0065] In a possible implementation, a sealing structure is disposed between the rear end of the fixture and the main shaft.
[0066] In a possible implementation, the guide structure may be disposed around the central portion of the fixture. The guide structure communicates with or extends continuously to the first guide structure on the front cover. The guide structure and the first guide structure on the front cover cooperate to mate with a guide key on the fiber adapter. In another implementation, the guide structure is disposed around each of the central portion and the main shaft. The two guide structures are both disposed on an extended path of the first guide structure on the front cover. The two guide structures and the first guide structure on the front cover cooperate to form a guide structure for the fiber connector plug.
[0067] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a fiber adapter including a body sleeve and a ferrule sleeve. The ferrule sleeve is connected to an interior of the body sleeve. A first receiving space communicating with an interior space of the ferrule sleeve is disposed inside the body sleeve. The first receiving space is used to receive a fiber connector plug according to any implementation of the first aspect. The ferrule sleeve is used to receive a ferrule of the fiber connector. An inner surface of the body sleeve is used to contact an outer surface of a front cover of the fiber connector plug. The body sleeve includes a second locking structure. The second locking structure is located in a first open position in which the first receiving space is connected to the outside, and the second locking structure is used to mate with the first locking structure of the fiber connector plug.
[0068] In a possible implementation, the body sleeve includes a first end, a second end, and a body portion connected between the first end and the second end. The ferrule sleeve is connected to an interior of the body portion. The second locking structure is disposed at the first end. An inner surface of the body portion is sealingly connected to a sealing structure of the fiber connector plug.
[0069] In a possible implementation, the second locking structure includes a clamping groove and a resilient arm. The clamping groove is formed on the inner surface of the body sleeve. The body sleeve includes a body portion. The resilient arm is located at one end of the body portion and extends along the axial direction of the body sleeve. The resilient arm includes a first section and a second section. The first section is connected between the second section and the body portion. The outer surface of the resilient arm is a surface of the resilient arm on the side farther from the first receiving space. The vertical distance from the outer surface of the first section to the central axis of the body sleeve is greater than the vertical distance from the outer surface of the second section to the central axis of the body sleeve. In the present application, the resilient arm is designed to resemble a two-stage structure or a structure extending obliquely to the axial direction. The engagement of the resilient arm with the mating surface of the fiber connector plug not only helps to increase the contact area between the mating surface and the resilient arm, but also implements the function of radially pressing the resilient arm. The clamping and locking forces on the elastic arms can ensure that the elastic arms are tightly locked in the locking grooves and cannot be easily pulled out.
[0070] In the locked state, the mutual pressing area between the mating surface and the elastic arm may be the area where the entire elastic arm is located (including the first section and the second section). However, in the unlocking process, only the first area of the mating surface of the fiber connector plug only needs to be moved to the position where the second area in the locked state is located, and the second area is synchronously moved away from the elastic arm. Specifically, the first section is separated from the first area, the second section is separated from the second area, and the first area directly faces the second section, but a gap is disposed between the first area and the second section, so that the elastic arm is not pressed, i.e., unlocking is performed. During the movement in the unlocking process, the sliding member only needs to be moved to a position where the first area is moved to radially face the second section, and it is not necessary to satisfy that the mating surface and the elastic arm are completely staggered in the radial direction. It may be possible to maintain a partial radial overlap between the mating surface and the elastic arm to perform unlocking. Therefore, this implementation has the advantages of stable locking and easy unlocking.
[0071] In a possible implementation, in the radial direction of the body sleeve, the first section is directly opposite a portion of the clamping groove and the second section is located around the clamping groove.
[0072] In a possible implementation, the outer surface of the resilient arm is stepped or an included angle is formed between the extension direction of the resilient arm and the axial direction of the body sleeve, and the extension direction of the resilient arm is from the body portion to the end of the second section remote from the body portion.
[0073] In a possible implementation, an etching structure is disposed on the outer surface of the first section and / or the outer surface of the second section, or a protruding portion is disposed on the outer surface of the resilient arm, which is used to mate with a groove on the sliding member of the fiber connector plug. Both the etching structure and the protruding portion structure disposed on the resilient arm help to increase the locking force.
[0074] In a possible implementation, the second locking structure is a clamping groove formed on the inner surface of the body sleeve. The clamping groove includes a limiting groove cut on the inner surface of the body sleeve and a groove or hole located at the bottom of the groove. The limiting groove is used to mate with a resilient arm of the locking portion of the fiber connector plug. The groove or hole is used to mate with a clamping block of the locking portion of the first fiber connector plug.
[0075] In a possible implementation, the body sleeve includes a body portion. The second locking structure is located at one end of the body portion and includes a buckle portion and a connecting section. The connecting section is connected between the buckle portion and the body portion. The buckle portion is disposed to protrude on a surface of the connecting section away from a central axis of the body sleeve. The connecting section is adapted to extend into a receiving space between a locking arm of the fiber connector plug and the main housing. The buckle portion is adapted to mate with a clamping groove or hole of the locking arm of the fiber connector plug.
[0076] In a possible implementation, a first slot is formed between the body sleeve and the ferrule sleeve, and the first slot is used to accommodate a part of the front cover. According to the fiber adapter provided in the present application, the first slot between the body sleeve and the ferrule sleeve is mated with the front cover of the fiber connector plug, and the inner surface of the body sleeve is in contact with and mated with the outer surface of the front cover to implement the matching of the fiber adapter and the fiber connector plug. The structure of the fiber adapter is simplified, and the alignment of the fiber connector plug inserted into the fiber adapter is implemented by using the first slot and the inner surface of the body sleeve, and the radial size can be designed to match the front cover of the fiber connector plug. Therefore, the fiber connector plug has the advantage of a small size.
[0077] In a possible implementation, a guide key is arranged on the inner wall surface of the body sleeve, the extension direction of the guide key is the same as the extension direction of the central axis of the ferrule sleeve, and the guide key is used to mate with the first guide structure on the front cover of the fiber connector plug. The arrangement of the guide key in the axial extension direction allows the body sleeve to match with the fiber connector plug in direct insertion and direct removal, which helps to save the operating space. Therefore, more fiber connection ports can be arranged in a limited space.
[0078] According to a third aspect, the present application provides a connector assembly including a fiber connector plug according to any implementation of the first aspect and a fiber adapter according to any implementation of the second aspect.
[0079] According to a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communications device comprising a housing and a fiber adapter according to any implementation of the second aspect, the fiber adapter being connected to the housing, the housing having a socket disposed therein, the fiber adapter being disposed inside the housing, the socket directly facing a first accommodating space of the fiber adapter.
[0080] In a possible implementation, there are multiple sockets arranged in a row, and multiple fiber adapters positioned corresponding to the socket locations.
[0081] In a possible implementation, there are a plurality of sockets arranged in at least two rows on the housing, and there are also a plurality of fiber adapters arranged corresponding to the positions of the sockets.
[0082] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a fiber connector plug according to any possible implementation of the first aspect, the fiber connector plug being used to mate with the fiber adapter.
[0083] The communication device provided in the present application includes a plurality of sockets arranged in one row or in multiple rows, and the fiber adapters are arranged corresponding to the positions of the sockets, so that more fiber connection ports can be arranged in a limited space, and the density of the fiber adapters arranged in the communication device is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0084] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a specific application scenario of the fiber connector plug, specifically, a schematic diagram of a FTTH network according to the present application. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a specific implementation of a communication device in which a fiber connector plug according to the present application is located; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic three-dimensional assembly view of a fiber connector plug according to a first embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic three-dimensional exploded view of a fiber connector plug according to a first embodiment of the present application; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fiber connector plug in one direction according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fiber connector plug in another direction according to the first embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a ferrule of a fiber connector plug according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a ferrule of a fiber connector plug according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the front cover of the fiber connector plug according to the first embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the front cover of a fiber connector plug in one direction according to the first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first positional relationship between a front cover and a ferrule of a fiber connector plug according to a first embodiment of the present application; FIG. [Figure 12]4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second positional relationship between the front cover and the ferrule of the fiber connector plug according to the first embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the front cover of the fiber connector plug in another direction according to the first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the front cover of the fiber connector plug according to the first embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 15] 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the front cover of the fiber connector plug according to the first embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 16] 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the front cover of the fiber connector plug according to the first embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 17] 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a mounting member of a fiber connector plug in one direction according to a first embodiment of the present application; FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a mounting member of a fiber connector plug in another orientation according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 19] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting member of a fiber connector plug according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber connector plug according to the first embodiment of the present application, mainly showing the internal structural features of the front cover. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber connector plug according to the first embodiment of the present application, mainly showing the internal structural features of the front cover. [Figure 22A] 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a fastener for a fiber connector plug according to a first embodiment of the present application; FIG. [Figure 22B] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber connector plug according to the first embodiment of the present application, mainly showing the positional relationship between the mounting member, the fixture, and the main shaft. [Diagram 23] FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a main shaft of a fiber connector plug according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 24]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main shaft of a fiber connector plug in one direction according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main shaft of a fiber connector plug according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a sliding member of a fiber connector plug in one direction according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 27] 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a sliding member of a fiber connector plug in another direction according to a first embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 28] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sliding member of a fiber connector plug according to a specific implementation in the first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 29] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sliding member of a fiber connector plug according to another specific implementation in the first embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 30] 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a fixed base of the fiber connector plug according to the first embodiment of the present application; FIG. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a dust cap of a fiber connector plug according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 32] FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a fiber adapter according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 33] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fiber adapter according to a specific implementation in a first embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 34] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fiber adapter according to another specific implementation in the first embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 35] FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a ceramic sleeve of a fiber adapter according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 36] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fiber connector plug according to a first implementation of the present application after it has been inserted into a corresponding fiber adapter. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion I of FIG. 36. [Figure 38] FIG. 37 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion II of FIG. 36. [Figure 39]FIG. 2 is another schematic cross-sectional view of a fiber connector plug according to a first implementation of the present application after it has been inserted into a corresponding fiber adapter. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is an enlarged schematic view of portion III of FIG. 39. [Diagram 41] FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a fiber connector plug according to a second embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 42] FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional exploded view of a fiber connector plug according to a second embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 43] FIG. 13 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a main shaft of a fiber connector plug according to a second embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 44] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a main shaft of a fiber connector plug according to a second embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 45] FIG. 11 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a sliding member of a fiber connector plug according to a second embodiment of the present application. [Figure 46] 11 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a sliding member of a fiber connector plug in another direction according to a second embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 47] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a sliding member of a fiber connector plug in one direction according to a second embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 48] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a sliding member of a fiber connector plug in another direction according to a second embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 49] FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a fiber adapter according to a second embodiment of the present application. [Figure 50] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fiber adapter according to a second embodiment of the present application. [Figure 51] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a fiber connector plug according to a second embodiment of the present application inserted into a fiber adapter, the fiber connector plug being in a locked state. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion IV of FIG. 51. [Diagram 53] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an unlocked state of a fiber connector plug and a fiber adapter according to a second embodiment of the present application. [Figure 54]FIG. 11 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a fiber connector plug according to a third embodiment of the present application. [Figure 55] FIG. 13 is a schematic three-dimensional exploded view of a fiber connector plug according to a third embodiment of the present application.
[0085] [Figure 56] FIG. 11 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a main shaft of a fiber connector plug according to a third embodiment of the present application. [Figure 57] FIG. 13 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a locking portion of a fiber connector plug in one direction according to a third embodiment of the present application. [Figure 58] 13 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a locking portion of a fiber connector plug in another direction according to a third embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 59] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking portion of a fiber connector plug according to a third embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 60] FIG. 11 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a sliding member of a fiber connector plug according to a third embodiment of the present application. [Figure 61] FIG. 13 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a fiber adapter according to a third embodiment of the present application. [Figure 62] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fiber adapter according to a third embodiment of the present application. [Figure 63] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a fiber connector plug according to a third embodiment of the present application inserted into a fiber adapter, with the fiber connector plug in a locked state. [Figure 64] FIG. 64 is an enlarged schematic view of portion V of FIG. 63. [Figure 65] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an unlocked state of a fiber connector plug and a fiber adapter according to a third embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0086] For ease of understanding, the following describes and explains relevant technical terms used in the embodiments of the present application.
[0087] Axial: Axial may be understood as the axial direction of the fiber connector plug, which is equivalent to the extension direction of the fiber and ferrule, i.e., the tail end of the fiber extends to the front end of the fiber and then continues to the front end of the ferrule, and is also equivalent to the axial direction of the housing assembly that surrounds the fiber within the fiber connector plug.
[0088] Radial: The radial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0089] Sleeve-shaped: Sleeve-shaped means fitting over the outer surface of a long strip-shaped object for the purpose of protection, reinforcement and fixing, or connection. The sleeve-shaped element includes a cylindrical (or tubular) housing, in which there is a hollow space, and openings are arranged on both end faces of the cylindrical (or tubular) housing. The long strip-shaped object can penetrate the sleeve-shaped element through the two openings. For example, a fiber can extend into the housing assembly from an opening at one end of the housing assembly and extend out of the housing assembly from an opening at the other end of the housing assembly. The end faces of the sleeve-shaped element include an inner edge and an outer edge. The inner surface of the sleeve-shaped element is connected between the inner edges of the two end faces and faces the hollow space inside the sleeve-shaped element. The outer surface of the sleeve-shaped element is connected between the outer edges of the two end faces and faces the outer space of the sleeve-shaped element. The axial direction of the sleeve-shaped element is the direction extending from one end face to the other end face. The radial direction of the sleeve-shaped element is the direction extending perpendicularly from the inner surface to the outer surface, and may be understood as perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve-shaped element. The outer profile of the axial cross section of the sleeve-shaped element may be circular, polygonal, or triangular, or another regular or irregular shape, which is not limited in this application.
[0090] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present application.
[0091] The fiber connector plug, fiber adapter, connector assembly, and communication device provided in the present application are applied to an FFTx system. The FFTx system may be, but is not limited to, FFTH (fiber to the home), FFTC (fiber to the curb), FTTP (fiber to the premises), FTTN (fiber to the node or neighborhood), FTTO (fiber to the office), or FTTSA (fiber to the service area). The embodiment of the present application is described using an example in which the communication device is applied to a fiber to the home (FTTH) system. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an FTTH network. Referring to FIG. 1, a connectorized fiber distribution point (CFDP) 2 and a fiber distribution box 3 are disposed between a central office (CO) 1 and a customer terminal box (CSP) 4. A communication device in the central office 1 is connected to the connectorized fiber distribution point 2 through an optical cable to distribute a signal to the connectorized fiber distribution point 2. The connectorized fiber distribution point 2 transmits the signal over optical cables to a fiber distribution box 3 which then outputs the signal to a customer terminal box 4 (transmitting the signal over optical cables).
[0092] The communication device provided herein may be, but is not limited to, a fiber access terminal (FAT) or a split / splice closure (SSC).
[0093] 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1000 according to one implementation. The communication device 1000 includes a housing 400, an adapter assembly 200A, an indoor connector assembly 300A, and an outdoor connector assembly 100A. The adapter assembly 200A is fixed to the housing 400. The indoor connector assembly 300A is accommodated in the housing 400. The outdoor connector assembly 100A is located outside the housing 400. The outdoor connector assembly 100A and the indoor connector assembly 300A can be connected to the adapter assembly 200A to implement a connection and further implement optical signal transmission.
[0094] It should be understood that the difference between the indoor connector assembly 300A and the outdoor connector assembly 100A lies in the difference in application scenarios. The indoor connector assembly 300A can be understood as being located in a relatively closed space in the housing 400, and can be effectively isolated from external dust, water vapor, etc. The outdoor connector assembly 100A can be understood as being located in a relatively open space outside the housing 400, and needs to have better environmental adaptability to adapt to complex and changing external environments.
[0095] Specifically, the housing 400 includes a box body 401 and an upper cover 402 that covers the box body 401. A plurality of sockets 4011 arranged side by side are arranged in the box body 401. The sockets 4011 may be arranged in one row or in multiple rows. The adapter assembly 200A includes a plurality of fiber adapters 200. The number of the fiber adapters 200 is equal to or less than the number of the sockets 4011 (when the number of the fiber adapters 200 is less than the number of the sockets 4011, it means that some of the sockets can be reserved for other purposes). In another implementation, the sockets 4011 may be alternatively arranged on the upper cover 402. Correspondingly, each fiber assembly 200 can be arranged at the position of the corresponding socket 4011.
[0096] The indoor connector assembly 300A includes a plurality of indoor fiber connector plugs 300, all housed in a housing 400. Furthermore, the quantity of the indoor fiber connector plugs 300 is the same as, or alternatively may be less than, the quantity of the fiber adapters 200, such that each indoor fiber connector plug 300 can be inserted into a corresponding fiber adapter 200.
[0097] The outdoor connector assembly 100A includes a plurality of outdoor fiber connector plugs 100. The quantity of the outdoor fiber connector plugs 100 may be the same as or less than the quantity of the fiber adapters 200. Each outdoor connector plug 100 may be inserted into a corresponding fiber adapter 200 from outside the housing 400.
[0098] It can be seen that an opening adapted to the indoor fiber connector plug 300 and an opening adapted to the outdoor fiber connector plug 100 are arranged at two ends of the fiber adapter 200. The indoor fiber connector plug 300 and the outdoor fiber connector plug 100 are inserted into the two openings of the fiber adapter 200. In this way, the ferrules of the indoor fiber connector plug 300 and the outdoor fiber connector plug 100 are connected in the fiber adapter 200, i.e. the connection between the two fibers that need to be connected is implemented, allowing the optical signal output from the transmitting fiber to be maximally coupled to the receiving fiber.
[0099] Therefore, each indoor fiber connector plug 300 can be inserted into a corresponding fiber adapter 200 from inside the housing 400, and each outdoor fiber connector plug 100 can be inserted into a corresponding fiber adapter 200 from outside the housing 400, so that each indoor fiber connector plug 300 can be connected to a corresponding outdoor fiber connector plug 100. Specifically, one indoor fiber connector plug 300, one fiber adapter 200, and one outdoor fiber connector plug 100 constitute a connector assembly to implement link transmission of optical signals.
[0100] The communication device 1000 provided in the present application includes a plurality of sockets 4011 arranged in one or more rows. The fiber adapters 200 are correspondingly arranged at the positions of the sockets 4011, which allows more fiber connection ports to be arranged in a limited space, thereby improving the density of the fiber adapters arranged in the communication device.
[0101] The fiber connector plug provided in the present application can be an outdoor fiber connector plug 100 of a communication device 1000 in the implementation shown in Fig. 2, or can be an indoor fiber connector plug 300 of a communication device 1000 in the implementation shown in Fig. 2. Hereinafter, specific embodiments of fiber connector plugs having three different structures and fiber adapters mated with these fiber connector plugs will be described in detail when the fiber connector plug is an outdoor fiber connector plug.
[0102] The fiber connector plug provided in the first embodiment will be described in detail below.
[0103] FIG. 3 is a schematic three-dimensional assembly diagram of a fiber connector plug according to a possible implementation. FIG. 4 is a schematic three-dimensional exploded diagram of the fiber connector plug shown in FIG. 3, with a dust cap added in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are cross-sectional views of the fiber connector plug viewed from different directions. The fiber connector plug 100 provided in the present application includes a transmission member 10, a housing assembly 20, a sealing structure 30, a sliding member 40, a dust cap 50, a first elastic member 60, and a second elastic member 70. The housing assembly 20 is fitted to cover the circumference of the transmission member 10 and is used to protect the transmission member 10 and is also used to insert / remove the fiber connector plug 100. The dust cap 50 may be a part of the housing assembly 20. Alternatively, the fiber connector plug 100 may not include the dust cap 50. The sliding member 40 is slidably connected to the outer surface of the housing assembly 20 and is used to lock and unlock the fiber connector plug 100 and the fiber adapter 200. The sealing structure 30 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing assembly 20 and is located at the axial front end of the sliding member 40. The sealing structure 30 is used to sealingly connect to the inner surface of the fiber adapter 200. For the fiber connector plug 100, the front end is the end that is inserted into the fiber adapter (this end may be understood as the end where the ferrule is located) and the tail or rear end is the end that is remote from the ferrule.
[0104] 4, 5, and 6, the transmission member 10 includes a fiber 11 and a ferrule 12, and the ferrule 12 is connected to the front end of the fiber 11. The housing assembly 20 includes a front cover 21 and a main housing 22. The front cover 21 is a sleeve-shaped structure and surrounds the ferrule 12, that is, the front cover 21 is fitted to cover the periphery of the ferrule 12. Of course, the internal space of the front cover 21 may accommodate a part of the fiber 11. The front cover 21 is used to protect the ferrule 12 and is used to mate with the fiber adapter 200. The main housing 22 includes an attachment member 221, a fixture 222, a main shaft 223, a fixed base 224, a tail sleeve 225, and a heat shrink tube 226. The main housing 22 is generally sleeve-shaped and is used to accommodate the fiber 11. All the components of the main housing 22 are also sleeve-shaped. In this implementation, six elements are assembled and connected to form the main housing 22. These elements are all rigidly connected. Thus, some of these elements may be of integral construction. For example, the fastener 222 may be integrally formed on the front end surface of the main shaft 223, and thus the fastener 222 may be considered as part of the main shaft 223.
[0105] 4, 5, and 6, the fiber 11 includes a fiber core 111, a reinforcing layer 112 wound around the fiber core 111, and an outer layer 113 wound around the reinforcing layer 112. A portion of the fiber core 111 extends outside the reinforcing layer 112 and is fixed to the ferrule 12. A portion of the fiber reinforcing layer 112 is not wrapped with the outer layer. A portion of the outer layer is also located inside the housing assembly 20. The reinforcing layer 112 may be made of a metal or non-metal material. The metal material of the reinforcing layer 112 may be a steel wire. The non-metal material of the reinforcing layer 112 may be a fiber reinforced composite material (FRP). The reinforcing layer 112 is mainly used to enhance the tensile strength and balance of the fiber. The outer surface of the reinforcing layer 112 is not as smooth as the outer surface of the outer layer. The outer surface of the reinforcing layer 112 may have a rough structure similar to a tooth structure. The purpose of leaving the stiffening layer 112 exposed (i.e., not wrapping an outer layer) is to secure the stiffening layer 112 to the housing assembly 20. The fiber core 111 of the fiber 11 is secured to the ferrule 12 using a curable adhesive. The structure of the ferrule 12 will be described in detail below.
[0106] 7 and 8, the ferrule 12 includes a front end face 121 and a rear end face 122. A front section 123, a center section 124, and a rear section 125 are connected in sequence between the front end face 121 and the rear end face 122, and both the front section 123 and the rear section 125 have a centrosymmetric structure. For example, the shape of the rear section 125 is a cylinder, and the shape of the front section 123 is a combination of a cylinder and a truncated cone. The center section 124 includes a first limiting structure 1241 and a first blocking portion 1242. In the axial direction, the first limiting structure 1241 is located between the first blocking portion 1242 and the front section 123. The first limiting structure 1241 is engaged with the housing assembly 20 to limit the ferrule 12 in the circumferential direction, i.e., to prevent the ferrule 12 from rotating relative to the housing assembly 20. The first limiting structure 1241 includes a first flat surface 1243. There may be one or more first flat surfaces 1243. If the arrangement of the first flat surfaces 1243 allows the central section 124 to have a non-rotationally symmetrical structure, the first flat surfaces 1243 may have a circumferential limiting function. As shown in FIG. 7, there are four first flat surfaces 1243 spaced apart and symmetrically distributed on the outer surface of the central section 124. The first blocking portion 1242 is a columnar structure connected to the first limiting structure 1241. The first blocking portion 1242 includes a first limiting surface 1244, which faces the front end surface 121 of the ferrule 12. In this implementation, the quantity of the first limiting surfaces 1244 arranged also corresponds to the quantity of the first flat surfaces 1243 arranged, and the first limiting surface 1244 is connected perpendicularly to the first flat surfaces 1243. In the process of manufacturing the ferrule 12, a part is cut from the outer surface of a cylinder, and a first flat surface 1243 and a first limiting surface 1244 are formed at the same time. The outer surface of the rear section 125 is used to fit the first elastic member 60 (e.g., a spring). The surface of the first blocking part 1242 facing the rear section 125 is a positioning surface 1245, which is used to abut the first elastic member 60. A fiber core fixing hole 1251 is disposed in the rear section 125.At the rear end face 122, the fiber core fixing hole 1251 forms an opening for inserting the fiber core 111. A light passing hole 126 is formed between the bottom of the fiber core fixing hole 1251 and the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12. In the fiber core fixing hole 1251, the bottom is a position directly opposite to the opening.
[0107] When the fiber connector plug 100 is connected to another fiber connector plug in the fiber adapter 200, the connection is implemented using the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12. In this manner, optical signal transmission is performed between the two fiber connector plugs 100. Therefore, in the fiber connector plug 100, the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12 needs to be protected by the housing assembly 20 to ensure that the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12 is not scratched and ensure the quality of optical transmission.
[0108] In the present application, the front cover 21 of the housing assembly 20 can protect the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12. The front cover 21 will be described in detail below (with reference to FIGS. 9 to 16).
[0109] 9 and 10, the front cover 21 is sleeve-shaped and includes a front end face 211 and a rear end face 212. Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, in the fiber connector plug 100, the front cover 21 is located at the front end of the housing assembly 20, and the rear end face 212 of the front cover 21 is used to connect to the main housing 22.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 11, in one implementation, the front end face 211 of the front cover 21 is flush with the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12. Referring to FIG. 12, in another implementation, the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12 is surrounded by the inner surface of the front cover 21, i.e., the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12 is recessed into the front cover 21. The front end face 211 of the front cover 21 is arranged to protrude in the axial direction at the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12. In the axial direction, the distance between the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12 and the front end face 211 of the front cover 21 is L. In this implementation, this can also be understood as follows. That is, the vertical protrusion of the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12 in the front cover 21 is located on the front end face 211 of the front cover 21 or the inner surface of the front cover 21, so that the front end face of the ferrule 12 is protected. 11 and 12, the front end face 211 of the front cover 21 can protect the front end face of the ferrule 12. Specifically, the front cover 21 can protect the front end face of the ferrule during replacement, transportation, and the process of inserting into and removing from the fiber adapter. During the subsequent connection of the mating end connector plug to the ferrule, it is ensured that optical signals can be transmitted stably and reliably between the two connector plugs.
[0111] 11 and 12, a slot 217 is formed between the inner surface of the front cover 21 and the ferrule 12, and the slot 217 forms an opening between the front end face 211 of the front cover 21 and the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12. The slot 217 is used to mate with a ferrule sleeve of a fiber adapter. Specifically, when the fiber connector plug is inserted into the fiber adapter, the ferrule is inserted into the ferrule sleeve, and the ferrule sleeve is inserted into the slot 217, and one end of the ferrule sleeve extends into the slot 217, i.e., the end face of the ferrule sleeve is located in the slot 217 and is disposed opposite to the slot bottom of the slot 217. Here, the slot bottom of the slot 217 is the end opposite to the opening of the slot 217.
[0112] In the implementation shown in Fig. 9 to Fig. 13, two notches G1 and G2 facing each other are arranged near the front end face 211 of the front cover 21, and the front end face 211 of the front cover 21 is formed between the two notches G1 and G2. That is, the front end face 211 includes a first face 211A and a second face 211B, and the first face 211A and the second face 211B are arranged symmetrically on two sides of the central axis of the front cover 21. Specifically, when the first face 211A and the second face 211B are connected to form a complete ring, both the first face 211A and the second face 211B are less than a quarter of the ring, and the positions of the two notches G1 and G2 are such that they can accommodate a part of the side wall where the front end face of the front cover of another fiber connector plug is located. It can be understood that, since the front end face of the front cover 21 protrudes beyond the front end face 211 of the ferrule 12, when a pair of the same fiber connector plugs 100 are inserted into the same fiber adapter 200, the two ferrules 12 need to be connected, and an interference fit is required between the two front covers 21. The two notches G1 and G2 are designed to solve the interference fit problem during this connection. The positions of the two notches G1 and G2 can accommodate a part of the area where the front end face 211 of another front cover 21 is located.
[0113] Specifically, the two notches G1 and G2 may be symmetrically disposed on two sides of the central axis of the front cover 21. This symmetrical arrangement can make the force that the outer sleeve receives during insertion relatively uniform and balanced, and can also increase the overall strength of the outer frame sleeve, minimizing the possibility of connection failure due to force imbalance.
[0114] 14, in another implementation, on the front cover 21, a notch G is located at one end near the front end surface of the front cover 21 such that the front end surface 211 of the front cover 21 forms a non-closed, continuously extending surface. For example, the front end surface 211 may be C-shaped, arc-shaped, or semi-circular.
[0115] By disposing the notch G, the front end of the fiber connector plug can have a concave-convex shape suitable for insertion. Thus, when the fiber connector plug is inserted into the fiber adapter, the fiber connector plug can better fit into the inner space of the fiber adapter compared with the flat-shaped front end of the fiber connector plug. Therefore, the loose connection caused by the limited inner space of the fiber adapter is avoided, the stability and reliability of insertion are improved, and the practicality and application range are increased.
[0116] In the present application, the notch G arranged at the front end of the front cover is also advantageous for observation. When an operator looks at the outer surface of the outer frame sleeve where the notch G is arranged, the operator can see at least the front end face of the ferrule. Based on this, when connecting the fiber connector plug to the fiber adapter, the operator knows the position of the ferrule. This facilitates insertion, improves the success rate of insertion, and prevents the ferrule from being subjected to multiple collisions due to incorrect insertion, which prevents the ferrule from being damaged.
[0117] 15, in another implementation, the front end surface 211 of the front cover 21 is a closed annular structure, i.e., no notch structure is disposed on the front end surface 211. The front end surface 211 may be annular or have another shape. For example, the inner edge of the front end surface 211 may have a circular contour, and the outer edge of the front end surface 211 may have a rectangular contour. The rectangular outer contour is easier to match with the interior space of a fiber adapter of the same shape.
[0118] In the implementation shown in Figures 9 to 16, a first guide structure 213 is disposed on an outer surface of the front cover 21, and the first guide structure 213 extends in the axial direction. The first guide structure 213 may extend from the front end surface 211 of the front cover 21 to the rear end surface 212 of the front cover 21, or may extend from the front end surface 211 of the front cover 21 to a central position of the front cover 21. The central position is a position between the front end surface 211 and the rear end surface 212, but may not simply represent a position between the front end surface 211 and the rear end surface 212, but may represent a position close to the front end surface 211 or a position close to the rear end surface 212.
[0119] 9, 10, 14 and 15, in one implementation, in the radial direction, the first guide structure 213 is a groove structure cut into the outer surface of the front cover 21, i.e., the first guide structure 213 does not penetrate the inner surface of the front cover 21.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 16, in one implementation, the first guide structure 213 penetrates the inner and outer surfaces of the front cover 21 (i.e., is a cut or hollowed out structure formed in the front cover 21).
[0121] In the axial direction, the first guide structure 213 may be correspondingly disposed at the position of the notch. The first guide structure and the notch can provide the function of a conspicuous mark for alignment in the process of inserting the fiber connector plug. As shown in FIG. 15, the first guide structure 213 is a groove structure used as an example, and the opening of the first guide structure 213 facing the front end surface 211 of the front cover 21 communicates with the notch G. In order to fit with the guide key on the fiber adapter, a chamfer may be formed at the opening facing the front end surface 211 of the first guide structure 213, so that the front end of the first guide structure 213 forms a flared shape. Therefore, the arrangement of the chamfer can provide a certain fault-tolerant space for the first guide structure 213. Even if the guide key on the fiber adapter is not aligned with the first guide structure 213, the fiber adapter can slide into the first guide structure 213 by the guide of the chamfer. When an operator inserts a fiber connector plug into a fiber adapter, the efficiency of insertion and the success rate of insertion can be improved. The chamfer can alternatively be a round corner. The round corner has no edge and has a smoother surface. Therefore, the wear of the corresponding structure on the fiber adapter can be effectively prevented, and safety is high.
[0122] In another implementation, the first guiding structure 213 may alternatively be a structure arranged to protrude on the outer surface of the front cover 21 .
[0123] There may be one, two or more first guidance structures 213. The two or more first guidance structures 213 may be uniformly spaced apart circumferentially on the outer surface of the front cover 21.
[0124] Because the first guiding structure 213 is disposed, in the process of connecting the fiber connector plug to the fiber adapter, the front cover 21 can have the function of a conspicuous mark and guide, which facilitates the alignment between the fiber connector plug and the fiber adapter, improves the connection accuracy, prevents the ferrule components of the fiber connector plug from being damaged or malfunctioning due to multiple collisions caused by incorrect insertion of the fiber connector plug, and effectively prolongs the service life of the fiber connector plug.
[0125] The outer surface of the front cover 21 is cylindrical. Since the outer surface of the front cover 21 needs to be inserted and mated with the adapter and has a guide structure, this outer surface is also the outer surface of the fiber connector plug 100. The outer surface of the front cover 21 is directly exposed to the outside of the fiber connector plug 100 in the process of inserting into the fiber adapter 200, and there are no other elements covering the front cover 21. When the fiber connector plug 100 is not in use, the front cover 21 may be covered on the outside with a dust cap 50. There is only one front cover 21 around the ferrule 12 of the fiber connector plug 100, and the structure is simple and the size can be reduced. Therefore, the dust cap 50 can be designed to have a small structure in size.
[0126] In one implementation, referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, the second limiting structure 214 is disposed on the inner surface of the front cover 21 and is used to mate with the first limiting structure 1241 on the ferrule 12 to prevent the ferrule 12 from rotating within the front cover 21. Specifically, the front cover 21 includes a central axis C1 connected between a central position of the front end face 211 and a central position of the rear end face 212. The second limiting structure 214 is disposed to protrude on the inner surface of the front cover 21. The second limiting structure 214 includes a second flat surface 2142. The second flat surface 2142 faces the central axis C1. It can also be understood that the second flat surface 2142 is a surface of the second limiting structure 214 that is farther from the outer surface of the front cover 21. The second flat surface 2142 is used to mate with the first flat surface 1243 of the first limiting structure 1241 of the ferrule 12. The first plane 1243 and the second plane 2142 are not limited to theoretical planar features in this application. It can be understood that the first plane can alternatively be approximately planar, for example an arcuate surface that approximates a plane. Alternatively, a relief structure can be disposed on the first plane and the second plane.
[0127] In one implementation, referring to FIG. 13, a hole 215 is disposed on the inner surface of the front cover 21, and the hole 215 is a hole-like structure that penetrates the inner and outer surfaces of the front cover 21. Alternatively, the hole 215 may be a clamp groove structure grooved on the inner surface of the front cover 21. The hole 215 is used to secure the mounting member 221 of the main housing 22. There may be one or more holes 215. In the implementation shown in FIG. 11, there are two holes 215 disposed opposite each other on two sides of the central axis of the front cover 21.
[0128] 9-16, a first notch 216 is disposed in the rear end surface 212 of the front cover 21, and the first notch 216 forms an opening in all of the rear end surface 212, the inner surface, and the outer surface of the front cover 21. The first notch 216 is used to mate with a bump 2232 on the main housing 22 to circumferentially position the front cover 21 and the main housing 22 and prevent the front cover 21 from rotating relative to the main housing 22.
[0129] The front end surface 211 of the front cover 21 provided in the present application can protect the front end surface 121 of the ferrule 12. The inner surface of the front cover 21 can be connected to the ferrule 12 to define a position. The outer surface of the front cover 21 is used to mate with the inner surface of the fiber adapter 200 and has a first guiding structure 213. The rear end surface of the front cover 21 is connected to the main housing 22. Multiple functions are implemented using one front cover 21. Furthermore, the outer surface of the front cover 21 is exposed, i.e., the outer surface of the front cover 21 is the outer surface of the fiber connector plug 100. Specifically, there is only one structural member around the ferrule 12, i.e., the front cover 21. In the present application, the protection mechanism (front end surface 211 of front cover 21) configured around the ferrule 12 and the insertion / removal fitting mechanism (slots formed between the inner surface of front cover 21 and the ferrule 12, and fitting between the outer surface of front cover 21 and the inner surface of the fiber adapter) are concentrated in the front cover 21. This not only reduces the number of parts and simplifies the structure of the fiber connector plug 100, but also makes it easier to design a compact radial size.
[0130] The rear end of the front cover 21 is a fully surrounded cylindrical architecture, i.e., the rear end of the front cover 21 is a circumferentially closed architecture. Even if the first notch 216 is located, after the front cover 21 and the main shaft 223 are assembled, the first notch 216 is also filled with a corresponding bump on the main shaft 223. Therefore, in the fiber connector plug obtained by assembly, the rear end of the front cover 21 still has a fully surrounded circumferentially closed architecture. This can improve the structural strength of the front cover 21 on the one hand, and can also improve the connection strength between the front cover and the main shaft on the other hand. Furthermore, the front cover is used as the outer part of the fiber connector plug, and this fully surrounded circumferential structure can implement the outer integrity and improve the user experience.
[0131] The mounting member 221 and the front cover 21 are stacked in the radial direction, and the front cover 21 is fitted so as to cover the periphery of the mounting member 221. The mounting member 221 will be described in detail below.
[0132] 17 and 18, the mounting member 221 includes a mounting member body 2211, a resilient clamp hook 2212, and a second blocking portion 2213. The resilient clamp hook 2212 and the second blocking portion 2213 are formed at a front end of the mounting member body 2211. A rear end surface 2214 of the mounting member body 2211 is used to contact the main shaft 223.
[0133] 19, the mounting member body 2211 is sleeve-shaped and includes a central axis C2, the second blocking portion 2213 protrudes from the inner surface of the mounting member body 2211, and the second blocking portion 2213 includes a second limiting surface 2215 and a contact surface 2216. The second limiting surface 2215 faces the rear end of the mounting member body 2211, and the contact surface 2216 faces the central axis C2 of the mounting member body 2211. Specifically, the second limiting surface 2215 is perpendicularly connected to the contact surface 2216, and both the second limiting surface 2215 and the contact surface 2216 are planar. The second limiting surface 2215 is used to mate with the first limiting surface 1244 of the first blocking portion 1242 of the ferrule 12, and the contact surface 2216 is used to mate with the first flat surface 1243 of the first limiting structure 1241 of the ferrule 12.
[0134] 19, there are two second blocking portions 2213 arranged opposite each other on two sides of the central axis C2 of the mounting member body. The axial size of one second blocking portion 2213 is smaller than the axial size of the other second blocking portion 2213. The side of one second blocking portion 2213 farther from the mounting member body 2211 forms a mounting member notch 2217. The position of the mounting member notch 2217 is directly opposite a part of the contact surface 2216 of the other second blocking portion 2213. The mounting member notch 2217 is used to accommodate the second limiting structure 214 of the front cover 21.
[0135] Referring to FIG. 20 , the second plane 2142 of the second limiting structure 214 of the front cover 21 is coplanar with the contact surface 2216 of one second blocking portion 2213 and is positioned opposite the contact surface 2216 of the other second blocking portion 2213.
[0136] 21, the outer surface of the mounting member body 2211 contacts the inner surface of the front cover 21, and the inner surface of the mounting member body 2211 contacts the ferrule 12. The elastic clamp hook 2212 is used to fit into the hole 215 of the front cover 21 to fix the mounting member 221 to the front cover 21. As shown in FIG. 17, there are two elastic clamp hooks 2212 symmetrically distributed on two sides of the central axis C2 of the mounting member body 2211. Two second blocking portions 2213 are located on two sides of the elastic clamp hook 2212, and the two second blocking portions 2213 are distributed between the two elastic clamp hooks 2212 in the circumferential direction. In another implementation, there may alternatively be only one elastic clamp hook 2212, or there may be three or more elastic clamp hooks 2212. This is not particularly limited in the present application.
[0137] The fastening manner between the mounting member 221 and the front cover 21 is not limited to fastening through the engagement between the elastic clamp hook 2212 and the hole 215. In another implementation, another fastening manner may be used. For example, alternatively, the mounting member 221 may not be disposed with the elastic clamp hook 2212. The mounting member 221 and the front cover 21 may be fastened by using a screw, which passes through the front cover 21 and is fastened to the mounting member 221. Alternatively, the mounting member 221 and the front cover 21 are fastened by using an adhesive. Alternatively, a clamp hook is disposed on the front cover 21, a clamp groove or hole is disposed on the mounting member 221, and the mounting member 221 and the front cover 21 are fastened through the engagement between the clamp hook and the clamp groove or hole.
[0138] 17, 18, and 19, the second notch 2218 is disposed on the rear end surface 2214 of the mounting member body 2211. The second notch 2218 forms openings on all of the rear end surface 2214, the inner surface, and the outer surface of the mounting member body 2211. The second notch 2218 is used to perform positioning between the mounting member 221 and the main shaft 223, position the mounting member 221 and the main shaft 223 in the circumferential direction, and prevent the mounting member 221 from rotating relative to the main shaft 223. Referring to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, after the front cover 21 is attached to the mounting member 221, the rear end surface 2214 of the mounting member body 2211 and the rear end surface 212 of the front cover 21 are coplanar and cooperate to form a connection surface S1. The connection surface S1 contacts the end surface of the main shaft 223. In the present application, a structural design is adopted in which the connection surface S1 contacts the end surface of the main shaft 223, so that the connection between the front cover 21 and the main shaft 223 only occupies the space of the end surface of the main shaft 223 and does not extend to the outer surface of the main shaft 223. In addition, in the present application, the outer surface of the front cover 21 and the outer surface of the main shaft 223 can be coplanar or smoothly transition. For example, the outer surface of the front cover 21 is a cylindrical surface, and the outer surface of the main shaft 223 is also a cylindrical surface. When the front cover 21 contacts the end surface of the main shaft 223, the outer surfaces of the two cylinders with the same radial size contact each other to form a complete cylindrical outer surface. The connection surface S1 and the end surface of the main shaft 223 implement the positioning in the circumferential direction by using a notch bump fitting structure. Specifically, the first notch 216 and the second notch 2218 are directly opposite each other in the radial direction and are used to implement the positioning of the front cover 21 and the mounting member 221 relative to the main shaft 223 .
[0139] A sealed connection may be formed at the junction between the connection surface S1 and the main shaft 223. The function of the sealed connection is to sealably separate the inner space of the main shaft 223 from the outer space. In this way, the fiber core and the ferrule can be protected from corrosion caused by dust, moisture, etc., which increases the life of the fiber connector plug and improves the efficiency and quality of light transmission.
[0140] 18 to 21, a threaded portion 2219 is further disposed on the inner surface of the mounting member body 2211, and the threaded portion 2219 is used to fix the fastener 222. Referring to FIG. 19, the fastener 222 is also sleeve-shaped, and the male thread 2221 is disposed around the front end of the fastener 222, which extends into the mounting member 221 and is fixed to the threaded portion 2219 of the mounting member 221. The rear end of the fastener 222 extends into the main shaft 223 and is fixed to the inner surface of the main shaft 223.
[0141] Specifically, referring to FIG. 22A, the elastic clasp arm 2222 is formed at the rear end of the fastener 222. The elastic clasp arm 2222 extends in the axial direction. The clasp portion 2223 is disposed protruding on the outer surface of the elastic clasp arm 2222. The clasp portion 2223 is used to fit into a limit step on the inner surface of the main shaft 223 to fix the fastener 222 to the main shaft 223. Three elastic clasp arms 2222 are disposed at the rear end of the fastener 222, and gaps 2224 are formed between adjacent elastic clasp arms 2222. The gaps 2224 are formed to allow the elastic clasp arms 2222 to elastically swing in the radial direction. In another implementation, there may be one or more elastic clasp arms 2222. This is not limited in the present application.
[0142] 20, 21, and 22A, in a possible implementation, a portion of the fastener 222 is located inside the main shaft 223, and another portion is located inside the mounting member 221. That is, the fastener 222 is completely enclosed. Around the periphery of the fastener 222, the main shaft 223 and the mounting member 221 are connected.
[0143] In another implementation, the fixture 222 may alternatively be partially exposed as an outer surface of the fiber connector plug. Referring to FIG. 22B, in this implementation, the fixture 222 is a sleeve-shaped structure. The fixture 222 includes a front end 2225, a rear end 2226, and a central portion 2227 connected between the front end 2225 and the rear end 2226. The front end 2225 of the fixture 222 extends to the inside of the mounting member 221 and is fixed to the mounting member 221. The rear end 2226 of the fixture 222 extends to the inside of the main shaft 223 and is fixed to the main shaft 223. The central portion 2227 is located between the front end of the main shaft 223 and the rear end of the mounting member 221. It can also be understood that the central portion 2227 is located between the front end of the main shaft 223 and the rear end of the front cover 21. The outer surface of the central portion 2227 forms the outer surface of the fiber connector plug.
[0144] Specifically, the front end 2225 is removably connected to the mounting member 221 in the manner of fitting between a buckle and a hole. The buckle is disposed around the front end 2225. A hole penetrating the inner surface and the outer surface is disposed in the mounting member 221. The buckle of the front end 2225 is received in the hole of the mounting member 221. The rear end 2226 is also removably connected to the main shaft 223 in the manner of fitting between a buckle and a hole. The buckle is disposed around the rear end 2226. A hole penetrating the inner surface and the outer surface is disposed in the main shaft 223. The buckle of the rear end 2226 is received in the hole of the main shaft 223.
[0145] In this implementation, the sealing groove is disposed around the central portion 2227 and is used to house the sealing structure 30. Of course, in this implementation architecture, the sealing groove may not be disposed around the central portion 2227, but rather, the sealing groove is disposed on the outer surface of the main shaft 223. When a fiber connector plug is inserted into the fiber adapter, the central portion 2227 is located inside the fiber adapter, and the front end of the main shaft 223 also extends into the fiber adapter.
[0146] A sealing structure may be disposed between the rear end 2226 of the fastener 222 and the main shaft 223 .
[0147] It can be understood that the guide structure may be disposed around the central portion 2227. The guide structure communicates with or extends continuously with the first guide structure 213 on the front cover 21. The guide structure and the first guide structure 213 on the front cover 21 cooperate to fit with a guide key on the fiber adapter. In another implementation, the guide structure is disposed around each of the central portion 2227 and the main shaft 223. The two guide structures are disposed on an extended path of the first guide structure 213 on the front cover 21. The two guide structures and the first guide structure 213 on the front cover 21 cooperate to form a guide structure of the fiber connector plug.
[0148] 23, 24 and 25, the core element of the main housing 22 is the main shaft 223, and the main features of the main shaft 223 are concentrated on the front end surface 2231 and the outer surface of the main shaft 223. The front end surface 2231 of the main shaft 223 is used to contact the front cover 21 and the mounting member 221. The bump 2232 is disposed protruding on the front end surface 2231 of the main shaft 223. The bump 2232 extends along the radial direction from the inner edge of the front end surface 2231 of the main shaft 223 to the outer edge of the front end surface 2231 of the main shaft 223.
[0149] In one implementation, the second guide structure 2233, the sealing groove 2234, the lock portion 2235, the first sliding guide structure 2236, and the fixing portion 2237 are arranged in sequence on the outer surface of the main shaft 223 along the axial direction from the front end to the rear end of the main shaft 223.
[0150] At a certain position of the front end surface 2231 of the main shaft 223, the second guide structure 2233 (as shown in FIG. 3) on the front cover 21 and the first guide structure 213 are connected to each other and cooperate with each other to fit into the guide key of the fiber adapter 200. This can prevent the relative rotation between the front cover 21 and the main shaft 223.
[0151] In one implementation, in the radial direction, the second guide structure 2233 may be a groove structure grooved on the outer surface of the main shaft 223, or the second guide structure 2233 penetrates the inner and outer surfaces of the main shaft 223 (i.e., the second guide structure 2233 may be understood as a notch structure disposed on the main shaft 223). In another implementation, the second guide structure 2233 may alternatively be a structure protruding and disposed on the outer surface of the main shaft 223. The circumferential size and radial size of the second guide structure 2233 may be the same as the circumferential size and radial size of the first guide structure 213, respectively. Since both the outer surface of the main shaft and the outer surface of the front cover are the outer surfaces of the fiber connector plug, the circumferential size and radial size of the second guiding structure 2233 are designed to be the same as the circumferential size and radial size of the first guiding structure 213 respectively, so that the first guiding structure 213 and the second guiding structure 2233 can visually form an integrated structure. Therefore, there is also the effect of perfect external matching between the front cover and the main shaft. This not only facilitates the miniaturization design, but also improves the user experience.
[0152] The sealing groove 2234 is an arc-shaped groove structure that surrounds the outer surface of the main shaft 223. The locking portion 2235 is located on a side of the sealing groove 2234 that is farther from the second guiding structure 2233. The following will describe the locking portion 2235 in detail.
[0153] For ease of explanation, as defined herein, the outer surface of the main shaft 223 refers to the surface that bears the locking portion 2235 and not the outer surface of the locking portion 2235 .
[0154] Referring to FIG. 23, the locking portion 2235 may be a boss structure integrally formed on the outer surface of the main shaft 223. Alternatively, the locking portion 2235 and the main shaft 223 may be a split structure. For example, the locking portion 2235 is fitted over the outer surface of the main shaft 223 and fixed to the outer surface of the main shaft 223, or connected to the outer surface of the main shaft 223 in another fixed manner (for example, fixed by using an adhesive). The locking portion 2235 may be a closed ring structure surrounding the outer surface of the main shaft 223, which may be understood as a cylindrical boss structure extending continuously in the circumferential direction, and is a centrally symmetrical rotating structure. The locking portion 2235 may alternatively be a non-closed ring structure. For example, one or more locking portions 2235 are disposed on the outer surface of the main shaft 223. In an embodiment with two locking portions 2235, the locking portions 2235 may be distributed symmetrically on two sides of the main shaft 223. In an embodiment with multiple locking portions 2235, the locking portions 2235 may be evenly distributed at equal intervals on the same circumference. The outer surface of the locking portion 2235 may be a smooth surface, e.g., a cylindrical surface, a circular arc surface, or a flat surface, and may have threads or another microstructure, e.g., an etched structure, disposed thereon that is used to increase the contact friction force.
[0155] 23 and 24, the first sliding guide structure 2236 is located on the side of the locking portion 2235 far from the sealing groove 2234. The first sliding guide structure 2236 is used to fit the sliding member 40 and provide mounting position definition and guidance for the sliding member 40 slidably connected on the main shaft 223. The first sliding guide structure 2236 can be a guide rail structure protruding and disposed on the outer surface of the main shaft 223, or a guide groove structure grooved on the outer surface of the main shaft 223. The first sliding guide structure 2236 includes a first guide portion 22361 and a first limit portion 22362. The first limit portion 22362 is connected to the locking portion 2235. The first guide portion 22361 is connected to the side of the first limit portion 22362 far from the locking portion 2235. In the circumferential direction, the size of the first guide portion 22361 is less than the size of the first limiting portion 22362. The first limiting step 22363 is formed between the first limiting portion 22362 and the outer surface of the main shaft 223. The first limiting step 22363 is used to define a boundary position for the sliding of the sliding member 40 toward the front end of the main shaft 223. When the sliding member 40 slides into the first limiting step 22363 and abuts against the first limiting step 22363, the sliding member 40 cannot slide further toward the front end of the main shaft 223. The first guide portion 22361 is connected to a central portion of the first limiting portion 22362. The first limiting portion 22362 and the first guide portion 22361 form a T-shaped structure, and the first guide portion 22361 is a band-like structure extending in the axial direction. In this implementation, there are two first sliding guide structures 2236 symmetrically distributed on the outer surface of two opposite sides of the main shaft 223 .
[0156] The fastener portion 2237 is located on a side of the first sliding guide structure 2236 that is farther from the lock portion 2235. The fastener portion 2237 is used to connect to the fixed base 224. In this implementation, the fastener portion 2237 is a threaded structure and is used to connect to the fixed base 224 in a threaded connection manner. Alternatively, the fastener portion 2237 may be another clamp structure. For example, the main shaft 223 and the fixed base 224 are fixed in the manner of engagement between a buckle and a clamp groove.
[0157] 23, 24, and 25, the main shaft 223 provided in the present application includes a front end A and a tail end B. The front end surface 2231 is the end surface of the front end A. The second guide structure 2233 and the sealing groove 2234 are disposed on the outer surface of the front end A. The inner surface of the front end A is used to connect to the fixture 222. The limiting step 2239 is disposed on the inner surface of the main shaft 223. The limiting step 2239 faces the tail end B, and the limiting step 2239 is used to fit the clasp portion 2223 of the elastic clasp arm 2222 to the fixture 222. The tail end B is used to be fixed to the fiber. The through hole 2238 is disposed in the tail end B. The through hole 2238 penetrates the outer surface and the inner surface of the main shaft 223.
[0158] In this implementation, the elements assembled on the outer surface of the main shaft 223 include the sealing structure 30, the sliding member 40, the second elastic member 70, the fixed base 224, the heat shrink tube 226, and the tail sleeve 225. The sealing structure 30 is an elastic sealing ring, which is fitted into the sealing groove 2234 and partially protrudes from the outside of the sealing groove 2234. The part protruding from the outside of the sealing groove 2234 is used to sealingly connect to a fiber adapter or a dust cap.
[0159] 26 and 27, in one implementation, the sliding member 40 is sleeve-shaped, and the sliding member 40 includes a front end surface 41 and a rear end surface 43. The inner surface of the sliding member 40 includes a mating surface 42. The mating surface 42 is adjacent to the front end surface 41 of the sliding member 40 and faces the internal space of the sliding member 40 (it may be understood as facing the central axis of the sliding member 40). The mating surface 42 includes a first region 421 and a second region 422. The first region 421 is located between the second region 422 and the front end surface 41 of the sliding member 40. In one implementation, both the first region 421 and the second region 422 are arc-shaped surfaces along the circumferential direction. 28 and 29, in the radial direction, the vertical distance D1 between the first region 421 and the central axis C3 (which may be understood as the radial size of the first region 421) is greater than the vertical distance D2 between the second region 422 and the central axis (which may be understood as the radial size of the second region 422). The first region 421 may be directly connected to the second region 422. Alternatively, the first region 421 and the second region 422 may be two non-adjacent regions on the mating surface 42, i.e., the first region 421 and the second region 422 are spaced apart. In the axial direction, the vertical distances from various positions of the first region 421 to the central axis may be equal (implementation shown in FIG. 28), i.e., the extension direction of the first region 421 in the direction from the front end surface 41 to the rear end surface 43 of the sliding member 40 is parallel to the central axis. In another implementation, the vertical distances from various positions of the first region 421 to the central axis may not be equal (implementation shown in FIG. 29), i.e., an included angle A0 is formed between the extension direction of the first region 421 in the direction from the front end face 41 to the rear end face 43 of the sliding member 40 and the central axis.
[0160] Specifically, in the axial direction, the mating surface 42 may be stepped (implementation shown in FIG. 28) or may be sloped (implementation shown in FIG. 29). The etching structure is arranged in the first region 421 and / or the second region 422. Alternatively, a groove is arranged in the mating surface 42 (the groove may be arranged in the first region 421 or the second region 422, or the groove may be arranged in each of the first region 421 and the second region 422). The groove is used to fit the protruding part of the elastic arm. Both the etching structure and the groove structure arranged on the mating surface help to increase the locking force. The arrangement of the second region 422 may be the same as or different from the arrangement of the first region 421. This is not limited in the present application. The morphology of the first region 421 and the second region 422 may be different, as long as the distance between the second region 422 and the central axis is closer than the distance between the first region 421 and the central axis.
[0161] 26 and 27, the sleeve-shaped sliding member 40 includes a first plate member B1, a second plate member B2, a third plate member B3, and a fourth plate member B4 connected in sequence. The first plate member B1 is disposed opposite the third plate member B3. The second plate member B2 is disposed opposite the fourth plate member B4. The mating surface 42 is disposed on the inner surface of the first plate member B1 and the third plate member B3. In this implementation, the first plate member B1 and the third plate member B3 are convex arc-shaped structures, and anti-sliding structures are disposed on the outer surface of each of the first plate member B1 and the third plate member B3. The second plate member B2 and the fourth plate member B4 are flat plate structures. The second plate member B2 and the fourth plate member B4 are disposed parallel to each other. The distance between the second plate member B2 and the fourth plate member B4 is less than the maximum distance between the first plate member B1 and the third plate member B3. When the sliding member 40 is operated, an external force is applied to the first plate member B1 and the third plate member B3, and one side of the second plate member B2 and the fourth plate member B4 can be used to be adjacent to another fiber connector plug, so that multiple fiber connector plugs are closely arranged to save space. When the sliding member 40 is connected to the main shaft 223, the second plate member B2 and the fourth plate member B4 can be in direct contact with the outer surface of the main shaft 223, or can be connected to the outer surface of the main shaft 223 by using a guide structure. A gap is formed between the main shaft 223 and each of the first plate member B1 and the third plate member B3. The gap may be a locking groove for receiving the second locking structure of the fiber adapter, or a receiving space for receiving the second elastic element 70 and the fixed base.
[0162] 28 and 29, a second sliding guide structure 44 is further disposed on the inner surface of the sliding member 40. The second sliding guide structure 44 is used to fit the first sliding guide structure 2236 to the main shaft 223. The second sliding guide structure 44 is located on the inner surfaces of the second plate member B2 and the fourth plate member B4. The second sliding guide structure 44 includes a second guiding portion 441 and a second limiting portion 442. The second limiting portion 44 2is located on the side of the second guide portion 441 remote from the front end surface 41 of the sliding member 40. The second guide portion 441 is used to fit into the first guide portion 22361 on the outer surface of the main shaft 223. The second limiting portion 442 is used to fit into the first limiting portion 22362 on the outer surface of the main shaft 223. The side of the second limiting portion 442 facing the front end surface of the sliding member 40 forms a second limiting step 4421. The second limiting step 4421 is used to fit the first limiting step 22363 of the first limiting portion 22362 into the main shaft 223 to define a boundary position for the sliding of the sliding member 40 towards the front end of the main shaft 223. The second limiting portion 442 and the second guide portion 441 form a T-shaped structure. In this implementation, the second limiting portion 442 and the second guiding portion 441 are guide groove structures grooved on the inner surface of the slide member 40. Alternatively, in another implementation, the second limiting portion 442 and the second guiding portion 441 may be guide rail structures protrudingly disposed on the inner surface of the slide member 40. The step positioning surface 45 facing the rear end surface 43 of the slide member 40 is disposed on the inner surface of the slide member 40 and is used to position the second elastic member 70.
[0163] The second elastic member 70 is elastically connected between the fixed base 224 and the sliding member 40 , and the fixed base 224 is fixed to a fixture portion 2237 on the outer surface of the main shaft 223 .
[0164] Referring to FIG. 30, in one implementation, the fixed base 224 includes a front end surface 2241. A screw thread 2243 is disposed on the inner surface of the fixed base 224, and the fixed base 224 is fixed to a fastener portion 2237 on the main shaft 223 by using a screw thread engagement structure. The screw thread engagement structure connects the fixed base 224 to the main shaft 223. The axial position of the fixed base 224 on the main shaft 223 can be adjusted by rotating the fixed base 224. The front end surface 2241 of the fixed base 224 is used to abut against the second elastic member 70. A fixing groove 2242 is disposed on the outer surface of the fixed base 224, and the fixing groove 2242 is located near the rear end surface of the fixed base 224.
[0165] 5 and 6, the fixing groove 2242 is used to fix the front end of the tail sleeve 225, and the tail sleeve 225 is fitted around the rear end of the main shaft 223. The heat shrink tube 226 is disposed between the outer surface of the rear end of the main shaft 223 and the tail sleeve 225. The heat shrink tube 226 is connected between the rear end of the main shaft 223 and the fiber 11 outside the main shaft 223, and the heat shrink tube 226 sealingly connects the main shaft 223 and the fiber 11.
[0166] Referring to FIG. 31, the dustproof cap 50 of the fiber connector plug 100 provided in this embodiment includes a cap body 51 and an elastic arm 52. The cap body 51 is hollow and an opening is disposed therein. The elastic arm 52 is formed at the opening position of the cap body 51. The cap body 51 has a central symmetric structure and a central axis C5 is disposed therein. The two elastic arms 52 are disposed opposite to each other on two sides of the central axis C5. Along the axial direction, the first mating portion 53 and the second mating portion 54 are disposed at the end of the elastic arm 52 on the side farther from the cap body 51. The first mating portion 53 is located between the second mating portion 54 and the elastic arm 52. The vertical distance K2 between the first mating portion 53 and the central axis C5 is greater than the distance K1 between the second mating portion 54 and the central axis C5.
[0167] In use, the dust cap 50 covers the periphery of the front cover 21, the elastic arm 52 extends into the locking groove formed between the mating surface 42 of the sliding member 40 and the outer surface of the main housing 22, and through the mating between the elastic arm 52 and the mating surface 42, the first mating portion 53 abuts against the first region 421, and the second mating portion 54 abuts against the second region 422, and the dust cap 50 is fixed to the fiber connector plug 100 by using the clamping force applied to the first mating portion 53 and the second mating portion 54 by the mating surface 42. When the dust cap 50 needs to be removed, the sliding member 40 is moved toward the tail end B of the main shaft 223, so that the first region 421 is separated from the first mating portion 53 and the second region 422 is separated from the second mating portion 54. When the first region 421 directly faces the second mating portion 54 in the radial direction, unlocking between the fiber connector plug 100 and the dust cap 50 can be performed.
[0168] For the assembly and mating relationships between the elements in the fiber connector plug 100 provided in the first embodiment, please refer to the description below (with reference to Figures 4, 5, and 6, the description is provided in the assembly order of a possible implementation).
[0169] The rear end of the fastener 222 is inserted into the main shaft 223 from the opening position of the front end of the main shaft 223, and the clasp portion 2223 on the elastic clasp arm 2222 on the fastener 222 fits into the limit step 2239 on the inner surface of the main shaft 223 to fix the fastener 222 and the main shaft 223. The front end of the fastener 222 is exposed to the front end of the main shaft 223. In the present application, the fastener 222 and the main shaft 223 are designed to be split structures, so they are easy to manufacture and relatively easy to assemble. Also, the fastener 222 is fixed to the main shaft 223 by extending into the internal space of the main shaft 223, and the fastener 222 occupies the internal space of the main shaft 223 without increasing the peripheral size of the main shaft 223, thereby facilitating a compact design. In another implementation, the fixture 222 and the main shaft 223 may alternatively be an integrated structure, i.e., the front end of the main shaft 223 is directly and integrally formed as the front end of the fixture 222. Although the manufacturing process of the integrated structure is more complicated than that of the split architecture, the integrated structure of the fixture 222 and the main shaft 223 has the advantage of being light and thin, where "thin" refers to the radial size, because in the radial direction, the fixture 222 and the main shaft 223 are not assembled and connected in an overlapping manner.
[0170] The fiber 11 passes through the main shaft 223 and the fixture 222, and a portion of the fiber core 111 at the front end of the fiber 11 is inserted into the fiber core fixing hole 1251 of the ferrule 12, and the fiber core 111 is fixed to the ferrule 12 by using a hardening adhesive.
[0171] 20 and 21, the ferrule 12 extends from the rear end of the mounting member 221 to the mounting member 221 and passes through the mounting member 221. The first limiting surface 1244 of the first blocking portion 1242 on the ferrule 12 abuts against the second limiting surface 2215 of the second blocking portion 2213 on the inner surface of the mounting member 221, and the first flat surface 1243 of the first limiting structure 1241 on the ferrule 12 contacts the contact surface 2216 of the second blocking portion 2213 on the mounting member 221. In this manner, the ferrule 12 is connected to the mounting member 221, and the first elastic member 60 is fitted onto the rear section 125 of the ferrule 12.
[0172] The mounting member 221 to which the ferrule 12 and the first elastic member 60 are attached is connected to the main shaft 223. Specifically, the threaded portion 2219 at the rear end of the mounting member 221 is fitted into the male thread 2221 at the front end of the fastener 222, so that the mounting member 221 is fixed to the main shaft 223. In this state, the bump 2232 on the front end surface 2231 of the main shaft 223 extends to the second notch 2218 on the rear end surface of the mounting member 221. The first elastic member 60 abuts between the positioning surface 1245 of the first blocking portion 1242 of the ferrule 12 and the front end surface of the fastener 222.
[0173] The front cover 21 is fitted around the mounting member 221 from one side of the front end of the ferrule 12, and the second flat surface 2142 of the second limiting structure 214 of the front cover 21 contacts the first flat surface 1243 of the first limiting structure 1241 of the ferrule 12. In this state, the second flat surface 2142 of the front cover 21 is coplanar with one contact surface 2216 of the second blocking portion 2213 of the mounting member 221. The second flat surface 2142 of the front cover 21 and the contact surface 2216 of the other second blocking portion 2213 of the mounting member 221 are arranged opposite to each other on two sides of the ferrule 12. The elastic clamp hooks 2212 on the mounting member 221 fit into the holes 215 of the front cover 21 to fix the front cover 21 and the mounting member 221. In this state, the bump 2232 on the front end surface 2231 of the main shaft 223 extends into the first notch 216 on the rear end surface of the front cover 21 to position the front cover 21 and the main shaft 223 in the circumferential direction. The rear end surface 212 of the front cover 21 is coplanar with the rear end surface 2214 of the mounting member 221. The first notch 216 directly faces the second notch 2218 in the radial direction, and the bump 2232 on the main shaft 223 fits into both the first notch 216 and the second notch 2218.
[0174] The front end face 121 of the ferrule 12 is flush with the front end face 211 of the front cover 21, or the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12 is located between the front end face 211 of the front cover 21 and the rear end face 43 of the front cover 21 in the axial direction. It can also be understood that the vertical protrusion of the front end face 121 of the ferrule 12 on the front cover 21 is located on the front end face 211 of the front cover 21 or on the inner surface of the front cover 21.
[0175] 5 and 6, the front end surface of the sliding member 40 faces the rear end of the main shaft 223 (the fiber needs to pass through the sliding member 40), and the sliding member 40 is fitted to cover the outer surface of the main shaft 223. The second sliding guide structure 44 on the inner surface of the sliding member 40 fits into the first sliding guide structure 2236 on the outer surface of the main shaft 223, so that the sliding member 40 and the main shaft 223 are positioned in the circumferential direction. The second sliding guide structure in this implementation is a groove structure. The position indicated by the reference number 44 in FIG. 6 represents the inner wall surface of the groove, and the first sliding guide structure 2236 is received in the groove. 28 and 29, the position between the sliding member 40 and the main shaft 223 is defined in the axial direction through engagement between the second limiting step 4421 of the second limiting portion 442 of the sliding member 40 and the first limiting step 22363 of the first limiting portion 22362 on the outer surface of the main shaft 223.
[0176] The second elastic member 70 is fitted over the main shaft 223, and one end of the second elastic member 70 is attached in the space between the sliding member 40 and the main shaft 223 and abuts against the step positioning surface 45 on the inner surface of the sliding member 40.
[0177] The fixed base 224 is attached to a fixture portion 2237 on the main shaft 223, the front end of the fixed base 224 abuts the other end of the second elastic member 70, and the fixed base 224 extends partially into the space between the sliding member 40 and the main shaft 223. In this state, the second elastic member 70 is in a compressed state and uses an elastic force to push the sliding member 40 into the first position, i.e., the position of engagement between the second limiting step 4421 of the second limiting portion 442 of the sliding member 40 and the first limiting step 22363 of the first limiting portion 22362 on the outer surface of the main shaft 223.
[0178] The sliding member 40 can slide between a first position and a second position. The second position may be determined by using a limiting structure on the main shaft 223, or the second position may have a determined position when the sliding member 40 is axially located on the side of the first position away from the ferrule. Referring to FIG. 5, the sliding member 40 and the locking portion 2235 on the main shaft 223 together form a first locking structure L1, which is used to engage with a second locking structure on the fiber adapter 200 to fix the fiber connector plug 100 to the fiber adapter. When the sliding member 40 is located in the first position, the sliding member 40 engages with the locking portion 2235 to lock the second locking structure. When the sliding member 40 is located in the second position, an unlocking between the locking portion 2235 and the second locking structure is performed. The locking groove 47 is formed between the mating surface 42 of the sliding member 40 and the outer surface of the main housing 22. The locking groove 47 is used to fit the elastic arm of the second locking structure. The opening of the locking groove 47 is located between the front end surface 41 of the sliding member 40 and the outer surface of the main housing 22. It can be understood that the mating surface 42 is the inner wall surface of the locking groove 47. The mating surface 42 faces the main housing 22. The first region 421 is located between the second region 422 and the opening of the locking groove. The vertical distance between the first region 421 and the main housing 22 is greater than the vertical distance between the second region 422 and the main housing 22. When the sliding member 40 is located in the first position, the first region 421 is disposed opposite the locking portion 2235, and the second region 422 is disposed opposite the outer surface of the main housing 22. When the sliding member 40 is located in the second position, the mating surface 42 (including the first region 421 and the second region 422 ) is disposed opposite to the outer surface of the main housing 22 .
[0179] After the sliding member 40 and the fixed base 224 are attached to the main shaft 223, the position of the fiber is adjusted. The through-hole 2238 at the tail end B of the main shaft 223 corresponds to the exposed part of the reinforcing layer 112 of the fiber 11. The adhesive is dispensed into the through-hole 2238 at the tail end B of the main shaft 223. The reinforcing layer 112 of the fiber 11 is fixed to the inner surface of the main shaft 223 by using the adhesive. In this application, the through-hole 2238 is disposed at the tail end B of the main shaft 223 for adhesive filling, and the fiber is fixed through adhesive filling. The adhesive fills the gap between the reinforcing layer 112 and the main shaft 223, and the surface layer structure form of the reinforcing layer 112 is further utilized, and the surface of the reinforcing layer 112 has a space for adhesive filling. Therefore, the adhesive can be fully contacted with the fiber 11 and the main shaft 223, and the fixing effect is improved. In addition, by removing some material from the main shaft 223 and fixing the fiber inside the main shaft 223 without occupying the space outside the main shaft, a compact design is facilitated. In addition, filling the gap between the main shaft 223 and the fiber 11 with adhesive can more sealingly connect the fiber 11 to the main shaft 223, and the arrangement of the through-hole is such that it does not cause an insufficient sealing effect. In order to ensure the sealing effect, the heat shrink tube 226 is fitted at the position of the tail end B of the main shaft 223, and a part of the heat shrink tube 226 is fixed to the outer surface of the tail end of the main shaft 223. The other part of the heat shrink tube 226 is fixed to the outer layer 113 of the part of the fiber 11 that does not extend into the main shaft 223. The tail sleeve 225 is fixed around the heat shrink tube 226, and the front end of the tail sleeve 225 is fixed to the fixing groove 2242 at the rear end of the fixing base 224. The outer surface of the tail sleeve 225 may be imprinted with a one-dimensional bar code for visual recognition by using techniques such as mold printing or laser marking.
[0180] The sealing structure 30 is fitted in the sealing groove 2234, and when the fiber connector plug 100 is inserted into the fiber adapter 200, the sealing ring is sealingly connected between the main shaft 223 and the inner surface of the fiber adapter 200. The fiber connector plug 100 provided in this embodiment is a fiber connector plug 100 used outdoors and has a sealing requirement. According to the present application, the front end of the main shaft 223 extends into the fiber adapter 200 and implements sealing by using the sealing structure 30, and the rear end of the main shaft 223 sealingly connects the main shaft 223 to the fiber by using the heat shrink tube 226. In this way, only one sealing structure 30 needs to be placed on the front end of the main shaft 223 to sealingly connect the fiber connector plug 100 to the fiber adapter 200.
[0181] The following will describe in detail the fiber adapter 200 that mates with the fiber connector plug 100 provided in the first embodiment.
[0182] 32 and 33, the fiber adapter 200 includes a body sleeve 201 and a ferrule sleeve 202. The ferrule sleeve 202 is connected to the inside of the body sleeve 201. The ferrule sleeve 202 and the body sleeve 201 may be an integrated structure. The body sleeve 201 includes a first end face 2011 and a second end face 2012. A first accommodation space 2013 located inside the first end face 2011 and a second accommodation space 2014 located inside the second end face 2012 are formed inside the body sleeve 201. A first opening of the first accommodation space 2013 for communicating with the outside is disposed on the first end face 2011. A second opening of the second accommodation space 2014 for communicating with the outside is disposed on the second end face 2012. The ferrule receiving space 2022 is disposed in the ferrule sleeve 202, and the ferrule receiving space 2022 is located between the first receiving space 2013 and the second receiving space 2014, and communicates with the first receiving space 2013 and the second receiving space 2014. The first receiving space 2013 is used to receive one fiber connector plug 100. The second receiving space 2014 is used to receive another fiber connector plug 100. The ferrule receiving space 2022 in the ferrule sleeve 202 is used to receive the ferrules of the two fiber connector plugs. In the fiber adapter 200 provided in this embodiment, the first receiving space 2013 is used to insert an outdoor fiber connector plug (i.e., the fiber connector plug 100 provided in the first embodiment). The second receiving space 2014 is used to insert an indoor fiber connector plug. The internal structure of the second receiving space 2014 and the specific architecture of the indoor fiber connector plug are not limited in this application.
[0183] The body sleeve 201 includes a body portion 203 and a second locking structure L2. The second locking structure L2 is disposed at one end of the body portion 203. The second locking structure L2 is located at a first opening position where the first receiving space 2013 communicates with the outside. The second locking structure L2 includes a clamping groove 204 and a resilient arm 205. The resilient arm 205 is connected to one end of the body portion 203. In the axial direction, the body portion 203 is located between the ferrule sleeve 202 and the resilient arm 205, and the clamping groove 204 is located on the inner surface of the body sleeve 201. The resilient arm 205 of the fiber connector plug 100 extends from one end of the body portion 203 along the axial direction of the body sleeve 201. The resilient arm 205 includes a first section 2051 and a second section 2052. The first section is connected between the second section 2052 and the body portion 203. The outer surface of the resilient arm 205 is the surface of the resilient arm 205 away from the first accommodating space 2013.
[0184] 33, a vertical distance R1 from an outer surface of the first section 2051 to a central axis C6 of the body sleeve 201 is greater than a vertical distance R2 from an outer surface of the second section 2052 to a central axis C6 of the body sleeve 201. Specifically, a portion of the clamp groove 204 is located on an inner surface of the body portion 203, and a portion of the clamp groove 204 is located on an inner surface of the elastic arm 205 (specifically, on the inner surface of the first section 2051). In the radial direction of the body sleeve 201, the first section 2051 directly faces a portion of the clamp groove 204, and the second section 2052 is located around the clamp groove 204.
[0185] In one implementation, as shown in FIG. 33, the outer surface of the resilient arm 205 is stepped, i.e., a step difference surface is formed between the first section 2051 and the second section 2052. In another implementation, as shown in FIG. 34, the extension direction from the body portion 203 to the end of the second section 2052 remote from the body portion 203 is the extension direction of the resilient arm 205, and an included angle A6 is formed between the extension direction of the resilient arm 205 and the axial direction of the body sleeve 201. FIG. 34 shows the inclined extension of the resilient arm 205 with respect to the axial direction. The specific inclination angle A6 can be set based on the relevant features (i.e., mating surfaces) on the sliding member of the specific fiber connector plug.
[0186] In one implementation, an etched structure is disposed on the outer surface of the first section 2051 and / or the outer surface of the second section 2052, or a protruding portion is disposed on the outer surface of the elastic arm 205, which is used to fit into a groove of the sliding member 40 of the fiber connector plug 100.
[0187] 33 and 34, the guide key 206 is disposed on the inner surface of the body portion 203 of the body sleeve 201. In this implementation, the guide key 206 protrudes toward the first receiving space 2013, and the guide key 206 fits into the first guide structure 213 on the front cover 21 and is used to provide guidance in the process of inserting the fiber connector plug 100 into the fiber adapter 200. A first slot 207 is formed between the body sleeve 201 and the ferrule sleeve 202, and the first slot 207 is used to receive the front cover 21 of the fiber connector plug 100. According to the fiber adapter 200 provided in the present application, the first slot 207 between the body sleeve 201 and the ferrule sleeve 202 is fitted with the front cover 21 of the fiber connector plug 100, the inner surface of the body sleeve 201 contacts and fits with the outer surface of the front cover 21, and the guide key 206 is used to fit with the first guide structure 213 on the front cover 21 to implement the matching between the fiber adapter 200 and the fiber connector plug 100. The structure of the fiber adapter 200 is simplified, and the alignment of the fiber connector plug 100 inserted into the fiber adapter 200 is performed by using the first slot 207 and the inner surface of the body sleeve 201, and the radial size can be designed to match with the front cover 21 of the fiber connector plug 100. Therefore, the fiber connector plug 100 has the advantage of small size.
[0188] 35, the fiber adapter 200 provided herein further includes a ceramic sleeve 208, which is attached inside the ferrule sleeve 202. A notch 2082 is disposed in the ceramic sleeve 208. The notch 2082 extends along the axial direction from one end of the ceramic sleeve 208 to the other end. The arrangement of the notch 2082 allows the radial size of the ceramic sleeve 208 to be adjustable, so that a tight fit between the ceramic sleeve 208 and the ferrule sleeve 202 can be implemented. The internal space of the ceramic sleeve 208 is used to accommodate the ferrule.
[0189] Fig. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fiber connector plug 100 according to a first implementation of the present application after being inserted into a corresponding fiber adapter 200. Fig. 37 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion I in Fig. 36, and Fig. 38 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion II in Fig. 36.
[0190] 39 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber connector plug 100 according to the first implementation after it is inserted into the corresponding fiber adapter 200. FIG 40 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion III in FIG 39.
[0191] It can be seen from FIG. 36 that in the fiber adapter 200 , the sealing structure 30 sealingly connects the fiber connector plug 100 to the corresponding fiber adapter 200 .
[0192] As shown in FIG. 38 , after the fiber connector plug 100 is inserted into the fiber adapter 200, the front cover 21 of the fiber connector plug 100 is inserted into the slot 207, the ferrule 12 is inserted into the ferrule sleeve 202 and surrounded by the ceramic sleeve 208, and the outer surface of the front cover 21 contacts the inner surface of the body sleeve 201.
[0193] Fig. 36 shows a locked state after the fiber connector plug 100 is inserted into the fiber adapter 200. As shown in Fig. 37, the sliding member 40 is in a first position, and the locking portion 2235 of the fiber connector plug fits into the clamping groove 204 of the fiber adapter. The first region 421 of the mating surface 42 abuts against the first section 2051 of the resilient arm 205, and the second region 422 of the mating surface 42 abuts against the second section 2052 of the resilient arm 205 to implement a two-step locking structure.
[0194] FIG. 39 shows an unlocked state after the fiber connector plug 100 is inserted into the fiber adapter 200. As shown in FIG. 40, the sliding member 40 is located in a second position, and the first region 421 of the mating surface 42 is located around the second section 2052 of the elastic arm 205. And there is no abutting relationship between the first region 421 and the second section 2052. The first region 421 and the second section 2052 are separated from each other, and a gap is formed between the first region 421 and the second section 2052, and the second region 422 directly faces the outer surface of the main shaft 223 of the fiber connector plug 100. The gap is formed between the mating surface 42 and the elastic arm 205, and the elastic arm 205 can be opened. Thus, in this case, the locking portion 2235 of the fiber connector plug is located in the clamping groove 204 of the fiber adapter, but the fiber connector plug 100 can still be pulled out of the fiber adapter 200 .
[0195] The following describes in detail the fiber connector plug provided in the second embodiment.
[0196] FIG. 41 is a three-dimensional view of a fiber connector plug 100' provided in a second embodiment. FIG. 42 is a three-dimensional exploded view of a fiber connector plug 100' provided in a second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 41 and FIG. 42, the fiber connector plug 100' includes a fiber 11', a ferrule 12', a front cover 21', a mounting member 221', a main shaft 223', a tail sleeve 225', a heat shrink tube 226', a sealing structure 30', a sliding member 40', and a first elastic member 60'. A locking portion 2235' is disposed on the main shaft' 223, and the locking portion 2235' and the sliding member 40' form a first locking structure L1'.
[0197] The difference between the fiber connector plug 100' provided in the second embodiment and the fiber connector plug 100 provided in the first embodiment lies in the structure of the main shaft 223' and the structure of the sliding member 40'. The following will describe in detail the structural features of the main shaft 223' that are different from the structural features of the main shaft in the fiber connector plug 100 provided in the first embodiment.
[0198] 43 and 44, the fiber connector plug 100' provided in this embodiment does not include the fastener 222 independent from the main shaft in the fiber connector plug 100 provided in the first embodiment. It can be understood that in this implementation, a structural feature similar to the fastener function is integrated into the main shaft 223'. Specifically, a protruding ring structure 222' integrally formed on the inner surface of the main shaft 223' is disposed on the inner edge of the front end face 2231' of the main shaft 223', and a screw thread for connecting the mounting member 221' is disposed on the outer surface of the protruding ring structure 222'.
[0199] The locking portion 2235' disposed on the outer surface of the main shaft 223' is located on the side of the sealing groove 2234' far from the front end surface 2231'. The locking portion 2235' includes an elastic arm 22351 and a clamp block 22352. One end of the elastic arm 22351 is fixed to the outer surface of the main shaft 223'. Specifically, one end of the elastic arm 22351 and the main shaft 223' are an integrated structure. Only one end of the elastic arm 22351 is connected to the main shaft 223', and the remaining part of the elastic arm is disconnected from the main shaft 223' and faces the main shaft 223', and a gap 22353 is disposed between the elastic arm 22351 and the main shaft 223'. The clamp block 22352 is fixed to the other end of the elastic arm 22351, the end where the elastic arm 22351 is connected to the main shaft 223' is the connection end, and the clamp block 22352 is located at a position on the elastic arm 22351 remote from the connection end. The clamp block 22352 protrudes from the surface of the elastic arm 22351 remote from the main shaft 223'. The two locking portions 2235' are symmetrically distributed on two opposite sides of the main shaft 223'.
[0200] A clamp structure 701 is further disposed on the outer surface of the main shaft 223', and the clamp structure 701 is used to fit the sliding member 40' and restrict the sliding member 40' to a first position. Specifically, the clamp structure 701 is a limiting block protrudingly disposed on the outer surface of the main shaft 223'. There are two clamp structures 701, and the clamp structures are spaced apart, that is, a limiting groove 702 is formed between the two clamp structures 701.
[0201] 45, 46, 47, and 48, the sliding member 40' includes a sliding body 403 slidably connected to the main shaft 223' and a blocking portion 404 connected to one end of the sliding body 403. The sliding body 403 is sleeve-shaped. The blocking portion 404 extends from the inner surface of one end of the sliding body 403. The blocking portion 404 is an arc-shaped sheet-like structure, and the blocking portion 404 can slide into the gap 22353. And the two blocking portions 404 are symmetrically distributed on two opposite sides of the sliding body 403. The sliding member 40' includes a sliding positioning structure 405. The sliding positioning structure 405 includes a connecting portion 4051 connected to the sliding body 403 and a bump structure 4052 protruding and disposed on the connecting portion 4051. The connecting portion 4051 is formed by arranging a pair of band-shaped slits 4031 on the sliding body 403. The arrangement of the slits 4031 allows the connecting portion 4051 to easily undergo radial elastic deformation under the action of an external force. The bump structure 4052 is used to fit into the clamp structure 701 on the main shaft. Specifically, when the bump structure 4052 is clamped into the limiting groove 702, the sliding member 40' can be limited to a first position.
[0202] When the sliding member 40' is connected to the main shaft' 223, the inner surface of the slide 403 of the sliding member 40' contacts the inner surface of the main shaft 223'.
[0203] The following will describe in detail the fiber adapter 200' that mates with the fiber connector plug 100' provided in the second embodiment.
[0204] 49 and 50, fiber adapter 200' includes a body sleeve 201' and a ferrule sleeve 202', and second locking structure L2' is disposed in body sleeve 201'. The difference between fiber adapter 200' and fiber adapter 200 is that second locking structure L2' of fiber adapter 200' is different from second locking structure L2 of fiber adapter 200.
[0205] The second locking structure L2' is a clamping groove formed on the inner surface of the body sleeve 201'. The clamping groove includes a limiting groove 2016 cut on the inner surface of the body portion and a groove or hole 2017 located at the bottom of the limiting groove 2016. The limiting groove 2016 is used to mate with a resilient arm 22351 of the locking portion 2235' on the fiber connector plug 100'. The groove or hole 2017 is used to mate with a clamping block 22352 of the locking portion 2235' on the fiber connector plug 100'.
[0206] Fig. 51 is a schematic diagram of a state in which the fiber connector plug 100' is inserted into the fiber adapter' 200. Fig. 52 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion IV in Fig. 51. Fig. 52 is a schematic diagram of a locked state between the fiber connector plug 100' and the fiber adapter 200'. Fig. 53 is a schematic diagram of an unlocked state between the fiber connector plug 100' and the fiber adapter 200'.
[0207] 52, after the fiber connector plug 100' is inserted into the fiber adapter 200', the elastic arm 22351 of the locking portion 2235' is located in the limiting groove 2016, and the clamp block 22352 is clamped in the groove or hole 2017. The sliding member 40' slides to make the blocking portion 404 slide into the gap 22353. In this state, the blocking portion 404 can abut against the elastic arm 22351 to lock the clamp block 22352 in the groove or hole 2017, so that the lock between the fiber connector plug 100' and the corresponding fiber adapter 200' is performed.
[0208] 53, the sliding member 40' slides to move the blocking portion 404 away from the gap 22353. In this state, due to the gap 22353 between the elastic arm 22351 and the main shaft 223', the elastic arm 22351 swings into the gap 22353 under the effect of the elastic deformation of the elastic arm 22351, and the clamp block 22352 moves away from the groove or hole 2017 to perform unlocking.
[0209] The following describes in detail the fiber connector plug provided in the third embodiment.
[0210] FIG. 54 is a three-dimensional view of a fiber connector plug 100″ provided in a third embodiment. FIG. 55 is a three-dimensional exploded view of a fiber connector plug 100″ provided in a third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 54 and FIG. 55, the fiber connector plug 100″ includes a fiber 11″, a ferrule 12″, a front cover 21″, an attachment member 221″, a main shaft 223″, a tail sleeve 225″, a heat shrink tube 226″, a sealing structure 30″, a sliding member 40″, and a first elastic member 60″. A locking portion 2235″ is disposed on the main shaft 223″, and the locking portion 2235″ and the sliding member 40″ form a first locking structure L1″.
[0211] The differences between the fiber connector plug 100'' provided in the third embodiment and the fiber connector plug 100' provided in the second embodiment lie in the structure of the main shaft 223'', the structure of the lock portion 2235'', and the structure of the sliding member 40''.
[0212] Referring to FIG. 56, the difference between the main shaft 223″ provided in this embodiment and the main shaft 223′ of the fiber connector plug 100′ provided in the second embodiment is that the locking portion of an integrated structure is not disposed on the main shaft 223″. In this implementation, the locking portion 2235″ and the main shaft 223″ are split structures, and a connecting portion 22354 for connecting the locking portion 2235″ is disposed on the outer surface of the main shaft 223″. The connecting portion 22354 is a bump structure protruding and disposed on the outer surface of the main shaft 223″. The specific shape of the connecting portion 22354 may be a square, a circle, a triangle, a polygon, etc. This is not limited in the present application. Two connecting portions 22354 are distributed symmetrically on two sides of the main shaft 223″.
[0213] 57, 58 and 59, the locking portion 2235'' is a sleeve-shaped structure, and a positioning groove 22355, a locking groove 22356 and a hole 22357 are arranged on the inner surface of the locking portion 2235''. The positioning groove 22355 is used to fit with the connecting portion 22354 on the outer surface of the main shaft 223'' to fix the locking portion 2235'' to the main shaft 223''. Two positioning grooves 22355 are symmetrically distributed on two sides of the central axis of the locking portion 2235''. The hole 22357 is located at the bottom of the locking groove 22356, and the hole 22357 is a through-hole structure, such that the inner surface of the locking portion 2235'' communicates with the outer surface of the locking portion 2235''. The extension direction of the lock groove 22356 is the axial direction of the lock portion 2235'', and the opening of the lock groove 22356 is formed on one end face of the lock portion 2235''. There are two holes 22357 and two lock grooves 22356, and the two holes 22357 and the two lock grooves 22356 are symmetrically distributed on two sides of the central axis of the lock portion 2235''.
[0214] During assembly, the locking portion 2235'' is fitted over the main shaft 223'', and the connecting portion 22354 is clamped in the positioning groove 22355 to implement the connection between the locking portion 2235'' and the main shaft 223''. In this state, the bottom wall of the locking groove 22356 and the main shaft 223'' form an accommodation space, and the locking portion 2235'' at the bottom wall position of the locking groove 22356 forms a locking arm. It can be seen that the hole 22357 is disposed in the locking arm. The hole 22357 can also be a structure of a clamping groove or a hole. The accommodation space is formed between the locking arm and the outer surface of the main shaft 223''. The accommodation space is used to accommodate the second locking structure of the fiber adapter, and the hole 22357 is used to fit into the second locking structure.
[0215] 60, the structure of the sliding member 40'' provided in this embodiment may be the same as that of the sliding member 40'' in the fiber connector plug 100'' provided in the second embodiment, and the sliding member 40'' is slidably connected to the main shaft 223''. The sliding member 40'' includes a sliding body 403' and a blocking portion 404' connected to one end of the sliding body 403'. The blocking portion 404' can move into the receiving space and contact the second locking structure of the fiber adapter.
[0216] The following will describe in detail the fiber adapter 200'' that mates with the fiber connector plug 100'' provided in the third embodiment.
[0217] 61 and 62, fiber adapter 200'' includes a body sleeve 201'' and a ferrule sleeve 202'', and second locking structure L2'' is disposed in body sleeve 201''. The difference between fiber adapter 200'' and fiber adapter 200 is that second locking structure L2'' of fiber adapter 200'' is different from second locking structure L2 of fiber adapter 200.
[0218] In one implementation, the second locking structure L2'' includes a buckle portion 2019 and a connecting section 2018. The connecting section 2018 is connected between the buckle portion 2019 and an end surface 2011'' of the body sleeve 201''. The buckle portion 2019 is disposed protruding on a surface of the connecting section 2018 on a side farther from the central axis of the body sleeve 201''. The connecting section 2018 is used to extend into the receiving space between the locking arm and the main shaft 223'' on the fiber connector plug 100''. Specifically, the connecting section 2018 is used to fit into the locking groove 22356, and the buckle portion 2019 is used to fit into the hole 22357.
[0219] FIG. 63 is a schematic diagram of an inserted state of the fiber connector plug 100'' and the fiber adapter 200''. FIG. 64 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion V of FIG. 63. FIG. 64 is a schematic diagram of a locked state between the fiber connector plug 100'' and the fiber adapter 200''. FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram of an unlocked state between the fiber connector plug 100'' and the fiber adapter 200''.
[0220] As shown in FIG. 64, in the process of inserting the fiber connector plug 100'' into the fiber adapter 200'', the second locking structure L'' of the fiber adapter 200'' is a locking portion 2235' 'of The end faces are aligned to form an opening position of the lock groove 22356. The fiber connector plug 100'' is inserted into the fiber adapter 200'' so that the connecting section 2018 extends into the lock groove 22356 and the buckle portion 2019 is located at the position of the hole 22357. Then, the sliding member 40'' slides to slide the blocking portion 404' into the gap between the connecting section 2018 and the main shaft 223''. In this state, the blocking portion 404' can abut against the connecting section 2018 to lock the buckle portion 2019 into the hole 22357, so that the lock between the fiber connector plug 100'' and the corresponding fiber adapter 200'' is performed.
[0221] As shown in FIG. 65, the sliding member 40″ slides to move the blocking portion 404′ away from the gap between the connection section 2018 and the main shaft 223″. In this state, under the action of the elastic deformation of the connection section 2018, the connection section 2018 swings toward one side of the main shaft 223″, allowing the buckle portion 2019 to be separated from the hole 22357 to perform unlocking.
[0222] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the present application, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any variations or replacements that are easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be determined by the scope of protection of the claims.
Claims
1. 1. A fiber connector plug, comprising: a fiber and a ferrule secured to a front end of the fiber; a sleeve-shaped main housing fitted around the fiber; a first locking structure disposed on an outer surface of the main housing and used to mate with a second locking structure on a fiber adapter to secure the fiber connector plug to the fiber adapter, the first locking structure comprising a sliding member and a locking portion, the locking portion being fixed to the outer surface of the main housing, the sliding member being slidably connected to the main housing between a first position and a second position, the locking portion being located between the sliding member and the ferrule along an axial direction of the main housing, the sliding member being engaged with the locking portion to cooperate with the second locking structure when the sliding member is located at the first position, and an unlocking between the locking portion and the second locking structure being performed when the sliding member is located at the second position; Equipped with The fiber connector plug further comprises a sealing structure disposed on the outer surface of the main housing connected to a rear end surface of a front cover surrounding the ferrule, the sealing structure being located between the first locking structure and the front cover along the axial direction of the main housing.
2. The fiber connector plug of claim 1 , wherein the sealing structure is adapted to sealingly connect to an inner surface of the fiber adapter.
3. 3. The fiber connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is adapted to mate with a clamp groove of the second locking structure, a locking groove is formed between the sliding member and the main housing, the locking groove is adapted to mate with a resilient arm of the second locking structure, an opening of the locking groove is located between one end of the sliding member and the main housing, the sliding member has a mating surface formed on an inner wall surface of the locking groove, the mating surface faces the main housing, the mating surface has a first region and a second region, the first region is located between the second region and the opening of the locking groove, and a vertical distance between the first region and the main housing is greater than a vertical distance between the second region and the main housing.
4. 4. The fiber connector plug of claim 3, wherein when the sliding member is in the first position, the first region is arranged to face the locking portion and the second region is arranged to face the outer surface of the main housing, or when the sliding member is in the second position, the mating surface is arranged to face the outer surface of the main housing.
5. A fiber connector plug according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the mating surface is stepped or the mating surface is bevelled.
6. A fiber connector plug as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein an etched structure is disposed in the first region and / or the second region, or a groove is disposed on the mating surface, and the groove is used to mate with a protruding portion on the elastic arm.
7. 3. The fiber connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion comprises an elastic arm and a clamp block, one end of the elastic arm is fixed to the main housing, the clamp block is fixed to the other end of the elastic arm and protrudes from a surface of the elastic arm on a side farther from the main housing, a gap is disposed between the elastic arm and the main housing, the sliding member comprises a sliding body slidably connected to the main housing and a blocking portion connected to one end of the sliding body, the elastic arm is used to engage with a clamp groove on the fiber adapter, and the blocking portion can move into the gap to abut against the elastic arm in the clamp groove.
8. 3. The fiber connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion comprises a locking arm, an accommodating space is disposed between the locking arm and the outer surface of the main housing, opposing ends of the accommodating space are open along an axial direction of the main housing, the locking arm has a clamping groove or a hole disposed therein, the accommodating space is used to accommodate the second locking structure, and the clamping groove or the hole is used to mate with the second locking structure, the sliding member comprises a sliding body slidably connected to the main housing and a blocking portion connected to one end of the sliding body, and the blocking portion can move into the accommodating space to abut against the second locking structure.
9. 7. The fiber connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the sliding member is elastically connected to the main housing, and the sliding member is maintained in the first position using an elastic force, or a limiting structure is disposed between the sliding member and the main housing, and the limiting structure is used to limit the sliding member to the first position.
10. 8. The fiber connector plug of claim 7, wherein the sliding member is elastically connected to the main housing, and the sliding member is maintained in the first position using an elastic force, or a limiting structure is disposed between the sliding member and the main housing, and the limiting structure is used to limit the sliding member to the first position.
11. 9. The fiber connector plug of claim 8, wherein the sliding member is elastically connected to the main housing, and the sliding member is maintained in the first position using an elastic force, or a limiting structure is disposed between the sliding member and the main housing, and the limiting structure is used to limit the sliding member to the first position.
12. A fiber adapter comprising a body sleeve and a ferrule sleeve, the ferrule sleeve being connected to an interior of the body sleeve, a first accommodating space communicating with an internal space of the ferrule sleeve being disposed within the body sleeve, the first accommodating space being used to accommodate a fiber connector plug according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or claim 9, the ferrule sleeve being used to accommodate the ferrule of the fiber connector plug, the body sleeve comprising a second locking structure, the second locking structure being positioned in a first open position in which the first accommodating space is in communication with the outside, and the second locking structure being used to mate with the first locking structure of the fiber connector plug.
13. 13. The fiber adapter of claim 12, wherein the second locking structure comprises a clamp groove and a resilient arm, the clamp groove being formed on an inner surface of the body sleeve, the body sleeve comprising a body portion, the resilient arm being located at one end of the body portion and extending along an axial direction of the body sleeve, the resilient arm comprising a first section and a second section, the first section being connected between the second section and the body portion, an outer surface of the resilient arm being a surface of the resilient arm on a side farther from the first accommodating space, and a vertical distance from the outer surface of the first section to a central axis of the body sleeve is greater than a vertical distance from the outer surface of the second section to the central axis of the body sleeve.
14. 14. The fiber adapter of claim 13, wherein the first section is directly opposite a portion of the clamping groove and the second section is located around the clamping groove in a radial direction of the body sleeve.
15. A fiber adapter as described in claim 13 or 14, wherein the outer surface of the elastic arm is stepped or an included angle is formed between the extension direction of the elastic arm and the axial direction of the body sleeve, and the extension direction of the elastic arm is an extension direction from the body portion to an end of the second section remote from the body portion.
16. The fiber adapter according to claim 13 or 14, wherein an etching structure is disposed on the outer surface of the first section and / or the outer surface of the second section, or a protruding portion is disposed on the outer surface of the elastic arm, the protruding portion being used to mate with a groove on the sliding member of the fiber connector plug.
17. A fiber adapter comprising a body sleeve and a ferrule sleeve, the ferrule sleeve being connected to the interior of the body sleeve, a first accommodating space communicating with an internal space of the ferrule sleeve being disposed within the body sleeve, the first accommodating space being used to accommodate a fiber connector plug as described in claim 7 or claim 10, the ferrule sleeve being used to accommodate the ferrule of the fiber connector plug, the body sleeve comprising a second locking structure, the second locking structure being positioned in a first open position in which the first accommodating space is connected to the outside, and the second locking structure being used to engage with the first locking structure of the fiber connector plug.
18. 18. The fiber adapter of claim 17, wherein the second locking structure is a clamping groove formed on an inner surface of the body sleeve, the clamping groove comprising a limiting groove cut on the inner surface of the body portion and a groove or hole located at a bottom of the limiting groove, the limiting groove being used to mate with a resilient arm of the locking portion of the fiber connector plug, and the groove or hole being used to mate with a clamping block of the locking portion of the fiber connector plug.
19. A fiber adapter comprising a body sleeve and a ferrule sleeve, the ferrule sleeve being connected to the inside of the body sleeve, a first accommodating space communicating with an internal space of the ferrule sleeve being disposed within the body sleeve, the first accommodating space being used to accommodate a fiber connector plug as described in claim 8 or claim 11, the ferrule sleeve being used to accommodate the ferrule of the fiber connector plug, the body sleeve comprising a second locking structure, the second locking structure being positioned in a first open position in which the first accommodating space is connected to the outside, and the second locking structure being used to engage with the first locking structure of the fiber connector plug.
20. 20. The fiber adapter of claim 19, wherein the body sleeve comprises a body portion, the second locking structure is located at one end of the body portion, and comprises a buckle portion and a connection section, the connection section is connected between the buckle portion and the body portion, the buckle portion is arranged to protrude on a surface of the connection section away from a central axis of the body sleeve, the connection section is used to extend into an accommodation space between a locking arm of the fiber connector plug and the main housing, and the buckle portion is used to engage with a clamp groove or hole of the locking arm of the fiber connector plug.
21. A connector assembly comprising a fiber connector plug according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or 9 and a fiber adapter according to any one of claims 12 to 16.
22. A connector assembly comprising a fiber connector plug according to claim 7 or claim 10 and a fiber adapter according to claim 18.
23. A connector assembly comprising a fiber connector plug according to claim 8 or claim 11 and a fiber adapter according to claim 20.
24. A communication device comprising: a housing; and a fiber adapter according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the fiber adapter is connected to the housing, a socket is disposed in the housing, the fiber adapter is disposed inside the housing, and the socket is directly opposite the first accommodating space of the fiber adapter.
25. 25. The communications device of claim 24, wherein there are a plurality of sockets arranged in a row, and there are also a plurality of fiber adapters positioned corresponding to the positions of the sockets.
26. 25. The communications device of claim 24, further comprising a plurality of sockets arranged in at least two rows on the housing, and a plurality of fiber adapters arranged corresponding to the positions of the sockets.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Optical connector
JP1987111221A
Optical connector changeover device
JP1994317726A
Connecting plug
JP2000147323A
Optical connector
JP2000314823A
Splitter module
JP2010134281A