Optical Connector Socket

Abstract

To provide an optical connector socket.SOLUTION: An optical connector socket consists of a socket main body, a drive structure and a flexible shield structure. The socket main body includes a slot and a connection part having a connection open hole arranged in the inside of the slot for connecting an optical connector; the drive structure is slidably arranged on the inner side of the slot; when inserting the optical connector into the slot, the drive structure is pushed by the optical connector to move to a first position; when moving the optical connector along the slot, the drive structure is pushed to move to a second position; the flexible shield structure is connected to the drive structure; and when moving the drive structure to the first position, the flexible shield structure shields the connection open hole while moving the flexible shield structure to the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to optical connector technology, in particular to an optical connector socket that uses a protective cover to expose a coupling through hole that couples with an optical connector when the optical connector is inserted, and to cover the coupling through hole when the optical connector is removed.

[0002] Due to its advantages of high bandwidth and low loss, optical fiber has been widely used as a signal transmission medium in recent years. The use of optical fiber has had a revolutionary impact on the communications industry. Currently, 100G optical module communications are no longer sufficient, and it is expected that the future will see a transition to the era of 400G optical module communications. With the advancement of communications technology, data centers or computer rooms must meet the need for high-density cabling. [Background technology]

[0003] To meet the above needs, optical fiber connectors, a transmission medium for optical fiber, are the driving force behind the increase in data volume and transmission speed in data centers. However, in certain applications, such as transmission towers or relay stations, in addition to the optical fiber used to transmit information, wires are also required to supply power to the receiver and transmitter. Based on this need, optical connector products that can simultaneously transmit optical signals and power are available.

[0004] The disclosure in the above Background section is intended to provide a better understanding of the background art of the present invention, and therefore includes prior art that does not interfere with the present invention and should be well known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention provides an optical connector socket with an internal protective design that protects the coupling portion that couples with the optical connector from contamination, and drives the flexible shielding structure from the shielding position through connector insertion, allowing the optical connector to be smoothly coupled with the optical connector socket, and drives the flexible shielding structure back to its original position when the connector is removed, protecting the connector socket from dust contamination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an optical connector socket for insertion into an optical connector. The optical connector socket includes a socket body, a drive structure, and a flexible shielding structure. The socket body has a slot, which also includes a coupling portion with a coupling through-hole coupled to the optical connector. The drive structure is slidably disposed within the slot. When the optical connector is inserted into the slot, the drive structure is pushed by the optical connector to move to a first position, and when the optical connector moves with a pulling force, the drive structure is pushed by the optical connector to a second position. The flexible shielding structure is coupled to the drive structure. When the drive structure is in the first position, the flexible shielding structure deforms to expose the coupling through-hole, and when the drive structure slides to the second position, the coupling through-hole is shielded.

[0007] In one embodiment, the socket body further includes a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure therein, the first limiting structure being disposed on an inner wall of the socket and located on one side of the coupling portion, and the second limiting structure being disposed on an inner wall of the insertion opening of the adjacent socket. The drive structure further includes a sliding base and a cantilever, the sliding base sliding on the bottom of the slot, one end of the cantilever connected to one side of the sliding base, and the other end of the cantilever extending toward the insertion opening of the slot. The cantilever further includes a first actuating structure, a second actuating structure, and a third limiting structure, the first actuating structure being disposed at a free end of the cantilever, the second actuating structure being disposed on the cantilever close to the sliding base, and the third limiting structures being disposed on both sides of the first actuating structure.

[0008] In one embodiment, the socket body further includes a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure, the first limiting structure being disposed on an inner wall of the socket and located on one side of the coupling portion, the second limiting structure being disposed on an inner wall of the socket insertion opening and extending toward the coupling portion, and the bottom surface of the second limiting structure having a guide inclined surface. The cantilever further includes a first actuating structure, a second actuating structure, and a fourth limiting structure, the first actuating structure being disposed on a free end of the cantilever arm, the second actuating structure being disposed on the cantilever close to the sliding base, and the fourth limiting structure being disposed on the bottom side of the first actuating structure.

[0009] To make the above objectives, technical features, and advantages after implementation more apparent, the embodiments will be described in more detail with accompanying drawings.

[0010] Only the figures of the embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood through the detailed description and drawings. Therefore, the following figures are intended to be used to explain the embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the claims of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The optical connector socket of the present invention has an internal protection design that wraps the coupling portion that couples with the optical connector to prevent contamination. When the connector is inserted, the flexible shielding structure is driven to move out of the shielding position, allowing the optical connector to smoothly couple with the optical connector socket, and when the connector is pulled out, the flexible shielding structure is driven to return to its original position, thereby achieving the effect of protecting the connector socket from dust contamination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an optical connector of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the optical connector of the present invention in the XY plane. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the flexible shielding structure and the driving structure before they are combined. [Figure 2B]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the actuation structure and the flexible shielding structure after combination. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of unshielding a coupling portion in an optical connector socket of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of unshielding a coupling portion in an optical connector socket of the present invention. [Figure 3C] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of unshielding a coupling portion in an optical connector socket of the present invention. [Figure 3D] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of unshielding a coupling portion in an optical connector socket of the present invention. [Figure 3E] 1 is a schematic diagram of the operation of one embodiment of shielding an optical connector socket coupling of the present invention. [Figure 3F] 1 is a schematic diagram of the operation of one embodiment of shielding an optical connector socket coupling of the present invention. [Figure 3G] 1 is an operational schematic diagram of one embodiment of shielding an optical connector socket coupling of the present invention. [Figure 3H] 1 is a schematic diagram of the operation of one embodiment of shielding an optical connector socket coupling of the present invention. [Figure 3I] 1 is a schematic diagram of the operation of one embodiment of shielding an optical connector socket coupling of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a drive structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 10 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of the optical connector socket of the present invention. [Figure 5A] 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an optical connector inserted into an optical connector socket. [Figure 5B] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an embodiment in which the flexible shielding structure shields the coupling portion during the process of the optical connector of the present invention being pulled out from the optical connector socket. [Figure 5C] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an embodiment in which the flexible shielding structure shields the coupling portion during the process of the optical connector of the present invention being pulled out from the optical connector socket. [Figure 5D] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an embodiment in which the flexible shielding structure shields the coupling portion during the process of the optical connector of the present invention being pulled out from the optical connector socket. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the socket body of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0014] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving the same, will be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings for ease of understanding. However, the present invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, to those skilled in the art, the provided embodiments will more thoroughly, comprehensively, and completely convey the scope of the present invention. The present invention will be defined solely by the scope of the appended claims. In the accompanying illustrations, the sizes and relative sizes of components have been exaggerated for clarity and ease of understanding. Throughout the specification, several different component reference numerals may refer to the same component. As used hereinafter, the term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more of the listed objects.

[0015] Please refer to FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the optical connector of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a three-dimensional cross-sectional schematic diagram of the optical connector of the present invention in the XY plane. The optical connector socket 2 shown in this embodiment is aligned with the optical connector 3, and the optical connector socket 2 includes a socket body 20, a drive structure 21, and a flexible shielding structure 22. The socket body 20 has a slot 200, and the interior thereof further includes a coupling portion 201. The coupling portion 201 has a coupling through-hole 201a and is connected to the optical connector 3 inserted through the slot 200. The socket body 20 further includes a first limiting structure 202 and a second limiting structure 203. In this embodiment, the first and second limiting structures 202 and 203 are respectively arranged on an inner wall 20A of the slot 200, the first limiting structure 202 being located on one side of the coupling portion 201, and the second limiting structure 203 being arranged on the inner wall 20A close to the opening of the slot 200. In one embodiment, the first and second limiting structures 202, 203 are structures that protrude from the inner wall 20A into the space within the slot 200 with a specific width.

[0016] The driving structure 211 is slidably disposed within the slot 200. When the optical connector 3 is inserted into the slot 200, the driving structure 21 is driven by the optical connector 3 to move toward the coupling portion 201 (the positive X-axis direction in this embodiment). Conversely, when the optical connector 3 moves due to a tensile force, the driving structure 21 is driven by the optical connector 3 to move along the direction in which the optical connector 3 is pulled out (the negative X-axis direction in this embodiment). The detailed operation of the driving structure 211 will be described later. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of the flexible shielding structure and the driving structure before being combined, and FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of the combination of the driving structure and the flexible shielding structure. The driving structure 21 further includes a sliding base 210 and a cantilever 211. The sliding base 210 is slidably disposed at the bottom of the slot 200.

[0017] In one embodiment, the sliding base 210 is slidably disposed within the space between the coupling portion 201 and the bottom of the slot 200. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 1B , the sliding base 210 includes a base body 210C having a plurality of first guide structures 210a, 210b thereon. The first guide structure 210a is disposed on the base body 210c closer to the opening of the slot 200, and the first guide structure 210b is disposed on a side of the base body 210c closer to the coupling portion 201. On both sides of the bottom of the socket body 20, the inner walls 20A have second guide structures 204 at the positions corresponding to the first guide structures 210a, 210b, which are slidably connected to the first guide structures 210a, 210b. In this embodiment, the first guide structures 210a, 210b are inverted L-shaped structures and are slidably connected to the second guide structures 204, straddling them.

[0018] 2A and 2B, one end of the cantilever 211 is connected to one side of the sliding base 210, and the other end of the cantilever 211 is a free end extending toward the insertion opening of the slot 200. In one embodiment, the cantilever 211 further includes a first actuating structure 211a, a second actuating structure 211b, and a third limiting structure 211c, where the first actuating structure 211a is disposed at the free end of the cantilever 211, the second actuating structure 211b is disposed on the cantilever 211 closer to the sliding base 210, and the third limiting structures 211c are disposed on both sides of the first actuating structure 211a. In one embodiment, the first actuating structure 211a has a first abutting surface S1, a second abutting surface S2, and an inclined surface S3 connecting the first abutting surface S1 and the second abutting surface S2, the effect of which will be described later.

[0019] The flexible shielding structure 22 is connected to the drive structure 21. In this embodiment, the flexible shielding structure 22 includes a fixed base 220, a flexible connecting portion 221, and a shielding piece 222. The fixed base 220 includes a top plate 220a and a bottom plate 220b and is connected to the top plate 220a. The top plate 220a and the bottom plate 220b are each provided with a fixing through-hole 220d. One side of the fixed base 220 has a clamping opening 220c. The sliding base 210 of the drive structure 21 is installed on the fixed base 220 through the clamping opening 220c. To enhance the fixing effect, positioning structures 210d are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the base body 210c of the sliding base 210. When the sliding base 210 is installed on the fixed seat 220 through the clamping opening 220c, the positioning structure 210d passes through the corresponding fixed through-hole 220d, creating a tight fit and ensuring that the flexible shielding structure 22 can be firmly fixed to the drive structure 21. The flexible connecting portion 221 is connected to the fixed seat 220, and one end of the shielding piece 222 is connected to the flexible connecting portion 221. In this embodiment, in the first state, the shielding piece 222 of the flexible shielding structure 22 stands upright to shield the coupling through-hole 201a of the coupling portion 201. In the second state, the shielding piece 222 is pressed by the coupling portion 201 and receives stress, causing it to rotate clockwise and expose the coupling through-hole 201a, allowing the signal terminal of the optical connector 3 to be inserted into the coupling through-hole 201a. The detailed operation will be described later.

[0020] Next, please refer to FIGS. 3A to 3D for the operation of releasing the shielding of the coupling portion. These figures are schematic diagrams of an embodiment of the operation of releasing the shielding of the coupling portion in the optical connector socket of the present invention. FIGS. 3A to 3D are schematic diagrams of the AA cross section shown in FIG. 1A. When this optical connector 3 is inserted into the slot 200 of the optical connector socket 2, as shown in FIG. 3A, the tip surface 31 of the optical connector 3 abuts against the first abutment surface S1 of the first actuation structure 211a, and the drive structure 21 is driven to move along the X axis toward the coupling portion 201. When the optical connector 3 is continuously pushed inward, the flexible shielding structure 22 is connected to the drive structure 21, and the flexible shielding structure 22 also moves toward the coupling portion 201. 3B, when the driving structure 21 is driven by the optical connector 3 to move, it drives the flexible shielding structure 22 to move and contact the coupling portion 201. The shielding piece 222 of the flexible shielding structure 22 is pressed by the coupling portion 201, causing the shielding piece 222 to rotate clockwise. At the same time, as the shielding piece 222 rotates clockwise, the flexible connecting portion 221 flexes, accumulating an elastic restoring force. When the shielding piece 222 is rotated clockwise, the coupling through-hole 201a of the coupling portion 201 is exposed.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3B, as the drive structure 21 continues to be driven by the optical connector 3, the second actuation structure 211b of the drive structure abuts against the edge of the first limiting structure 202. As the optical connector 3 moves, the cantilever 211 is rotated clockwise and bent by the force of the first limiting structure 202, forming the state shown in FIG. 3C. In FIG. 3C, when the drive structure 21 moves to the first position, the end face 212 of the drive structure 21 abuts against the stop structure 205 inside the optical connector socket 2, and the first abutment surface S1 disengages from the optical connector 3. At this time, the stop structure 205 prevents the drive structure 21 from moving. As the optical connector 3 continues to move toward the coupling portion 201, the end face 31 of the optical connector 3 presses against the inclined surface S3, continuously pressing the cantilever 211 clockwise, causing the cantilever 211 to accumulate elastic recovery force. At the same time, the optical connector 3 continues to move toward the coupling portion 201, and finally, the optical connector 3 and the coupling portion 201 are inserted into each other and connected, as shown in Fig. 3D. Note that, because the cantilever 211 is flexible, the cantilever 211 flexes due to the pressure applied to the inclined surface S3 of the optical connector 3. However, when the optical connector 3 is inserted into the coupling portion 201, the inclined surface S3 is no longer pressurized by the optical connector 3, so the cantilever 211 bounces back counterclockwise, and the first actuating structure 211a bounces into the groove 30 at the bottom of the optical connector 3.

[0022] Next, we will explain the operation of the flexible shielding structure automatically shielding the coupling portion when the optical connector is unplugged. As shown in FIGS. 3E to 3I, these figures are schematic diagrams of an embodiment in which the optical connector socket of the present invention shields the coupling portion. As shown in FIG. 3E, when a user wants to unplug the optical connector 3 from the optical connector socket 2, the inner wall 300 of the groove 30 of the optical connector 3 can abut against the second abutment surface S2 of the first actuation structure 211a during the unplugging process. Therefore, as the optical connector 3 is pulled outward, the inner wall 300 of the groove 30 uses its momentum to push the drive structure 21 outward, thereby moving the drive structure 21 outward. As shown in FIGS. 1B, 2A, and 3F, the third limiting structure 211c of the drive structure 21 protrudes toward the positive and negative Y axes, and the second limiting structure 203 is disposed on the inner wall and protrudes in the positive and negative Y axis directions. Therefore, as the optical connector 3 continues to be pulled outward, the third limiting structure 211c comes into contact with the second limiting structure 203, and the third limiting structure 211c is pressed downward (negative Z-axis movement). In this embodiment, the second limiting structure 203 has a first guide surface 203a, a second guide surface 203b, and a third guide surface 203c. The third limiting structure 211c first comes into contact with the first guide surface 203a. In this embodiment, because the first guide surface 203a is an inclined surface, as the optical connector 3 continues to be pulled outward, the third limiting structure 211c descends along the first guide surface 203a, and is then pushed by the first guide surface 203a, driving the cantilever 211 to bend clockwise.

[0023] Next, the third limiting structure 211c continues to press against the inner wall 300, and the third limiting structure 211c continues to descend, guided by the second guide surface 203b, which can be flat or inclined. As the third limiting structure 211c continues downward, a flexible force accumulates in the cantilever 211, and the first actuating structure 211a is also driven downward, causing the second abutment surface S2 to separate from the inner wall 300, forming the state shown in FIG. 3G. As shown in FIG. 3H, after the third limiting structure 211c separates from the second guide surface 203b, the elastic force accumulated by the cantilever 211 is released, and the first actuating structure 211a is lifted upward. Because the third guide surface 203c no longer restricts the first operating structure 211a, the first operating structure gradually rises, and at the same time, because it is no longer interfered with by the first operating structure 211a, the optical connector 3 can be continuously pulled out and finally detached from the optical connector socket 2. After the optical connector 3 is pulled out, the first operating structure 211a also returns to its initial position as shown in FIG. 3I.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the drive structure of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of a partial cross section of another embodiment of the optical connector socket of the present invention. In this embodiment, the drive structure is basically the same as that of FIG. 2B, except that the drive structure of this embodiment has a fourth limiting structure 211d extending obliquely below the first actuating structure 211a at the end of the cantilever 211. The fourth limiting structure 211d in this embodiment protrudes upward from the stop post P1 in the Y-axis direction. The optical connector socket 2 is basically the same as that of the embodiment of FIG. 2A, except that the second limiting structure 203d in this embodiment has a guide inclined surface 203e and further includes a first guide inclined surface S4 and a second guide surface S5. The effects of this will be described later.

[0025] Next, the operation of the drive structure in this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5A, this figure is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an optical connector inserted into an optical connector socket. When the optical connector 3 is inserted into the optical connector socket 2, the end face 31 of the optical connector 3 abuts against the first abutment surface S1 of the first actuation structure 211a of the drive structure 21 and moves toward the inside of the optical connector socket 2. When the optical connector 2 is inserted, the drive structure 21 also moves in synchronization with the optical connector 2, and then rotates the shielding piece 222 of the flexible shielding structure 22 clockwise, thereby coupling the optical connector 2 with the coupling portion 201. The drive structure 21 drives the flexible shielding structure 22 and operates through the process of movement shown in FIGS. 3B to 3D above, which will not be repeated here. Next, the operation mode when the optical connector 2 is pulled out will be described.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 5B to 5D. These figures are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of an embodiment in which a flexible shielding structure shields a coupling portion during the process of withdrawing an optical connector from an optical connector socket of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5B, when a user withdraws the optical connector 3 from the connector socket 2, the inner wall 300 of the groove 30 of the optical connector 3 abuts against the second abutment surface S2 of the first actuating structure 211a during the withdrawal process. Therefore, as the optical connector 3 is pulled outward, the inner wall 300 of the groove 30 uses its momentum to push the drive structure 21 outward, causing the drive structure 21 to move outward. As shown in Figure 5C, as the optical connector 3 is continuously pulled outward, the fourth limiting structure 211d on the drive structure 21 abuts against the second limiting structure 203d. In this embodiment, the stop post P1 of the fourth limiting structure 211d abuts against the inclined guide surface 203e of the second limiting structure 203d, and the compression of the inclined guide surface 203e drives the cantilever to bend in the clockwise direction, causing the first operating structure 211a to separate from the groove 30. In the first embodiment, the stop post P1 is first pressed by the first inclined guide surface S4 of the inclined guide surface 203e, and because the first inclined guide surface S4 has an inclination, the cantilever 211 is pushed by the inclination and flexibly bends in the clockwise direction, and the first operating structure 211a gradually separates from the groove 30.

[0027] 5D, when the first actuating structure 211a is disengaged from the groove due to the clockwise bending of the cantilever 211, the elastic force accumulated by the cantilever 211 is released, and the first actuating structure 211a is lifted upward. Because the first actuating structure 211a is no longer constrained by the groove 30, the first actuating structure 211a is simultaneously gradually increased by the flexible restoring force of the cantilever while the optical connector 3 is continuously pulled out and detached from the optical connector socket 2. After the optical connector 3 is finally detached from the optical connector socket 2, the first actuating structure 211a also returns to its initial position.

[0028] Please refer to FIG. 6, which shows another embodiment of the socket body of the present invention. In this embodiment, the socket body 20a of the optical connector socket 2a has a bottom opening 206, which is located on the bottom surface of the socket body 20a and provides for the mounting of the drive structure 21 and the flexible shielding structure 22. The optical connector socket 2a has a cover plate 23 and the bottom opening 206 covered by the socket. In this embodiment, the cover plate 23 has side plates 230 extending from both sides and mated with the side of the socket body 20a. The side of the socket body 20a has a first buckle structure 207 mated with a second buckle structure 231 on the side plate 230, which allows the cover plate 23 to be firmly coupled to the socket body 20a, protects the drive structure 21, and facilitates disassembly, assembly, and maintenance.

[0029] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can actually achieve the desired functions and purposes, and those skilled in the art can implement it based on the above detailed description. Therefore, changes in the equivalent structure from the above examples still do not depart from the scope of the rights of the present invention. In other words, any changes or modifications made in the same creative spirit related to the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] 2 Optical connector socket 2a optical connector socket 20 Socket body 20a socket body 200 slots 201 Joint 201a Connection through hole 202 First Restriction Structure 203 Second Restriction Structure 203a First guideway 203b Second guide surface 203c Third guideway 203d Second Restriction Structure 203e Guide inclined surface 204 Second Guidance Structure 205 Stop structure 206 Bottom opening 207 First buckle structure 20A inner wall 21 Drive structure 210 Sliding base 210a First guide structure 210b First guide structure 210c bass body 210d Positioning structure 211 Cantilever 211a First operating structure 211b Second operating structure 211c Third Restriction Structure 212 End face S1 1st contact surface S2 2nd contact surface S3 3rd contact surface S4 First guide slope S5 Second guide slope 22 Flexible shielding structure 220 Fixed seat 220a Top plate 220b bottom plate 220c clamp mouth 220d fixed through hole 221 Flexible connection 222 Shielding piece 23 Cover plate 230 Side Panel 231 Second buckle structure 3 Optical Connector 30 grooves 300 Inner wall 31 End face P1 Stop Post

Claims

1. An optical connector socket, comprising: a socket body; a drive structure; and a flexible shielding structure; the socket body has a slot, the slot further includes a coupling portion having a coupling through-hole, and is coupled with an optical connector inserted through the slot; the drive structure is slidably disposed within the slot, and when the optical connector is inserted into the slot, the drive structure is pushed by the optical connector to move to a first position, and when the optical connector moves by a pulling force, the drive structure is pushed by the optical connector to a second position; The optical connector socket is characterized in that the flexible shielding structure is connected to the drive structure, and when the drive structure is in the first position, the flexible shielding structure deforms to expose the coupling through hole, and when the drive structure slides to the second position, the coupling through hole is shielded.

2. 2. The optical connector socket of claim 1, wherein the socket body further comprises a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure therein, the first limiting structure being arranged on an inner wall of the socket body and located on one side of the coupling portion, and the second limiting structure being arranged on an inner wall of an insertion opening of an adjacent socket body.

3. 3. The optical connector socket of claim 2, wherein the drive structure further comprises a sliding base and a cantilever, the sliding base being slidable at the bottom of the slot, one end of the cantilever being connected to one side of the sliding base, and the other end of the cantilever extending toward the insertion opening of the slot.

4. 4. The optical connector socket of claim 3, wherein the cantilever further has a first actuating structure, a second actuating structure, and a third limiting structure, the first actuating structure being disposed at a free end of the cantilever, the second actuating structure being disposed on the cantilever close to the sliding base, and the third limiting structures being disposed on both sides of the first actuating structure.

5. 5. The optical connector socket of claim 4, wherein the first operating structure has a first abutment surface, a second abutment surface, and inclined surfaces connecting the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface, and when the first operating structure moves to the first position, the second operating structure abuts against the first limiting structure, and as the optical connector moves, the cantilever is driven by the force of the first limiting structure to deform and bend downward, and when the driving structure moves to the first position, the first abutment surface is separated from the optical connector.

6. 6. The optical connector socket of claim 5, wherein after the first abutment surface is separated from the optical connector, the optical connector moves toward the coupling portion, the optical connector pushes down the cantilever along the inclined surface, and when the optical connector and the coupling portion are coupled, the first operating structure is fitted into a groove at the bottom of the optical connector, and the height of the third limiting structure becomes lower than the height of the second limiting structure.

7. An optical connector socket as described in claim 5, characterized in that when the optical connector is pulled by a tensile force, the side wall of the groove at the bottom of the optical connector abuts against the second abutment surface of the first operating structure, and as the optical connector moves, the drive structure is driven to move to the second position, and the flexible shielding structure is restored to its original state of shielding the coupling portion, and the third limiting structure moves along the bottom surface of the second limiting structure as the drive structure moves, and when the drive structure moves to the second position, the first operating structure is separated from the groove and the third limiting structure is released from the constraint of the second limiting structure, so that the cantilever returns to its undeformed state.

8. 4. The optical connector socket according to claim 3, wherein the sliding base has a plurality of first guide structures, and the inner wall of the bottom of the socket body has second guide structures at the positions of the corresponding first guide structures, which slide with the first guide structures.

9. 2. The optical connector socket of claim 1, wherein the socket body further comprises a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure therein, the first limiting structure being arranged on the inner wall of the slot and located on one side of the coupling portion, the second limiting structure being arranged on the inner wall of the insertion opening of the slot and extending toward the coupling portion, and the bottom surface of the second limiting structure having a guide inclined surface.

10. An optical connector socket as described in claim 3, characterized in that the cantilever further has a first operating structure, a second operating structure, and a fourth limiting structure, the first operating structure being arranged at the free end of the cantilever, the second operating structure being arranged on the cantilever, and the fourth limiting structure being arranged on the bottom side of the first operating structure.

11. 11. The optical connector socket of claim 10, wherein the first operating structure has a first abutment surface, a second abutment surface, and inclined surfaces connecting the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface, and the cantilever has a first operating structure and a second operating structure, and when the optical connector is inserted into the slot, the optical connector abuts the first abutment surface, driving the drive structure to move to the first position, and as the optical connector moves so that the second operating structure abuts against the first limiting structure, the cantilever is driven by the force of the first limiting structure, deformed downward, and bent, and when the drive structure moves to the first position, the first abutment surface disengages from the optical connector.

12. An optical connector socket as described in claim 11, characterized in that when the optical connector is pulled by the tensile force, the side wall of the groove of the optical connector abuts the second abutment surface of the first operating structure, and the drive structure is driven to move to the second position as the optical connector moves, and when the drive structure is moved to the second position, the flexible shielding structure returns to its original state of shielding the coupling portion, the fourth limiting structure abuts against the guide inclined surface and separates the first operating structure from the groove, and the fourth limiting structure moves along the guide inclined surface due to the elastic force accumulated by the deformation of the cantilever, thereby returning the cantilever to a state where it is not deformed.

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