Optical connector and optical fiber connecting method using the same

KR103001870B1Active Publication Date: 2026-08-11SENSORVIEW INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
KR1020240046590
Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-05
Publication Date
2026-08-11
Estimated Expiration
2044-04-05

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Abstract

The present invention comprises the steps of: peeling off the outer layer of a first optical cable and a second optical cable to a predetermined length to expose an inner layer, and peeling off the inner layer to a predetermined length to expose a first core and a second core at their respective ends; coupling the first optical cable with an optical connector pin and coupling the second optical cable with an optical connector socket; aligning the end surface of the first core with the first surface of the end of the optical connector pin, and aligning the end surface of the second core with the second surface formed inside the optical connector socket; and A method for connecting optical fibers is disclosed, comprising the step of bringing the end surface of a first core and the end surface of a second core into contact with each other and fixing them. According to the present invention, two cores come into contact with each other through surface contact, and an optical connector pin and an optical connector socket can be mechanically locked through one-touch fastening.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical connector and an optical fiber connection method using the same, and more specifically, to an optical connector that connects optical fibers to each other and an optical fiber connection method using the same. Background Technology

[0002] The contents presented in this section are intended merely to provide background information for the present invention and do not constitute prior art.

[0003] Optical connectors are used to connect network devices in data centers and to connect optical cables of customer premises equipment. Among the various types of optical connectors, SC (Suscriptor Connector) and LC (Lucent Connector) are widely used types of optical connectors.

[0004] Depending on the polishing type, optical connector types are classified into AG (Air Gap), PC (Physical Contact), UPC (Ultra Physical Contact), and APC (Angled Physical Contact).

[0005] As a technology related to the present invention, the optical subassembly disclosed in the Korean Registered Patent Publication discloses a configuration including a housing, a diode, and a lens module. The configuration and effects of the two inventions are distinguished from each other in that this related technology is an AG type utilizing a lens module, while the present invention is a PC type. Prior art literature

[0006] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2572335 (Published August 28, 2023) The problem to be solved

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide an optical connector in which two cores come into contact with each other through surface contact and the optical connector pin and optical connector socket can be mechanically locked through one-touch fastening, and an optical fiber connection method using the same.

[0008] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an optical connector that enables the transmission of optical signals using a small number of components, and an optical fiber connection method using the same.

[0009] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] In order to achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of the technical concept of the present invention, an optical fiber connection method is disclosed, comprising the steps of: peeling off the outer layer of a first optical cable and a second optical cable to a predetermined length to expose an inner layer, and peeling off the inner layer to a predetermined length to expose a first core and a second core at their respective ends; coupling the first optical cable with an optical connector pin and coupling the second optical cable with an optical connector socket; aligning the end surface of the first core with the first surface of the end of the optical connector pin and aligning the end surface of the second core with the second surface formed inside the optical connector socket; and bringing the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core into contact with each other to fix them.

[0011] In addition, the optical fiber connection method is characterized by a matching step in which the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core are each ground to match the first surface and the second surface, respectively.

[0012] In addition, the optical fiber connection method is characterized by the step of fixing end surfaces by bringing them into contact with each other, wherein the contact is made using the elastic force of an elastic body between the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket.

[0013] In order to achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of the technical concept of the present invention, an optical connector is disclosed comprising: a first pin body coupled to a first inner layer and a first outer layer of a first optical cable and having a first surface including an end face of a first core corresponding to an optical fiber of the first optical cable; and a socket body equipped with a second pin body coupled to a second inner layer and a second outer layer of a second optical cable and having a second surface including an end face of a second core corresponding to an optical fiber of the second optical cable, wherein the socket body is configured to include an elastic body that causes the second surface of the second pin body to contact the first surface of the first pin body while applying elastic force.

[0014] Additionally, the optical connector may be configured such that the first optical cable includes a first core, a first inner layer surrounding the first core, and a first outer layer surrounding the first inner layer, and the second optical cable includes a second core, a second inner layer surrounding the second core, and a second outer layer surrounding the second inner layer, and the first pin body is coupled to the first inner layer and the second outer layer, and the second pin body is coupled to the second inner layer and the second outer layer.

[0015] Additionally, the optical connector may be configured to further include a pin block that mediates the fixation of the first pin body by being coupled to the outer diameter surface of the first pin body; and a socket block that mediates the fixation of the socket body by being coupled to the outer diameter surface of the socket body.

[0016] Additionally, the optical connector may be configured such that the first optical cable includes a first cladding as a first inner layer and a first sheath as a second outer layer, and the first pin body is connected to a first outflow hole formed on a first surface and the first core is disposed therein; the first area is connected to the first area and coupled with the first cladding; and the third area is connected to the second area and coupled with the first sheath is included on the inner surface.

[0017] Additionally, the optical connector may be configured to include, on the inner diameter surface, a second optical cable comprising a second cladding as a second inner layer and a second sheath as a second outer layer, a second pin body connected to a second outflow hole formed on a second surface and a fourth region in which a second core is disposed; a fifth region connected to the fourth region and coupled with the second cladding; and a sixth region connected to the fifth region and coupled with the second sheath.

[0018] In addition, the optical connector may be configured to further include an elastic body that maintains contact between the first surface and the second surface using elastic force.

[0019] Additionally, the optical connector may be configured such that the socket body includes an outer body into which a first pin body is inserted; and a second pin body having a second surface and capable of moving in a coaxial direction within an elastic range with respect to the outer body, and an elastic body is installed between the outer body and the second pin body.

[0020] Additionally, the optical connector may be configured such that the outer body comprises: a first outer body having a coupling portion into which a first pin body is inserted; and a second outer body having one end coupled to the first outer body and the other end free end that is coaxial with the second pin body and capable of displacement.

[0021] Additionally, the optical connector may be configured to include a first inner body having a second pin body that is coaxial with an elastic body and has a second surface at one end; and a second inner body having one end coupled to the other end of the first inner body and from which a second optical cable is drawn out.

[0022] Additionally, the optical connector may be configured such that the first pin body includes a stopper that limits the movement of the first pin body within the range of the elastic body.

[0023] Specific details of other embodiments are included in "Specific details for implementing the invention" and the attached "drawings".

[0024] The advantages and / or features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the various embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings.

[0025] However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the configurations of each embodiment disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and that each embodiment disclosed in this specification is provided merely to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and that the present invention is defined only by the scope of each claim of the claims. Effects of the invention

[0026] According to the present invention, two cores come into contact with each other through surface contact, and the optical connector pin and optical connector socket can be mechanically locked through one-touch fastening.

[0027] In addition, an optical connector that enables the transmission of optical signals using a small number of parts can be assembled.

[0028] The effects obtainable by the optical connector according to the technical concept of the present invention and the optical fiber connection method using the same are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is an example diagram showing a state in which a connector pin and a connector socket included in a hybrid connector according to one embodiment of the present invention are separated from each other. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the connector pins depicted in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the connector socket depicted in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the optical connector pin included in the connector pin depicted in Figure 2. Figure 5 is an exploded view of an optical connector socket included in the connector socket depicted in Figure 3. Figure 6 is an example of the state in which the optical connector pin and optical connector socket depicted in Figure 1 are connected to each other. Figure 7 is an exploded view of the optical connector pin depicted in Figure 4. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector pin depicted in Figure 7. Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the optical connector socket depicted in Fig. 5. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector socket depicted in FIG. 9. Figure 11 is a flowchart of a cable connection method using a hybrid connector. FIG. 12 is an example diagram depicting the processing process of the first optical cable and the second optical cable. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the terms and words used in this specification should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and that the inventor of the present invention may appropriately define and use the concepts of various terms to best describe their invention, and furthermore, that these terms and words should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0031] In other words, it should be understood that the terms used in this specification are used merely to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to specifically limit the content of the present invention, and that these terms are defined in consideration of various possibilities of the present invention.

[0032] In addition, it should be noted that in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, and that even if they are expressed in a similarly plural form, they may include the meaning of the singular.

[0033] Throughout this specification, where it is stated that a component "includes" another component, unless specifically stated otherwise, this may mean that it does not exclude any other component but may include any other component.

[0034] Furthermore, it should be noted that in cases where it is stated that a component "exists inside or is installed in connection with" another component, this component may be installed in direct connection or contact with the other component, or it may be installed at a certain distance apart, and in the case where it is installed at a certain distance apart, there may be a third component or means for fixing or connecting the component to the other component, and a description of this third component or means may be omitted.

[0035] On the other hand, if it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no third component or means.

[0036] Likewise, other expressions describing the relationship between each component, such as “between” and “right between”, or “adjacent to” and “directly adjacent to”, should be interpreted as having the same intent.

[0037] In addition, it should be understood that in this specification, terms such as “one side,” “other side,” “one side,” “other side,” “first,” “second,” etc., are used to clearly distinguish one component from another component, and that the meaning of the component is not restricted by such terms.

[0038] In addition, position-related terms such as "up," "down," "left," and "right" used in this specification should be understood as indicating the relative position of the corresponding component in the drawing, and unless an absolute position is specified, these position-related terms should not be understood as referring to an absolute position.

[0039] Furthermore, in specifying the reference numerals for each component of each drawing in this specification, the same component has the same reference numeral even if it is shown in different drawings; that is, the same reference numeral throughout the specification indicates the same component.

[0040] In the drawings attached to this specification, the size, position, connection relationships, etc., of each component constituting the present invention may be described in a partially exaggerated, reduced, or omitted manner for the convenience of explanation or to sufficiently clearly convey the concept of the present invention, and therefore, the proportions or scale may not be strictly accurate.

[0041] In addition, in describing the present invention below, detailed descriptions of components, such as prior art and known technologies, that are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention may be omitted.

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0043] In the XYZ coordinate axes shown in each drawing, the X-axis direction is designated as the width direction of the hybrid connector (1), the Y-axis direction as the length direction, and the Z-axis direction as the height direction. The Y-axis direction is also the length direction of the cable.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, another hybrid connector (1) is characterized by including heterogeneous connectors, for example, an RF connector (20) that transmits an RF signal, i.e., an RF signal, and an optical connector (10) that transmits light, i.e., an optical signal. The hybrid connector (1) is a structure in which one or more connector modules can be assembled, and can be configured to include multiple types of connector modules without limitation on the type of connector module. The optical connector (10) or the RF connector (20) is one of the multiple types of connector modules.

[0045] The optical connector (10) and RF connector (20) can be structurally configured to be separated into a connector pin (2) containing an optical connector pin (100) and an RF connector pin (300), and a connector socket (3) containing an optical connector socket (200) and an RF connector socket (400).

[0046] FIG. 1 is an example diagram showing a state in which a connector pin and a connector socket included in a hybrid connector according to one embodiment of the present invention are separated from each other.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, a connector pin (2) and a connector socket (3) separated from each other are depicted.

[0048] The hybrid connector (1) may be configured to include connector pins (2) and connector sockets (3) that are mechanically connected to transmit various types of signals in various ways, such as electrical and optical connections, and to maintain these connections stably.

[0049] That is, the connector pin (2) and the connector socket (3) can be optically connected and disconnected by the optical connector pin (100) and the optical connector socket (200), electrically connected and disconnected by the RF connector pin (300) and the RF connector socket (400), and mechanically connected and disconnected by the connector pin connection part (710) and the connector socket connection part (720).

[0050] The connector pin alignment unit (500) has the function of aligning connector pins, for example, an optical connector pin (100) and an RF connector pin (300), by connecting them to each other among heterogeneous connector modules. And the connector socket alignment unit (600) has the function of aligning connector sockets, for example, an optical connector socket (200) and an RF connector socket (400), by connecting them to each other among heterogeneous connector modules.

[0051] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the connector pins depicted in Figure 1.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, the connector pin (2) may be configured to include an optical connector pin (100) that transmits an optical signal and an RF connector pin (300) that transmits an RF signal, a connector pin alignment part (500) that aligns the optical connector pin (100) and the RF connector pin (300), and a connector pin fastening part (710) installed in the connector pin alignment part (500).

[0053] The optical connector pin (100) and the RF connector pin (300) can be aligned in the X-axis direction as modules in which the lengths measured in the XYZ coordinates are equal to each other in the direction of at least two axes (Y-axis and Z-axis).

[0054] The connector pin alignment unit (500) may be configured to include a pair of frames (510, 520) that align and fix at least one of a plurality of optical connector pins (100) and a plurality of RF connector pins (300) in the direction of the X-axis, and a pair of terminals (530, 540) that are coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames (510, 520).

[0055] The connector pin connection part (710) can be configured to be mechanically connected to and disconnected from the connector socket connection part (720).

[0056] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the connector socket depicted in Figure 1.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, the connector socket (3) may be configured to include an optical connector socket (200) that is optically connected to an optical connector pin (100), an RF connector socket (400) that is electrically connected to an RF connector pin (300), a connector socket alignment part (600) that aligns the optical connector socket (200) and the RF connector socket (400), and a connector socket fastening part (720) that is installed in the connector socket alignment part (600) and can be mechanically connected to and disconnected from a connector pin fastening part (710).

[0058] The optical connector socket (200) and the RF connector socket (400) can be aligned in the X-axis direction as modules in which the lengths measured in the XYZ coordinates are equal to each other in the direction of at least two axes (Y-axis and Z-axis).

[0059] The connector socket alignment unit (600) may be configured to include a pair of frames (610, 620) that align and fix at least one connector socket among a plurality of optical connector sockets (200) and a plurality of RF connector sockets (400) in the direction of the X-axis, and a pair of terminals (630, 630) that are coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames (610, 620).

[0060] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, the connector pin connection part (710) may be configured to be mechanically connected to and disconnected from the connector socket connection part (720). The connector pin connection part (710) and the connector socket connection part (720) are configured in a combined form of a male connection part and a female connection part, and the male connection part may be mechanically connected to and disconnected from the female connection part. For example, the connector pin connection part (710) may be in the form of a connection pin, and the connector socket connection part (720) may be in the form of a connection hole into which the connection pin is fitted.

[0061] A pair of terminals, namely terminals (530, 540) or terminals (630, 640), can be connected to and disconnected from a pair of frames, namely frames (510, 520) or frames (610, 620), using bolts (550, 650), and the optical connector pin (100), optical connector socket (200), RF connector pin (300), and RF connector socket (400) can be configured to be replaceable for maintenance and repair through the connection and disconnection of the terminals (530, 540) or terminals (630, 640).

[0062] That is, since the Y-axis size, i.e., length, and the Z-axis size, i.e., height of the optical connector pin (100), optical connector socket (200), RF connector pin (300), and RF connector socket (400) are the same, they can be aligned with each other in the X-axis direction, i.e., width direction, and the frames (510, 520, 610, 620) support both ends in the Z-axis direction of the optical connector pin (100), optical connector socket (200), RF connector pin (300), and RF connector socket (400). Each module is inserted between the frames (510, 520, 610, 620), and terminals (530, 540, 630, 640) finish both ends in the X-axis direction.

[0063] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the optical connector pin included in the connector pin depicted in Figure 2.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, the optical connector pin (100) may be configured to include a first pin body (110), a pin block (120), and a first optical cable (140). Two first pin bodies (110) may be provided, each corresponding to two poles.

[0065] The first pin body (110) can be coupled with the first optical cable (140). At one end of the first pin body (110), a first surface (112) is formed that contacts the second surface (221a) belonging to the optical connector socket (200). The first optical cable (140) is drawn out from the other end of the first pin body (110).

[0066] The pin block (120) surrounds the first pin body (110) and serves to fasten the first pin body (110) to the connector pin alignment part (500). That is, the pin block (120) combines with the outer diameter surface of the first pin body (110) and has the function of mediating the fixation of the first pin body (110). The pin block (120) can be formed using synthetic resin.

[0067] A pin block (120) may be configured to include a first half block (121), a second half block (122), and a bolt (123). The bolt (123) fastens the first half block (121) and the second half block (122).

[0068] The first optical cable (140) includes a first core (141) corresponding to an optical fiber, a first cladding (142) corresponding to an inner layer, and a first sheath (143) corresponding to an outer layer, and the first core (141) may be configured to form a first surface (112) together with a first pin body (110).

[0070] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an optical connector socket included in the connector socket depicted in Figure 3.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, the optical connector socket (200) may be configured to include a socket body (201), a socket block (230), and a second optical cable (240).

[0072] The socket body (201) can be coupled with a second optical cable (240). At one end of the socket body (201), a second surface (221a) is formed that contacts a first surface (112) belonging to an optical connector pin (100). The second optical cable (240) is drawn out from the other end of the socket body (201).

[0073] The socket block (230) serves to wrap around the socket body (201) and fasten the socket body (201) to the connector socket alignment part (600). That is, the socket block (230) has the function of mediating the fixation of the socket body (201) by joining with the outer diameter surface of the socket body (201). The socket block (230) may be configured to include a third half block (231), a fourth half block (232), and a bolt (233). The bolt (233) fastens the third half block (231) and the fourth half block (232). The socket block (230) may be formed using synthetic resin.

[0074] The second optical cable (240) includes a second core (241) corresponding to an optical fiber, a second cladding (242) corresponding to an inner layer, and a second sheath (243) corresponding to an outer layer, and the second core (241) may be configured to form a second surface (221a) together with the second pin body (220).

[0075] Figure 6 is an example of the state in which the optical connector pin and optical connector socket depicted in Figure 1 are connected to each other.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 6, the optical connector pin (100) and the optical connector socket (200) are depicted as being connected to each other. One end of the optical connector pin (100) can be inserted into one end of the optical connector socket (200) to come into contact with each other. Although the one end of the optical connector pin (100) and the one end of the optical connector socket (200) can be joined by a snap connection, the optical connector pin (100) and the optical connector socket (200) can ultimately be fixed to each other by aligning the pin block (120) by the connector pin alignment part (500) and aligning the socket block (230) by the connector socket alignment part (600), and by connecting the connector pin connection part (710) and the connector socket connection part (720) to each other.

[0077] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the optical connector pin depicted in Figure 4.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, the optical connector pin (100) may be configured to include a first pin body (110) and a first optical cable (140). The first pin body (110) has a first surface (112) that includes an end surface of a first core (141) corresponding to the optical fiber of the first optical cable (140).

[0079] The first optical cable (140) can be combined with the first pin body (110).

[0080] The first optical cable (140) includes a first coaxial core (141) corresponding to an optical fiber, a first cladding (142) corresponding to an inner layer surrounding the optical fiber, and a first sheath (143) corresponding to an outer layer surrounding the inner layer, and the first pin body (110) can be combined with the first cladding (142) and the first sheath (143) of the first optical cable (140).

[0081] The second optical cable (240) includes a second coaxial core (241) corresponding to an optical fiber, a second cladding (242) corresponding to an inner layer surrounding the optical fiber, and a second sheath (243) corresponding to an outer layer surrounding the inner layer, and the second pin body (220) can be combined with the second cladding (242) and the second sheath (243) of the second optical cable (240).

[0082] As the optical connector pin (100) and the optical connector socket (200) are connected, the first surface (112) and the second surface (221a) may come into contact with each other, and the first core (141), i.e., the end surface of the first core, and the second optical fiber (341), i.e., the end surface of the second core, may come into contact with each other.

[0083] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector pin depicted in Figure 7.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 8, the first pin body (110) may include a first region (111), a second region (113), and a third region (115) on the inner diameter surface.

[0085] The first pin body (110) can be combined with the first cladding (142) corresponding to the inner layer of the first optical cable (140) using the second region (113), and combined with the first sheath (143) corresponding to the outer layer of the first optical cable (140) using the third region (115).

[0086] The first region (111) of the first pin body (110) is a region corresponding to the first core (141) of the first optical cable (140). The second region (113) is a region connected to the first cladding (142) of the first optical cable (140), and the third region (115) is a region connected to the first sheath (143) of the first optical cable (140).

[0087] A first core (141) may be placed in the first area (111). The first area (111) may be connected to a first extraction hole (114) formed in the first surface (112). That is, the first area (111) includes a first extraction hole (114) with a sufficient diameter for the first core (141) to pass through. When the length of the first core (141) extracted from the first area (111) is adjusted to fit the first surface (112) through grinding, the end surface of the first core (141) and the first surface (112) coincide.

[0088] The second region (113) is connected to the first region (111) and can be combined with the first cladding (142). The second region (113) has an inner diameter surface of a size suitable for being closely combined with the second cladding (242). Therefore, the first cladding (142) can be fixed by being fitted together with the second region (113).

[0089] The third region (115) is connected to the second region (113) and can be combined with the first covering (143). The third region (115) has an inner diameter surface of a size suitable for being closely combined with the first covering (143). Therefore, the first covering (143) can be fixed by being fitted together with the third region (115).

[0090] The first optical cable (140) may include a first cladding (142) as an inner layer and a first sheath (143) as an outer layer. That is, the first cladding (142) may surround and protect the first core (141) corresponding to the optical fiber of the first optical cable (140), and the first sheath (143) may surround and protect the first cladding (142) again.

[0091] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the optical connector socket depicted in Fig. 5.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 9, the optical connector socket (200) may be configured to include a socket body (201) and a second optical cable (240).

[0093] The socket body (201) may include a second pin body (220) having a second surface (221a) that includes an end surface of a second core (241) corresponding to the optical fiber of the second optical cable (240).

[0094] The second optical cable (240) can be combined with the second pin body (220). That is, the second cladding (242) corresponding to the inner layer of the second optical cable (240) and the second sheathing (243) corresponding to the outer layer can be combined with the fifth region and the sixth region formed on the inner diameter surface of the second pin body (220), respectively.

[0095] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector socket depicted in FIG. 9.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 10, the second pin body (220) may include a first region (111), a second region (113), and a third region (115) on the inner diameter surface.

[0097] The first pin body (110) can be combined with the second cladding (242) corresponding to the inner layer of the second optical cable (240) using the fifth region (220b), and combined with the second sheath (243) corresponding to the outer layer of the second optical cable (240) using the sixth region (220c).

[0098] The fourth region (220a) of the second pin body (220) is a region corresponding to the second core (241) of the second optical cable (240). The fifth region (220b) is a region connected to the second cladding of the second optical cable (240), and the sixth region (220c) is a region connected to the second sheath of the second optical cable (240).

[0099] A second core may be disposed in the fourth region (220a). The fourth region may be connected to a second extraction hole formed on the second surface. That is, the fourth region includes a second extraction hole with a diameter sufficient for the second core to pass through. When the length of the second core extracted from the fourth region is adjusted to fit the second surface through grinding, the end surface of the second core aligns with the second surface.

[0100] The fifth region is connected to the fourth region and can be combined with the second cladding. The fifth region has an inner diameter surface of a size suitable for close connection with the second cladding. Therefore, the second cladding can be fixed by fitting it into the fifth region.

[0101] The sixth region is connected to the fifth region and can be combined with the second covering. The sixth region has an inner diameter surface of a size suitable for close connection with the second covering. Therefore, the second covering can be fixed by fitting it into the sixth region.

[0102] The second optical cable (240) may include a second cladding (242) as an inner layer and a second sheath (243) as an outer layer. That is, the first cladding may surround and protect the second core corresponding to the optical fiber of the second optical cable (240), and the second sheath may surround and protect the second cladding again.

[0103] The first pin body (110) constituting the optical connector pin (100) utilizes the first surface (112), and the second pin body (220) of the socket body (201) constituting the optical connector socket (200) utilizes the second surface (221a) to bring the first core (141) and the second core (241) into contact. When using elastic force, the contact between the first core and the first core can be maintained stably. An elastic body that generates elastic force may be placed inside the optical connector pin or the optical connector socket.

[0104] An optical connector pin (100) or an optical connector socket (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include an elastic body (202) that maintains contact between a first surface and a second surface using elastic force.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 9, an elastic body (202) included in an optical connector socket (200) is depicted.

[0106] The socket body (201) may be configured to include an outer body (210) and a second pin body (220). The outer body (210) has a fastening member into which the first pin body (110) can be inserted and fastened. That is, a fastening member (212) into which the first pin body (110) is inserted may be formed at one end of the outer body (210). The other end of the outer body (210) may be joined to the middle of the second pin body (220) using a screw thread.

[0107] The outer body (210) may be configured to include a first outer body (211) and a second outer body (213).

[0108] The second pin body (220) of the socket body (201) is characterized by having a second surface (221a) that can contact the first surface (112) of the first pin body (110). Additionally, the second pin body (220) is characterized by being capable of moving in a coaxial direction within an elastic range relative to the outer body (210).

[0109] The elastic body (202) can be installed between the outer body (210) and the second pin body (220). That is, the elastic body (202) can be placed between the second outer body (213) and the first inner body (221) constituting the second pin body (220).

[0110] The outer body (210) may be configured to include a first outer body (211) and a second outer body (213).

[0111] The first outer body (211) is characterized by having a fastener (212) into which the first pin body (110) is inserted.

[0112] The second outer body (213) is characterized by having one end coupled to the first outer body (211) and the other end being a free end that is coaxial with the second pin body (220) and capable of displacement.

[0113] The second pin body (220) may be configured to include a first inner body (221) and a second inner body (223).

[0114] The first inner body (221) is characterized by being coaxial with the elastic body (202) and having a second surface (221a) at one end.

[0115] The second inner body (223) is characterized by having one end connected to the other end of the first inner body (221), and the second optical cable (240) being drawn out through the other end.

[0116] The first pin body (110) may be configured to include a stopper (117) on its outer diameter surface. The stopper (117) has the function of restricting the movement of the first pin body (110) within the range of the elastic body.

[0117] Figure 11 is a flowchart of an optical fiber connection method using a hybrid connector.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 11, an optical fiber connection method (S100) using a hybrid connector (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include exposing the core and inner layer of a first optical cable (140) and a second optical cable (240) (S100), connecting the first optical cable to an optical connector pin (100) and connecting the second optical cable to an optical cable socket (S120), aligning the end surface of the first core (141) with the first surface (112) of the optical connector pin (100) and aligning the end surface of the second core (241) with the second surface (221a) of the optical connector socket (200) (S130), and bringing the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core into contact with each other and fixing them (S140).

[0119] In S100, the outer layer of the first optical cable (140) and the second optical cable (240) is peeled off to a predetermined length to expose the inner layer, and the inner layer is peeled off to a predetermined length so that the first core (141) and the second core (241) are respectively exposed at the ends.

[0120] FIG. 12 is an example diagram depicting the processing process of the first optical cable and the second optical cable.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 12, an optical cable that the hybrid connector (1) intends to connect is depicted. The optical cable can be used as a first optical cable (140) and a second optical cable (240). The first optical cable (140) can be connected to a connector pin (2), and the second optical cable (240) can be connected to a connector socket (3). The first optical cable (140) and the second optical cable (240) will be collectively referred to as optical cables.

[0122] The optical cable may be configured to include a sheath (143, 243) corresponding to the outer layer from the outside, a cladding (142, 242) corresponding to the inner layer, and a core (141, 241) corresponding to the optical fiber.

[0123] A hybrid connector (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by being coupled with the outer layer and the inner layer while the outer layer and the inner layer of the optical cable are peeled off. Accordingly, it is necessary to expose the optical fiber and the inner layer so as to correspond to the lengths of the first region, the second region, the fourth region, and the fifth region formed on the inner diameter surface of the first pin body and the second pin body constituting the hybrid connector (1).

[0124] The optical fiber of the first optical cable (140) passes through the first region (111) and is drawn out through the first exit hole (114). The second region (113) is combined with the first cladding (142) corresponding to the inner layer of the first optical cable (140), and the third region (115) is combined with the first sheath (143) corresponding to the outer layer of the first optical cable.

[0125] Likewise, the optical fiber of the second optical cable (240) passes through the fourth region and is drawn out of the second exit hole (221b). The fifth region is combined with the second cladding (242) corresponding to the inner layer of the second optical cable (240), and the sixth region is combined with the second sheath (243) corresponding to the outer layer of the second optical cable (240).

[0126] The first pin body is coupled to the inner and outer layers of the first optical cable, and the second pin body of the socket body is coupled to the inner and outer layers of the second optical cable.

[0127] As the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket are connected, the first surface and the second surface come into contact, and the end surface of the first core of the first optical cable constituting the first surface and the end surface of the second core of the second optical cable constituting the second surface come into contact with each other.

[0128] In S120, the step of connecting the first optical cable to the optical connector pin and connecting the second optical cable to the optical connector socket;

[0129] In S130, the end surface of the first core and the first surface of the end of the optical connector pin are aligned with each other, and the end surface of the second core and the second surface formed inside the optical connector socket are aligned with each other; and

[0130] S140 is configured to include the step of fixing the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core by bringing them into contact with each other.

[0131] The step of matching each other (S130) is characterized by grinding the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core to match the first surface and the second surface, respectively.

[0132] The step (S140) of fixing the end surfaces by bringing them into contact with each other is characterized by bringing them into contact using the elastic force of an elastic body between the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket.

[0133] As such, according to one embodiment of the present invention, two cores come into contact with each other through surface contact, and the optical connector pin and optical connector socket can be mechanically locked through one-touch fastening.

[0134] In addition, complex signal transmission is possible using a small number of components.

[0135] Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with some examples, the descriptions of various embodiments described in the "Specific details for carrying out the invention" section are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be modified in various ways or equivalent embodiments can be carried out based on the above description.

[0136] In addition, since the present invention can be implemented in various other forms, the present invention is not limited by the description above. The above description is provided merely to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined only by each claim of the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0137] 1: Hybrid connector, 2: Connector pin, 3: Connector socket, 10: Optical connector, 20: RF connector, 100: Optical connector pin, 200: Optical connector socket, 300: RF connector pin, 400: RF connector socket, 500: Connector pin alignment part, 600: Connector socket alignment part, 700: Pin socket fastening device, 710: Connector pin fastening part, 720: Connector socket fastening part

Claims

Claim 1 A step of peeling off the outer layer of a first optical cable and a second optical cable to a predetermined length to expose an inner layer, and peeling off the inner layer to a predetermined length to expose a first core and a second core at their respective ends; a step of coupling the first optical cable with an optical connector pin and coupling the second optical cable with an optical connector socket; a step of aligning the end surface of the first core with the first surface of the end of the optical connector pin, and aligning the end surface of the second core with the second surface formed inside the optical connector socket. A method for connecting optical fibers, comprising the step of fixing the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core by bringing them into contact with each other, wherein the optical connector pin is aligned together with the RF connector pin by a connector pin alignment part within the connector pin, and the connector pin alignment part includes a pair of frames that fix the optical connector pin and the RF connector pin, and a pair of terminals that are coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames, and the optical connector socket is aligned together with the RF connector socket by a connector socket alignment part within the connector socket, and the connector socket alignment part includes a pair of frames that fix the optical connector socket and the RF connector socket, and a pair of terminals that are coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames, wherein the pair of terminals can be fastened and unfastened to the pair of frames using bolts, and the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket are configured to be replaceable for maintenance and repair through the unfastening and fastening of the terminals. Claim 2 A method for connecting optical fibers according to claim 1, wherein the step of matching each other is characterized by grinding the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core to match the first surface and the second surface, respectively. Claim 3 A method for connecting optical fibers according to claim 1, wherein the step of fixing the end surfaces by bringing them into contact with each other is characterized by bringing them into contact using the elastic force of an elastic body between the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket. Claim 4 A first pin body coupled to a first inner layer and a first outer layer of a first optical cable, and having a first surface including an end face of a first core corresponding to an optical fiber of the first optical cable; and a socket body is provided with a second pin body having a second surface that includes an end surface of a second core corresponding to the optical fiber of the second optical cable, which is coupled to the second inner layer and the second outer layer of the second optical cable, and the socket body includes an elastic body that causes the second surface of the second pin body to contact the first surface of the first pin body while applying elastic force, and the first pin body is aligned together with the RF connector pin by a connector pin alignment part within the connector pin, and the connector pin alignment part includes a pair of frames that fix the first pin body and the RF connector pin and a pair of terminals coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames, and the socket body is aligned together with the RF connector socket by a connector socket alignment part within the connector socket, and the connector socket alignment part includes a pair of frames that fix the socket body and the RF connector socket and a pair of terminals coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames An optical connector comprising, wherein the pair of terminals can be connected to and disconnected from the pair of frames using bolts, and the first pin body and the socket body can be replaced for maintenance and repair through the connection and disconnection of the terminals. Claim 5 An optical connector according to claim 4, wherein the first optical cable comprises the first core, the first inner layer surrounding the first core, and the first outer layer surrounding the first inner layer, and the second optical cable comprises the second core, the second inner layer surrounding the second core, and the second outer layer surrounding the second inner layer, and wherein the first pin body is coupled to the first inner layer and the first outer layer, and the second pin body is configured to be coupled to the second inner layer and the second outer layer. Claim 6 An optical connector according to claim 4, further comprising: a pin block that mediates the fixation of the first pin body by being coupled to the outer diameter surface of the first pin body; and a socket block that mediates the fixation of the socket body by being coupled to the outer diameter surface of the socket body. Claim 7 An optical connector according to claim 4, wherein the first optical cable comprises a first cladding as the first inner layer and a first sheath as the second outer layer, and the first pin body is configured to include a first region connected to a first out-hole formed on the first surface and having the first core disposed therein; a second region connected to the first region and coupled with the first cladding; and a third region connected to the second region and coupled with the first sheath on the inner surface. Claim 8 An optical connector according to claim 4, wherein the second optical cable comprises a second cladding as the second inner layer and a second sheath as the second outer layer, and the second pin body is configured to include a fourth region connected to a second outflow hole formed on the second surface and having the second core disposed therein; a fifth region connected to the fourth region and coupled with the second cladding; and a sixth region connected to the fifth region and coupled with the second sheath on the inner surface. Claim 9 An optical connector according to claim 4, further comprising an elastic body that maintains contact between the first surface and the second surface using elastic force. Claim 10 An optical connector according to claim 9, wherein the socket body comprises: an outer body into which the first pin body is inserted; and the second pin body having the second surface and capable of moving in a coaxial direction within an elastic range with respect to the outer body, and the elastic body is configured to be installed between the outer body and the second pin body. Claim 11 An optical connector according to claim 10, wherein the outer body comprises: a first outer body having a coupling portion into which the first pin body is inserted; and a second outer body having one end coupled to the first outer body and the other end free end that is coaxial with the second pin body and capable of displacement. Claim 12 An optical connector according to claim 10, wherein the second pin body is configured to include: a first inner body that is coaxial with the elastic body and has the second surface at one end; and a second inner body having one end coupled to the other end of the first inner body and from which the second optical cable is drawn. Claim 13 An optical connector according to claim 9, wherein the first pin body is configured to include a stopper that limits the movement of the first pin body within the range of the elastic body.

Citation Information

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