Stand-alone connector having screw threads and receptacle coupled thereto

Abstract

A stand-alone connector according to the present invention is configured to be coupled to a receptacle by screwing connector screw threads of a coupling holder with receptacle screw threads of a receptacle in a state in which a connector optical fiber ferrule is accommodated in a receptacle optical fiber ferrule-accommodating groove of the receptacle and the front end of the connector optical fiber ferrule is in contact with a receptacle optical fiber ferrule of the receptacle. Also, the stand-alone connector according to the present invention is configured to be separated from the receptacle by unscrewing the connector threads of the coupling holder from the receptacle screw threads in a state in which the stand-alone connector is coupled to the receptacle. According to the present invention, components such as upper protrusions provided in conventional stand-alone connectors are unnecessary, and thus it is possible to provide a stand-alone connector that is smaller than conventional stand-alone connectors.

Description

Independent connector having a thread and a receptacle mating therewith

[0001] The present invention relates to a standalone connector and receptacle utilized in optical communication, and more particularly, to a standalone connector configured to be coupled and separated from a receptacle through a screw thread, and a receptacle coupled with the standalone connector.

[0002] Standalone connectors are widely used in optical communications, data transmission and reception, and cable TV. These standalone connectors can be coupled to external components, such as the receptacle of a communication optical transceiver. When coupled to the receptacle, the standalone connector functions to transmit optical signals output from a first communication optical transceiver to a second communication optical transceiver, or to transmit optical signals output from a second communication optical transceiver to the first communication optical transceiver.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below discloses a connector fixing pin that is formed as an extension on one outer periphery of a front plug. The shape of the connector fixing pin disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is commonly applied to a general LC connector (Lucent Connector), and has a shape similar to that of a connector of a telephone line or LAN cable (see reference numeral 543 in FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1 below). Furthermore, Patent Document 1 below discloses a fixing pin pressing portion that is formed as an extension on one outer periphery of a rear plug. The fixing pin pressing portion serves to press the connector fixing pin downward so that the connector fixing pin can be easily removed from the device (see reference numeral 523 in FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1 below).

[0004] In some cases, a single optical communication module includes multiple optical transceivers for communication, and in order for one optical communication module to perform optical communication with another optical communication module, an independent connector such as an LC connector must be coupled to a receptacle provided in each of the multiple optical transceivers for communication. Here, in order for the independent connector to be coupled to the receptacle provided in each of the multiple optical transceivers for communication, the size of the independent connector must be as small as possible. However, since a conventional independent connector is provided with an upper protrusion, such as a connector fixing pin and a fixing pin presser of Patent Document 1 below, there is a limit to reducing the size of the independent connector.

[0005] [Prior Art Literature]

[0006] (Patent Document 1) Patent Registration No. 10-1535434 (July 3, 2015)

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a standalone connector having a smaller size than conventional connectors.

[0008] In addition, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an independent connector that can be easily coupled and separated from a receptacle.

[0009] Furthermore, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a receptacle that can smoothly perform optical communication using a connector optical fiber and a receptacle optical fiber.

[0010] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, a standalone connector according to the present invention may include: a connector optical fiber ferrule having a connector optical fiber built in; a connector ferrule flange for fixing the connector optical fiber ferrule; and a mating holder having an inner receiving space for accommodating the connector optical fiber ferrule and the connector ferrule flange, and having a connector screw thread formed on an inner circumference; wherein the connector optical fiber ferrule is received in a receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove of a receptacle, and when the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule is in contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule of the receptacle, the connector screw thread of the mating holder is screw-engaged with the receptacle screw thread of the receptacle, thereby allowing the standalone connector to be coupled to the receptacle, and when the standalone connector is coupled to the receptacle, the connector screw thread of the mating holder is released from the screw-engagement with the receptacle screw thread of the receptacle, thereby allowing the standalone connector to be separated from the receptacle.

[0012] The connector ferrule flange may include a flange head that fixes the rear side of the connector optical fiber ferrule, and the flange head may be provided with a rotation-stopping portion around the rear side of the connector optical fiber ferrule, and when the connector optical fiber ferrule is received in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove of the receptacle, and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule comes into contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule of the receptacle, the rotation-stopping portion may be engaged with a rotation-stopping piece provided on the rear side of the receptacle body of the receptacle, and when the connector screw thread of the coupling holder is screw-connected with the receptacle screw thread of the receptacle, the rotation-stopping portion may prevent rotation of the connector optical fiber ferrule and the connector ferrule flange together with the rotation-stopping piece.

[0013] The above rotation-stopping portion may be formed concavely toward the rear from the front side of the flange head so as to be coupled to the rotation-stopping piece formed to protrude toward the rear from the rear side of the receptacle body.

[0014] The above connector ferrule flange may further include a flange body connected to the rear side of the flange head and having a narrower vertical width than the flange head, and a spring may be mounted on the periphery of the flange body, and the spring may apply pressure in an all-directional direction to the flange head when the connector thread of the coupling holder is screwed into the receptacle thread of the receptacle.

[0015] The rear side of the above-mentioned coupling holder may be provided with a coupling holder protrusion that protrudes in a direction toward the center of the above-mentioned coupling holder, and the coupling holder protrusion may apply pressure in all directions to the spring when the connector thread of the above-mentioned coupling holder is screwed into the receptacle thread of the above-mentioned receptacle.

[0016] Meanwhile, in order to achieve the above-described purpose, a receptacle according to the present invention comprises: a receptacle body; a receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove extending through the front and rear directions of the receptacle body; a receptacle optical fiber ferrule having a receptacle optical fiber built in and received in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove; And a receptacle screw thread provided on the outer circumference of the receptacle body; wherein the connector optical fiber ferrule of the independent connector is received in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove, and when the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule is in contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule, the connector screw thread of the independent connector is screw-engaged with the receptacle screw thread, thereby allowing the independent connector to be coupled to the receptacle, and when the independent connector is coupled to the receptacle, the connector screw thread of the independent connector is released from the receptacle screw thread, thereby allowing the independent connector to be separated from the receptacle.

[0017] The receptacle may further include a rotation-stopping member provided on the rear side of the receptacle body, and when the connector optical fiber ferrule of the standalone connector is received in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule comes into contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule, the rotation-stopping member may be engaged with a rotation-stopping portion provided on the connector ferrule flange of the standalone connector, and when the connector screw thread of the standalone connector is screw-connected with the receptacle screw thread, the rotation-stopping member may prevent rotation of the connector optical fiber ferrule and the connector ferrule flange of the standalone connector together with the rotation-stopping portion.

[0018] The above rotation-stopping piece may be formed to protrude rearward from the rear side of the receptacle body so as to be coupled to the rotation-stopping portion which is formed to be concave rearward from the front side of the flange head of the connector ferrule flange.

[0019] A rotation-resistant screw thread having the same shape as the receptacle screw thread may be provided on the upper side of the rotation-resistant member, and the connector screw thread of the independent connector may be screw-connected with the rotation-resistant screw thread when screw-connected with the receptacle screw thread.

[0020] Since the standalone connector according to the present invention is configured to be coupled and separated from a receptacle through a connector screw thread, a component such as an upper protrusion provided in a conventional standalone connector is not required, and thus, a standalone connector having a smaller size than a conventional connector can be provided.

[0021] In addition, according to the standalone connector according to the present invention, the standalone connector can be easily coupled to the receptacle by screwing the connector threads with the receptacle threads, and the standalone connector can be easily separated from the receptacle by unscrewing the connector threads with the receptacle threads.

[0022] In addition, since the standalone connector according to the present invention is coupled and disconnected from the receptacle by simply screwing or unscrewing the connector threads with the receptacle threads, no separate coupling / disconnection tool is required when coupling or disconnecting the standalone connector to or from the receptacle. Furthermore, since the standalone connector according to the present invention does not require a separate coupling / disconnection tool when coupling or disconnecting the standalone connector to or from the receptacle, there is very little concern that damage will be inflicted to the connector optical fiber ferrule or other components during the coupling and disconnection.

[0023] In addition, according to the receptacle according to the present invention, a rotation-stopping member is provided on the rear side of the receptacle body, and when the connector thread of the independent connector is screwed into the receptacle thread, the rotation-stopping member is configured to prevent rotation of the connector optical fiber ferrule and the connector ferrule flange together with a rotation-stopping portion provided on the connector ferrule flange. Accordingly, the risk of damage occurring to the rear side of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule is significantly reduced, and as a result, optical communication by the connector optical fiber and the receptacle optical fiber can be smoothly performed without a decrease in efficiency.

[0024] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0025] FIG. 1 (FIGS. 1a to 1d) is a drawing showing a standalone connector and a receptacle coupled thereto according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 (FIGS. 2a to 2d) is a drawing showing a two-dimensional plane cut including the front-back direction and the up-down direction of the combination holder and receptacle of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 (FIGS. 3a to 3d) is a drawing showing a state in which the connector optical fiber ferrule of FIG. 2 is accommodated in a receptacle optical fiber ferrule accommodation groove, and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule is in contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an independent connector coupled to a receptacle by screwing the connector threads of FIG. 3 into the receptacle threads.

[0029] Hereinafter, a standalone connector and a receptacle coupled thereto according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The attached drawings are provided solely as examples to ensure that the technical concepts of the present invention are sufficiently conveyed to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not limited to the drawings presented below and may be embodied in various other forms.

[0030] When a part of this specification is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, dashed lines are used to distinguish adjacent components.

[0031] FIG. 1 (FIGS. 1a to 1d) is a drawing showing a standalone connector (1000) and a receptacle (10) coupled thereto according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 (FIGS. 2a to 2d) is a drawing showing a two-dimensional plane cut including the front-back direction and the up-down direction of the coupling holder (300) and the receptacle (10) of FIG. 1.

[0032] In the attached drawings including Fig. 1, 'front' indicates front, 'back' indicates rear, 'left' indicates left, 'right' indicates right, 'upper' indicates upward, and 'lower' indicates downward. In addition, the receptacle (10) in the attached drawings may be provided in a communication optical transceiver.

[0033] One end of the receptacle (10) (i.e., the forward-side end in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) is coupled to an optical transmitting element or an optical receiving element (not shown) constituting an optical transceiver for communication, and the other end of the receptacle (10) (i.e., the rear-side end in FIG. 2) can be coupled to an independent connector (1000).

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a receptacle (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a receptacle body (11), a receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove (11-1), a receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12), and a receptacle screw thread (13).

[0035] The receptacle body (11) may have an overall cylindrical shape. A receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove (11-1) is provided on the inside of the receptacle body (11), and a receptacle screw thread (13) is provided at least partially on the outer periphery of the receptacle body (11). In addition, a rotation blocking member (15) may be provided on the rear side of the receptacle body (11).

[0036] The receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove (11-1) penetrates the receptacle body (11) in the front-back direction. That is, the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove (11-1) may be provided in the receptacle body (11) in a form that penetrates the front and rear ends of the receptacle body (11). A receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12) may be received in some areas of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove (11-1), and a connector optical fiber ferrule (100) may be received in the remaining areas.

[0037] In the center of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12), a receptacle optical fiber (12-1) is embedded in the front-back direction of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12). Since the receptacle optical fiber (12-1) has a very small diameter, it is preferable that it be embedded in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12) and fixed and supported by the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12).

[0038] The receptacle optical fiber (12-1) serves to transmit, for example, an optical signal transmitted from an optical transmission element of a communication optical transceiver to a connector optical fiber (110). Alternatively, the receptacle optical fiber (12-1) serves to receive an optical signal from the connector optical fiber (110) and transmit it to an optical reception element of a communication optical transceiver.

[0039] A receptacle screw thread (13) may be provided on the outer periphery of the receptacle body (11) centered on the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove (11-1). The receptacle screw thread (13) may be provided over the entire area of ​​the outer periphery of the receptacle body (11). Alternatively, the receptacle screw thread (13) may be provided only in an area from the center to the rear of the outer periphery of the receptacle body (11), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0040] As described below, when the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) of the standalone connector (1000) is accommodated in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule accommodation groove (11-1), and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) is in contact with the rear side of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12), the connector screw thread (330) of the standalone connector (1000) can be screw-connected with the receptacle screw thread (13), thereby allowing the standalone connector (1000) to be coupled to the receptacle (10). Here, when the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) is in contact with the rear side of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12), the connector optical fiber (110) and the receptacle optical fiber (12-1) are connected to each other, thereby creating a path for optical communication.

[0041] Meanwhile, when the independent connector (1000) is coupled to the receptacle (10), the screw connection between the connector thread (330) of the independent connector (1000) and the receptacle thread (13) can be released, thereby allowing the independent connector (1000) to be separated from the receptacle (10).

[0042] The receptacle (10) may further include a rotation blocking member (15) provided on the rear side of the receptacle body (11).

[0043] When the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) of the standalone connector (1000) is accommodated in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule accommodation groove (11-1) and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) comes into contact with the rear side of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12), the rotation stopper (15) can be coupled to the rotation stopper (215) provided on the connector ferrule flange (200) of the standalone connector (1000).

[0044] Thereafter, when the connector thread (330) of the independent connector (1000) is screwed into the receptacle thread (13) to ensure a stable and firm connection between the independent connector (1000) and the receptacle (10), the rotation-stopping member (15) together with the rotation-stopping portion (215) can prevent rotation of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and the connector ferrule flange (200) of the independent connector (1000).

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rotation-stopping portion (215) provided on the connector ferrule flange (200) may be formed concavely toward the rear from the front side of the flange head (210) of the connector ferrule flange (200). In addition, the rotation-stopping portion (215) may be provided at a position symmetrical in the vertical direction with respect to the rear side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100). That is, the standalone connector (1000) may be provided with a total of two rotation-stopping portions (215).

[0046] In this regard, the rotation-stopping piece (15) provided on the rear side of the receptacle body (11) may be formed to protrude rearward from the rear side of the receptacle body (11) so as to be coupled to the rotation-stopping portion (215) which is formed to be concave rearward from the front side of the flange head (210) of the connector ferrule flange (200). In addition, the rotation-stopping piece (15) may be provided on the rear side of the receptacle body (11), and may be provided at a position symmetrical in the vertical direction with respect to the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove (11-1). That is, the receptacle (10) may be provided with a total of two rotation-stopping pieces (15). The rotation-stopping piece (15) may be, for example, engaged or fitted to the rotation-stopping portion (215).

[0047] In order to couple the standalone connector (1000) and the receptacle (10), when the connector thread (330) of the standalone connector (1000) is screwed into the receptacle thread (13), if the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and the connector ferrule flange (200) rotate, there is a risk that the rear side of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12) and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) may be damaged, such as scratches, due to friction caused by the rotation. In addition, if damage occurs to the rear side of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12) and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) in this way, the efficiency of optical communication performed by the connector optical fiber (110) and the receptacle optical fiber (12-1) is bound to decrease.

[0048] In contrast, when the connector thread (330) of the standalone connector (1000) is screw-connected with the receptacle thread (13) for coupling between the standalone connector (1000) and the receptacle (10), the rotation-stopping piece (15) engages with the rotation-stopping part (215), and the rotation-stopping piece (15) together with the rotation-stopping part (215) prevents the rotation of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and the connector ferrule flange (200) of the standalone connector (1000). That is, since the rotation-stopping piece (15) and the rotation-stopping part (215) are engaged or fitted, when the connector thread (330) of the standalone connector (1000) is screw-connected with the receptacle thread (13), the phenomenon of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and the connector ferrule flange (200) rotating about their respective forward-backward central axes is prevented. Accordingly, when the standalone connector (1000) and the receptacle (10) are coupled, the risk of damage such as scratches occurring on the rear side of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12) and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) is significantly reduced, and as a result, optical communication by the connector optical fiber (110) and the receptacle optical fiber (12-1) can be smoothly performed without a decrease in efficiency.

[0049] A rotation-stop screw thread (15-1) having the same shape as the receptacle screw thread (13) may be additionally provided on the upper side of the rotation-stop piece (15). In this case, when the connector screw thread (330) of the independent connector (1000) is screw-connected with the receptacle screw thread (13), it may also be screw-connected with the rotation-stop screw thread (15-1).

[0050] In this way, when a rotation-stop screw thread (15-1) is additionally provided on the upper side of the rotation-stop piece (15), the standalone connector (1000) can be more stably coupled to the receptacle (10), so that the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) comes into closer contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12). As a result, the efficiency of optical communication performed by the connector optical fiber (110) and the receptacle optical fiber (12-1) can be further improved.

[0051] Meanwhile, a standalone connector (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a connector optical fiber ferrule (100), a connector ferrule flange (200), and a coupling holder (300).

[0052] In the center of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100), a connector optical fiber (110) is embedded in the front-back direction of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100). Since the connector optical fiber (110) has a very small diameter, it is preferable that it be embedded in the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and fixed and supported by the connector optical fiber ferrule (100).

[0053] The connector optical fiber (110) serves to transmit, for example, an optical signal received from a receptacle optical fiber (12-1) of a first communication optical transceiver to a receptacle optical fiber of a second communication optical transceiver. Alternatively, the connector optical fiber (110) serves to transmit an optical signal transmitted from a receptacle optical fiber of a second communication optical transceiver to a receptacle optical fiber (12-1) of the first communication optical transceiver. In other words, the connector optical fiber (110) serves as a passage that enables optical communication between the first communication optical transceiver and the second communication optical transceiver.

[0054] The front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) is placed at a point spaced in the forward direction from the connector ferrule flange (200), and the rear side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) is fixed by the connector ferrule flange (200).

[0055] A connector optical fiber (110) is also embedded in the center of the connector ferrule flange (200) in the front-rear direction of the connector ferrule flange (200).

[0056] The connector ferrule flange (200) serves to secure the connector optical fiber ferrule (100). As an example, the rear side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) can be press-fitted to the connector ferrule flange (200), thereby enabling the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) to be secured and supported by the connector ferrule flange (200).

[0057] An optical cable (400) can be connected to the rear side of the connector ferrule flange (200). A connector optical fiber (110) is embedded in the center of the optical cable (400) extending in the front-back direction of the optical cable (400). The connector optical fibers (110) embedded in the connector optical fiber ferrule (100), the connector ferrule flange (200), and the optical cable (400) can be connected to each other. The optical cable (400) connects a first communication optical transceiver and a second communication optical transceiver, which are located far from each other, thereby enabling optical communication between them.

[0058] The mating holder (300) is provided with an inner receiving space (310) in which a connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and a connector ferrule flange (200) are received. Before the standalone connector (1000) is coupled to the receptacle (10), the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and the connector ferrule flange (200) may not be received in the inner receiving space (310) of the mating holder (300). In contrast, when the standalone connector (1000) is coupled to the receptacle (10), the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and the connector ferrule flange (200) may be received in the inner receiving space (310) of the mating holder (300).

[0059] A connector screw thread (330) is provided on the inner periphery of the coupling holder (300). That is, a connector screw thread (330) is provided on the periphery surrounding the inner receiving space (310) of the coupling holder (300). For coupling between the independent connector (1000) and the receptacle (10), the connector screw thread (330) is screw-connected with the receptacle screw thread (13).

[0060] In order to couple the standalone connector (1000) shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 to the receptacle (10), first, the standalone connector (1000) must be moved linearly forward or the receptacle (10) must be moved linearly backward.

[0061] FIG. 3 (FIGS. 3a to 3d) is a drawing showing a state in which the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) of FIG. 2 is accommodated in a receptacle optical fiber ferrule accommodation groove (11-1), and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) is in contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12).

[0062] When the standalone connector (1000) shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 is moved linearly forward or the receptacle (10) is moved linearly backward, as shown in FIG. 3, the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) is accommodated in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule accommodation groove (11-1) of the receptacle (10), so that the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) comes into contact with the rear side of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12).

[0063] In this state, the connector thread (330) of the coupling holder (300) can be screw-connected with the receptacle thread (13) of the receptacle (10), thereby enabling the independent connector (1000) to be coupled to the receptacle (10).

[0064] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a state in which a standalone connector (1000) is coupled to a receptacle (10) by screwing the connector screw thread (330) of FIG. 3 with the receptacle screw thread (13). When the standalone connector (1000) is coupled to the receptacle (10) as shown in FIG. 4, the connector optical fiber (110) and the receptacle optical fiber (12-1) are also coupled to each other, enabling transmission and reception of optical signals between them.

[0065] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4, when the independent connector (1000) is coupled to the receptacle (10), the screw connection between the connector thread (330) of the coupling holder (300) and the receptacle thread (13) of the receptacle (10) can be released, thereby allowing the independent connector (1000) to be separated from the receptacle (10).

[0066] For example, in a state as in FIG. 3, when the connector thread (330) of the coupling holder (300) is rotated clockwise (or counterclockwise) with respect to the receptacle thread (13) of the receptacle (10), the connector thread (330) is screw-connected with the receptacle thread (13), so that the independent connector (1000) is coupled to the receptacle (10) as in FIG. 4.

[0067] And in a state as in FIG. 4, when the connector screw thread (330) of the coupling holder (300) is rotated counterclockwise (or clockwise) with respect to the receptacle screw thread (13) of the receptacle (10), the connector screw thread (330) is released from the receptacle screw thread (13), thereby causing the independent connector (1000) to be separated from the receptacle (10) as in FIG. 3.

[0068] Meanwhile, the connector ferrule flange (200) may include a flange head (210) and a flange body (220).

[0069] The flange head (210) of the connector ferrule flange (200) serves to secure the rear side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100). As an example, the rear side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) can be press-fitted to the flange head (210), thereby enabling the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) to be secured and supported by the flange head (210).

[0070] The flange head (210) may be provided with a rotation-stopping member (215) around the rear side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100).

[0071] In order to couple between the standalone connector (1000) and the receptacle (10), when the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) is received in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove (11-1) of the receptacle (10), and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) comes into contact with the rear side of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12) of the receptacle (10), the rotation-stopping portion (215) can be coupled to the rotation-stopping piece (15) provided on the rear side of the receptacle body (11) of the receptacle (10).

[0072] Thereafter, when the connector thread (330) of the independent connector (1000) is screwed into the receptacle thread (13) to ensure a stable and firm connection between the independent connector (1000) and the receptacle (10), the rotation-preventing portion (215) can prevent rotation of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and the connector ferrule flange (200) together with the rotation-preventing piece (15).

[0073] As described above, the rotation-stopping member (15) provided on the rear side of the receptacle body (11) may be formed to protrude backward from the rear side of the receptacle body (11). In addition, the rotation-stopping member (15) may be provided on the rear side of the receptacle body (11), and may be provided at positions that are symmetrical in the vertical direction with respect to the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove (11-1). That is, the receptacle (10) may be provided with a total of two rotation-stopping members (15).

[0074] In this regard, the rotation-stopping portion (215) provided on the flange head (210) may be formed to be concave from the front side toward the rear of the flange head (210) so as to be coupled to the rotation-stopping piece (15) formed to protrude from the rear side of the receptacle body (11) toward the rear. In addition, the rotation-stopping portion (215) may be provided at a position symmetrical in the vertical direction with respect to the rear side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100). That is, the standalone connector (1000) may have a total of two rotation-stopping portions (215). The rotation-stopping portion (215) and the rotation-stopping piece (15) may be, for example, interlocked or fitted.

[0075] As described above, when the connector thread (330) of the independent connector (1000) is screwed into the receptacle thread (13) for coupling between the independent connector (1000) and the receptacle (10), and the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and the connector ferrule flange (200) are rotated, there is a risk that the rear side of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12) and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) may be damaged, such as scratches, due to friction resulting from the rotation.

[0076] In contrast, when the connector thread (330) of the coupling holder (300) is screw-connected with the receptacle thread (13) of the receptacle (10) for coupling between the standalone connector (1000) and the receptacle (10), and the rotation-prevention unit (215) is coupled to the rotation-prevention piece (15), the rotation-prevention unit (215) prevents the rotation of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and the connector ferrule flange (200) together with the rotation-prevention piece (15). That is, since the rotation-prevention unit (215) and the rotation-prevention piece (15) are engaged or fitted, when the connector thread (330) of the coupling holder (300) is screw-connected with the receptacle thread (13) of the receptacle (10), the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) and the connector ferrule flange (200) are prevented from rotating about the front-back central axis. Accordingly, when the standalone connector (1000) and the receptacle (10) are coupled, the risk of damage such as scratches occurring on the rear side of the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12) and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) is significantly reduced, and as a result, optical communication by the connector optical fiber (110) and the receptacle optical fiber (12-1) can be smoothly performed without a decrease in efficiency.

[0077] Meanwhile, the flange body (220) of the connector ferrule flange (200) is connected to the rear side of the flange head (210) and has a narrower vertical width than the flange head (210). The flange head (210) and the flange body (220) may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately and then connected.

[0078] The front-back axes of the flange head (210) and the flange body (220) may be the same. However, since the vertical width of the flange body (220) is narrower than the vertical width of the flange head (210), the flange head (210) and the flange body (220) form a step shape that rises from the rearward direction to the forward direction.

[0079] The spring (500) is mounted on the periphery of the flange body (220). More specifically, the spring (500) is mounted in a form that wraps around the periphery of the flange body (220), and at the same time, the front side of the spring (500) is mounted in a form that contacts the rear side of the flange head (210). When the connector thread (330) of the coupling holder (300) is screwed into the receptacle thread (13) of the receptacle (10) for coupling between the independent connector (1000) and the receptacle (10), the spring (500) is compressed, and at this time, the spring (500) applies pressure in a forward direction to the rear side of the flange head (210). And, when the spring (500) applies pressure in the forward direction to the rear side of the flange head (210) in this way, the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) comes into closer contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12), and as a result, the efficiency of optical communication performed by the connector optical fiber (110) and the receptacle optical fiber (12-1) can be further improved.

[0080] A coupling holder protrusion (350) may be provided on the rear side of the coupling holder (300) so as to protrude in a direction toward the center of the coupling holder (300) (i.e., the front-back central axis of the coupling holder (300)).

[0081] The coupling holder protrusion (350) acts to apply pressure in the forward direction to the spring (500) when the connector thread (330) of the coupling holder (300) is screwed into the receptacle thread (13) of the receptacle (10). That is, when the connector thread (330) of the coupling holder (300) is screwed into the receptacle thread (13) of the receptacle (10), the coupling holder (300) moves in the forward direction, and at this time, the coupling holder protrusion (350) applies pressure in the forward direction to the spring (500). When the coupling holder protrusion (350) applies pressure in the forward direction to the spring (500), the spring (500) is compressed, and at this time, the spring (500) applies pressure in the forward direction to the flange head (210).

[0082] In this way, when the coupling holder protrusion (350) is provided at the rear end of the coupling holder (300), when the connector screw thread (330) of the coupling holder (300) is screw-connected with the receptacle screw thread (13) of the receptacle (10), the spring (500) is compressed simultaneously, and as a result, the connector optical fiber ferrule (100) comes into closer contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule (12), and as a result, the efficiency of optical communication performed by the connector optical fiber (110) and the receptacle optical fiber (12-1) can be further improved.

[0083] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made from this description. For example, although the standalone connector (1000) is described above as having a total of two rotation-stopping portions (215), and the receptacle (10) can have a total of two rotation-stopping pieces (15), the number of rotation-stopping portions (215) and rotation-stopping pieces (15) can be varied in any number of ways. Therefore, the technical idea of ​​the present invention should be understood only by the claims, and all equivalent or equivalent modifications thereof are considered to fall within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0084] [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10: Receptacle 11: Receptacle body

[0086] 11-1: Receptacle fiber optic ferrule receiving groove 12: Receptacle fiber optic ferrule

[0087] 12-1: Receptacle fiber optic 13: Receptacle thread

[0088] 15: Rotation blocking piece 15-1: Rotation blocking piece screw thread

[0089] 100: Connector Fiber Optic Ferrule 110: Connector Fiber Optic

[0090] 200: Connector ferrule flange 210: Flange head

[0091] 215: Rotation stopper 220: Flange body

[0092] 300: Combination holder 310: Inner receiving space

[0093] 330: Connector thread 350: Mating holder protrusion

[0094] 400: Optical Cable 500: Spring

[0095] 1000: Standalone connector

Claims

1. As a standalone connector, Connector fiber ferrule with built-in connector fiber; A connector ferrule flange for fixing the above connector optical fiber ferrule; and A coupling holder having an inner receiving space for receiving the above connector optical fiber ferrule and the above connector ferrule flange, and having a connector screw thread provided on the inner circumference; The above connector optical fiber ferrule is received in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove of the receptacle, and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule is in contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule of the receptacle, and the connector thread of the coupling holder is screwed into the receptacle thread of the receptacle, so that the standalone connector is coupled to the receptacle, An independent connector, characterized in that, when the independent connector is coupled to the receptacle, the screw engagement between the connector thread of the coupling holder and the receptacle thread of the receptacle is released, thereby separating the independent connector from the receptacle.

2. In paragraph 1, The above connector ferrule flange is, The connector includes a flange head that secures the rear side of the optical fiber ferrule, The above flange head has a rotation-stop provided around the rear side of the above connector optical fiber ferrule, When the connector optical fiber ferrule is received in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove of the receptacle, and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule comes into contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule of the receptacle, the rotation-stopping portion is engaged with the rotation-stopping piece provided on the rear side of the receptacle body of the receptacle, An independent connector, characterized in that when the connector thread of the above-mentioned coupling holder is screwed into the receptacle thread of the above-mentioned receptacle, the rotation-preventing portion, together with the rotation-preventing piece, prevents rotation of the connector optical fiber ferrule and the connector ferrule flange.

3. In paragraph 2, An independent connector characterized in that the rotation-stopping portion is formed concavely toward the rear from the front side of the flange head so as to be coupled to the rotation-stopping piece formed to protrude from the rear side of the receptacle body in a rearward direction.

4. In paragraph 2, The above connector ferrule flange is, It further includes a flange body connected to the rear side of the flange head and having a narrower vertical width than the flange head, A spring is mounted around the circumference of the above flange body, A standalone connector, characterized in that the spring applies pressure in an omnidirectional direction against the flange head when the connector thread of the coupling holder is screwed into the receptacle thread of the receptacle.

5. In paragraph 4, On the rear side of the above-mentioned combination holder, a combination holder protrusion is provided that protrudes in a direction toward the center of the above-mentioned combination holder, A standalone connector, characterized in that the above-mentioned mating holder protrusion applies pressure in an omnidirectional manner against the spring when the connector thread of the above-mentioned mating holder is screwed into the receptacle thread of the above-mentioned receptacle.

6. As a receptacle that mates with a standalone connector, receptacle body; A receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove extending through the front and rear directions of the receptacle body within the receptacle body; A receptacle optical fiber ferrule having a built-in receptacle optical fiber and being received in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove; and Includes a receptacle screw thread provided on the outer periphery of the receptacle body; The connector optical fiber ferrule of the above-mentioned independent connector is received in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove, and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule is in contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule, and the connector thread of the above-mentioned independent connector is screwed into the receptacle thread, so that the above-mentioned independent connector is coupled to the receptacle, A receptacle characterized in that, when the independent connector is coupled to the receptacle, the connector threads of the independent connector are released from the screw engagement with the receptacle threads, thereby separating the independent connector from the receptacle.

7. In paragraph 6, The above receptacle, It further includes a rotational stopper provided on the rear side of the above receptacle body, When the connector optical fiber ferrule of the above-mentioned independent connector is received in the receptacle optical fiber ferrule receiving groove and the front side of the connector optical fiber ferrule comes into contact with the receptacle optical fiber ferrule, the rotation-stopping piece is engaged with the rotation-stopping portion provided on the connector ferrule flange of the above-mentioned independent connector, A receptacle, characterized in that when the connector thread of the independent connector is screwed into the receptacle thread, the rotation-stopping member, together with the rotation-stopping portion, prevents rotation of the connector optical fiber ferrule and the connector ferrule flange of the independent connector.

8. In paragraph 7, A receptacle characterized in that the rotation-stopping member is formed to protrude in a rearward direction from the rear side of the receptacle body so as to be coupled to the rotation-stopping portion which is formed to be concave in a rearward direction from the front side of the flange head of the connector ferrule flange.

9. In paragraph 8, On the upper side of the above-mentioned rotation block, a rotation block screw thread having the same shape as the above-mentioned receptacle screw thread is provided. A receptacle, characterized in that the connector thread of the above independent connector is also screwed with the rotation-stopper thread when screwed with the receptacle thread.

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