Optical fiber connector and cable assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides an optical fiber connector and a cable assembly, for use in solving the technical problem of a poor use effect of optical fiber connectors. The optical fiber connector provided by the present application comprises a ferrule base and a sleeve; the ferrule base has a through hole allowing for passing of an optical fiber, the outer circumferential surface of the ferrule base has a first abutting surface, the first abutting surface is arranged at an included angle with the axis, the inner wall of the sleeve has a first limiting surface, and both the first limiting surface and the first abutting surface are arranged at an included angle with the axis; and the first abutting surface abuts against the first limiting surface for preventing the ferrule base from moving relative to the sleeve along a first direction and for allowing the sleeve and the ferrule base to rotate relative to each other around the axis. In the optical fiber connector provided by the present application, positional limitation between the ferrule base and the sleeve is achieved by means of mutual abutment between the first abutting surface and the first limiting surface, and the sleeve and the ferrule base are allowed to rotate relative to each other at any angle around the axis. The optical fiber connector is convenient to use.

Description

Optical fiber connector and cable assembly

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 22, 2023, with application number 202323172579.3 and application name “A Fiber Optic Connector and Cable Assembly”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an optical fiber connector and a cable assembly. Background Art

[0004] The current global fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) rollout requires connecting optical fibers to communication devices, enabling efficient signal transmission between these devices. Current connection methods typically pre-install connectors at the ends of optical fibers, which are then connected to converters or interfaces within communication devices. This approach offers advantages such as ease of connection and flexible deployment.

[0005] However, in the connectors currently in use, there are still many unreasonable factors in the structure of the connectors, which is not conducive to achieving convenient use and wide application of the connectors.

[0006] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] Summary of the invention

[0007] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] The present application provides an optical fiber connector and a cable assembly that are easy to use and have wide applications.

[0008] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] In the first aspect, the present application provides an optical fiber connector, comprising a ferrule base and a sleeve. The ferrule base has a through hole for the optical fiber to pass through. The sleeve is sleeved on the periphery of the ferrule base. The outer peripheral surface of the ferrule base has a first abutment surface, which is set at an angle to the axis. The inner wall of the sleeve has a first limiting surface, which is set at an angle to the axis. The first abutment surface is set around the axis of the through hole, or the first limiting surface is set around the axis of the through hole. Alternatively, the first abutment surface is set around the axis of the through hole, and the first limiting surface is set around the axis of the through hole. The first abutment surface and the first limiting surface are abutted against each other to prevent the ferrule base from moving relative to the sleeve along a first direction, and to allow the sleeve and the ferrule base to rotate relative to the axis. Wherein, the first direction is parallel to the axis. In the optical fiber connector provided herein, the ferrule base and the sleeve are positioned by abutting against each other through the first abutting surface and the first limiting surface, preventing the ferrule base from moving relative to the sleeve in a first direction. Furthermore, after the first abutting surface and the first limiting surface abut against each other, the sleeve and the ferrule base can rotate relative to each other at any angle around the axis, effectively improving the convenience of assembling and using the optical fiber connector.

[0009] In a specific configuration, the fiber optic connector also includes a fastener that is threadedly connected to the sleeve, with the rotation centers of the fastener and sleeve coinciding with the axis. The fastener and sleeve can be locked and removed by rotating the sleeve. Furthermore, since the sleeve and ferrule base can rotate relative to each other at any angle, the sleeve has a wide range of rotation angles when locking or removing the sleeve and fastener. Furthermore, the fiber optic base does not obstruct the sleeve, facilitating efficient assembly and disassembly of the sleeve and fastener.

[0010] In one example, the ferrule base further includes a second abutment surface, which is arranged at an angle to the axis. The inner wall of the sleeve has a second limiting surface, which is arranged at an angle to the axis. The second abutment surface is arranged around the axis of the through hole, or the second limiting surface is arranged around the axis of the through hole. Alternatively, the second abutment surface is arranged around the axis of the through hole, and the second limiting surface is arranged around the axis of the through hole. The second abutment surface and the second limiting surface abut against each other to prevent the ferrule base from moving relative to the sleeve in a second direction, while allowing the sleeve and the ferrule base to rotate relative to each other about the axis. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. The mutual abutment between the second abutment surface and the second limiting surface achieves positional limitation between the ferrule base and the sleeve, preventing the ferrule base from moving relative to the sleeve in the second direction. In addition, after the second abutment surface and the second limiting surface abut against each other, the sleeve and the ferrule base can rotate relative to each other at any angle about the axis, which can effectively improve the convenience of assembling and using the optical fiber connector.

[0011] In one example, the inner wall of the sleeve has at least one protrusion, and the first limiting surface is located on the side of the protrusion. The outer peripheral surface of the ferrule base has an annular groove, and the first abutment surface is located on the side wall of the annular groove. The provision of the annular groove provides an annular side wall, which can constitute the first abutment surface. The side surface of the protrusion can also constitute the first limiting surface.

[0012] In one example, the outer peripheral surface of the ferrule base includes an elastic member, the end of which extends in the second direction. The second abutment surface is located at the end of the elastic member. The provision of the elastic member enables efficient assembly and position control between the ferrule base and the sleeve.

[0013] In one example, the inner wall of the sleeve includes an annular flange, and the first limiting surface is located on a surface of the annular flange facing the second direction. The annular flange can provide an annular surface that can constitute the first limiting surface, thereby enabling the sleeve and the ferrule base to rotate relative to each other at any angle.

[0014] In one example, the ferrule base further includes a second abutment surface, which is arranged around the axis of the through hole, and the second abutment surface is arranged at an angle to the axis. The fastener has a second limiting surface, which is arranged around the axis of the through hole, and the second limiting surface is arranged at an angle to the axis. The second abutment surface abuts against the second limiting surface to prevent the ferrule base from moving relative to the sleeve in the second direction, and to allow the sleeve and the ferrule base to rotate relative to the axis. In summary, by setting the second limiting surface in the fastener, the ferrule base can be positioned by the fastener to prevent the ferrule base from moving relative to the sleeve in the second direction.

[0015] In a specific configuration, one end of the fastener has an annular end surface, and the second limiting surface is located on the end surface.

[0016] When the first abutting surface and the first limiting surface are set, the angle between the first abutting surface and the axis is 90°, and the angle between the first limiting surface and the axis is about 90°.

[0017] When the second abutting surface and the second limiting surface are set, the included angle between the second abutting surface and the axis is 90°, and the included angle between the second limiting surface and the axis is about 90°.

[0018] In summary, the angle between the first abutting surface, the first limiting surface, the second abutting surface or the second limiting surface and the axis can also be any value greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°, which has good setting flexibility.

[0019] In one example, the fiber optic connector further includes a locking member that is fixedly connected to the ferrule base and the optical fiber. The locking member effectively secures the ferrule base and the optical fiber, preventing the ferrule base and the optical fiber from becoming loose, or other undesirable conditions.

[0020] In one example, the optical fiber connector further includes a protective layer that covers a portion of the outer circumference of the locking member and the optical fiber. The protective layer can effectively seal the interface between the locking member and the optical fiber, thereby effectively improving the airtightness of the optical fiber connector.

[0021] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] In a second aspect, the present application further provides a cable assembly comprising an optical fiber and the aforementioned optical fiber connector. The optical fiber core of the optical fiber is passed through a through hole. By applying the aforementioned optical fiber connector in the cable assembly, the cable assembly has better flexibility and ease of use during assembly and use, which can effectively improve the applicability of the cable assembly. In actual applications, the optical fiber connector can be provided at one end of the optical fiber, or optical fiber connectors can be provided at both ends of the optical fiber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] FIG1 is an architecture diagram of an application scenario of an optical fiber connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a cable assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken along line AA in FIG2 ;

[0025] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] FIG4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of an optical fiber connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line BB in FIG2 ;

[0027] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of another cable assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure taken along the DD axis in FIG6 ;

[0029] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] FIG8 is an exploded schematic diagram of a partial structure of another optical fiber connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG9 is a partial enlarged view of portion E in FIG7 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] In order to facilitate the understanding of the optical fiber connector provided in the embodiment of the present application, its application scenario is first introduced below.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployments, optical fiber is typically laid according to a planned route to a central equipment room or a household entrance. In practice, optical fiber connectors are typically installed at both ends of the fiber to facilitate connections between the fiber and communication equipment.

[0034] For example, the scenario shown in Figure 1 includes a central equipment room 01, a fiber splitter box 02, and a user terminal box 03. A main optical fiber 04 connects between the central equipment room 01 and the fiber splitter box 02, enabling communication between the two. A drop optical fiber 05 connects between the fiber splitter box 02 and the user terminal box 03, enabling communication between the two. Both main optical fiber 04 and drop optical fiber 05 have optical fiber connectors installed at both ends. During deployment, the connector installed at one end of main optical fiber 04 can be connected to an interface in the central equipment room 01, and the connector installed at the other end of main optical fiber 04 can be connected to an interface in the fiber splitter box 02. Alternatively, the connector installed at one end of drop optical fiber 05 can be connected to an interface in the fiber splitter box 02, and the connector installed at the other end of drop optical fiber 05 can be connected to an interface in the user terminal box 03. Signals in the central equipment room 01 can be transmitted to the fiber splitter box 02 via the main optical fiber 04. In the fiber splitter box 02, the signal can be split into multiple paths and transmitted to the corresponding user terminal boxes 03 via different drop optical fibers 05. It will be understood that in the above example, only one fiber splitter box 02 is shown. However, in actual application, this scenario can also include two or more fiber splitter boxes 02. In summary, a single central computer room 01 can be connected to a corresponding fiber splitter box 02 via multiple different main optical fibers 04. In addition, in the above example, only four user terminal boxes 03 are shown. However, in actual application, this scenario can also include two, three, or more user terminal boxes 03. In summary, a single fiber splitter box 02 can be connected to a corresponding user terminal box 03 via multiple different drop optical fibers 05.

[0035] In practical applications, optical fiber connectors are usually assembled from multiple components. However, the structures of the components in the connector still have many unreasonable factors. Therefore, there are great limitations when assembling the components, which is not conducive to the convenient use and wide application of the connector.

[0036] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] Based on this, an embodiment of the present application provides an optical fiber connector with good assembly convenience and ease of use.

[0037] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] As shown in FIG2 , in one example provided in the present application, a cable assembly includes a fiber optic connector 10 and an optical fiber 100. The fiber optic connector 10 is disposed at one end of the optical fiber 100. The optical fiber 100 can be connected to other optical fiber connectors, interfaces, or converters through the fiber optic connector 10 to facilitate signal connection between the optical fiber 100 and other optical fibers, or to achieve signal connection between the optical fiber 100 and a communication device.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the optical fiber connector 10 includes a ferrule base 11, a sleeve 12 and an optical fiber ferrule 14. The optical fiber ferrule 14 has a through hole (not shown in the figure), and the core of the optical fiber 100 can be inserted and fixed in the through hole of the optical fiber ferrule 14 to facilitate signal connection between the optical fiber 100 and other optical fibers 100 or communication equipment. The ferrule base 11 is connected between the optical fiber ferrule 14 and the sleeve 12. The ferrule base 11 can achieve effective positioning between the optical fiber ferrule 14 and the sleeve 12, preventing obvious relative movement between the ferrule base 11 and the sleeve 12, so as to improve the integrity and reliability of the optical fiber connector 10 during use.

[0040] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] In specific applications, the optical fiber ferrule 14 can be of a currently commonly used type. This application does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure and type of the optical fiber ferrule 14. Furthermore, the connection structure between the optical fiber ferrule 14 and the ferrule base 11 can also be reasonably configured based on currently commonly used structures, which will not be detailed here.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the ferrule base 11 has a through hole 111 for the optical fiber 100 to pass through, and the sleeve 12 is sleeved on the periphery of the ferrule base 11. The outer peripheral surface of the ferrule base 11 has a first abutment surface 112, which is arranged around the axis C of the through hole and is substantially perpendicular to the axis C. The inner wall of the sleeve 12 has a first limiting surface 121, which is substantially perpendicular to the axis C. The first abutment surface 112 abuts against the first limiting surface 121 to prevent the ferrule base 11 from moving relative to the sleeve 12 in a first direction, and to allow the sleeve 12 and the ferrule base 11 to rotate relative to each other around the axis C. The first direction is parallel to the axis C.

[0042] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] In the example provided in this application, the sleeve 12 and the ferrule base 11 are positioned by a first limiting surface 121 and a first abutting surface 112. When the sleeve 12 and the ferrule base 11 are assembled, the ferrule base 11 can be inserted into the sleeve 12 from the end of the sleeve 12 that is away from the first direction (such as the right end in Figure 3). When the first limiting surface 121 abuts against the first abutting surface 112, the ferrule base 11 can be prevented from continuing to move relative to the sleeve 12 along the first direction, thereby achieving position limitation between the sleeve 12 and the ferrule base 11. In addition, the first abutting surface 112 is arranged around the axis C of the through hole. Therefore, relative rotation around the axis C can be generated between the sleeve 12 and the ferrule base 11, and the rotation angle between the sleeve 12 and the ferrule base 11 can be greater than 360°. That is, relative rotation of any angle can be generated between the sleeve 12 and the ferrule base 11. When installing other components of the optical fiber connector 10 , it has good installation convenience.

[0043] [Corrected on 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] For example, as shown in FIG3 and FIG4 , in one example provided in the present application, the optical fiber connector 10 further includes a fastener 13, which is threadedly connected to the sleeve 12, and the rotation centers of the fastener 13 and the sleeve 12 coincide with the axis C. The fastener 13 and the sleeve 12 can be locked and removed by rotating the sleeve 12. In addition, since the sleeve 12 and the ferrule base 11 can achieve 360° relative rotation, the sleeve 12 has a larger range of rotation angles when locking or removing the sleeve 12 and the fastener 13, and the ferrule base 11 does not block the sleeve 12, which is conducive to the effective assembly and disassembly of the sleeve 12 and the fastener 13.

[0044] In specific configurations, the first limiting surface 121 and the first abutting surface 112 may have various structural types.

[0045] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] For example, as shown in Figure 4, in an example provided in the present application, the outer peripheral surface of the core base 11 has an annular groove 113 arranged around the axis C, and the side wall of the annular groove 113 facing the first direction constitutes a first abutment surface 112.

[0046] The inner wall of the sleeve 12 has a protrusion 122 extending toward the axis C. The side of the protrusion 122 facing away from the first direction forms a first limiting surface 121. When the first abutting surface 112 abuts the first limiting surface 121, the ferrule base 11 and the sleeve 12 are positioned, preventing the ferrule base 11 from moving relative to the sleeve 12 in the first direction.

[0047] It should be noted that the first abutting surface 112 is an annular surface and is disposed around the axis C of the through hole, and the first limiting surface 121 is a side surface of the protrusion 122. Therefore, when the first abutting surface 112 and the first limiting surface 121 abut against each other, they allow the ferrule base 11 and the sleeve 12 to rotate at any angle around the axis C.

[0048] When the protrusion 122 is provided, one protrusion 122 can be provided, or multiple protrusions 122 can be provided. When multiple protrusions 122 are provided on the inner wall of the sleeve 12, the multiple protrusions 122 can be evenly distributed around the axis C. The side surface of each protrusion 122 facing away from the first direction can constitute the first abutment surface 112. Alternatively, it can be understood that the first abutment surface 112 is a discontinuous surface provided around the axis C.

[0049] In other examples, the structures of the first limiting surface 121 and the first abutting surface 112 may also be interchangeable. For example, the first limiting surface 121 may be a surface arranged around the axis C.

[0050] In simple terms, a protrusion structure similar to the protrusion 122 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the ferrule base 11 , and a groove structure similar to the annular groove 113 may be provided on the inner wall of the sleeve 12 .

[0051] Alternatively, the first limiting surface 121 and the first abutting surface 112 may both be surfaces arranged around the axis C.

[0052] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] For example, as shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, in another example provided herein, the inner wall of the sleeve 12 is provided with an annular flange 123 extending toward the axis C, and the outer peripheral surface of the ferrule base 11 has an annular flange 114 extending away from the axis C. The side of the annular flange 123 facing the second direction constitutes a first limiting surface 121, and the side of the annular flange 114 facing the first direction constitutes a first abutting surface 112.

[0053] When the first abutting surface 112 abuts against the first limiting surface 121 , the ferrule base 11 and the sleeve 12 can be positioned, thereby preventing the ferrule base 11 from moving relative to the sleeve 12 along the first direction.

[0054] When configuring the first abutment surface 112 and the first limiting surface 121, the specific structure of the first limiting surface 121 can be appropriately configured based on actual needs. Accordingly, the specific structure of the first abutment surface 112 can be appropriately configured based on actual needs. In summary, the abutment between the first abutment surface 112 and the first limiting surface 121 prevents the ferrule base 11 from moving in the first direction, while allowing the ferrule base 11 and the sleeve 12 to rotate relative to each other at any angle around the axis C.

[0055] In addition, in the above example, the first limiting surface 121 and the first abutting surface 112 are both planes. In other examples, the first limiting surface 121 and the first abutting surface 112 may also be stepped surfaces or curved surfaces.

[0056] In addition, in the above example, the first limiting surface 121 and the first abutting surface 112 are both perpendicular to the axis C, so that after the first limiting surface 121 abuts against the first abutting surface 112 , the ferrule base 11 can be effectively prevented from moving relative to the sleeve 12 along the first direction.

[0057] In other examples, the angle between the first limiting surface 121 and the axis C can be any value greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°, and the angle between the first abutting surface 112 and the axis C can also be any value greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°. In summary, the first limiting surface 121 and the axis C can be set at an angle, and the first abutting surface 112 and the axis C can be set at an angle.

[0058] When setting the first limiting surface 121 and the first abutting surface 112 , reasonable adjustments can be made according to actual needs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0059] In the above example, the ferrule base 11 and the sleeve 12 are positioned relative to each other by the first limiting surface 121 and the first abutting surface 112 to prevent the ferrule base 11 from moving relative to the sleeve 12 in a first direction. In actual use, to prevent the ferrule base 11 and the sleeve 12 from becoming loose, a corresponding limiting structure can also be provided to prevent the ferrule base 11 from moving relative to the sleeve 12 in a second direction. The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0060] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, in one example provided herein, the ferrule base 11 further includes a second abutment surface 115. The inner wall of the sleeve 12 has a second limiting surface 124, which is disposed about the axis C of the through hole and is disposed at an angle to the axis C. The second abutment surface 115 abuts against the second limiting surface 124 to prevent the ferrule base 11 from moving relative to the sleeve 12 in the second direction, while allowing the sleeve 12 and the ferrule base 11 to rotate relative to each other about the axis C.

[0061] When the second limiting surface 124 and the second abutting surface 115 are provided, the structural types of the second limiting surface 124 and the second abutting surface 115 can be various.

[0062] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, in an example provided in the present application, the inner wall of the sleeve 12 has an annular flange 125 extending toward the axis C, and the side of the annular flange 125 facing the first direction constitutes a second limiting surface 124.

[0063] The outer circumference of the ferrule base 11 includes an outwardly extending elastic member 116. One end of the elastic member 116 is fixedly connected to the outer circumference of the ferrule base 11, and the other end extends in the second direction. The second abutment surface 115 is located at the end of the other end. When the second limiting surface 124 abuts the second abutment surface 115, it prevents the ferrule base 11 from moving relative to the sleeve 12 in the second direction.

[0064] Specifically, when assembling the sleeve 12 and the ferrule base 11, the ferrule base 11 can be inserted into the sleeve 12 from one end of the sleeve 12 toward the second direction (such as the right end in Figure 5). During the insertion process, the elastic member 116 will be subjected to the squeezing force of the annular flange 125, causing the elastic member 116 to produce elastic deformation and bend toward the direction of the axis C. After the end of the elastic member 116 passes over the annular flange 125, the elastic member 116, under the action of its own elastic force, produces elastic deformation away from the direction of the axis C, so that the second abutment surface 115 at the end of the elastic member 116 abuts against the second limiting surface 124. At the same time, the first abutment surface 112 abuts against the first limiting surface 121, thereby realizing the position positioning between the ferrule base 11 and the sleeve 12.

[0065] Specifically, when the first limiting surface 121 abuts the first abutting surface 112, the ferrule base 11 is prevented from moving in the first direction relative to the sleeve 12. When the second limiting surface 124 abuts the second abutting surface 115, the ferrule base 11 is prevented from moving in the second direction relative to the sleeve 12. This prevents relative axial movement between the ferrule base 11 and the sleeve 12, thereby limiting the position of the ferrule base 11 and the sleeve 12.

[0066] When providing the elastic member 116, one or more elastic members 116 may be provided. When multiple elastic members 116 are provided on the outer circumference of the ferrule base 11, the multiple elastic members 116 may be evenly distributed around the axis C. The end of each elastic member 116 facing away from the second direction may constitute the second abutment surface 115. Alternatively, it can be understood that the second abutment surface 115 is a discontinuous surface provided around the axis C.

[0067] In other examples, the structures of the second limiting surface 124 and the second abutting surface 115 may also be interchangeable. For example, the second limiting surface 124 may be a surface arranged around the axis C.

[0068] In simple terms, a flange structure similar to the annular flange 125 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the ferrule base 11 , and an elastic structure similar to the elastic member 116 may be provided on the inner wall of the sleeve 12 .

[0069] Alternatively, the second limiting surface 124 and the second abutting surface 115 may both be surfaces where the sleeve axis C is disposed.

[0070] In addition, in the above example, the second limiting surface 124 is a plane. In other examples, the second limiting surface 124 may also be a stepped surface.

[0071] In addition, in the above example, the second limiting surface 124 is perpendicular to the axis C, so that after the second limiting surface 124 abuts against the second abutting surface 115 , the ferrule base 11 can be effectively prevented from moving relative to the sleeve 12 along the second direction.

[0072] In other examples, the angle between the second limiting surface 124 and the axis C can be any value greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°, and the angle between the second abutting surface 115 and the axis C can also be any value greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°. In summary, the second limiting surface 124 and the axis C can be set at an angle, and the second abutting surface 115 and the axis C can be set at an angle.

[0073] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] In addition, in the example provided in the present application, the surface 1251 of the annular flange 125 facing the second direction can also effectively limit the position of the fastener 13 to ensure the connection effect between the fastener 13 and the sleeve 12.

[0074] Specifically, when fastener 13 and sleeve 12 are locked, sleeve 12 can be rotated. The inner wall of sleeve 12 has internal threads, and the outer peripheral surface of fastener 13 has external threads, with the internal threads mating with the external threads. When sleeve 12 is rotated, the mating of the internal and external threads causes fastener 13 to move in a first direction. When the end face of fastener 13 abuts against surface 1251 of annular flange 125, fastener 13 is prevented from further movement in the first direction, thereby effectively locking fastener 13 and sleeve 12.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above example, the sleeve 12 and the ferrule base 11 are prevented from moving in the second direction relative to the sleeve 12 by the second abutment surface 115 and the second limiting surface 124. In other examples, the fastener 13 may also be used to prevent the ferrule base 11 from moving in the second direction relative to the sleeve 12.

[0076] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] Specifically, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, in another example provided in this application, the side of the annular flange 114 facing the second direction can constitute the second abutment surface 115. The annular end surface of the fastener 13 facing the first direction can constitute the second limiting surface 124.

[0077] When assembling the optical fiber connector 10, the ferrule base 11 can be first inserted into the sleeve 12 from one end of the sleeve 12 toward the second direction (such as the right end in FIG7 ), so that the first abutting surface 112 abuts against the first limiting surface 121, thereby preventing the ferrule base 11 from continuing to move toward the first direction relative to the sleeve 12. Subsequently, the fastener 13 is screwed into the sleeve 12 from one end of the sleeve 12 toward the second direction (such as the right end in FIG7 ). During the process of tightening the sleeve 12 and the fastener 13, the fastener 13 moves relative to the sleeve 12 along the first direction. When the second limiting surface 124 abuts against the second abutting surface 115, the fastener 13 and the sleeve 12 are locked. At the same time, the ferrule base 11 can also be limited between the sleeve 12 and the fastener 13 to prevent the ferrule base 11 from moving relative to the sleeve 12 and the fastener 13 along the axis C direction.

[0078] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] In addition, as shown in FIG7 , in the example provided in this application, the optical fiber connector 10 further includes a sealing ring 15, which is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the fastener 13. Furthermore, the inner wall of the sealing ring 15 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the fastener 13, and the outer circumferential surface of the sealing ring 15 is in close contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 12, thereby achieving a sealed connection between the fastener 13 and the sleeve 12. The provision of the sealing ring 15 can effectively improve the airtightness of the optical fiber connector 10, prevent impurities such as moisture and dust from the external environment from entering the sleeve 12, and ensure the reliability of the optical fiber connector 10.

[0079] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] In addition, as shown in FIG9 , in one example provided in the present application, the optical fiber connector 10 further includes a locking member 16. The locking member 16 is fixedly connected to the ferrule base 11 and the optical fiber 100 to prevent the ferrule base 11 and the optical fiber 100 from becoming loose or other undesirable conditions.

[0080] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] Specifically, in the example provided herein, the locking member 16 is a crimping ring. In a specific configuration, one end of the crimping ring can be sleeved over a portion of the outer periphery of the ferrule base 11, while the other end can be sleeved over a portion of the outer periphery of the optical fiber 100. A crimping device, such as a crimping pliers, is then used to apply pressure to the crimping ring, so that one end of the crimping ring is crimped and locked to the ferrule base 11, and the other end of the crimping ring is crimped and locked to the optical fiber 100. This ensures a fixed connection between the ferrule base 11 and the optical fiber 100 via the crimping ring, preventing undesirable conditions such as loosening between the ferrule base 11 and the optical fiber 100.

[0081] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] Furthermore, as shown in FIG9 , in one example provided herein, the optical fiber connector 10 further includes a protective layer 17 that covers a portion of the outer circumference of the locking member 16 and the optical fiber 100. Protective layer 17 further secures the connection between the locking member 16 and the optical fiber 100, effectively improving the reliability of the connection between the locking member 16 and the optical fiber 100.

[0082] Furthermore, the protective layer 17 covers a portion of the outer circumference of the locking member 16, effectively protecting the locking member 16. Furthermore, the protective layer 17 effectively seals the gap between the locking member 16 and the optical fiber 100, preventing external impurities such as moisture and dust from entering the locking member 16, thereby ensuring the safety of the optical fiber connector 10.

[0083] In a specific configuration, protective layer 17 can be a heat shrink tube. Alternatively, protective layer 17 can be an adhesive tape wrapped around locking member 16 and a portion of the outer circumference of optical fiber 100. In practical applications, the specific structure and type of protective layer 17 can be appropriately configured based on actual needs and will not be described in detail here.

[0084] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, in one example provided herein, the optical fiber connector 10 further includes a boot 18, which is disposed around the outer periphery of the optical fiber 100 and is fixedly connected to the fastener 13. The boot 18 effectively protects the optical fiber 100, preventing it from bending at large angles, thereby effectively improving the safety of the optical fiber 100.

[0085] In specific configurations, the connection between the tail sleeve 18 and the fastener 13 can be various.

[0086] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] For example, as shown in Figure 7, in an example provided in the present application, the outer peripheral surface of the fastener 13 has a snap-fit ​​groove 131, and the inner wall of the tail sleeve 18 has a snap-fit ​​protrusion 181. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 181 is embedded in the snap-fit ​​groove 131 to achieve a fixed connection between the tail sleeve and the fastener 13.

[0087] In other examples, the fastener 13 and the tail sleeve 18 may also be fixedly connected by bonding, threading, or the like, which will not be described in detail here.

[0088] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] In the examples provided herein, the use of a protective layer 17 enhances the airtightness of the optical fiber connector 10. Therefore, in actual use, sealing measures between the boot 18 and the optical fiber 100 are no longer required. Alternatively, it can be understood that in current optical fiber connectors 10, the boot 18 is typically made of a heat-shrinkable material. After the optical fiber connector 10 and the optical fiber 100 are assembled, the boot 18 needs to be heat-shrunk to ensure a tight fit between the connector 10 and the optical fiber 100. However, in the examples provided herein, the protective layer 17 effectively enhances the airtightness between the optical fiber connector 10 and the optical fiber 100. Therefore, heat-shrinking the boot 18 is no longer necessary. In actual use, the boot 18 can be made of materials other than heat-shrinkable materials, which increases flexibility in material selection and helps reduce the manufacturing cost of the boot 18.

[0089] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] It will be understood that in the above example, the optical fiber connector 10 is only provided at one end of the optical fiber 100. In actual application, the optical fiber connector 10 may also be provided at both ends of the optical fiber 100. The specific structure and type of the optical fiber connectors 10 provided at both ends of the optical fiber 100 may be the same or different, and this application does not impose any restrictions thereon.

[0090] [Corrected 30.08.2024 according to Rule 91] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0091] [Corrected 30.08.2024 in accordance with Rule 91] In this application, "plurality" means two or more. "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects and indicates that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0092] [Corrected as of August 30, 2024, in accordance with Rule 91] [Corrected as of August 30, 2024, in accordance with Rule 91] It should be understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes do not necessarily indicate the order in which they are executed. The order in which the processes are executed should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector (10), characterized in that: include: The ferrule base (11) has a through hole (111) for the optical fiber (100) to pass through; A sleeve (12) is sleeved on the periphery of the insert base (11); The outer peripheral surface of the insert base (11) has a first abutment surface (112), and the first abutment surface (112) is arranged at an angle with the axis of the through hole (111); The inner wall of the sleeve (12) has a first limiting surface (121), and the first limiting surface (121) is arranged at an angle with the axis; The first abutting surface (112) is arranged around the axis of the through hole (111), and / or the first limiting surface (121) is arranged around the axis of the through hole (111); The first abutting surface (112) abuts against the first limiting surface (121) to prevent the ferrule base (11) from moving relative to the sleeve (12) along a first direction, and to allow the sleeve (12) and the ferrule base (11) to rotate relative to each other around the axis; Wherein, the first direction is parallel to the axis.

2. The optical fiber connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical fiber connector (10) further comprises a fastener (13), wherein the fastener (13) is threadedly connected to the sleeve (12); Wherein, the rotation centers of the fastener (13) and the sleeve (12) coincide with the axis.

3. The optical fiber connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The insert base (11) further comprises a second abutment surface (115), wherein the second abutment surface (115) is arranged at an angle with the axis; The inner wall of the sleeve (12) has a second limiting surface (124), and the second limiting surface (124) is arranged at an angle with the axis; The second abutment surface (115) is arranged around the axis of the through hole (111), and / or the second limiting surface (124) is arranged around the axis of the through hole (111); The second abutting surface (115) abuts against the second limiting surface (124) to prevent the ferrule base (11) from moving relative to the sleeve (12) along the second direction, and to allow the sleeve (12) and the ferrule base (11) to rotate relative to each other around the axis; The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

4. The optical fiber connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The inner wall of the sleeve (12) has at least one protrusion (122), and the first limiting surface (121) is located on the side of the protrusion (122); The outer peripheral surface of the insert base (11) has an annular groove (114), and the first abutment surface (112) is located on the side wall of the annular groove (114).

5. The optical fiber connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The inner wall of the sleeve (12) comprises an annular flange (123), and the first limiting surface (121) is located on the surface of the annular flange (123) facing the second direction; The outer peripheral surface of the insert base (11) has an annular groove (114), and the first abutment surface (112) is located on the side wall of the annular groove (114).

6. The optical fiber connector (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The outer peripheral surface of the ferrule base (11) comprises an elastic member (116), and the end of the elastic member (116) extends toward the second direction; Wherein, the second abutting surface (115) is located at the end of the elastic member (116).

7. The optical fiber connector (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ferrule base (11) further comprises a second abutment surface (115), the second abutment surface (115) being arranged around the axis of the through hole (111), and the second abutment surface (115) being arranged at an angle to the axis; The fastener (13) has a second limiting surface (124), the second limiting surface (124) is arranged around the axis of the through hole (111), and the second limiting surface (124) is arranged at an angle with the axis; The second abutting surface (115) abuts against the second limiting surface (124) to prevent the ferrule base (11) from moving relative to the sleeve (12) along the second direction, and to allow the sleeve (12) and the ferrule base (11) to rotate relative to each other around the axis; The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

8. The optical fiber connector (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that: One end of the fastener (13) has an annular end surface, and the second limiting surface (124) is located on the end surface.

9. The optical fiber connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The included angle between the first abutting surface (112) and the axis is 90°, and the included angle between the first limiting surface (121) and the axis is 90°.

10. The optical fiber connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The optical fiber connector (10) further comprises a locking member (16); The locking piece (16) is fixedly connected to the ferrule base (11) and the optical fiber (100).

11. The optical fiber connector (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The optical fiber connector (10) further comprises a protective layer (17), wherein the protective layer (17) covers the locking member (16) and a portion of the outer circumference of the optical fiber (100).

12. A cable assembly, characterized in that: The optical fiber connector (10) comprises an optical fiber (100) and the optical fiber connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the optical fiber (100) is inserted into the through hole (111).

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