Connector assembly, pre-connected cable, and communication device

Abstract

A connector assembly (100), a pre-connected cable, and a communication device (10), relating to the technical field of optical fiber connection. The connector assembly (100) comprises: a ferrule (110), a front housing (120), a rear housing (130), and an elastic member (140). The ferrule (110) is provided with a first accommodating cavity (111) penetrating in a first direction, and the first accommodating cavity (111) is used for accommodating an optical fiber (150); the front housing (120) is provided with a second accommodating cavity (121) penetrating in the first direction, and the second accommodating cavity (121) is used for accommodating the ferrule (110); the rear housing (130) and the front housing (120) are in plug-in connection, the front housing (120) is provided with first mounting structures (122), the rear housing (130) is provided with second mounting structures (131), the first mounting structures (122) are at least two in number and are at least partially spaced apart in the first direction, and / or the second mounting structures (131) are at least two in number and are at least partially spaced apart in the first direction, and the first mounting structures (122) and the second mounting structures (131) are one-to-one detachably connected; and the elastic member (140) abuts between the ferrule (110) and the rear housing (130). By means of the matching of the first mounting structures (122) and the second mounting structures (131), different magnitudes of elastic force can be provided for the ferrule (110), thereby meeting the force requirements of the ferrule (110) in different usage scenarios.

Description

Connector Assemblies, Pre-Connected Cables, and Communication Equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on February 23, 2024, with application number 202410205509.3, and priority to the Chinese patent application entitled “Connector assembly, pre-connected cable and communication equipment”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of optical fiber connection, and in particular to a connector assembly, a pre-connected cable and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] With the development of communication technology, fiber optic transmission is increasingly being used in access networks, exemplified by fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks. In FTTH networks, at the point of delivery, the optical fiber leading from the equipment room and the incoming fiber are connected and transmitted via connector components within communication equipment (fiber optic splice closures).

[0004] Connector assemblies are a common component of communications equipment. During production and use, the ferrule end faces of connector assemblies are subject to specific forces. Current connector assemblies cannot simultaneously meet the force requirements of connector assemblies in different usage scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a connector assembly, a pre-connected cable and a communication device. Through the cooperation of a first mounting structure and a second mounting structure, different sizes of elastic force can be provided to the ferrule of the connector assembly to meet the force requirements of the ferrule in different usage scenarios.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a connector assembly comprising: a ferrule, a front shell, a back shell, and an elastic member. The ferrule has a first accommodating cavity extending along a first direction, the first accommodating cavity being used to accommodate an optical fiber; the front shell has a second accommodating cavity extending along the first direction, the second accommodating cavity being used to accommodate the ferrule; the back shell and the front shell are plug-connected, the front shell is provided with a first mounting structure, the back shell is provided with a second mounting structure, the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure are detachably connected one-to-one, the number of the first mounting structures is at least two and at least partially arranged at intervals along the first direction, and / or the number of the second mounting structures is at least two and at least partially arranged at intervals along the first direction; the elastic member abuts between the ferrule and the back shell.

[0007] The connector assembly provided in the present application is provided with at least two first mounting structures on the front shell, and / or at least two second mounting structures are provided on the rear shell. The first mounting structure and the second mounting structure are detachably connected in a one-to-one manner. When the at least two second mounting structures are connected to the first mounting structure, the second mounting structure and the first mounting structure can be assembled at different positions. The front shell and the rear shell are matched with different plug-in depths to achieve different degrees of compression of the elastic member. The elastic member further applies different amounts of elastic force to the ferrule. While realizing the assembly of the connector assembly, different elastic forces can be provided to the ferrule, which can meet the force requirements of the ferrule in usage scenarios such as grinding or plugging, so that the ferrule can be subjected to an appropriate and stable elastic force for grinding during grinding, and can also have sufficient elastic force to maintain a tight docking when plugged with other connector assemblies.

[0008] In one possible implementation, portions of at least two of the first mounting structures are spaced apart along the circumference of the connector assembly, and / or portions of multiple second mounting structures are spaced apart along the circumference of the connector assembly. The circumference of the connector assembly provides more space for arranging the first and second mounting structures, allowing for multiple first and second mounting structures to be provided, resulting in a more stable connection between the multiple first and second mounting structures.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first mounting structure includes at least one of a latch hole and a buckle, and the second mounting structure includes at least one of a latch hole and a buckle that engages with the first mounting structure. The latch hole and the buckle have advantages such as simplicity, speed, and flexibility during installation.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the latching hole includes at least one of a through hole and a blind hole. A through hole facilitates observation of the relative positional relationship between the second mounting structure and the first mounting structure, facilitating better installation or removal of the first and second mounting structures. A blind hole provides greater structural strength and prevents impurities such as water from entering the connector assembly.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the length of the card hole along the first direction is a first length, the spacing between the two ends of all the clips along the first direction is a second length, and the first length is greater than or equal to the second length to ensure that the second mounting structure on the rear shell can be fully engaged with the card hole, completing the connection between the rear shell and the front shell.

[0012] In one possible implementation, one of the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure includes a first channel, and the other includes a first protrusion. The first channel has an opening at one end, the opening being adapted to pass through the first protrusion, and the first protrusion is adapted to move relative to the first channel in the first direction. The relative movement of the first protrusion within the first channel enables adjustment of the relative position between the front shell and the rear shell.

[0013] In one possible implementation, a second channel is provided on a circumferential side of the shell where the first channel is located, and the shell includes the front shell and the rear shell; a third channel is provided between the first channel and the second channel, and the first channel, the third channel and the second channel are connected in sequence to form a C-shaped channel, and the second channel has a first abutment surface on the side away from the third channel, and the first abutment surface is used to abut against the first protrusion along the first direction.

[0014] The first protrusion moves in the first channel in a direction opposite to the first direction, connecting the first channel to the third channel. When the first protrusion moves into the third channel and contacts the wall of the third channel in a direction opposite to the first direction, the first protrusion moves circumferentially into the second channel. Then, under the elastic force of the elastic member, the first protrusion continues to move in the first direction within the second channel and contacts the first abutting surface, thereby securing the first protrusion within the second channel. The first protrusion can move within the first, second, and third channels as needed, allowing for more flexible application of different elastic forces to the ferrule.

[0015] In one possible implementation, there are at least two second channels, and at least two second channels are connected to the first channel through the third channel; the first abutting surfaces of different second channels have different distances from the opening along the first direction.

[0016] The first protrusion abuts against different first abutting surfaces, fixing the first protrusion inside different second channels. The front shell and the rear shell can have different insertion depths, and the elastic member can also be compressed to different lengths to give the ferrule different elastic forces. While the rear shell squeezes the elastic member, the elastic member applies a reaction force along the first direction to the rear shell. After the first protrusion is fixed inside the second channel, it is not easy to loosen along the first direction. The compression amount of the elastic member by the rear shell remains basically unchanged, thereby ensuring that the end face of the ferrule is subjected to a stable elastic force. The first protrusion can have different elastic forces when abutting against different abutting surfaces. The ferrule can be used for grinding under the action of different sizes of elastic forces, and has sufficient elastic force to maintain a tight connection when plugged into other connector components.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the second channel comprises at least one of a groove and a through-hole, the through-hole extending through the side wall of the housing. A through-hole configuration facilitates observation of the motion trajectory and positional relationship of the first protrusion within the second channel, facilitating better installation and removal of the first protrusion from the front housing. A groove configuration enhances the structural strength of the housing, making it less susceptible to deformation and preventing impurities such as water from entering the connector assembly.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the third channel comprises at least one of a groove and a through-hole, the through-hole extending through the side wall of the housing. A through-hole configuration facilitates observation of the motion trajectory and positional relationship of the first protrusion within the third channel, facilitating easier installation and removal of the first protrusion from the front housing. A groove configuration enhances the structural strength of the housing, making it less susceptible to deformation and preventing impurities such as water from entering the connector assembly.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first channel comprises at least one of a groove and a through-hole, the through-hole extending through the sidewall of the housing, which includes the front shell and the rear shell. A through-hole design facilitates observation of the motion trajectory and positional relationship of the first protrusion within the channel, facilitating easier installation and removal of the first protrusion from the front shell. A groove design enhances the structural strength of the housing, making it less susceptible to deformation and preventing impurities such as water from entering the connector assembly.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the connector assembly includes a connector and an optical fiber. The connector is used to connect the back shell and the optical cable. The optical fiber includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment that are adjacent to each other in sequence. The first segment is located in the first accommodating cavity, the second segment is curved, and the second segment is located within the connector. The third segment is located within the optical cable. The second segment forms a certain bend within the connector. When external tension acts on the optical cable, the curved optical fiber will produce a certain degree of buffering effect, preventing the optical fiber from breaking. In addition, the curved optical fiber can prevent tension from being directly applied to the junction between the optical fiber and the ferrule, making the connection between the optical fiber and the ferrule more secure and reliable.

[0021] In one possible implementation, a first limiting structure is provided on the front shell, and a second limiting structure is provided on the rear shell, the first limiting structure includes at least one of a notch and a second protrusion, the second limiting structure includes at least one of the notch and the second protrusion that are plugged into and matched with the first limiting structure, and the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are plugged into and matched to limit the relative rotation of the front shell and the rear shell with the first direction as the axis.

[0022] The circumferential sidewalls of the second protrusion can abut against the circumferential sidewalls of the notch, thereby limiting relative rotation of the front and rear shells about the first direction, i.e., limiting relative rotation of the front and rear shells in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the notch also has a foolproofing function, ensuring that the second mounting structure is correctly installed or removed from the first mounting structure.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the rear housing has a third accommodating cavity, a second abutting surface is provided on the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity, and a third abutting surface is provided on the outer wall of the ferrule. The connector assembly further includes an intermediate piece, and the elastic piece abuts the intermediate piece and the third abutting surface along the first direction, respectively, and the intermediate piece abuts between the elastic piece and the second abutting surface. Intermediate pieces of different lengths can be replaced according to the required elastic force of the ferrule, so that the elastic piece can be compressed to varying degrees by the intermediate pieces of different lengths, thereby adjusting the elastic force applied by the elastic piece to the ferrule, thereby meeting the different force requirements of the ferrule during grinding, plugging, and other different usage scenarios.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the intermediate piece includes a sleeve, and the sleeve is sleeved on the ferrule. The sleeve is sleeved on the ferrule, which can save space occupied by the connector assembly.

[0025] In one possible implementation, a second abutment surface is provided on the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity, and a third abutment surface is provided on the outer wall of the ferrule. The elastic member abuts the second abutment surface and the third abutment surface, respectively, along the first direction. The rear housing applies a compressive force to the elastic member via the second abutment surface, and the elastic member applies an elastic force to the ferrule via the third abutment surface.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the ferrule includes a ferrule body and a flange, the flange being sleeved on the outside of the ferrule body, with the side of the flange facing the rear housing serving as the third abutment surface. The flange can provide a larger contact area, enabling a more secure abutment between the ferrule and the elastic member, thereby improving the stability of the abutment between the ferrule and the elastic member.

[0027] In one possible implementation, a third protrusion is provided on the wall of the third accommodating cavity, with the side of the third protrusion facing the front shell serving as the second abutting surface. Positioning the third protrusion on the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity can reduce the volume of the connector assembly and provide a larger contact area, enabling a more secure abutment between the rear shell and the intermediate component, thereby improving the stability of the abutment between the rear shell and the intermediate component.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the elastic member includes a spring, which is sleeved on the ferrule. The spring sleeved on the ferrule can save space occupied by the connector assembly. The spring has a uniform abutment effect on the ferrule and does not cause elastic force deviation. The spring always provides axial elastic force to the ferrule.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the connector assembly further includes a connecting piece and an optical cable fixing piece, the rear shell, the connecting piece and the optical cable fixing piece are connected in sequence, the ferrule, the rear shell, the connecting piece and the optical cable fixing piece are connected in sequence and are used for passing part of the optical fiber of the optical cable to better connect and fix the optical cable.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the connector assembly further includes a main shaft, which is sleeved on the outside of the front shell, the rear shell, the connector and the optical cable fixing member to fix and protect the internal connector assembly and optical cable.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the connector assembly also includes a dust cap and a handle, and the handle is sleeved on the outside of the main shaft. The dust cap and one end of the handle are fixedly connected to facilitate grabbing the pre-connected cable for communication plug-in operations, and the dust cap provides dust and waterproof protection.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the connector assembly further includes a tail sheath, which is located on a side of the handle away from the dust cap. The tail sheath is used to pass through the optical cable to protect the optical cable at the rear end of the pre-connected cable to prevent the optical cable from being damaged by multiple bending at the tail end of the pre-connected cable.

[0033] In the second aspect, the present application provides a connector assembly, comprising: a ferrule, a front shell, a rear shell and an elastic member. The ferrule has a first accommodating cavity running through along a first direction, the first accommodating cavity being used to accommodate an optical fiber; the front shell has a second accommodating cavity running through along the first direction, the second accommodating cavity being used to accommodate the ferrule; the rear shell is plug-connected to the front shell and has a third accommodating cavity; the middle piece is connected to the front shell and / or the rear shell, at least one of the front shell and the rear shell is detachably connected to the front shell at different positions along the first direction, and the elastic member abuts between the middle piece and the ferrule. By forming an assembly at different positions between the middle piece and the front shell, the spring can be compressed to different lengths, and springs of different lengths give the ferrule different elastic extrusion forces to meet the different extrusion strength requirements of the ferrule in grinding, plugging and other different usage scenarios.

[0034] In one possible implementation, a first mounting structure is provided on the front shell and / or the rear shell, and a second mounting structure is provided on the middle piece. The first mounting structure and the second mounting structure are detachably connected in a one-to-one manner. The number of the first mounting structures is at least two and they are at least partially arranged at intervals along the first direction, and / or the number of the second mounting structures is at least two and they are at least partially arranged at intervals along the first direction. By virtue of the one-to-one detachable connection between the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure, when the at least two second mounting structures are connected to the first mounting structure, the second mounting structure and the first mounting structure can be assembled in different positions, and the middle piece and the front shell can be matched at different insertion depths to achieve different degrees of compression on the elastic member. Furthermore, the elastic member can apply different amounts of elastic force to the ferrule, and different elastic forces can be provided to the ferrule while assembling the connector assembly. This can meet the force requirements of the ferrule in use scenarios such as grinding or plugging, so that the ferrule can be subjected to an appropriate and stable elastic force for grinding during grinding, and can also have sufficient elastic force to maintain a tight connection when plugging with other connector components.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first mounting structure includes at least one of a latch hole and a latch, and the second mounting structure includes at least one of a latch hole and a latch that latches with the first mounting structure. The latch hole and the latch have advantages such as ease, speed, and flexibility during installation.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the card hole includes at least one of a through hole and a blind hole. The through hole shape of the card hole is conducive to observing the relative position relationship between the second mounting structure and the first mounting structure, and facilitates better installation or disassembly of the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure; the blind hole has higher structural strength and can also prevent impurities such as water from entering the interior of the connector assembly.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the intermediate piece includes a sleeve, which is sleeved on the ferrule, thereby improving the abutment stability of the intermediate piece against the spring and saving space occupied by the connector assembly.

[0038] In a third aspect, the present application provides a pre-connected cable, comprising a connector assembly as described in any one of the above items and an optical cable, wherein the optical fiber in the optical cable is connected to the ferrule in the connector assembly. The pre-connected cable can be plugged into and matched with a prefabricated communication connector structure. In the construction and maintenance of an optical distribution network (ODN), the assembly and disassembly of the optical fiber can be completed by plugging or other methods without the need for fusion splicing, thereby improving assembly and maintenance efficiency.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the connector assembly further includes a connecting piece and an optical cable fixing piece, the rear shell, the connecting piece and the optical cable fixing piece are connected in sequence, and part of the optical fiber of the optical cable passes through the ferrule, the rear shell, the connecting piece and the optical cable fixing piece in sequence to better connect and fix the optical cable.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the connector assembly further includes a main shaft, which is sleeved on the outside of the front shell, the rear shell, the connector and the optical cable fixing member to fix and protect the internal connector assembly and optical cable.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the connector assembly also includes a dust cap and a handle, and the handle is sleeved on the outside of the main shaft. The dust cap and one end of the handle are fixedly connected to facilitate grabbing the pre-connected cable for communication plug-in operations, and the dust cap provides dust and waterproof protection.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the connector assembly further includes a tail sheath, which is located on a side of the handle away from the dust cap, and the optical cable passes through the tail sheath to protect the optical cable at the rear end of the pre-connected cable to prevent the optical cable from being damaged by multiple bending at the tail end of the pre-connected cable.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising an adapter, wherein the adapter is connected to the connector assembly described in any one of the above items. The end face of the ferrule of the communication device provided by the present application can be subjected to an elastic force of appropriate size and stability during grinding, so that the end face can be ground into a suitable shape as required. In addition, when different connector assemblies in the communication device are plugged into each other, the connector assemblies maintain a tight connection between the different connector assemblies under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member, ensuring that the optical signal can be better coupled between the two connector assemblies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] FIG1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a connector assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the connector assembly provided by the present application;

[0046] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a front shell of a connector assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a rear shell of a connector assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the second mounting structure and the first mounting structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the second mounting structure and the first mounting structure connected at another position according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of spring force provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a front shell of a connector assembly provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a rear shell of a connector assembly provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 3;

[0055] FIG12 is an enlarged view of point B in FIG4 ;

[0056] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view of the AA portion of FIG3;

[0057] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a front shell of a connector assembly provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a rear shell of a connector assembly provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a connector assembly provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the connection relationship between the connector assembly and the optical cable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG18 is a cross-sectional view at BB in FIG17;

[0062] FIG19 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of a pre-connection cable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG22 is an exploded schematic diagram of a pre-connection cable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pre-connection cable provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0068] For ease of understanding, the English abbreviations and related technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application are explained and described below.

[0069] It should be clear that the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0070] The terms used in the embodiments of the present application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular forms "a", "an", "the" and "the" used in the embodiments of the present application and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0071] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein is simply a term used to describe the existence of three possible relationships between related objects. For example, "A and / or B" can represent the existence of A alone, the existence of both A and B, and the existence of B alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0072] It should be understood that the terms “first”, “second”, etc. used in this application are only used for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, nor can they be understood as indicating or implying an order.

[0073] In the description of this application, the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting this application.

[0074] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "install", "connect" and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, a conflicting connection or an integrated connection. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0075] For the convenience of description, this application uses the directional terms "axial", "radial" and "circumferential", where "axial" refers to the direction along the axis of the connector assembly; "radial" refers to the direction along the cross-sectional radius, that is, perpendicular to the axis; "circumferential" refers to the direction around the axis of the connector assembly, that is, perpendicular to the axis and at the same time perpendicular to the cross-sectional radius.

[0076] The connector assembly and communication equipment provided in this application are applied to fiber access (Fiber To The X, FTTx) systems. The FFTx system can be, but is not limited to, fiber to the home (Fiber To The Home, FFTH), fiber to the curb (Fiber To The Curb, FFTC), fiber to the premises (Fiber To The Premises, FTTP), fiber to the node (Fiber To The Node Or Neighborhood, FTTN), fiber to the office (Fiber To The Office, FTTO), and fiber to the service area (Fiber To The Service Area, FTTSA). In the embodiments of this application, the application of communication equipment to a fiber to the home (Fiber To The Home, FTTH) system is used as an example for illustration.

[0077] The communication equipment can be, but is not limited to, optical distribution network (ODN) equipment such as fiber access terminal (FAT), splitting and splicing closure (SSC), etc. For example, the communication equipment is an ODN device. The ODN device is an optical cable network that provides an optical transmission channel between the optical line terminal (OLT) and the optical network unit (ONU). The ODN device can connect an optical line terminal device with multiple optical network unit devices to provide bidirectional transmission of optical signals. An adapter is provided in the ODN device, and a connector assembly is provided on the optical fiber. The connector assembly is a device for connecting two optical fibers. The optical fiber must be connected to a suitable connector assembly, and the connection and transmission of the optical signal can be achieved by plugging the two connector assemblies at the two ends of the adapter.

[0078] Connector assemblies generally include SC (Square Connector) type connector assemblies, LC (Lucent Connector) type connector assemblies, and FC (Ferrule Connector) type connector assemblies, etc. Connector assemblies include elastic parts and ferrules.

[0079] An optical fiber typically consists of a fiber cladding and a fiber core located within the cladding. The optical signal-conducting portion of the fiber core connects and transmits optical signals, while the cladding serves to protect and secure the fiber. During the connection process between the optical fiber and the connector assembly, the cladding and core are typically connected and secured separately. Specifically, the cladding is secured to the corresponding structure to secure the entire fiber to the adapter, while the core is secured within the connector assembly's ferrule to continue transmitting optical signals.

[0080] The optical fiber enters the ferrule from the rear end and exits from the ferrule head. The fiber exiting the ferrule needs to be polished into different shapes according to different situations. The quality of the polishing will affect the performance of the connector assembly. To achieve good polishing quality, the ferrule end face must be subjected to a stable elastic force during the polishing process. In addition, when the connector assembly is plugged in, the ferrules of the two connector assemblies are tightly docked. To ensure that the optical energy of the two optical fibers fixed in the ferrules is maximized, the connector assembly needs to apply a certain amount of pressure to the ferrule.

[0081] The ferrule of the connector assembly is subjected to different external forces during grinding and when plugged into other connector assemblies. Current connector assemblies cannot simultaneously meet the force requirements during grinding and plugging.

[0082] The present application provides a connector assembly 100, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an exploded view of the connector assembly 100, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the connector assembly. The connector assembly 100 includes a ferrule 110, a front shell 120, a rear shell 130, and an elastic member 140. The embodiments of the present application do not impose any particular limitations on the specific form of the connector assembly.

[0083] The ferrule 110 has a first accommodating cavity 111 that runs through it along a first direction, the first direction being the Y direction in FIG1 (the first directions appearing hereinafter are all Y directions, and this application will not explain them in detail), and the first direction may be the axial direction of the connector assembly 100. The first accommodating cavity 111 is used to accommodate the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is fixed in the first accommodating cavity 111. The ferrule 110 is used to fix the optical fiber and realize the physical docking of the two end faces of the optical fiber so that the optical signal can be continuous to form an optical path. This application takes the ceramic ferrule as an example for explanation. For other types of ferrules, such as glass ferrules and metal ferrules, their structures are similar to those of the ceramic ferrules.

[0084] The ferrule 110 includes a first end 112 and a second end 113. The first end 112 of the ferrule 110 is located near the front housing 120, while the second end 113 is located near the rear housing 130. The first end 112 has an end surface 112a. The optical fiber is inserted into the first accommodating cavity 111 and extends out of the end surface 112a. After being fixed, the optical fiber needs to be polished to ensure a good fit with the external end.

[0085] The front shell 120 has a second accommodating cavity 121 that penetrates along the first direction. The second accommodating cavity 121 is used to accommodate the core 110. The core 110 can be partially or completely located inside the second accommodating cavity 121. For example, referring to Figure 2, the core 110 is partially located inside the second accommodating cavity 121. After the core 110 is inserted into the second accommodating cavity 121, the first end 112 protrudes toward the side opposite to the first direction and extends out of the second accommodating cavity 121.

[0086] The rear shell 130 and the front shell 120 are plug-connected, and the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 are used to protect the ferrule 110. The front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 are detachably connected, and a first mounting structure 122 is provided on the front shell 120, and a second mounting structure 131 is provided on the rear shell 130. The first mounting structure 122 is located on the side wall of the front shell 120 close to one end of the rear shell 130. The first mounting structure 122 can be in the shape of a blind hole or a through hole. The rear shell 130 has a front end and a rear end, the front end refers to the end of the rear shell 130 in the opposite direction of the first direction, and the front end is close to the front shell 120; the rear end refers to the end of the rear shell 130 in the first direction, and the rear end is away from the front shell 120. The second mounting structure 131 is located on the side wall of the front end of the rear shell 130. There are at least two first mounting structures 122, which are at least partially spaced apart along the first direction, and / or there are at least two second mounting structures 131, which are at least partially spaced apart along the first direction. The first mounting structures 122 and the second mounting structures 131 are detachably connected in a one-to-one manner. The rear housing 130 is pluggably connected to the front housing 120 in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0087] For example, in one embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 4 , a first mounting structure 122 is provided on the front housing 120, and two second mounting structures 131 are provided on the rear housing 130. The two second mounting structures 131 are spaced apart in the first direction, and the two second mounting structures 131 are respectively a first second mounting structure 1311a and a second second mounting structure 1311b. The first second mounting structure 1311a is close to the front end of the rear housing 130, and the second second mounting structure 1311b is away from the front end of the rear housing 130. The first mounting structure 122 is in the shape of a through hole.

[0088] In one embodiment, the number of the first mounting structures 122 may be greater than one, for example, the number of the first mounting structures 122 is two, and the two first mounting structures 122 are arranged at intervals in the first direction. The number of the second mounting structure 131 may be one.

[0089] In one embodiment, the number of first mounting structures 122 can be at least two, and the number of second mounting structures 131 can also be at least two. For example, two first mounting structures 122 are arranged at intervals in the first direction, and three second mounting structures 131 are arranged at intervals in the first direction. The number of first mounting structures 122 and second mounting structures 131 can be equal or unequal, and this application does not limit this.

[0090] Of course, in some other embodiments, the number of the first mounting structure 122 and the second mounting structure 131 may be other numbers, which are not listed here one by one.

[0091] As shown in FIG1 , the elastic member 140 abuts between the ferrule 110 and the rear shell 130. A portion of the elastic member 140 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second end 113 of the ferrule 110, and the other portion of the elastic member 140 abuts between the ferrule 110 and the rear shell 130. The elastic member 140 is accommodated in the third accommodating cavity 133. The elastic member 140 can be configured as a spring 141 or elastic rubber. For example, as shown in FIG5 , the elastic member 140 is a spring 141, and the spring 141 is sleeved on the ferrule 110, which can save the space occupied by the connector assembly 100. The spring 141 has a uniform abutting effect on the ferrule 110 and will not cause elastic force deviation. The spring 141 always provides axial elastic force to the ferrule.

[0092] As shown in Figures 1 and 7 , when the front housing 120 and the rear housing 130 are not plugged in, the spring 141 is in its natural state, and its length in this state is L. As shown in Figures 5 and 7 , when the front housing 120 and the rear housing 130 are first plugged in, the rear housing 130 moves in a direction opposite to the first direction, and the first and second mounting structures 1311a first connect with the first mounting structure 122 on the front housing 120. At this point, the rear housing 130 applies a first pressure F1 in a direction opposite to the first direction to the spring 141, causing the spring 141 to enter a first compressed state and a first compressed length L1. The spring 141 in this first compressed state applies a first elastic force to the ferrule 110, which can be in the range of 1N to 5N. At the same time, spring 141 exerts a reaction force in the first direction on rear housing 130, enabling second mounting structure 131 to engage with first mounting structure 122. Under the action of spring 141, second mounting structure 131 is not easily loosened in the first direction after being connected to the first mounting structure, and first compression length L1 remains substantially unchanged, thereby ensuring that end face 112a of ferrule 110 is subjected to a stable first elastic force. Under the action of the first elastic force, end face 112a contacts the polishing equipment, which can be used to polish end face 112a and the optical fiber to a desired shape or angle according to different usage scenarios.

[0093] As shown in Figures 6 and 7 , the rear housing 130 continues to move in a direction opposite to the first direction to engage with the front housing 120, and the second mounting structure 1311b further connects to the first mounting structure 122 on the front housing 120. At this point, the rear housing 130 applies a second pressure F2 in a direction opposite to the first direction to the spring 141, causing the spring 141 to enter a second compressed state and be compressed to a second length L2. In this second compressed state, the spring 141 applies a second elastic force to the ferrule 110, which can be in the range of 7N to 12N. Simultaneously, the spring 141 applies a reaction force in the first direction to the rear housing 130, enabling the second mounting structure 131 to engage with the first mounting structure 122. Under the action of the spring 141, the second mounting structure 131 is not easily loosened in the first direction after being connected to the first mounting structure, and the second compressed length L2 remains substantially unchanged, thereby ensuring that the end face 112a of the ferrule 110 is subjected to a stable second elastic force. The second elastic force allows end face 112a to contact the ferrule end face of another connector assembly. The two connector ferrule end faces are tightly docked under the second elastic force, ensuring stable and reliable optical signal transmission at the connection point. The first elastic force applied to end face 112a during grinding can be smaller than the second elastic force applied when end face 112a is plugged into another connector assembly.

[0094] The connector assembly 100 provided herein enables stepped mounting of the front housing 120 and the rear housing 130 through the cooperation of the first mounting structure 122 and the second mounting structure 131. The connector assembly 100 is provided with at least two first mounting structures on the front housing 120 and / or at least two second mounting structures 131 on the rear housing 130. The second mounting structures 131 are detachably connected to the first mounting structures 122 in a one-to-one relationship along a direction opposite to the first direction. The second mounting structures 131 and the first mounting structures 122 can be assembled in different positions, allowing the front housing 120 and the rear housing 130 to mate at different insertion depths, thereby achieving varying degrees of compression on the elastic member 140. As the amount of compression of the elastic member 140 varies, the elastic member 140 applies varying degrees of elastic force to the ferrule 110. This allows the end face 112a of the ferrule 110 to be subjected to a stable and appropriate elastic force for grinding, utilizing only the connector assembly's inherent structure without the need for additional devices. Furthermore, the ferrule 110 can have sufficient elastic force to maintain a tight connection when mated with another connector assembly.

[0095] In one possible embodiment, portions of at least two first mounting structures 122 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the connector assembly 100, and / or portions of the plurality of second mounting structures 131 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the connector assembly 100. The circumferential direction refers to the direction around the outer wall of the connector assembly 100. The plurality of first mounting structures 122 may be arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the connector assembly 100, or may be arranged at unequal intervals along the circumferential direction of the connector assembly 100. The arrangement of the plurality of second mounting structures 131 is similar to that of the plurality of first mounting structures 122 and will not be further described here.

[0096] In one embodiment, there are at least two first mounting structures 122 and multiple second mounting structures 131. For example, referring to Figures 8, 9, and 10, there may be four first mounting structures 122, namely a first first mounting structure 122a, a second first mounting structure 122b, a third first mounting structure 122c, and a fourth first mounting structure 122d. The four first mounting structures 122 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the connector assembly 100, wherein the first first mounting structure 122a and the second first mounting structure 122b are arranged at intervals along the first direction on one side of the front shell 120, with the first first mounting structure 122a located to one side of the second first mounting structure 122b along the first direction. The third first mounting structure 122c and the fourth first mounting structure 122d are arranged at intervals along the first direction on the other side of the front shell 120, with the third first mounting structure 122c located to one side of the fourth first mounting structure 122d along the first direction. There are two second mounting structures 131 , namely a third second mounting structure 1311 c and a fourth second mounting structure 1311 d , which are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the connector assembly 100 .

[0097] When the front housing 120 and the rear housing 130 are not plugged in, the spring 141 is in its natural state, and its length is L. When the front housing 120 and the rear housing 130 are first plugged in, the rear housing 130 moves in the direction opposite to the first direction. The third-second mounting structure 1311c on the rear housing 130 connects with the first-first mounting structure 122a on the front housing 120, and the fourth-second mounting structure 1311d connects with the third-first mounting structure 122c. At this point, the rear housing 130 applies a first pressure F1 in the direction opposite to the first direction to the spring 141, causing the spring 141 to enter a first compressed state and a first compressed length L1. The spring 141 in its first compressed state applies a first elastic force to the ferrule 110, which can be in the range of 1N to 5N. At the same time, spring 141 exerts a reaction force in the first direction on rear housing 130, enabling second mounting structure 131 to engage with first mounting structure 122. Under the action of spring 141, second mounting structure 131 is not easily loosened in the first direction after being connected to the first mounting structure, and first compression length L1 remains substantially unchanged, thereby ensuring that end face 112a of ferrule 110 is subjected to a stable first elastic force. Under the action of the first elastic force, end face 112a contacts the polishing equipment, which can be used to polish end face 112a and the optical fiber to a desired shape or angle according to different usage scenarios.

[0098] The rear housing 130 continues to move in a direction opposite to the first direction to mate with the front housing 120. The third-second mounting structure 1311c on the rear housing 130 connects to the second-first mounting structure 122b on the front housing 120, and the fourth-second mounting structure 1311d connects to the fourth-first mounting structure 122d. At this point, the rear housing 130 applies a second pressure F2 in a direction opposite to the first direction to the spring 141, causing the spring 141 to enter a second compressed state and be compressed to a second length L2. In this second compressed state, the spring 141 applies a second elastic force to the ferrule 110, which can be in the range of 7N to 12N. Simultaneously, the spring 141 applies a reaction force in the first direction to the rear housing 130, enabling the second mounting structure 131 to engage with the first mounting structure 122. Under the action of the spring 141, the second mounting structure 131 is not easily loosened in the first direction after being connected to the first mounting structure, and the second compressed length L2 remains substantially unchanged, thereby ensuring that the end face 112a of the ferrule 110 is subjected to a stable second elastic force. The end face 112a can contact the ferrule end face of the other connector assembly under the action of the second elastic force, and the two connector ferrule end faces are tightly connected under the action of the second elastic force, ensuring stable and reliable optical signal transmission at the connection point. The connector assembly 100 described in this embodiment can be an LC type connector assembly.

[0099] It should be noted that the sizes and structures of the first, second, third, and fourth first mounting structures 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d can be identical or different. For example, the first and second first mounting structures 122a, 122b can be identical in size and structure, while the third and fourth first mounting structures 122c, 122d can be identical in size and structure, and the sizes and structures of the third and fourth first mounting structures 122c, 122d can be different from those of the first and second first mounting structures 122a, 122b. The sizes of the third and fourth second mounting structures 1311c, 1311d can be equal or unequal, and the structures of the first and second second mounting structures 1311a, 1311b can be similar or different.

[0100] In one embodiment, there may be at least two first mounting structures 122. For example, there may be four first mounting structures 122, and the four first mounting structures 122 may be arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the connector assembly 100, and there may be three second mounting structures 131; or, there may be three first mounting structures 122, and the three first mounting structures 122 may be arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the connector assembly 100, and there may be two second mounting structures 131.

[0101] In one embodiment, there may be multiple second mounting structures 131. For example, there may be two first mounting structures 122 and three second mounting structures 131. The three second mounting structures 131 may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the connector assembly 100.

[0102] Of course, in some other embodiments, the number of the first mounting structure 122 and the second mounting structure 131 may be other numbers, which are not listed here one by one.

[0103] In one possible embodiment, the first mounting structure 122 includes at least one of a latch hole and a latch, and the second mounting structure 131 includes at least one of a latch hole and a latch that is latched with the first mounting structure 122. In some possible embodiments, the first mounting structure 122 and the second mounting structure 131 may be a combination of a latch hole and a latch, a combination of a latch hole and a pin, a combination of a latch hole and a hook, or a combination of a slot and a latch.

[0104] In one embodiment, the first mounting structure 122 and the second mounting structure 131 are a combination of a latch hole and a buckle, for detailed description. The latch hole can include at least one of a through hole and a blind hole. Referring to FIG11 , the front housing 120 is provided with a first mounting structure 122. The first mounting structure 122 is a latch hole, which is a through hole. The second mounting structure 131 is a buckle. The rear housing 130 is provided with two second mounting structures 131: a first second mounting structure 1311a and a second second mounting structure 1311b. The first mounting structure 122 includes a first sidewall 1221, a second sidewall 1222, a third sidewall 1223, and a fourth sidewall 1224. The first sidewall 1221, the third sidewall 1223, the second sidewall 1222, and the fourth sidewall 1224, in sequence, enclose the latch hole. The first sidewall 1221 and the second sidewall 1222 are arranged opposite each other along the Y direction, while the third sidewall 1223 and the fourth sidewall 1224 are arranged opposite each other along the Z direction.

[0105] As shown in Figure 12, the second mounting structure 131 is a snap-fit, and the outer surface of the snap-fit ​​extends in the radial direction of the rear shell 130 to form a protruding structure, where the radial direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Both second mounting structures 131 have a first mounting surface 131a, a second mounting surface 131b, a third mounting surface 131c, and a fourth mounting surface 131d. The first mounting surface 131a is a surface close to the first mounting structure 122, and the second mounting surface 131b is arranged opposite to the first mounting surface 131a. The first mounting surface 131a is an inclined surface. When the second mounting structure 131 is snap-fitted to the first mounting structure 122, the first mounting surface 131a is an inclined surface, which facilitates the second mounting structure 131 to move in the opposite direction of the first direction and be inserted into the first mounting structure 122. The second mounting surface 131b is a plane perpendicular to the first direction (the XZ plane in Figure 12). After the second mounting structure 131 is inserted into the first mounting structure 122, the second mounting surface 131b abuts the first side wall 1221 to achieve a snap connection between the second mounting structure 131 and the first mounting structure 122. After the second mounting structure 131 is inserted into the first mounting structure 122, the third mounting surface 131c may or may not abut the third side wall 1223, and the fourth mounting surface 131d may or may not abut the fourth side wall 1224. When both second mounting structures 131 are inserted into the first mounting structure 122, the first mounting surface 131a of the first second mounting structure 1311a may partially contact the second side wall 1222 of the first mounting structure 122, or may not contact the second side wall 1222 of the first mounting structure 122, and the second mounting surface 131b of the second second mounting structure 1311b may abut the second side wall 1222 of the first mounting structure 122, so that both second mounting structures 131 are engaged in the interior of the first mounting structure 122.

[0106] In some other embodiments, the first mounting surface 131a may be a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and the second mounting surface 131b may be a plane perpendicular to the first direction; or the first mounting surface 131a may be a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and the second mounting surface 131b may be an inclined surface.

[0107] It should be noted that the sizes of the first and second mounting structures 1311a and 1311b may be equal or unequal, and the structures of the first and second mounting structures 1311a and 1311b may be similar or different.

[0108] It is understood that the first mounting structure 122 (locking hole) in the embodiment of the present application is in the form of a through hole. During the installation or removal process of the first mounting structure 122 and the second mounting structure 131, the through hole-shaped first mounting structure 122 facilitates observation of the relative positional relationship between the second mounting structure 131 and the first mounting structure 122, thereby facilitating better installation or removal of the first mounting structure 122 and the second mounting structure 131. Of course, in other embodiments, the locking hole can be a blind hole structure, which has higher structural strength and can also prevent impurities such as water from entering the interior of the connector assembly 100.

[0109] In one possible embodiment, the first mounting structure 122 can be a latch hole, the length of the latch hole along the first direction being a first length d1, and the spacing between the ends of all the latches along the first direction being a second length d2. That is, the spacing between the side opposite to the first direction of all the latches and the side of the latches in the first direction is the second length d2, and the first length d1 is greater than or equal to the second length d2. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, by way of example, the front shell 120 is provided with a latch hole, the length of the latch hole along the first direction being the first length d1, and the rear shell 130 is provided with two second mounting structures 131, namely a first second mounting structure 1311a and a second second mounting structure 1311b, which can both be latches. The distance between the side of the first-second mounting structure 1311a opposite the first direction and the side of the second-second mounting structure 1311b in the first direction is a second length d2. The second length d2 includes the lengths of the first-second mounting structure 1311a and the second-second mounting structure 1311b in the first direction, as well as the distance between the side of the first-second mounting structure 1311a facing the second-second mounting structure 1311b and the side of the second-second mounting structure 1311b facing the first-second mounting structure 1311a. The first length d1 is greater than the second length d2 to ensure that the second mounting structure 131 on the rear housing 130 can be fully engaged with the engagement hole, completing the connection between the rear housing 130 and the front housing 120. It will be understood that when there is only one second mounting structure 131, the second length d2 is the length of the second mounting structure 131 in the first direction.

[0110] In one possible embodiment, a recess 120a is further provided on the inner wall of the front shell 120. Specifically, as shown in FIG13 , a recess 120a is provided on a portion of the inner wall of the front shell 120 on the first direction side of the first mounting structure 122. The recess 120a is used to accommodate a portion of the second mounting structure 131. When the rear shell 130 is inserted into the front shell 120 in the opposite direction from the first direction, the second mounting structure 131 moves within the recess 120a. As shown in FIG16 , the first second mounting structure 1311a is connected to the first mounting structure 122, and the second second mounting structure 1311b is located within the recess 120a. The second second mounting structure 1311b can be completely or partially located within the recess 120a. The recess 120a provides a certain amount of accommodation space for the second second mounting structure 1311b, thereby preventing the second second mounting structure 1311b from excessively lifting the front shell 120 during the insertion process.

[0111] In one possible embodiment, one of the first mounting structure 122 and the second mounting structure 131 includes a first channel 123, and the other includes a first protrusion 132. One end of the first channel 123 has an opening for passing through the first protrusion 132, and the first protrusion 132 is configured to move relative to the first channel 123 along a first direction. For example, referring to Figures 14 and 15, the first mounting structure 122 includes the first channel 123, and the second mounting structure 131 includes the first protrusion 132. The first channel 123 has an opening at one end near the rear housing 130. The opening is the opening of the first channel 123 along the positive direction of the Y direction in Figure 14, and the opening faces the rear housing 130. The first protrusion 132 can pass through the opening and move relative to the first channel 123 along the first direction, thereby connecting the rear housing 130 to the front housing 120.

[0112] In one possible embodiment, as shown in FIG14 , a second channel 124 is provided on one circumferential side of the housing, adjacent to the first channel 123. The housing includes a front shell 120 and a rear shell 130; the second channel 124 is provided on the front shell 120. A third channel 125 is provided between the first channel 123 and the second channel 124, also provided on the front shell 120. The first channel 123, the third channel 125, and the second channel 124 are sequentially connected to form a C-shaped channel. There are at least two second channels 124, and each of the at least two second channels 124 is connected to the first channel 123 via the third channel 125. For example, in this embodiment, there may be two second channels 124, which are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the front shell 120. The sides of the two second channels 124 closest to the third channel 125 are connected to the third channel 125, and the side of the first channel 123 closest to the third channel 125 is connected to the third channel 125. The third channel 125 connects the two second channels 124 with the first channel 123, forming a C-shaped channel. Of course, in some other embodiments, there may be three second channels 124 and two third channels 125, which are connected to the second channels 124. The three second channels 124 may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the front shell 120, and the two third channels 125 may be spaced apart along the first direction. The number of second channels 124 and third channels 125 may also be any other number, and may be set accordingly according to actual needs, and this application does not limit this.

[0113] As shown in Figure 16 , the second channel 124 has a first abutment surface 1241 on a side facing away from the third channel 125. This first abutment surface 1241 is configured to abut the first protrusion 132 along a first direction. Different second channels 124 have first abutment surfaces 1241 positioned at varying distances from the opening along the first direction. By securing the first protrusion 132 within different second channels 124, the front shell 120 and rear shell 130 can be inserted at varying depths, and the elastic member 140 can be compressed to varying lengths to impart varying spring forces to the ferrule.

[0114] Exemplarily, there are two second channels 124, and the lengths of the two second channels 124 along the first direction may be different. The two second channels 124 may be a first second channel 124a and a second second channel 124b. Both second channels 124 have a first abutting surface 1241 on a side away from the third channel 125. The two first abutting surfaces 1241 are at different distances from the opening along the first direction. The first abutting surface 1241 closer to the opening is the first first abutting surface 1241a, and the first abutting surface 1241 farther from the opening is the second first abutting surface 1241b. The difference in distance between the first first abutting surface 1241a and the second first abutting surface 1241b along the first direction may be a length d.

[0115] Specifically, referring to FIG16 , the rear housing 130 is mounted and fixed to the front housing 120 in a direction opposite to the first direction. The first protrusion 132 moves in a direction opposite to the first direction within the first channel 123. The first channel 123 is connected to the third channel 125. When the first protrusion 132 moves into the third channel 125 and contacts the wall surface of the third channel 125 in the direction opposite to the first direction, the first protrusion 132 moves circumferentially into the first-second channel 124 a. Then, under the action of the spring 141, the first protrusion 132 continues to move in the first direction within the first-second channel 124 a and contacts the first-first abutting surface 1241 a, thereby securing the first protrusion 132 within the first-second channel 124 a. The dotted arrows in FIG16 illustrate one of the movement paths of the first protrusion 132 within the first channel 123, the second channel 124, and the third channel 125. At this point, the rear housing 130 applies a first pressure F1 in the direction opposite to the first direction to the spring 141, causing the spring 141 to enter a first compressed state and be compressed to a first length L1. In this first compressed state, the spring 141 applies a first elastic force to the ferrule 110, which can range from 1N to 5N. Simultaneously, the spring 141 applies a reaction force in the first direction to the rear housing 130, causing the first protrusion 132 to abut against the first-first abutting surface 1241a, securing the first protrusion 132 within the first-second channel 124a. Under the action of the spring 141, the first protrusion 132 is secured within the first-second channel 124a, preventing it from loosening in the first direction. The first compressed length L1 remains substantially unchanged, ensuring a stable first elastic force on the end face 112a of the ferrule 110. Under the action of the first elastic force, the end face 112a contacts the polishing equipment, which can be used to polish the end face 112a and the optical fiber to the desired shape or angle, depending on the intended use.

[0116] Further, the first protrusion 132 moves in the first-second channel 124a in the opposite direction of the first direction, and the first-second channel 124a is connected to the third channel 125. When the first protrusion 132 moves into the third channel 125 and contacts the wall of the third channel 125 in the opposite direction of the first direction, the first protrusion 132 moves along the circumferential direction into the second-second channel 124b, and then under the action of the spring 141, the first protrusion 132 continues to move in the second-second channel 124b in the first direction and abuts against the second-first abutting surface 1241b, fixing the first protrusion 132 inside the second-second channel 124b. The second first abutting surface 1241b is positioned away from the opening relative to the first first abutting surface 1241a. After the first protrusion 132 abuts the second first abutting surface 1241b, the spring 141 continues to be compressed in the direction opposite to the first direction. The rear housing 130 applies a second pressure F2 to the spring 141 in the direction opposite to the first direction, causing the spring 141 to enter a second compressed state and a second compressed length L2. The difference between length L2 and length L1 is the length d shown in Figure 16. In the second compressed state, the spring 141 applies a second elastic force to the ferrule 110, which can be in the range of 7N to 12N. Simultaneously, the spring 141 applies a reaction force in the first direction to the rear housing 130, causing the first protrusion 132 to abut against the second first abutting surface 1241b, securing the first protrusion 132 within the second second channel 124b. Under the action of spring 141, first protrusion 132, once secured within second channel 124b, is not easily loosened in the first direction, and second compressed length L2 remains substantially unchanged, thereby ensuring that end face 112a of ferrule 110 is subjected to a stable second elastic force. This second elastic force allows end face 112a to contact the end face of the ferrule of another connector assembly, tightly aligning the two connector ferrule end faces under the action of this second elastic force, ensuring stable and reliable optical signal transmission at the connection point. First protrusion 132 can move within first channel 123, second channel 124, and third channel 125 as needed, enabling more flexible application of varying elastic forces to ferrule 110.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the first channel 123, the second channel 124, and the third channel 125 may all be provided on the rear housing 130, and the first protrusion 132 may be provided on the front housing 120. The structural design of the first channel 123, the second channel 124, and the third channel 125 on the rear housing 130, and the structural design of the first protrusion 132 on the front housing 120 are similar to those in the previous embodiment and will not be further described herein.

[0118] In one embodiment, the front shell 120 may have multiple C-shaped channels formed by a first channel 123, a second channel 124 and a third channel 125. For example, the front shell 120 may have two C-shaped channels, and the two C-shaped channels may be located on the same side wall of the front shell 120 or on different side walls of the front shell 120.

[0119] In one embodiment, the rear shell 130 may have multiple C-shaped channels formed by the first channel 123, the second channel 124 and the third channel 125. For example, the rear shell 130 may have two C-shaped channels, and the two C-shaped channels may be located on the same side wall of the rear shell 130 or on different side walls of the rear shell 130.

[0120] In one possible embodiment, the second channel 124 includes at least one of a groove and a through hole, and the through hole extends through the side wall of the housing. For example, the second channel 124 is provided on the front housing 120, and the second channel 124 is a groove, with the notch of the groove facing the second accommodating cavity 121 of the front housing 120. Alternatively, the second channel 124 is a through hole, and the through hole extends through the side wall of the front housing 120.

[0121] In one possible embodiment, the third channel 125 includes at least one of a groove and a through hole, and the through hole extends through the side wall of the housing. For example, the third channel 125 is provided on the front housing 120, and the third channel 125 is a groove, with the notch of the groove facing the second accommodating cavity 121 of the front housing 120. Alternatively, the third channel 125 is a through hole, and the through hole extends through the side wall of the front housing 120.

[0122] In one possible embodiment, the first channel 123 includes at least one of a groove and a through hole, and the through hole extends through the side wall of the housing, which includes the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130. For example, the first channel 123 is provided in the front shell 120, and the first channel 123 is a groove, with the notch of the groove facing the second accommodating cavity 121 of the front shell 120. Alternatively, the first channel 123 is a through hole, and the through hole extends through the side wall of the front shell 120.

[0123] It can be understood that in some other embodiments, the first channel 123 can be a through hole, the second channel 124 can be a through hole, and the third channel 125 can be a groove; or the first channel 123 can be a through hole, the second channel 124 can be a groove, and the third channel 125 can be a groove; or the first channel 123 can be a groove, the second channel 124 can be a through hole, the third channel 125 can be a groove, and so on. The embodiments of the present application are not listed one by one here.

[0124] As will be appreciated, when the first, second, and third channels 123, 124, and 125 are designed as through-holes, it is easier to observe the movement trajectory and positional relationship of the first protrusion 132 within the first, second, and third channels 123, 124, and 125, thereby facilitating better installation and removal of the first protrusion 132 from the front housing 120. When the first, second, and third channels 123, 124, and 125 are designed as grooves, the housing's structural strength is enhanced, deformation is less likely to occur, and impurities such as water are prevented from entering the connector assembly. In one possible embodiment, the front housing 120 is provided with a latch hole, and the first, second, and third channels 123, 124, and 125 are also provided on the front housing 120. The first, second, and third channels 123, 124, and 125 are located on the same wall surface of the front housing 120, while the latch hole and the first channel 123 are located on a different wall surface. The rear housing 130 is provided with a latch and the first protrusion 132, respectively. When the rear shell 130 and the front shell 120 are plugged in, the buckle is connected to the card hole, and the first protrusion 132 is connected to the second channel 124, so that the core 110 is subjected to different elastic forces to meet the elastic force requirements of the core 110 when grinding or plugging.

[0125] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 17 and 18 , the connector assembly 100 further includes a connector 160 for connecting the rear housing 130 and the optical cable 200. The connector 160 is located on one side of the rear housing 130 along a first direction and is connected to the rear housing 130. Along the first direction, the rear housing 130, the connector 160, and the optical cable 200 are sequentially connected. The rear housing 130 has a third accommodating cavity 133, which can extend through the rear housing 130 in the first direction. The connector assembly 100 includes an optical fiber 150, which can be connected to the optical cable 200. The optical fiber 150 includes a first segment 151, a second segment 152, and a third segment 153, which are adjacent to each other. The first segment 151 is located in the first accommodating cavity 111 and can be straight. The second segment 152 is curved and can be located within the connector 160. The third section 153 is located in the optical cable 200 , and the third section 153 may be in a straight line.

[0126] The optical cable 200 may be subjected to external tension, such as pulling and twisting, during use and installation. The interior of the connector assembly 100, especially the optical fiber and the location where the optical fiber is combined with the ferrule 110, is relatively weak due to structural relationships and material properties. The second section 152 forms a certain bend inside the connector 160. When external tension acts on the optical cable 200, the bent optical fiber will produce a certain degree of buffering effect to prevent the optical fiber from breaking. In addition, the external tension can be transmitted to the ferrule 110 through the optical fiber itself. The bent optical fiber can avoid applying tension directly to the junction of the optical fiber and the ferrule 110, making the connection between the optical fiber and the ferrule 110 more firm and reliable, thereby improving the stability of the overall installation of the optical cable 200 and the connector assembly 100.

[0127] In a possible embodiment, referring to Figure 5, a first limiting structure 126 is provided on the front shell 120, and a second limiting structure 134 is provided on the rear shell 130. The first limiting structure 126 includes at least one of a notch and a second protrusion, and the second limiting structure 134 includes at least one of a notch and a second protrusion that are plugged into the first limiting structure. The first limiting structure 126 and the second limiting structure 134 are plugged into each other to limit the relative rotation of the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 with the first direction as the axis.

[0128] For example, the first limiting structure 126 shown in FIG5 may include a notch 1261 located on the front housing 120, and the second limiting structure 134 includes a second protrusion 1341 located on the rear housing 130. The notch 1261 may penetrate the sidewall of the front housing 120 in the radial direction of the front housing 120. In other embodiments, the notch 1261 may not penetrate the sidewall of the front housing 120 in the radial direction of the front housing 120. The notch 1261 and the second protrusion 1341 may be pluggably mated, with the notch 1261 being configured to pass through the second protrusion 1341, and the second protrusion 1341 being able to move relative to each other within the notch 1261 along the first direction. The sidewalls of the second protrusion 1341 in the circumferential direction can abut against the sidewalls of the notch 1261 in the circumferential direction to limit the relative rotation of the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 about the first direction as the axis, that is, to limit the relative rotation of the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 in the circumferential direction. At the same time, the notch 1261 also has an anti-mock function. Specifically, the shape and position of the notch 1261 and the second protrusion 1341 match each other. When the rear shell 130 and the front shell 120 are plugged in, the notch 1261 and the second protrusion 1341 engage and cooperate, so that the rear shell 130 can only be plugged in with the front shell 120 according to the specified position, ensuring that the second mounting structure 131 and the first mounting structure 122 are correctly installed or removed, and preventing incorrect installation or removal.

[0129] In one embodiment, the first limiting structure 126 may further include a second protrusion 1341, and the second limiting structure 134 may further include a notch 1261. When the second protrusion 1341 is located on the front shell 120, the structure and positional relationship are similar to those when the second protrusion 1341 is located on the rear shell 130, and when the second protrusion 1341 is located on the rear shell 130, the structure and positional relationship are similar to those when the second protrusion 1341 is located on the front shell 120.

[0130] In some other embodiments, the front shell 120 may have multiple first limiting structures 126, and the sizes and structures of the multiple first limiting structures 126 may be the same or different. The rear shell 130 may have multiple second limiting structures 134, and the sizes and structures of the multiple second limiting structures 134 may be the same or different. For example, the front shell 120 has two first limiting structures 126, and the two first limiting structures 126 have the same structure, and the rear shell 130 is provided with two second limiting structures 134 that can be plugged into and matched with the first limiting structures 126, and the two second limiting structures 134 have the same structure. Of course, in other embodiments, the first limiting structure 126 and the second limiting structure 134 can also have various situations, which are not listed one by one in this application.

[0131] In one possible embodiment, referring to FIG19 , the connector assembly 100 may further include an intermediate piece 170, one end of the elastic piece 140 abuts against the rear shell 130 through the intermediate piece 170, and the intermediate piece 170 is connected between the elastic piece 140 and the rear shell 130. Specifically, the intermediate piece 170 abuts between the elastic piece 140 and the rear shell 130. The rear shell 130 has a third accommodating cavity 133, and the intermediate piece 170 may be located within the third accommodating cavity 133 and fixedly connected to or abutting the rear shell 130. In one embodiment, a second abutting surface may be provided on the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity 133, and the intermediate piece 170 may abut between the elastic piece 140 and the second abutting surface. In one embodiment, a third protrusion (not shown in the figure) may be provided on the wall surface of the third accommodating cavity 133, and the third protrusion may be a structure extending toward the axis along the circumferential direction of the third accommodating cavity 133. The third protrusion can be integrally formed with the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity 133 or fixedly connected to the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity 133. The third protrusion and the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity 133 form a step-like structure. The side of the third protrusion facing the front shell 120 serves as a second abutment surface, which can be annular. The location of the third protrusion on the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity 133 can reduce the volume of the connector assembly 100 and provide a larger contact area, ensuring a more secure abutment between the rear shell 130 and the intermediate member 170, thereby improving the stability of the abutment between the rear shell 130 and the intermediate member 170.

[0132] Among them, when the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 are plugged in, the intermediate pieces 170 of different lengths can be replaced according to the size of the elastic force required by the core 110, so that the elastic piece 140 can be compressed to different degrees through the intermediate pieces 170 of different lengths, and the elastic force applied by the elastic piece 140 to the core 110 can be adjusted to meet the different force requirements of the core 110 in grinding, plugging and other different usage scenarios.

[0133] In one embodiment, the intermediate member 170 may include a sleeve 171, which is sleeved onto the ferrule 110, and the second end 113 of the ferrule 110 is inserted into the interior of the sleeve 171. After the sleeve 171 is sleeved onto the ferrule 110, at least a portion of the sleeve 171 can enter the second accommodating cavity 121 together with the ferrule 110. The elastic member 140 is also sleeved onto the ferrule 110, with one end of the elastic member 140 abutting against the third abutting surface 114 of the ferrule 110, and the other end of the elastic member 140 abutting against the sleeve 171. The sleeve 171 can enter the third accommodating cavity 133 and abut against the second abutting surface 1331. Sleeve 171 sleeved onto the ferrule 110 can save space occupied by the connector assembly 100.

[0134] When the rear shell 130 is plugged into the front shell 120 along the first direction, the rear shell 130 can not only achieve different degrees of compression on the elastic member 140 by plugging the first mounting structure 122 and the second mounting structure 131 at different positions, but also can compress the elastic member 140 by squeezing the sleeve 171 when the rear shell 130 is plugged into the front shell 120 along the first direction. The compressed elastic member 140 applies elastic force to the ferrule 110. Different lengths of intermediate members 170 can be replaced according to the required elastic force of the ferrule 110 to achieve different degrees of compression of the elastic member 140 through intermediate members 170 of different lengths, thereby adjusting the elastic force applied by the elastic member 140 on the ferrule 110 to meet the different force requirements of the ferrule 110 in grinding, plugging, and other different usage scenarios.

[0135] The outer wall of the ferrule 110 is provided with a third abutment surface 114. The outer wall of the ferrule 110 may also be provided with a fourth protrusion, which may be a structure extending circumferentially along the outer wall of the ferrule 110, away from the axis. The fourth protrusion may be integrally formed with the third accommodating cavity 133 or fixedly connected to the outer wall of the ferrule 110. The fourth protrusion and the outer wall of the ferrule 110 form a step-like structure. The side of the fourth protrusion facing the rear housing 130 serves as the third abutment surface 114, which may be annular.

[0136] Alternatively, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , the ferrule 110 includes a ferrule body and a flange 115. The flange 115 is sleeved on the outside of the ferrule body. The side of the flange 115 facing the rear housing 130 serves as a third abutting surface 114. The third abutting surface 114 may be annular. The flange 115 can provide a larger contact area, allowing the ferrule 110 to more firmly abut against the elastic member 140, thereby improving the stability of the abutment between the ferrule 110 and the elastic member 140.

[0137] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 21 to 23, the connector assembly 100 may further include a dust cap 400, a cable fixture 500, a spindle 600, and a handle 700. The front shell 120 of the connector assembly 100 is partially inserted into the dust cap 400. The dust cap 400 and the handle 700 are sealed together, specifically by a threaded connection and sealed by a sealing ring. The sealed dust cap 400 and the handle 700 are integrally structured and have an internal accommodating cavity. The rear shell 130 of the connector assembly 100 is fixedly connected to the cable fixture 500. A portion of the optical fiber of the optical cable 200 is connected to the ferrule 110 in the connector assembly 100. The optical cable 200 passes through the cable fixture 500, which secures the optical cable 200. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the connector assembly 100 can be connected to the cable fixture 500 via a connector 510, and the optical cable 200 can pass through the connector 510. The ferrule 110 , the rear shell 130 , the connector 510 and the optical cable fixture 500 are connected in sequence, and the optical cable 200 can be disposed in the integral structure in which the ferrule 110 , the rear shell 130 , the connector 510 and the optical cable fixture 500 are connected.

[0138] In one embodiment, the overall structure connecting the front shell 120, the rear shell 130, the connector 510 and the optical cable fixing member 500 can be set inside the main shaft 600, the main shaft 600 is sleeved on the outside, and the front end of the main shaft 600 can be located in the cavity enclosed by the dust cap 400 and the handle 700.

[0139] In one embodiment, one end of the handle 700 is further connected to a connecting rope 710 to prevent the connector assembly 100 from falling off when the connector assembly 100 is in operation.

[0140] In one embodiment, the connector assembly 100 further includes a tail sheath 800 , which is fixed to the tail end of the handle 700 . The optical cable 200 can sequentially pass through the tail sheath 800 and the optical cable fixing member 500 and enter the connector assembly 100 .

[0141] In one embodiment, a heat shrink tubing 810 is further provided on the outer side of the partial section of the optical cable 200 located within the tail sheath 800 , and the connecting rope 710 can be fixed between the handle 700 and the tail sheath 800 .

[0142] In a second aspect, the present application also provides a specific embodiment of a connector assembly 100. Referring to FIG19 , the connector assembly 100 may include a ferrule 110, a front shell 120, a rear shell 130, an elastic member 140, and an intermediate member 170. The ferrule 110 has a first accommodating cavity 111 extending along a first direction, and the first accommodating cavity 111 is used to accommodate an optical fiber. The front shell 120 has a second accommodating cavity 121 extending along a first direction, and the second accommodating cavity 121 is used to accommodate the ferrule 110. The rear shell 130 and the front shell 120 are plug-connected. The rear shell 130 has a third accommodating cavity 133, and the optical fiber 150 can pass through the third accommodating cavity 133. In the first direction, one end of the elastic member 140 abuts against the ferrule 110, and the elastic member 140 can abut against the second end 113 of the ferrule 110.

[0143] In some possible implementations, the intermediate member 170 may include a sleeve 171, which is sleeved onto the ferrule 110, with the second end 113 of the ferrule 110 inserted into the sleeve 171. After the sleeve 171 is sleeved onto the ferrule 110, at least a portion of the sleeve 171 can enter the second accommodating cavity 121 together with the ferrule 110.

[0144] In one embodiment, a first mounting structure 122 may be provided on the front shell 120 and / or the rear shell 130, and a second mounting structure 131 may be provided on the middle piece 170. The first mounting structure 122 and the second mounting structure 131 are detachably connected one-to-one. The number of the first mounting structures 122 may be at least two and at least partially arranged at intervals along the first direction, and / or the number of the second mounting structures 131 may be at least two and at least partially arranged at intervals along the first direction.

[0145] In this embodiment, the rear shell 130 is inserted into the front shell 120 as an example, and the rear shell 130 is provided with a first mounting structure 122 as an example. Referring to FIG19 , the rear shell 130 can be inserted into the second accommodating cavity 121 of the front shell 120, and the front shell 120 is provided with a window 127, and the rear shell 130 is provided with a first mounting structure 122. The first mounting structure 122 can be at least one of a latch hole and a buckle. FIG19 takes the first mounting structure 122 as an example. The latch hole is located inside the window 127, and the latch hole and the window 127 penetrate each other. In one embodiment, the front shell 120 can be inserted into the rear shell 130, the front shell 120 is provided with the first mounting structure 122, and the rear shell 130 can be provided with a window 127. Alternatively, both the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 are provided with a first mounting structure 122 , for example, both the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 are provided with a plurality of snap holes, and the snaps (second mounting structure 131 ) are snapped with the snaps on the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 at the same time.

[0146] There can be at least two first mounting structures 122. Figure 19 shows two latch holes as an example. A second mounting structure 131 is provided on the outer wall of the intermediate member 170. The second mounting structure 131 can be a snap that mates with the first mounting structure 122. Figure 19 shows a single snap as an example. One end of the intermediate member 170 abuts against one end of the elastic member 140, which abuts between the ferrule 110 and the intermediate member 170.

[0147] In one embodiment, the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 can be fixedly connected. When the rear shell 130 is inserted into the front shell 120 and reaches a certain position, the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 can be fixedly connected, and the insertion depth between the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 is no longer adjusted. The second mounting structure 131 of the intermediate member 170 can be connected to the first mounting structure 122 at different positions to achieve different relative positions of the intermediate member 170 relative to the front shell 120. The elastic member 140 abuts between the ferrule 110 and the intermediate member 170, and the front end of the ferrule 110 abuts the front shell 120. When the intermediate member 170 has different relative positions relative to the front shell 120 along the first direction, the intermediate member 170 squeezes the elastic member 140 to different degrees, so that the elastic member 140 applies different elastic forces to the ferrule 110, meeting the different force requirements of the ferrule 110 in grinding, plugging, and other different usage scenarios.

[0148] It should be noted that the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 can also have different insertion positions along the first direction through the installation structure described in the above embodiments. By adjusting the insertion depth between the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130, as well as the assembly position between the middle piece 170 and the rear shell 130, the degree of compression of the elastic member 140 by the middle piece 170 can be adjusted, so that the elastic force exerted by the elastic member 140 on the ferrule 110 varies, meeting the different force requirements of the ferrule 110 in different usage scenarios such as grinding, plugging, etc.

[0149] In one embodiment, the middle piece 170 can be located between the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130. When the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 are plugged in, the middle pieces 170 of different lengths can be replaced according to the size of the elastic force required by the core 110, so that the elastic piece 140 can be compressed to different degrees by the middle pieces 170 of different lengths, and the elastic force applied by the elastic piece 140 to the core 110 can be adjusted to meet the different force requirements of the core 110 in grinding, plugging and other different usage scenarios.

[0150] In one possible embodiment, one end of the elastic member 140 abuts against the rear shell 130 through an intermediate member 170, and the intermediate member 170 is connected between the elastic member 140 and the rear shell 130. Specifically, the intermediate member 170 abuts between the elastic member 140 and the rear shell 130. The rear shell 130 has a third accommodating cavity 133, and the intermediate member 170 can be located in the third accommodating cavity 133 and fixedly connected or abutted with the rear shell 130. In one embodiment, a second abutting surface can be provided on the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity 133, and the intermediate member 170 can abut between the elastic member 140 and the second abutting surface. In one embodiment, a third protrusion (not shown in the figure) can be provided on the wall of the third accommodating cavity 133, and the third protrusion can be a structure extending along the circumferential direction of the third accommodating cavity 133 toward the axis. The third protrusion can be integrally formed with the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity 133 or can be fixedly connected to the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity 133. The third protrusion forms a step-like structure with the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity 133. The side of the third protrusion facing the front shell 120 serves as a second abutting surface, which can be annular. The location of the third protrusion on the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity 133 reduces the volume of the connector assembly 100 and provides a larger contact area, ensuring a more secure abutment between the rear shell 130 and the intermediate member 170, thereby improving the stability of the abutment between the rear shell 130 and the intermediate member 170.

[0151] Among them, when the front shell 120 and the rear shell 130 are plugged in, the intermediate pieces 170 of different lengths can be replaced according to the size of the elastic force required by the core 110, so that the elastic piece 140 can be compressed to different degrees through the intermediate pieces 170 of different lengths, and the elastic force applied by the elastic piece 140 to the core 110 can be adjusted to meet the different force requirements of the core 110 in grinding, plugging and other different usage scenarios.

[0152] The connector assembly 100 further includes an intermediate member 170. The elastic member 140 abuts against the intermediate member 170 and the third abutting surface 114 along the first direction. The intermediate member 170 abuts between the elastic member 140 and the second abutting surface 1331. Along the first direction, the ferrule 110, the elastic member 140, the intermediate member 170, and the rear housing 130 abut against each other in sequence.

[0153] In one possible implementation, a second abutment surface 1331 is provided on the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity 133, and a third abutment surface 114 is provided on the outer wall of the ferrule 110. The elastic member 140 abuts against the second abutment surface 1331 and the third abutment surface 114 along the first direction. When the intermediate member 170 is present, the elastic member 140 abuts between the intermediate member 170 and the third abutment surface 114.

[0154] In one embodiment, the intermediate member 170 may include a sleeve 171, which is sleeved onto the ferrule 110, and the second end 113 of the ferrule 110 is inserted into the interior of the sleeve 171. After the sleeve 171 is sleeved onto the ferrule 110, at least a portion of the sleeve 171 can enter the second accommodating cavity 121 together with the ferrule 110. The elastic member 140 is also sleeved onto the ferrule 110, with one end of the elastic member 140 abutting against the third abutting surface 114 of the ferrule 110, and the other end of the elastic member 140 abutting against the sleeve 171. The sleeve 171 can enter the third accommodating cavity 133 and abut against the second abutting surface 1331. Sleeve 171 sleeved onto the ferrule 110 can save space occupied by the connector assembly 100.

[0155] When the rear shell 130 is plugged into the front shell 120 along the first direction, the rear shell 130 can not only achieve different degrees of compression on the elastic member 140 by plugging the first mounting structure 122 and the second mounting structure 131 at different positions, but also can compress the elastic member 140 by squeezing the sleeve 171 when the rear shell 130 is plugged into the front shell 120 along the first direction. The compressed elastic member 140 applies elastic force to the ferrule 110. Different lengths of intermediate members 170 can be replaced according to the required elastic force of the ferrule 110 to achieve different degrees of compression of the elastic member 140 through intermediate members 170 of different lengths, thereby adjusting the elastic force applied by the elastic member 140 on the ferrule 110 to meet the different force requirements of the ferrule 110 in grinding, plugging, and other different usage scenarios.

[0156] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 21 to 23, the connector assembly 100 may further include a dust cap 400, a cable fixture 500, a spindle 600, and a handle 700. The front shell 120 of the connector assembly 100 is partially inserted into the dust cap 400. The dust cap 400 and the handle 700 are sealed together, specifically by a threaded connection and sealed by a sealing ring. The sealed dust cap 400 and the handle 700 are integrally structured and have an internal accommodating cavity. The rear shell 130 of the connector assembly 100 is fixedly connected to the cable fixture 500. A portion of the optical fiber of the optical cable 200 is connected to the ferrule 110 in the connector assembly 100. The optical cable 200 passes through the cable fixture 500, which secures the optical cable 200. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the connector assembly 100 can be connected to the cable fixture 500 via a connector 510, and the optical cable 200 can pass through the connector 510. The ferrule 110 , the rear shell 130 , the connector 510 and the optical cable fixture 500 are connected in sequence, and the optical cable 200 can be disposed in the integral structure in which the ferrule 110 , the rear shell 130 , the connector 510 and the optical cable fixture 500 are connected.

[0157] In one embodiment, the overall structure connecting the front shell 120, the rear shell 130, the connector 510 and the optical cable fixing member 500 can be set inside the main shaft 600, the main shaft 600 is sleeved on the outside, and the front end of the main shaft 600 can be located in the cavity enclosed by the dust cap 400 and the handle 700.

[0158] In one embodiment, one end of the handle 700 is further connected to a connecting rope 710 to prevent the connector assembly 100 from falling off when the connector assembly 100 is in operation.

[0159] In one embodiment, the connector assembly 100 further includes a tail sheath 800 , which is fixed to the tail end of the handle 700 . The optical cable 200 can sequentially pass through the tail sheath 800 and the optical cable fixing member 500 and enter the connector assembly 100 .

[0160] In one embodiment, a heat shrink tubing 810 is further provided on the outer side of the partial section of the optical cable 200 located within the tail sheath 800 , and the connecting rope 710 can be fixed between the handle 700 and the tail sheath 800 .

[0161] The present application also provides a method for preparing a connector assembly 100, comprising the following specific steps:

[0162] S1: Processing the optical cable. The outer sheath is removed, separating the sheath from the inner fiber. The reinforcement is retained at a specific length as needed. The fiber is then divided into two sections of specific lengths, extending forward from the stripped outer sheath. One end contains the cable with a coating or inner sheath, while the front section is the bare fiber.

[0163] S2: Fix the optical cable. Firmly combine the optical cable and the connector by crimping, gluing, etc.

[0164] S3: Thread the fiber. Insert the removed fiber into the ferrule, from the tail end to the head end.

[0165] S4: Assemble. Assemble the connector and the connector together. The connector and the connector can be assembled together by snapping or welding, so that the optical cable and the connector are combined together.

[0166] S5: Curing. Fill the ferrule with glue (such as heat-curing glue or UV-curing glue), and then cure the glue inside the ferrule. After a specific temperature and a certain period of time, the glue inside the ferrule is cured, thus ensuring that the optical fiber no longer shakes in the inner hole of the ferrule.

[0167] S6: Grinding. The end face of the ferrule processed in step S5 is processed by degumming, rough grinding, cleaning, fine grinding, cleaning, polishing, cleaning and drying in sequence.

[0168] S8: Testing: Connectors processed in step S7 are tested for optical performance such as insertion loss and return loss using an insertion-return loss tester. Once they meet the optical performance requirements, they are packaged and put into storage.

[0169] On the third aspect, the present application provides a possible implementation of a pre-connected cable. Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the pre-connected cable may include the connector assembly 100 described in any of the above embodiments, and also include an optical cable 200, and the optical fiber in the optical cable 200 is connected to the core 110 in the connector assembly 100.

[0170] Among them, the optical fiber 150 can be inserted into the ferrule 110. Referring to Figures 10 and 18, the ferrule 110 has a first accommodating cavity 111 that penetrates along a first direction, and the first accommodating cavity 111 is used to accommodate the optical fiber 150. The optical fiber 150 can be the front end portion of the optical cable 200. Pre-connection technology refers to a pre-prepared plug-in method that can flexibly connect the two ends of the optical cable, one end of which can be a pre-connected cable structure as shown in Figure 17. The pre-connected cable can be plugged in and matched with a prefabricated communication connector structure. In the construction and installation of the Optical Distribution Network (ODN), the assembly and disassembly of the optical fiber does not require fusion splicing, and can be completed by plugging and other methods, which can improve the efficiency of assembly and maintenance.

[0171] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 21 to 23, the pre-connected cable may further include a dust cap 400, a cable fixture 500, a spindle 600, and a handle 700. The front shell 120 of the connector assembly 100 is partially inserted into the dust cap 400. The dust cap 400 and the handle 700 are sealed together, specifically by a threaded connection and sealed by a sealing ring. The sealed dust cap 400 and the handle 700 are integrally structured and have an internal accommodating cavity. The rear shell 130 of the connector assembly 100 is fixedly connected to the cable fixture 500. A portion of the optical fiber of the optical cable 200 is connected to the ferrule 110 in the connector assembly 100. The optical cable 200 passes through the cable fixture 500, which secures the optical cable 200. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the rear shell 130 of the connector assembly 100 can be connected to the cable fixture 500 via a connector 510, and the optical cable 200 can pass through the connector 510. The ferrule 110 , the rear shell 130 , the connector 510 and the optical cable fixture 500 are connected in sequence, and the optical cable 200 can be disposed in the integral structure in which the ferrule 110 , the rear shell 130 , the connector 510 and the optical cable fixture 500 are connected.

[0172] In one embodiment, the overall structure connecting the front shell 120, the rear shell 130, the connector 510 and the optical cable fixing member 500 can be set inside the main shaft 600, the main shaft 600 is sleeved on the outside, and the front end of the main shaft 600 can be located in the cavity enclosed by the dust cap 400 and the handle 700.

[0173] In one embodiment, one end of the handle 700 is further connected to a connecting rope 710 to prevent the rope from falling off during pre-connection cable operations.

[0174] In one embodiment, the pre-connected cable further includes a tail sheath 800 , which is fixed to the tail end of the handle 700 . The optical cable 200 can sequentially pass through the tail sheath 800 and the optical cable fixture 500 and enter the rear shell 130 and the ferrule 110 .

[0175] In one embodiment, a heat shrink tubing 810 is further provided on the outer side of the partial section of the optical cable 200 located within the tail sheath 800 , and the connecting rope 710 can be fixed between the handle 700 and the tail sheath 800 .

[0176] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device 10, comprising an adapter 300, and the adapter 300 is used for connecting to the connector assembly 100 or the pre-connected cable described in any one of the above items. The communication device 10 may be, but is not limited to, an ODN device such as FAT and SSC. The connector assembly 100 is used to connect the optical cable 200 to the communication device 10 or other connector assembly. The connector assembly 100 has a plug-in and unplug function, and can easily connect or disconnect the optical cable. Different types of connector assemblies have different structures and interface types. The adapter 300 is used to connect two different types of connector assemblies so that different types of connector assemblies can be interconnected. The adapter 300 can have two different types of interfaces for connecting different types of connector assemblies. For example, an interface is used to connect an SC-type connector assembly, and another connector is used to connect an LC-type connector assembly, thereby meeting the connection requirements between different interfaces in the communication device. Figure 20 shows a communication device 10 in an embodiment. The communication device 10 includes an adapter 300. There can be multiple adapters 300. There can also be multiple connector assemblies 100. The connector assembly is connected to the optical cable 200. Multiple connector assemblies 100 are connected to multiple adapters 300 to achieve conduction of optical signals.

[0177] The end face of the ferrule of the communication device provided by this application is subjected to an appropriately large and stable elastic force during grinding, allowing the end face to be ground into a desired shape as required. Furthermore, when different connector assemblies in the communication device are plugged into each other, the elastic force of the elastic member maintains a tight connection between the different connector assemblies, ensuring better coupling of optical signals between the two connector assemblies.

[0178] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present application, and should all be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A connector assembly (100), characterized in that: include: The ferrule (110) has a first accommodating cavity (111) extending along a first direction, wherein the first accommodating cavity (111) is used to accommodate an optical fiber (150); A front shell (120) having a second accommodating cavity (121) extending along the first direction, wherein the second accommodating cavity (121) is used to accommodate the ferrule (110); A rear shell (130) is plug-connected to the front shell (120), a first mounting structure (122) is provided on the front shell (120), and a second mounting structure (131) is provided on the rear shell (130), the first mounting structure (122) and the second mounting structure (131) are detachably connected one-to-one, the number of the first mounting structures (122) is at least two and at least partially arranged at intervals along the first direction, and / or the number of the second mounting structures (131) is at least two and at least partially arranged at intervals along the first direction; The elastic member (140) is in contact between the insert (110) and the rear shell (130).

2. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that Portions of at least two of the first mounting structures (122) are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the connector assembly (100), and / or portions of a plurality of the second mounting structures (131) are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the connector assembly (100).

3. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first mounting structure (122) includes at least one of a latch hole and a latch, and the second mounting structure (131) includes at least one of a latch hole and a latch that are latched with the first mounting structure (122).

4. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that The clamping hole includes at least one of a through hole and a blind hole.

5. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that The length of the clamping hole along the first direction is a first length, the distance between the two ends of all the clamps along the first direction is a second length, and the first length is greater than or equal to the second length.

6. The connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: One of the first mounting structure (122) and the second mounting structure (131) includes a first channel (123), and the other includes a first protrusion (132). One end of the first channel (123) has an opening (), and the opening () is used to pass through the first protrusion (132). The first protrusion (132) is used to move relatively in the first channel (123) along the first direction.

7. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that A second channel (124) is provided on one circumferential side of the housing where the first channel (123) is located, and the housing includes the front housing (120) and the rear housing (130); A third channel (125) is provided between the first channel (123) and the second channel (124); the first channel (123), the third channel (125) and the second channel (124) are sequentially connected to form a C-shaped channel; the second channel (124) has a first abutting surface (1241) on a side away from the third channel (125); the first abutting surface (1241) is used to abut against the first protrusion (132) along the first direction.

8. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that The number of the second channels (124) is at least two, and at least two of the second channels (124) are connected to the first channel (123) via the third channel (125); The first abutment surfaces (1241) of different second channels (124) are at different distances from the opening () along the first direction.

9. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The second channel (124) includes at least one of a groove and a through hole, and the through hole passes through the side wall of the housing.

10. The connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The third channel (125) includes at least one of a groove and a through hole, and the through hole passes through the side wall of the housing.

11. The connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that: The first channel (123) includes at least one of a groove and a through hole, and the through hole passes through the side wall of the shell, and the shell includes the front shell (120) and the rear shell (130).

12. The connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The connector assembly (100) includes a connector (160) and an optical fiber (150), wherein the connector (160) is used to connect the rear shell (130) and the optical cable (200), and the optical fiber (150) includes a first section (151), a second section (152), and a third section (153) that are adjacent to each other in sequence, wherein the first section (151) is located in the first accommodating cavity (111), the second section (152) is curved, and the second section (152) is located in the connector (160), and the third section (153) is located in the optical cable (200).

13. The connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: A first limiting structure (126) is provided on the front shell (120), and a second limiting structure (134) is provided on the rear shell (130). The first limiting structure (126) includes at least one of a notch (1261) and a second protrusion (1341). The second limiting structure (134) includes at least one of the notch (1261) and the second protrusion (1341) that are plugged into and matched with the first limiting structure (126). The first limiting structure (126) and the second limiting structure (134) are plugged into and matched with each other to limit the relative rotation of the front shell (120) and the rear shell (130) with respect to the first direction as the axis.

14. The connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The rear shell (130) has a third accommodating cavity (133), a second abutting surface (1331) is provided on the inner wall of the third accommodating cavity (133), a third abutting surface (114) is provided on the outer wall of the ferrule (110), and the connector assembly (100) further includes an intermediate piece (170), the elastic piece (140) abuts against the intermediate piece (170) and the third abutting surface (114) along the first direction, respectively, and the intermediate piece (170) abuts between the elastic piece (140) and the second abutting surface (1331).

15. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that The intermediate piece (170) comprises a sleeve (171), and the sleeve (171) is sleeved on the ferrule (110).

16. The connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The connector assembly (100) further comprises a connecting piece (510) and an optical cable fixing piece (500); the rear shell (130), the connecting piece (510) and the optical cable fixing piece (500) are connected in sequence; the ferrule (110), the rear shell (130), the connecting piece (510) and the optical cable fixing piece (500) are connected in sequence and are used to pass through a portion of the optical fiber of the optical cable (200).

17. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 16, characterized in that The connector assembly (100) further comprises a main shaft (600), and the main shaft (600) is sleeved on the outside of the front shell (120), the rear shell (130), the connecting member (510) and the optical cable fixing member (500).

18. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that The connector assembly (100) further comprises a dust cap (400) and a handle (700), wherein the handle (700) is sleeved on the outside of the main shaft (600), and one end of the dust cap (400) and the handle (700) are fixedly connected.

19. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that The connector assembly (100) further comprises a tail sheath (800), the tail sheath (800) being located on a side of the handle (700) away from the dust cap (400), and the tail sheath (800) being used to pass through the optical cable (200).

20. A connector assembly (100), characterized in that: include: The ferrule (110) has a first accommodating cavity (111) extending along a first direction, wherein the first accommodating cavity (111) is used to accommodate an optical fiber (150); A front shell (120) having a second accommodating cavity (121) extending along the first direction, wherein the second accommodating cavity (121) is used to accommodate the ferrule (110); The rear shell (130) is plug-connected to the front shell (120) and has a third accommodating cavity (133); a middle piece (170) connected to the front shell (120) and / or the rear shell (130), wherein at least one of the front shell (120) and the rear shell (130) is detachably connected to the front shell (120) at different positions along the first direction; The elastic member (140) is in contact between the intermediate member (170) and the insert (110).

21. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that A first mounting structure (122) is provided on the front shell (120) and / or the rear shell (130), and a second mounting structure (131) is provided on the middle piece (170), the first mounting structure (122) and the second mounting structure (131) are detachably connected one-to-one, the number of the first mounting structures (122) is at least two and at least partially arranged at intervals along the first direction, and / or the number of the second mounting structures (131) is at least two and at least partially arranged at intervals along the first direction.

22. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 21, characterized in that The first mounting structure (122) includes at least one of a latch hole and a latch, and the second mounting structure (131) includes at least one of a latch hole and a latch that is latched with the first mounting structure (122).

23. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 22, characterized in that The clamping hole includes at least one of a through hole and a blind hole.

24. The connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that: The intermediate piece (170) comprises a sleeve (171), and the sleeve (171) is sleeved on the ferrule (110).

25. A pre-connected cable, characterized in that: The invention comprises a connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 and an optical cable (200), wherein the optical fiber in the optical cable (200) is connected to the ferrule (110) in the connector assembly (100).

26. The pre-connected cable according to claim 25, characterized in that The connector assembly (100) further comprises a connecting piece (510) and an optical cable fixing piece (500); the rear shell (130), the connecting piece (510), and the optical cable fixing piece (500) are connected in sequence; and part of the optical fiber of the optical cable (200) passes through the ferrule (110), the rear shell (130), the connecting piece (510), and the optical cable fixing piece (500) in sequence.

27. The pre-connected cable according to claim 26, wherein: The connector assembly (100) further comprises a main shaft (600), and the main shaft (600) is sleeved on the outside of the front shell (120), the rear shell (130), the connecting member (510) and the optical cable fixing member (500).

28. The pre-connected cable according to claim 27, wherein: The connector assembly (100) further comprises a dust cap (400) and a handle (700), wherein the handle (700) is sleeved on the outside of the main shaft (600), and one end of the dust cap (400) and the handle (700) are fixedly connected.

29. The pre-connected cable according to claim 28, wherein: The connector assembly (100) further comprises a tail sheath (800), wherein the tail sheath (800) is located on a side of the handle (700) away from the dust cap (400), and the optical cable (200) passes through the tail sheath (800).

30. A communication device (10), comprising an adapter (300), wherein the adapter (300) is connected to the connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

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