Optical connector and optical fiber connection method using same

Abstract

The present invention provides an optical fiber connection method comprising the steps of: stripping outer layers of a first optical cable and a second optical cable by a predetermined length to expose inner layers, and stripping the inner layers by a predetermined length to expose a first core and a second core at the respective ends thereof; coupling the first optical cable to an optical connector pin, and coupling the second optical cable to an optical connector socket; aligning an end surface of the first core with a first surface of an end of the optical connector pin and aligning an end surface of the second core with a second surface formed inside the optical connector socket; and securing the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core by bringing the end surfaces into contact with each other. According to the present invention, the two cores come into contact with each other through surface contact, and the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket can be mechanically locked through one-touch fastening.

Description

Optical connector and optical fiber connection method using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical connector and an optical fiber connection method using the same, and more particularly, to an optical connector for connecting optical fibers to each other and an optical fiber connection method using the same.

[0002] The material presented in this section only provides background information for the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

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

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

[0005] As a technology related to the present invention, an optical subassembly disclosed in the Korean Patent Gazette discloses a configuration including a housing, a diode, and a lens module. This related technology is of the AG type utilizing a lens module, while the present invention is of the PC type, so the configuration and effects of the two inventions are distinct from each other.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an optical connector in which two cores come into contact with each other through surface contact and an optical connector pin and an optical connector socket can be mechanically locked through one-touch fastening, and an optical fiber connection method using the same.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an optical connector that enables transmission of an optical signal using a small number of parts and an optical fiber connection method using the same.

[0008] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, an optical fiber connection method is disclosed, which comprises the steps of: stripping the outer layers of a first optical cable and a second optical cable by a predetermined length to expose the inner layers, and stripping the inner layers by a predetermined length to expose the first core and the second core at the ends, respectively; connecting the first optical cable to an optical connector pin, and connecting the second optical cable to an optical connector socket; aligning the end surface of the first core with the first surface of the end of the optical connector pin, and aligning the end surface of the second core with the second surface formed inside the optical connector socket; and fixing the end surface of the first core with the end surface of the second core by bringing them into contact with each other.

[0010] In addition, the optical fiber connection method is characterized in that the step of matching each other includes polishing the end face of the first core and the end face of the second core to match the first surface and the second surface, respectively.

[0011] In addition, the optical fiber connection method is characterized in that the step of fixing the end faces by bringing them into contact with each other utilizes the elastic force of an elastic body between the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, an optical connector is provided, including a socket body having a first pin body that is coupled with a first inner layer and a first outer layer of a first optical cable and has a first surface including an end surface of a first core corresponding to an optical fiber of the first optical cable; and a second pin body that is coupled with a second inner layer and a second outer layer of a second optical cable and has a second surface including an end surface of a second core corresponding to an optical fiber of the second optical cable, wherein the socket body is configured to include an elastic body that causes a second surface of the second pin body to contact a first surface of the first pin body while applying an elastic force.

[0013] In addition, the optical connector may be configured such that the first optical cable includes a first core, a first inner layer surrounding the first core, and a first outer layer surrounding the first inner layer, the second optical cable includes a second core, a second inner layer surrounding the second core, and a second outer layer surrounding the second inner layer, and the first pin body is coupled with the first inner layer and the second outer layer, and the second pin body is coupled with the second inner layer and the second outer layer.

[0014] In addition, the optical connector may be configured to further include a pin block that is coupled with an outer surface of the first pin body to mediate fixation of the first pin body; and a socket block that is coupled with an outer surface of the socket body to mediate fixation of the socket body.

[0015] In addition, the optical connector may be configured such that the first optical cable includes a first cladding as a first inner layer and a first covering as a second outer layer, the first pin body is connected to a first extraction hole formed on the first surface, and includes a first region in which a first core is arranged; a second region connected to the first region and coupled with the first cladding; and a third region connected to the second region and coupled with the first covering on the inner surface.

[0016] In addition, the optical connector may be configured such that the second optical cable includes a second cladding as a second inner layer and a second sheath as a second outer layer, the second pin body is connected to a second extraction hole formed on the second surface, and includes a fourth region in which a second core is arranged; a fifth region connected to the fourth region and coupled with the second cladding; and a sixth region connected to the fifth region and coupled with the second sheath on the inner surface.

[0017] Additionally, the optical connector may be configured to further include an elastic body that maintains contact between the first side and the second side by using elastic force.

[0018] In addition, the optical connector may be configured such that the socket body includes an outer body into which a first pin body is inserted; and a second surface, and includes a second pin body that is capable of moving coaxially with respect to the outer body within an elastic range, and an elastic body is installed between the outer body and the second pin body.

[0019] In addition, the optical connector may be configured to include a first outer body having a coupling port into which a first pin body is inserted; and a second outer body having one end coupled to the first outer body and the other end coaxial with the second pin body as a free end and capable of displacement.

[0020] In addition, the optical connector may be configured to include a first inner body having a second surface at one end and a second pin body coaxial with the elastic body; and a second inner body having one end coupled to the other end of the first inner body and from which a second optical cable is drawn out at the other end.

[0021] Additionally, the optical connector may be configured such that the first pin body includes a stopper that limits movement of the first pin body within the range of the elastic body.

[0022] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the “Specific Details for Carrying Out the Invention” and the attached “Drawings.”

[0023] The advantages and / or features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the various embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and each embodiment disclosed in this specification is provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined only by the scope of each claim of the claims.

[0025] According to the present invention, two cores can be brought into contact with each other through surface contact, and the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket can be mechanically locked through one-touch fastening.

[0026] Additionally, an optical connector that enables transmission of optical signals can be assembled using a small number of components.

[0027] The effects that can be obtained by the optical connector and the optical fiber connection method using the same according to the technical idea of ​​the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0028] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a connector pin and a connector socket separated from each other according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the connector pin depicted in Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the connector socket depicted in Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an optical connector pin included in the connector pin depicted in Figure 2.

[0032] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an optical connector socket included in the connector socket depicted in Figure 3.

[0033] Figure 6 is an example of a state in which an optical connector pin and an optical connector socket are connected to each other.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a drawing explaining the connection of the first pin body and the first optical cable included in the optical connector pin depicted in FIG. 4.

[0035] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first pin body and the first optical cable of Figure 7 connected.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a drawing explaining the connection of the socket body included in the optical connector socket depicted in FIG. 5 and the second optical cable.

[0037] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the socket body of Fig. 9 and the second optical cable connected.

[0038] Figure 11 is a flow chart of an optical fiber connection method.

[0039] Figure 12 is an example diagram depicting the processing process of the first optical cable and the second optical cable.

[0040] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the terms or words used in this specification should not be interpreted as being unconditionally limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, and that the inventor of the present invention may appropriately define and use the concepts of various terms in order to explain his or her invention in the best possible manner, and further, that these terms or words should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0041] That is, it should be noted that the terms used in this specification are only used to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to specifically limit the contents of the present invention, and that these terms are defined in consideration of various possibilities of the present invention.

[0042] Additionally, it should be noted that in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, and similarly, even if expressed in plural, may include a singular meaning.

[0043] Throughout this specification, whenever a component is described as "including" another component, it may mean that the component may further include any other component, rather than excluding any other component, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0044] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "inside or connected to" another component, it should be understood that the component may be installed in direct connection with or in contact with the other component, may be installed spaced apart from the other component by a certain distance, and if installed spaced apart from the other component by a certain distance, there may be a third component or means for fixing or connecting the component to the other component, and the description of this third component or means may be omitted.

[0045] On the other hand, if a component is described as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that no third component or means exists.

[0046] Likewise, other expressions that describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "directly between", or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", should be interpreted as having the same meaning.

[0047] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms “one side,” “the other side,” “one side,” “the other side,” “first,” “second,” etc. in this specification, if used, are used to clearly distinguish one component from another component, and that the meaning of the component is not limited by such terms.

[0048] In addition, terms related to position, such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., in this specification, if used, should be understood to indicate relative positions of the corresponding components in the corresponding drawings, and unless absolute positions are specified for these positions, these position-related terms should not be understood to refer to absolute positions.

[0049] In addition, in this specification, when specifying the drawing numbers for each component of each drawing, the same component has the same drawing number even if the component is shown in a different drawing, that is, the same reference number indicates the same component throughout the specification.

[0050] In the drawings attached to this specification, the size, position, connection relationship, etc. of each component constituting the present invention may be described with some exaggeration, reduction, or omission in order to sufficiently clearly convey the idea of ​​the present invention or for convenience of explanation, and therefore the proportions or scales may not be strict.

[0051] In addition, in the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of a configuration that is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, for example, a known technology including a prior art, may be omitted.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0053] In the XYZ coordinate axes shown in each drawing, the X-axis direction is defined as the width direction of the hybrid connector (1), the Y-axis direction is defined as the length direction, and the Z-axis direction is defined as the height direction. The Y-axis direction is also the length direction of the cable.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, another hybrid connector (1) is characterized by including heterogeneous connectors, for example, an RF connector (20) that transmits an RF signal and an optical connector (10) that transmits light, that is, an optical signal. The hybrid connector (1) has a structure in which one or more connector modules can be assembled, and can be configured to include various types of connector modules without limitation on the type of connector module. The optical connector (10) or the RF connector (20) is one of various types of connector modules.

[0055] The optical connector (10) and RF connector (20) can be structurally separated into a connector pin (2) including an optical connector pin (100) and an RF connector pin (300), and a connector socket (3) including an optical connector socket (200) and an RF connector socket (400).

[0056] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a connector pin and a connector socket separated from each other according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1, a connector pin (2) and a connector socket (3) are depicted in a separated state.

[0058] A hybrid connector (1) can be configured to include a connector pin (2) and a connector socket (3) that are connected in various ways to transmit various types of signals, for example, electrical connections and optical connections, and are mechanically fastened to stably maintain such connections.

[0059] That is, the connector pin (2) and the connector socket (3) can be optically connected and separated by the optical connector pin (100) and the optical connector socket (200), electrically connected and separated by the RF connector pin (300) and the RF connector socket (400), and mechanically connected and released from each other by the connector pin connection portion (710) and the connector socket connection portion (720).

[0060] The connector pin alignment unit (500) has a function of aligning and connecting connector pins, for example, optical connector pins (100) and RF connector pins (300), among different types of connector modules. In addition, the connector socket alignment unit (600) has a function of aligning and connecting connector sockets, for example, optical connector sockets (200) and RF connector sockets (400), among different types of connector modules.

[0061] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the connector pin depicted in Figure 1.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, the connector pin (2) may be configured to include an optical connector pin (100) that transmits an optical signal, an RF connector pin (300) that transmits an RF signal, a connector pin alignment part (500) that aligns the optical connector pin (100) and the RF connector pin (300), and a connector pin fastening part (710) that is installed in the connector pin alignment part (500).

[0063] The optical connector pin (100) and the RF connector pin (300) can be aligned in the X-axis direction as modules in which the lengths measured in the XYZ coordinates are the same as the lengths measured in the direction of at least two axes (Y-axis and Z-axis).

[0064] The connector pin alignment unit (500) may be configured to include a pair of frames (510, 520) that align and fix at least one of a plurality of optical connector pins (100) and a plurality of RF connector pins (300) in the direction of the X-axis, and a pair of terminals (530, 540) that are coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames (510, 520).

[0065] The connector pin fastening portion (710) can be configured to be mechanically fastened and released from the connector socket fastening portion (720).

[0066] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the connector socket depicted in Figure 1.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 3, the connector socket (3) may be configured to include an optical connector socket (200) optically connected to an optical connector pin (100), an RF connector socket (400) electrically connected to an RF connector pin (300), a connector socket alignment part (600) that aligns the optical connector socket (200) and the RF connector socket (400), and a connector socket fastening part (720) that is installed in the connector socket alignment part (600) and can be mechanically fastened and released from a connector pin fastening part (710).

[0068] The optical connector socket (200) and the RF connector socket (400) can be aligned in the X-axis direction as modules in which the lengths measured in the XYZ coordinates are the same in the direction of at least two axes (Y-axis and Z-axis).

[0069] The connector socket alignment unit (600) may be configured to include a pair of frames (610, 620) that align and fix at least one connector socket among a plurality of optical connector sockets (200) and a plurality of RF connector sockets (400) in the direction of the X-axis, and a pair of terminals (630, 630) that are coupled to one end and the other end of the pair of frames (610, 620).

[0070] Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the connector pin fastening portion (710) can be configured to be mechanically fastened and released from the connector socket fastening portion (720). The connector pin fastening portion (710) and the connector socket fastening portion (720) are configured in a combined form of a male fastening portion and a female fastening portion, and the male fastening portion can be mechanically fastened and released from the female fastening portion. For example, the connector pin fastening portion (710) can be in the form of a fastening pin, and the connector socket fastening portion (720) can be in the form of a fastening hole into which the fastening pin is fitted.

[0071] A pair of terminals, i.e., terminals (530, 540) or terminals (630, 640), can be fastened and released with a pair of frames, i.e., frames (510, 520) or frames (610, 620), using bolts (550, 650), and through fastening and releasing of the terminals (530, 540) or terminals (630, 640), the optical connector pin (100), the optical connector socket (200), the RF connector pin (300), and the RF connector socket (400) can be configured to be replaceable for maintenance and repair.

[0072] That is, since the size in the Y-axis direction, i.e., length, and the size in the Z-axis direction, i.e., height, of the optical connector pin (100), the optical connector socket (200), the RF connector pin (300), and the RF connector socket (400) are the same, they can be aligned with each other in the X-axis direction, i.e., width direction, and the frames (510, 520, 610, 620) support both ends of the optical connector pin (100), the optical connector socket (200), the RF connector pin (300), and the RF connector socket (400) in the Z-axis direction. Each module is inserted between the frames (510, 520, 610, 620), and the terminals (530, 540, 630, 640) finish both ends in the X-axis direction.

[0073] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an optical connector pin included in the connector pin depicted in Figure 2.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 4, the optical connector pin (100) may be configured to include a first pin body (110), a pin block (120), and a first optical cable (140). Two first pin bodies (110) may be provided, each corresponding to two poles.

[0075] The first pin body (110) can be coupled with the first optical cable (140). One end of the first pin body (110) is formed with a first surface (112) that contacts the second surface (221a) belonging to the optical connector socket (200). The first optical cable (140) is drawn out from the other end of the first pin body (110).

[0076] The pin block (120) wraps around the first pin body (110) and serves to fasten the first pin body (110) to the connector pin alignment part (500). That is, the pin block (120) has a function of joining with the outer diameter surface of the first pin body (110) and mediating the fixation of the first pin body (110). The pin block (120) can be formed using synthetic resin.

[0077] The pin block (120) may be configured to include a first half block (121), a second half block (122), and a bolt (123). The bolt (123) fastens the first half block (121) and the second half block (122).

[0078] The first optical cable (140) includes a first core (141) corresponding to an optical fiber, a first cladding (142) corresponding to an inner layer, and a first covering (143) corresponding to an outer layer, and the first core (141) can be configured to form a first surface (112) together with the first pin body (110).

[0079] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an optical connector socket included in the connector socket depicted in Figure 3.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, the optical connector socket (200) can be configured to include a socket body (201), a socket block (230), and a second optical cable (240).

[0081] The socket body (201) can be coupled with a second optical cable (240). One end of the socket body (201) is formed with a second surface (221a) that contacts the first surface (112) belonging to the optical connector pin (100). The second optical cable (240) is drawn out from the other end of the socket body (201).

[0082] The socket block (230) wraps around the socket body (201) and functions to fasten the socket body (201) to the connector socket alignment portion (600). That is, the socket block (230) has a function of joining with the outer diameter surface of the socket body (201) to mediate the fixation of the socket body (201). The socket block (230) may be configured to include a third half block (231), a fourth half block (232), and a bolt (233). The bolt (233) fastens the third half block (231) and the fourth half block (232). The socket block (230) may be formed using synthetic resin.

[0083] The second optical cable (240) includes a second core (241) corresponding to an optical fiber, a second cladding (242) corresponding to an inner layer, and a second covering (243) corresponding to an outer layer, and the second core (241) can be configured to form a second surface (221a) together with the second pin body (220).

[0084] Figure 6 is an example of a state in which the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket depicted in Figure 1 are connected to each other.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, a state in which an optical connector pin (100) and an optical connector socket (200) are connected to each other is depicted. One end of the optical connector pin (100) can be inserted into one end of the optical connector socket (200) and come into contact with each other. Although one end of the optical connector pin (100) and one end of the optical connector socket (200) can be fitted together, the optical connector pin (100) and the optical connector socket (200) can ultimately be fixed to each other when the pin block (120) is aligned by the connector pin alignment part (500), the socket block (230) is aligned by the connector socket alignment part (600), and the connector pin fastening part (710) and the connector socket fastening part (720) are fastened to each other.

[0086] FIG. 7 is a drawing explaining the connection of the first pin body and the first optical cable included in the optical connector pin depicted in FIG. 4.

[0087] Referring to Fig. 7, the optical connector pin (100) can be configured to include a first pin body (110) and a first optical cable (140). The first pin body (110) has a first surface (112) including an end surface of a first core (141) corresponding to an optical fiber of the first optical cable (140).

[0088] The first optical cable (140) can be combined with the first pin body (110).

[0089] The first optical cable (140) includes a first coaxial core (141) corresponding to an optical fiber, a first cladding (142) corresponding to an inner layer wrapping the optical fiber, and a first covering (143) corresponding to an outer layer wrapping the inner layer, and the first pin body (110) can be coupled with the first cladding (142) and the first covering (143) of the first optical cable (140).

[0090] The second optical cable (240) includes a second coaxial core (241) corresponding to an optical fiber, a second cladding (242) corresponding to an inner layer surrounding the optical fiber, and a second covering (243) corresponding to an outer layer surrounding the inner layer, and the second pin body (220) can be combined with the second cladding (242) and the second covering (243) of the second optical cable (240).

[0091] As the optical connector pin (100) and the optical connector socket (200) are connected, the first surface (112) and the second surface (221a) can be configured to contact each other, and the first core (141), i.e., the end surface of the first core, and the second optical fiber (341), i.e., the end surface of the second core, can be configured to contact each other.

[0092] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first pin body and the first optical cable of Figure 7 connected.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 8, the first fin body (110) may include a first region (111), a second region (113), and a third region (115) on the inner surface.

[0094] The first pin body (110) can be combined with the first cladding (142) corresponding to the inner layer of the first optical cable (140) using the second region (113), and can be combined with the first covering (143) corresponding to the outer layer of the first optical cable (140) using the third region (115).

[0095] The first region (111) of the first fin body (110) is an region corresponding to the first core (141) of the first optical cable (140). The second region (113) is an region connected to the first cladding (142) of the first optical cable (140), and the third region (115) is an region connected to the first covering (143) of the first optical cable (140).

[0096] A first core (141) may be placed in the first region (111). The first region (111) may be connected to a first extraction hole (114) formed in the first surface (112). That is, the first region (111) includes a first extraction hole (114) having a diameter sufficient to allow the first core (141) to pass through. When the length of the first core (141) extracted from the first region (111) is adjusted to fit the first surface (112) through polishing, the end surfaces of the first surface (112) and the first core (141) become aligned.

[0097] The second region (113) is connected to the first region (111) and can be combined with the first cladding (142). The second region (113) has an inner diameter surface of a size suitable for close contact with the second cladding (242). Accordingly, the first cladding (142) can be fixed by fitting into the second region (113).

[0098] The third region (115) is connected to the second region (113) and can be combined with the first covering (143). The third region (115) has an inner diameter surface of a size suitable for close contact with the first covering (143). Accordingly, the first covering (143) can be fixed by fitting into the third region (115).

[0099] The first optical cable (140) may include a first cladding (142) as an inner layer and a first covering (143) as an outer layer. That is, the first cladding (142) may wrap around and protect the first core (141) corresponding to the optical fiber of the first optical cable (140), and the first covering (143) may wrap around and protect the first cladding (142) again.

[0100] FIG. 9 is a drawing explaining the connection of the socket body included in the optical connector socket depicted in FIG. 5 and the second optical cable.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 9, the optical connector socket (200) can be configured to include a socket body (201) and a second optical cable (240).

[0102] The socket body (201) may include a second pin body (220) having a second surface (221a) including an end surface of a second core (241) corresponding to an optical fiber of a second optical cable (240).

[0103] The second optical cable (240) can be coupled with the second pin body (220). That is, the second cladding (242) corresponding to the inner layer of the second optical cable (240) and the second covering (243) corresponding to the outer layer can be coupled with the fifth and sixth regions formed on the inner surface of the second pin body (220), respectively.

[0104] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the socket body of Fig. 9 and the second optical cable connected.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 10, the second fin body (220) may include a first region (111), a second region (113), and a third region (115) on the inner surface.

[0106] The first pin body (110) can be coupled with the second cladding (242) corresponding to the inner layer of the second optical cable (240) using the fifth region (220b), and can be coupled with the second covering (243) corresponding to the outer layer of the second optical cable (240) using the sixth region (220c).

[0107] The fourth region (220a) of the second fin body (220) corresponds to the second core (241) of the second optical cable (240). The fifth region (220b) is a region connected to the second cladding of the second optical cable (240), and the sixth region (220c) is a region connected to the second covering of the second optical cable (240).

[0108] A second core may be placed in the fourth region (220a). Furthermore, the fourth region may be connected to a second extraction hole formed on the second surface. That is, the fourth region includes a second extraction hole of sufficient diameter to allow the second core to pass through. When the second core extracted from the fourth region is adjusted in length to fit the second surface through polishing, the end faces of the second surface and the second core become aligned.

[0109] The fifth region is connected to the fourth region and can be joined to the second cladding. The fifth region has an inner diameter suitable for close contact with the second cladding. Therefore, the second cladding can be secured by a fit-fitting connection with the fifth region.

[0110] The sixth region is connected to the fifth region and can be joined to the second covering. The sixth region has an inner diameter suitable for close contact with the second covering. Therefore, the second covering can be fixed by fitting it to the sixth region.

[0111] The second optical cable (240) may include a second cladding (242) as an inner layer and a second covering (243) as an outer layer. That is, the first cladding may wrap around and protect the second core corresponding to the optical fiber of the second optical cable (240), and the second covering may wrap around and protect the second cladding again.

[0112] The first pin body (110) constituting the optical connector pin (100) uses the first surface (112), and the second pin body (220) of the socket body (201) constituting the optical connector socket (200) uses the second surface (221a) to bring the first core (141) and the second core (241) into contact. When elastic force is used, the contact between the first cores can be stably maintained. An elastic body that generates elastic force can be placed inside the optical connector pin or the optical connector socket.

[0113] An optical connector pin (100) or an optical connector socket (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include an elastic body (202) that maintains contact between the first surface and the second surface using elastic force.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 9, an elastic body (202) included in an optical connector socket (200) is depicted.

[0115] The socket body (201) may be configured to include an outer body (210) and a second pin body (220). The outer body (210) has a fastening hole into which the first pin body (110) can be inserted and fastened. That is, a fastening hole (212) into which the first pin body (110) is inserted may be formed at one end of the outer body (210). The other end of the outer body (210) may be coupled using a middle portion and a screw thread of the second pin body (220).

[0116] The outer body (210) can be configured to include a first outer body (211) and a second outer body (213).

[0117] The second pin body (220) of the socket body (201) is characterized by having a second surface (221a) that can come into contact with the first surface (112) of the first pin body (110). In addition, the second pin body (220) is characterized by being capable of moving coaxially with respect to the outer body (210) within an elastic range.

[0118] The elastic body (202) can be installed between the outer body (210) and the second fin body (220). That is, the elastic body (202) can be placed between the second outer body (213) and the first inner body (221) constituting the second fin body (220).

[0119] The outer body (210) can be configured to include a first outer body (211) and a second outer body (213).

[0120] The first outer body (211) is characterized by having a fastening hole (212) into which the first pin body (110) is inserted.

[0121] The second outer body (213) is characterized in that one end is connected to the first outer body (211), and the other end is a free end that is coaxial with the second pin body (220) and can be displaced. The second outer body (213) has a second jaw (214) that comes into contact with the first outer body (211), and a screw thread that is rotatably connected to the inside of the first outer body (211) extends from the second jaw (214).

[0122] The second fin body (220) can be configured to include a first inner body (221) and a second inner body (223).

[0123] The first inner body (221) is characterized by being coaxial with the elastic body (202), having a second surface (221a) at one end, and having a first jaw (222) that stops the elastic body (202) when it is combined.

[0124] The second inner body (223) is characterized in that one end is connected to the other end of the first inner body (221), and the second optical cable (240) is drawn out through the other end.

[0125] The first pin body (110) may be configured to include a stopper (117) on the outer surface. The stopper (117) has a function of limiting the movement of the first pin body (110) within the range of the elastic body.

[0126] Figure 11 is a flow chart of an optical fiber connection method.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 11, an optical fiber connection method (S100) using a hybrid connector (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include exposing the core and inner layer of a first optical cable (140) and a second optical cable (240) (S100), coupling the first optical cable with an optical connector pin (100), and coupling the second optical cable with an optical cable socket (S120), aligning the end surface of the first core (141) with the first surface (112) of the optical connector pin (100), and aligning the end surface of the second core (241) with the second surface (221a) of the optical connector socket (200) (S130), and bringing the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core into contact with each other and fixing them (S140).

[0128] In S100, the outer layers of the first optical cable (140) and the second optical cable (240) may be stripped off by a predetermined length to expose the inner layers, and the inner layers may be stripped off by a predetermined length to expose the first core (141) and the second core (241) at the ends, respectively.

[0129] Figure 12 is an example diagram depicting the processing process of the first optical cable and the second optical cable.

[0130] Referring to Fig. 12, an optical cable to be connected by a hybrid connector (1) is depicted. The optical cables may be used as a first optical cable (140) and a second optical cable (240). The first optical cable (140) may be connected to a connector pin (2), and the second optical cable (240) may be connected to a connector socket (3). The first optical cable (140) and the second optical cable (240) will be collectively referred to as optical cables.

[0131] The optical cable may be configured to include, from the outside, a covering (143, 243) corresponding to an outer layer, a cladding (142, 242) corresponding to an inner layer, and a core (141, 241) corresponding to an optical fiber.

[0132] A hybrid connector (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it is coupled to the outer layer and the inner layer of an optical cable while a portion of the outer layer and a portion of the inner layer are stripped off. Therefore, it is necessary to expose the optical fiber and the inner layer in a manner corresponding to the lengths of the first region, the second region, the fourth region, and the fifth region formed on the inner surface of the first pin body and the second pin body constituting the hybrid connector (1).

[0133] The optical fiber of the first optical cable (140) passes through the first region (111) and is drawn out of the first extraction hole (114). The second region (113) is coupled with the first cladding (142) corresponding to the inner layer of the first optical cable (140), and the third region (115) is coupled with the first covering (143) corresponding to the outer layer of the first optical cable.

[0134] Likewise, the optical fiber of the second optical cable (240) passes through the fourth region and is drawn out of the second extraction hole (221b). The fifth region is coupled with the second cladding (242) corresponding to the inner layer of the second optical cable (240), and the sixth region is coupled with the second covering (243) corresponding to the outer layer of the second optical cable (240).

[0135] The first pin body is coupled with the inner and outer layers of the first optical cable, and the second pin body of the socket body is coupled with the inner and outer layers of the second optical cable.

[0136] As the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket are connected, the first side and the second side come into contact, and the end face of the first core of the first optical cable, which constitutes the first side, and the end face of the second core of the second optical cable, which constitutes the second side, come into contact with each other.

[0137] In S120, a step of connecting a first optical cable to an optical connector pin and connecting a second optical cable to an optical connector socket;

[0138] In S130, a step of aligning the end surface of the first core and the first surface of the end surface of the optical connector pin with each other, and aligning the end surface of the second core and the second surface formed inside the optical connector socket with each other; and

[0139] In S140, it is configured to include a step of fixing the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core by bringing them into contact with each other.

[0140] The matching step (S130) is characterized by grinding the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core to match the first surface and the second surface, respectively.

[0141] The step (S140) of fixing the end faces by contacting them with each other is characterized by using the elastic force of an elastic body to make contact between the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket.

[0142] According to one embodiment of the present invention, two cores can be brought into contact with each other through surface contact, and the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket can be mechanically locked through one-touch fastening.

[0143] Additionally, complex signal transmission is possible using a small number of components.

[0144] Above, although some examples have been given and various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, the description of the various embodiments described in the “Specific Details for Carrying Out the Invention” section is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will readily understand that they can carry out various modifications of the present invention or carry out equivalent implementations of the present invention based on the above description.

[0145] In addition, since the present invention can be implemented in various other forms, the present invention is not limited by the above description, and the above description is provided only to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs of the scope of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined only by each claim of the claims.

[0146] The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing optical connectors and optical fiber connections.

Claims

1. A step of stripping the outer layer of the first optical cable and the second optical cable by a predetermined length to expose the inner layer, and stripping the inner layer by a predetermined length to expose the first core and the second core at the end, respectively; A step of connecting the first optical cable to an optical connector pin and connecting the second optical cable to an optical connector socket; A step of aligning the end surface of the first core and the first surface of the end surface of the optical connector pin with each other, and aligning the end surface of the second core and the second surface formed inside the optical connector socket with each other; and An optical fiber connection method, comprising a step of fixing the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core by bringing them into contact with each other.

2. In claim 2, the step of matching each other comprises: An optical fiber connection method characterized in that the end surface of the first core and the end surface of the second core are each polished to match the first surface and the second surface.

3. In claim 1, the step of fixing the end faces by bringing them into contact with each other is: An optical fiber connection method characterized in that contact is made between the optical connector pin and the optical connector socket using the elastic force of an elastic body.

4. A first pin body having a first surface that is coupled to the first inner layer and the first outer layer of the first optical cable and includes an end surface of the first core corresponding to the optical fiber of the first optical cable; and A socket body having a second pin body that is coupled to the second inner layer and the second outer layer of the second optical cable and has a second surface including an end surface of the second core corresponding to the optical fiber of the second optical cable, The above socket body, An optical connector configured to include an elastic body that causes the second surface of the second pin body to contact the first surface of the first pin body while applying elastic force.

5. In claim 4, The first optical cable includes the first core, the first inner layer surrounding the first core, and the first outer layer surrounding the first inner layer, The second optical cable includes the second core, the second inner layer surrounding the second core, and the second outer layer surrounding the second inner layer. The above first fin body is combined with the first inner layer and the second outer layer, An optical connector wherein the second pin body is configured to be coupled with the second inner layer and the second outer layer.

6. In claim 4, A pin block that is combined with the outer diameter surface of the first pin body to mediate fixation of the first pin body; and An optical connector further comprising a socket block that is coupled with the outer diameter surface of the socket body to mediate fixation of the socket body.

7. In claim 4, The above first optical cable includes a first cladding as the first inner layer and a first covering as the second outer layer, The above first pin body, A first region connected to the first extraction hole formed on the first surface and in which the first core is placed; A second region connected to the first region and joined to the first cladding; and An optical connector configured to include a third region connected to the second region and combined with the first covering on the inner surface.

8. In claim 4, The second optical cable includes a second cladding as the second inner layer and a second covering as the second outer layer, The above second pin body, A fourth region connected to the second withdrawal hole formed on the second surface and in which the second core is placed; A fifth region connected to the fourth region and joined to the second cladding; and An optical connector configured to include a sixth region connected to the fifth region and combined with the second covering on the inner surface.

9. In claim 4, An optical connector further comprising an elastic body that maintains contact between the first surface and the second surface by using elasticity.

10. In claim 9, the socket body, An outer body into which the first pin body is inserted; and It includes the second pin body having the second surface and being capable of moving coaxially with respect to the outer body within an elastic range, An optical connector, wherein the elastic body is configured to be installed between the outer body and the second pin body.

11. In claim 10, the outer body, A first outer body having a coupling hole into which the first pin body is inserted; and An optical connector configured to include a second outer body that is coupled to the first outer body at one end and is coaxial with the second pin body at the other end as a free end and is capable of displacement.

12. In claim 10, the second pin body, A first inner body coaxial with the elastic body and having the second surface at one end; and An optical connector configured to include a second inner body that is coupled to the other end of the first inner body and from which the second optical cable is drawn out.

13. In claim 9, the first pin body, An optical connector configured to include a stopper that limits movement of the first pin body within the range of the elastic body.

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