Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

A connector and a connector assembly. The connector comprises an inner housing (1), a ferrule assembly (2), and an outer housing (4). The inner housing (1) comprises two first slots (111) running through opposite walls of the inner housing (1), respectively, and an opening is provided at the front end of the inner housing (1). The ferrule assembly (2) is located inside the inner housing (1) and protrudes from the front end of the inner housing (1). The ferrule assembly (2) is used for connection to an optical fiber (31) of a cable (3). The outer housing (4) is sleeved outside the inner housing (1).

Description

Connector and connector assembly

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411299332.4, filed on September 14, 2024, and entitled “Connector and connector assembly”, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular, to a connector and a connector assembly. BACKGROUND

[0003] A connector, for example, a fiber optic connector and a fiber optic and electrical hybrid connector, includes a ferrule assembly. An optical fiber is routed through the ferrule assembly. The ferrule assembly of the connector is used to mate with a ferrule assembly in an adapter to enable optical energy output by a transmitting optical fiber to be coupled into a receiving optical fiber to enable transmission of optical signals.

[0004] To ensure the reliability of optical signal transmission, it is necessary to ensure the cleanliness of the ferrule assembly. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a connector and a connector assembly. The ferrule assembly of the connector and the connector assembly is relatively easy to clean. The technical solutions of the connector and the connector assembly are described as follows.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a connector. The connector includes an inner housing, a ferrule assembly, and an outer housing. The inner housing includes two first slots. The two first slots respectively pass through two opposite walls of the inner housing and have openings at a front end of the inner housing. The ferrule assembly is located inside the inner housing and protrudes from the front end of the inner housing. The ferrule assembly is used to connect an optical fiber of a cable. The outer housing is sleeved outside the inner housing.

[0007] In the present disclosure, the connector is a fiber optic connector or a fiber optic and electrical hybrid connector.

[0008] In the present disclosure, by providing the first slots in the two opposite walls of the inner housing and the openings at the front end of the first slots, the user can insert a cleaning rod into the inner housing through the first slots and contact the side surface of the ferrule assembly. In this way, not only the end surface of the ferrule assembly can be cleaned, but also the side surface of the ferrule assembly can be cleaned, and it is more convenient to clean the edge of the end surface of the ferrule assembly. This improves the cleanliness of the ferrule assembly and ensures the reliability of the connector in transmitting optical signals.

[0009] In some implementations, the inner wall of the outer shell includes at least one protrusion extending into the first slot. The outer shell is slidably connected with the inner shell in the front-rear direction, and the outer shell can expose the opening of the first slot by sliding rearward. In this way, on the one hand, the protrusion can support the two side walls of the first slot, thereby improving the structural strength of the inner shell after the first slot is opened. On the other hand, the outer shell can expose the opening of the first slot by sliding rearward, so that the protrusion does not affect the insertion of the cleaning rod when the ferrule assembly is cleaned.

[0010] In one implementation, the inner shell includes a front shell and a rear shell. The rear end of the front shell is connected with the front end of the rear shell. Two first slots respectively pass through two opposite walls of the front shell. The ferrule assembly is located inside the front shell. In this way, by splitting the inner shell into two parts, the front shell and the rear shell, the manufacturing process is facilitated.

[0011] In one implementation, the front shell includes two clamping protrusions and an abutting structure. The two clamping protrusions are located on the two sides of the first slot, and the rear end of the first slot is located rearward relative to the clamping protrusions. The abutting structure is located on the rear side of the clamping protrusions. The ferrule assembly is limited between the two clamping protrusions and the abutting structure.

[0012] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure sets the front shell to include clamping protrusions and an abutting structure, so that the ferrule assembly can be limited only in the front shell, without relying on the rear shell. In this way, on the one hand, the front shell and the ferrule assembly can form a complete front shell assembly that can be picked up and operated independently, so that the assembly of the front shell assembly can be completed in advance in the process of assembling the connector, without the need to assemble the ferrule assembly on the assembly line, thereby improving the assembly efficiency. On the other hand, since the spring abuts against the abutting structure of the inner shell, the interior of the rear shell does not need to be provided with a structure for abutting against the spring, which facilitates the passage of the cable through the rear shell during the assembly of the connector, and prevents the cable from interfering with the structure for abutting against the spring in the interior of the rear shell.

[0013] In this way, by setting the two first slots to respectively pass through two opposite walls of the front shell, the shell walls where the two clamping protrusions are located are easy to deform, which facilitates the insertion of the ferrule assembly into the front shell from the front end of the front shell and the clamping of the ferrule assembly with the front shell.

[0014] In one implementation, the ferrule assembly includes an optical fiber ferrule and a spring. The outer wall of the optical fiber ferrule includes a protruding ring, and the spring is sleeved around the optical fiber ferrule. The rear end of the spring abuts against the front end of the abutting structure, and the protruding ring abuts against the rear ends of the two clamping protrusions.

[0015] The technical scheme provided by the present disclosure, when the ferrule assembly is inserted into the front shell from the front end of the front shell, the convex ring of the optical fiber ferrule abuts against the two clamping protrusions of the front shell, and drives the two clamping protrusions to move away from each other. After the convex ring passes the two clamping protrusions, the shell wall where the two clamping protrusions are located is retracted, and the convex ring is limited to the rear side of the two clamping protrusions. In addition, the front end of the spring abuts against the abutting structure, so that the axial limiting of the ferrule assembly in the front shell is realized.

[0016] In an implementation manner, the outer wall of the convex ring comprises a plurality of grooves. The grooves extend through the convex ring in the front-rear direction. The inner wall of the front shell further comprises a plurality of limiting protrusions. The limiting protrusions extend in the front-rear direction, and the front ends of the limiting protrusions protrude forward relative to the rear ends of the clamping protrusions. The plurality of limiting protrusions respectively extend into the plurality of grooves.

[0017] The technical scheme provided by the present disclosure, by setting the front ends of the limiting protrusions to protrude forward relative to the rear ends of the clamping protrusions, it is convenient for the assembler to align the plurality of grooves with the plurality of limiting protrusions respectively during the process of inserting the ferrule assembly into the front shell from the front end of the front shell.

[0018] In an implementation manner, the front ends of the limiting protrusions are flush with or protrude forward relative to the front ends of the clamping protrusions. In this way, it is more convenient for the assembler to align the plurality of grooves with the plurality of limiting protrusions respectively during the process of inserting the ferrule assembly into the front shell from the front end of the front shell.

[0019] In an implementation manner, the connector further comprises two electrodes fixed to the outer wall of the inner shell. The two electrodes are used to connect with two cables of the cable. The outer shell comprises an opening for exposing the contact parts of the electrodes. Wherein, the connector provided by the present disclosure is an optical and electrical composite connector, so that optical signal transmission and power supply transmission can be realized simultaneously through a single connector.

[0020] In an implementation manner, the two first openings respectively extend through the bottom wall or the top wall of the inner shell. The contact parts of the electrodes comprise side contact parts and top contact parts. The two side contact parts are respectively located on the two side walls of the inner shell. The two top contact parts are located on the top wall of the inner shell and arranged on both sides of the first opening of the top wall of the inner shell. The opening of the outer shell comprises two side opening and two top opening. The two side openings respectively expose the two side contact parts, and the two top openings respectively expose the two top contact parts. Wherein, by setting the two first openings to respectively extend through the bottom wall or the top wall of the inner shell, the arrangement of the side contact parts is not affected by the first opening, and the two top contact parts are arranged on both sides of the first opening, so that the arrangement of the top contact parts is actually not affected by the first opening.

[0021] In an implementation manner, the top wall of the inner shell comprises two protrusions. The two protrusions are respectively located on the front side of the two top contact parts and respectively located in the two top openings. Wherein, the protrusions can block the forward movement of the top contact parts to improve the reliability of the electrode fixation.

[0022] In an implementation, the front end of the protrusion comprises a first guide surface, which gradually extends rearward along the protruding direction of the protrusion. The first guide surface is configured to guide the electrode of the optoelectrical adapter to contact the top contact portion.

[0023] In an implementation, the inner shell comprises a front shell and a rear shell, and the rear end of the front shell is connected to the front end of the rear shell. The two electrode connecting portions are located on the two first side walls of the front shell. The two second side walls of the rear shell comprise two second slots, which extend through the second side walls and have openings at the front ends of the second side walls. The two second slots are configured to allow the two cables to pass through, respectively, and the two connecting portions are configured to be connected to the two cables, respectively.

[0024] In the technical solution provided by the present disclosure, when assembling the connector, the assembler first inserts the cable into the rear shell from the rear end of the rear shell. Then, the two cables of the cable are separated, and in the process of separation, the cable bodies of the two cables pass through the openings of the two second slots into the two second slots, respectively. After that, the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule assembly, and the rear end of the front shell is connected to the front end of the rear shell. Then, the conductors of the two cables are connected to the two connecting portions, respectively. The operation is very simple. After the assembly is completed, since the two connecting portions are located on the two opposite first side walls of the front shell, respectively, the distance between the two connecting portions is large, and thus the distance between the two conductors connected to the two connecting portions is also large, which reduces the possibility that the conductors discharge to break the air between the two conductors. In addition, under the limiting of the two connecting portions, the two cables cannot retract into the interior of the rear shell, and thus the cables cannot press the optical fiber, which improves the reliability of the optical fiber in transmitting optical signals.

[0025] In an implementation, the inner wall of the rear shell further comprises two groups of blocking ribs arranged between the two second slots. The blocking ribs protrude relative to the side walls of the second slots. Each group of blocking ribs has a space between the blocking rib and the rear end of the second slot. The space between the two groups of blocking ribs is configured to accommodate the optical fiber. The two spaces are configured to allow the two cables to pass through, respectively, and the two groups of blocking ribs are configured to be arranged between the two cables. In the process of assembling the connector, the assembler can apply force to the two cables so that the two cables pass over the two groups of blocking ribs and are limited in the two spaces. After the assembler removes the external force, the cables cannot rebound into the interior of the rear shell due to the blocking effect of the two groups of blocking ribs. Moreover, before the cables are connected to the connecting portions, the two cables can be forced to be limited in the open state by the two groups of blocking ribs, which facilitates the subsequent fixed connection between the cables and the connecting portions.

[0026] In one implementation, each group of the retaining ribs includes two rows of retaining ribs. The two rows of retaining ribs respectively protrude relative to two side walls of the second slot. The ratio of the spacing between the two rows of retaining ribs to the outer diameter of the cable is greater than 0.5 and less than 1. In this way, during assembly of the connector, the user can pull the cable with force so that the cable passes over the retaining ribs. After the connector is assembled, the two rows of retaining ribs can also block the cable from moving into the interior of the rear shell.

[0027] In one implementation, each group of the retaining ribs includes one row of retaining ribs. The one row of retaining ribs protrudes relative to one side wall of the second slot. The ratio of the spacing between the one row of retaining ribs and the other side wall of the second slot to the outer diameter of the cable is greater than 0.5 and less than 1. In this way, during assembly of the connector, the user can pull the cable with force so that the cable passes over the retaining ribs. After the connector is assembled, the two rows of retaining ribs can also block the cable from moving into the interior of the rear shell.

[0028] In one implementation, the spacing gradually decreases along the direction from front to rear. In this way, the operation feeling of the assembler during pulling of the cable to slide to the rear end of the second slot can be improved.

[0029] In one implementation, the spacing between the two groups of retaining ribs is greater than the outer diameter of the cable. In this way, during the process that the cable passes through the rear shell from the rear end of the rear shell, the cable can smoothly pass into the interior of the two groups of retaining ribs to avoid interference between the retaining ribs and the cable.

[0030] In one implementation, the two first side walls of the front shell include two retaining plates. The two retaining plates respectively protrude rearward relative to the two terminal portions. The two retaining plates respectively extend into the two second slots. In this way, after the two cables connect the two terminal portions, the two retaining plates are arranged between the two cables. The two retaining plates can block the two cables from moving into the interior of the rear shell. Moreover, the conductors of the cables can be completely separated by the two retaining plates, so that short circuit caused by the two conductors striking air can be avoided. In addition, the retaining plates are arranged on the front shell, so that the two cables are not hindered when passing through the second slots from inside to outside, and the two cables can more easily pass through the two second slots.

[0031] In one implementation, the two terminal portions respectively extend into the two second slots. In this way, the terminal portions are arranged in the space of the second slots in the front-rear direction, which is conducive to increasing the length of the terminal portions in the front-rear direction, improving the contact area between the terminal portions and the conductors of the cables, and further improving the reliability of the connection between the terminal portions and the conductors. In addition, the terminal portions extending into the second slots, or the first side walls attached to the terminal portions, are arranged between the two conductors, which can play a role in separating the two cables.

[0032] In an implementation, the two side walls of the wire connecting part are in contact with the two side walls of the second slot respectively. In this way, the two side walls of the second slot can also limit the wire connecting part, prevent the wire connecting part from being twisted, and improve the reliability of the electrode fixation.

[0033] In an implementation, the second slot includes a first slot section and a second slot section in sequence in the front-to-back direction. The slot width of the first slot section is greater than the slot width of the second slot section, and the front end of the first slot section has an opening. The two wire connecting parts are respectively inserted into the two first slot sections, and the two side walls of the wire connecting part are in contact with the two side walls of the first slot section respectively. Among them, by designing the second slot to include two slot sections with different slot widths, on the one hand, it is convenient to widen the wire connecting part, and on the other hand, it can also avoid that the overall width of the second slot is too large, causing the structural strength of the rear shell to be too low. In addition, since the slot width of the first slot section is greater than the slot width of the second slot section, it is also convenient for the cable body to pass through the opening of the first slot section when separating the two cables.

[0034] In an implementation, the outer side of the first bottom wall and the first top wall of the front shell includes a first clamping structure. The inner side of the second bottom wall and the second top wall of the rear shell includes a second clamping structure. The rear end of the front shell is inserted into the front end of the rear shell, and the two first clamping structures are respectively clamped with the two second clamping structures.

[0035] The technical scheme provided by the present disclosure fully utilizes the characteristics that the second bottom wall and the second top wall of the rear shell are easy to deform after the second slot is opened on the two second side walls of the rear shell, and realizes the clamping of the rear shell and the front shell. Moreover, by arranging the first clamping structure on the outer side of the first bottom wall and the first top wall of the front shell, the two first clamping structures will drive the second bottom wall and the second top wall of the rear shell to move away from each other until the clamping is completed during the clamping process of the front shell and the rear shell. In this way, the second bottom wall and the second top wall will not squeeze the two side walls of the second slot, nor will they squeeze the wire connecting part inserted into the second slot.

[0036] In an implementation, the contact part of the electrode at least includes a side contact part. The side contact part is located on the first side wall of the front shell and in front of the wire connecting part. The wire connecting part is close to the axis of the front shell relative to the side contact part, and a gap for accommodating the conductor of the cable is formed between the wire connecting part and the shell.

[0037] In an implementation, the side wall of the inner shell includes a side wall body, a clamping piece and a limiting protrusion. The bottom end of the clamping piece is connected to the outer side of the side wall body, and a slot is formed between the clamping piece and the side wall body. The limiting protrusion is located on the outer surface of the side wall body and behind the clamping piece. The electrode is inserted into the slot. The wire connecting part of the electrode includes a limiting hole, and the limiting protrusion is inserted into the limiting hole. In this way, the fixation of the electrode in the inner shell is realized.

[0038] In an implementation, the inner shell includes at least one window. The window penetrates the bottom wall or the top wall of the inner shell. In this way, during assembly of the connector, an assembler can observe the bending of the optical fiber inside the rear shell through the window, and make corresponding adjustments when the optical fiber is bent too much. Thus, the reliability of the assembled connector is improved.

[0039] In an implementation, the second bottom wall and the second top wall of the rear shell each include two injection molding holes, which respectively communicate with the two intervals. The rear shell includes at least one window, which penetrates the second bottom wall or the second top wall of the rear shell. The window includes a first section and a second section in sequence in a front-to-rear direction. The width of the first section is greater than the width of the second section, and at least a part of the second section is located between the two injection molding holes. The injection molding holes are used for the mold to pass through to form the two intervals by injection molding.

[0040] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure sets the window to include a first section with a wider width and a second section with a narrower width, and sets the second section to be located between the two injection molding holes. On the one hand, this makes the length of the window longer, facilitating observation of the optical fiber by an assembler. On the other hand, this also avoids the window affecting the setting of the injection molding holes, which is conducive to the injection molding of the rear shell.

[0041] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a cable and the connector as described in any one of the first aspect. The cable passes into the inner shell from the rear end of the inner shell of the connector, and the optical fiber of the cable passes into the interior of the ferrule assembly of the connector.

[0042] The connector assembly provided by the present disclosure can also be referred to as a cable connector or a pre-connector cable. Alternatively, the connector assembly can also be referred to as a connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a connector provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a connector provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an outer shell provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a connector provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a front shell assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an assembly method of a ferrule assembly and a front shell provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a ferrule assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a front shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a front shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an assembly method of a front shell and a ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an assembly method of two electrodes in a front shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a rear shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a connector hidden by a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a separation process of two cables of a cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG. 15 is a front view of a rear shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG. 16 is a side view of a first rear shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIG. 17 is a partial enlarged view of a portion framed in FIG. 16;

[0060] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a second rear shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 19 is a side view of a third rear shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG. 20 is a side view of a fourth rear shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG. 21 is a side view of a front shell assembly and a rear shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG. 22 is a side view of a connector hidden by a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an assembly process of a front shell assembly and a rear shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG. 24 is a schematic view of a rear end of a front shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIG. 25 is a top view of a rear shell and a cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Legend 1, inner shell, 11, front shell, 110, front shell assembly, 1101, first side wall, 11010, baffle, 11011, side wall body, 11012, clamping piece, 11013, limiting protrusion, 11014, insertion slot, 11015, heightening part, 1102, first bottom wall, 1103, first top wall, 111, first slot, 112, protrusion, 1121, first guide surface, 113, clamping protrusion, 1131, second guide surface, 114, abutting structure, 115, limiting strip, 116, first clamping structure, 117, guide structure, 12, rear shell, 1201, second side wall, 1202, second bottom wall, 1203, second top wall, 121, second slot, 1211, first slot segment, 1212, second slot segment, 122, blocking rib, 1220, interval, 123, second clamping structure, 124, window, 1241, first segment, 1242, second segment, 125, injection hole, 126, dispensing window; 2, ferrule assembly, 21, optical fiber ferrule, 210, through hole, 211, protruding ring, 212, groove, 22, spring; 3, cable, 31, optical fiber, 32, electrical cable, 321, conductor; 4, outer shell, 41, side opening, 42, top opening, 43, protruding strip; 5, electrode, 51, side contact part, 52, top contact part, 53, wiring part, 530, limiting hole; 6, tail sheath. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] With the continuous development and promotion of the dual-gigabit (i.e., wired gigabit and wireless gigabit) of the 5th generation mobile communication technology (5G) and the 5th generation fixed network (F5G), the application technology of optical access for the last 200 meters or so, such as the hot application scene demand of the passive optical LAN (POL), the FTTR (fiber to the room), and the like, is becoming more and more popular. The scene demand of introducing low-power terminal at the end of the fiber-to-desk, the fiber-to-camera, the fiber-to-AP (access point), and the like is becoming more and more popular.

[0070] The optoelectrical composite connector integrates the optical fiber ferrule and two pairs of electrodes. The optoelectrical composite connector can complete the transmission of data, voice, video, and the like signals through one optical fiber, and can deliver electric energy through one pair of electrodes, realize the integration of data transmission and power supply, and become an important solution for the scene of introducing low-power terminal at the end of the fiber-to-desk. The optoelectrical composite connector can also be referred to as an optoelectrical connector, an optoelectrical hybrid connector, and the like.

[0071] In order to ensure the reliability of optical signal transmission, the cleanliness of the fiber ferrule in the optoelectrical composite connector needs to be ensured. Therefore, how to facilitate the cleaning of the fiber ferrule is a key technical problem. Similarly, the fiber ferrule in the fiber connector also has the same technical problem.

[0072] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a connector (or connector assembly). The connector is a fiber connector or an optoelectrical composite connector. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector is an optoelectrical composite connector.

[0073] FIGS. 1 and 2 show schematic diagrams of the connector. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector includes an inner shell 1, a ferrule assembly 2, a cable 3, and an outer shell 4. The inner shell 1 includes two first slots 111, which respectively pass through two opposite walls of the inner shell 1 and have openings at the front end of the inner shell 1. The ferrule assembly 2 is located inside the inner shell 1 and protrudes from the front end of the inner shell 1. The cable 3 enters from the rear end of the inner shell 1, and the optical fiber 31 of the cable 3 enters the inside of the ferrule assembly 2. The outer shell 4 is sleeved outside the inner shell 1.

[0074] The connector provided by the present disclosure can also not include the cable 3, and the cable 3 can be assembled with the connector subsequently. For the sake of distinction, the connector without the cable 3 can be referred to as a connector, and the connector with the cable 3 can be referred to as a connector assembly, a cable-equipped connector, or a pre-connected cable, etc.

[0075] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1, by providing that the inner shell 1 includes two first slots 111 and the front end openings of the first slots 111, the user can insert the cleaning rod into contact with the side surface of the ferrule assembly 2 through the front end openings of the first slots 111. In this way, the cleaning rod can not only clean the end surface of the ferrule assembly 2, but also clean the side surface of the ferrule assembly 2, and it is also more convenient to clean the edge of the end surface of the ferrule assembly 2. This ensures the cleanliness of the ferrule assembly 2 and is conducive to improving the reliability of optical signal transmission.

[0076] In some examples, for the case where the connector is an optoelectrical composite connector, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optoelectrical composite connector further includes two electrodes 5 fixed to the outer wall of the inner shell 1. The cable 3 is an optoelectrical composite cable, and two electrical cables 32 of the cable 3 are connected to the two electrodes 5, respectively. The outer shell 4 includes an opening for exposing the contact part of the electrode 5, and the contact part is used to contact the electrode of the adapter to realize the transmission of electrical energy.

[0077] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, two first slots 111 are respectively formed through the bottom wall and the top wall of the inner shell 1. The contact portions of the electrode 5 include side contact portions 51 and top contact portions 52. Two side contact portions 51 are respectively located on the two side walls of the inner shell 1. Two top contact portions 52 are located on the top wall of the inner shell 1 and arranged on both sides of the first slot 111 on the top wall of the inner shell 1. FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the outer shell 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the openings of the outer shell 4 include two side openings 41 and two top openings 42, the two side openings 41 respectively expose the two side contact portions 51, and the two top openings 42 respectively expose the two top contact portions 52. Among them, by arranging the two first slots 111 on the bottom wall and the top wall of the inner shell 1 respectively, the first slot 111 does not hinder the layout of the side contact portion 51. And since the two top contact portions 52 are arranged on both sides of the first slot 111, the first slot 111 actually does not affect the layout of the top contact portion 52.

[0078] Of course, in other examples, the two first slots 111 can also be formed through the two side walls of the inner shell 1. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0079] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the top wall of the inner shell 1 includes two protrusions 112, which are respectively located at the front ends of the two top contact portions 52 and respectively located in the two top openings 42. Among them, the protrusion 112 can block the forward movement of the top contact portion 52 to improve the reliability of the fixation of the electrode 5.

[0080] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 2, the front end of the protrusion 112 includes a first guide surface 1121, which gradually extends backward along the protruding direction of the protrusion 112. Among them, the first guide surface 1121 is used to enable the elastic electrode of the optoelectronic adapter to smoothly slide relative to the top contact portion 52 to contact during the mating process of the optoelectronic hybrid connector and the optoelectronic adapter.

[0081] Correspondingly, in some examples, as shown in FIG. 5, a guide structure 117 is arranged on the side wall of the inner shell 1, the guide structure 117 is located in front of the side contact portion 51, and the shape of the guide structure 117 can be a reverse C corner, a reverse round corner, etc., which is used to enable the elastic electrode of the optoelectronic adapter to smoothly move relative to the side contact portion 51 to contact during the mating process of the optoelectronic hybrid connector and the optoelectronic adapter.

[0082] After the two first grooves 111 are formed in the inner shell 1, the structural strength of the inner shell 1 is reduced. Moreover, for the case that the connector is an optical and electrical composite connector, during the mating of the optical and electrical adapter and the optical and electrical composite connector, the two electrodes of the optical and electrical adapter will press the electrodes 5 of the optical and electrical composite connector, and then press the two side walls of the inner shell 1. Under the action of the pressing force, the inner shell 1 can be deformed, which affects the reliability of the optical and electrical composite connector.

[0083] In order to improve the strength of the inner shell 1, in some examples, as shown in FIG. 3 in combination with FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner wall of the outer shell 4 includes at least one protrusion 43, which extends into the first groove 111 of the inner shell 1. In this way, after the inner shell 1 is pressed, the protrusion 43 supports the side wall of the first groove 111, so that the inner shell 1 is not easy to be deformed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer shell 4 can slide on the inner shell 1 in the front-rear direction, and during the sliding process, the protrusion 43 of the outer shell 4 can fill or expose the front end of the first groove 111. When the front end of the first groove 111 is exposed, the user can insert a cleaning rod through the front end of the first groove 111 to perform corresponding cleaning.

[0084] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, the inner wall of the outer shell 4 includes two protrusions 43, which respectively extend into the two first grooves 111.

[0085] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the connector. As shown in FIG. 4, the connector includes a front shell assembly 110, a rear shell 12, a cable 3, and an outer shell 4. FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the front shell assembly 110. As shown in FIG. 5, the front shell assembly 110 includes a front shell 11, a ferrule assembly 2, and two electrodes 5. The rear end of the front shell 11 is connected with the front end of the rear shell 12, and the front shell 11 and the rear shell 12 jointly form the inner shell 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the front shell 11 includes two first grooves 111. The front shell 11 sleeves the ferrule assembly 2. The two electrodes 5 are fixed to the outside of the front shell 11. For the case that the connector is an optical fiber connector, the front shell assembly 110 does not include the electrodes 5.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 4, the connector can also include a tail sheath 6, which sleeves the cable 3 and the rear end of the rear shell 12. The main function of the tail sheath 6 is to increase the bending radius of the cable 3 when the cable 3 at the tail of the connector is subjected to a lateral load, so as to avoid that the local bending of the optical fiber 31 in the cable 3 is too large to cause the increase of the loss of the optical fiber 31, or even the damage of the optical fiber 31. In addition, in order to realize digital management, the tail sheath 6 can be provided with code information, such as a ring code, a two-dimensional code, or a bar code. The code information can be ablated on the surface of the tail sheath 6 by using a high-energy beam, or can be directly pasted on the surface of the tail sheath 6 by using a label.

[0087] In the related art, the ferrule assembly 2 of the fiber connector and the ferrule assembly 2 of the hybrid connector need to be inserted from the rear end of the front shell 11 and need to be limited in the axial direction by abutting against the rear shell 12, which makes the assembly of the ferrule assembly 2 more complicated. In the front shell assembly 110 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 6, the ferrule assembly 2 can be inserted from the front end of the front shell 11 and limited in the front shell 11. In this way, on the one hand, the front shell 11, the ferrule assembly 2 and the electrode 5 (if present) can form a whole front shell assembly 110 which can be taken and operated independently, so that the assembly of the front shell assembly 110 can be completed in advance in the process of assembling the connector, and the assembly of the ferrule assembly 2 does not need to be performed on the assembly line, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the connector. On the other hand, since the rear shell 12 does not need to be provided with a structure for abutting against the ferrule assembly 2, it is also more convenient for the cable 3 to pass through the rear shell 12, and prevents the cable 3 from interfering with the structure inside the rear shell 12 for abutting against the ferrule assembly 2.

[0088] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the ferrule assembly 2. As shown in FIG. 7, the ferrule assembly 2 includes a fiber ferrule 21 and a spring 22. The outer wall of the fiber ferrule 21 includes a protruding ring 211. The spring 22 is sleeved on the fiber ferrule 21, and one end of the spring 22 abuts against the step or the protruding ring 211 on the fiber ferrule 21. The fiber ferrule 21 has a through hole 210 extending through the front and rear thereof, and the fiber 31 passes into the vicinity of the end face of the fiber ferrule 21 from the rear end of the through hole 210. In order to stably fix the fiber 31 in the through hole 210, generally, glue, such as heat-curing glue, UV glue, etc., is filled in the through hole 210. When the connector and the adapter are connected, the end faces of the two fiber ferrules 22 are precisely connected, so that the optical energy output by the transmitting fiber can be maximally coupled into the receiving fiber.

[0089] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the front shell 11, and FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of the front shell 11. As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the inner wall of the front shell 11 includes two clamping protrusions 113 and an abutting structure 114. The two clamping protrusions 113 are located on both sides of the first slot 111, and the rear end of the first slot 111 is located rearward relative to the clamping protrusions 113. The abutting structure 114 is located on the rear side of the clamping protrusions 113. The ferrule assembly 2 is limited between the two clamping protrusions 113 and the abutting structure 114.

[0090] For example, FIG. 10 shows the relative relationship between the ferrule assembly 2 and the front shell 11. As shown in FIG. 10, after the ferrule assembly 2 is inserted into the interior of the front shell 11, the front end of the convex ring 221 abuts against the rear end of the clamping protrusion 113, and the other end of the spring 22 abuts against the abutting structure 114. In this way, the ferrule assembly 2 is limited in the axial direction of the front shell 11. Under the elastic force of the spring 22, the convex ring 221 of the optical fiber ferrule 21 abuts against the rear end of the clamping protrusion 113. It should be noted that when the ferrule assembly 2 is connected to another ferrule assembly, under the pressure applied by the other ferrule assembly, the spring 22 is compressed, and the convex ring 221 can no longer abut against the rear end of the clamping protrusion 113.

[0091] It can be understood that, in the process of inserting the ferrule assembly 2 from the front end of the front shell 11, the convex ring 221 drives the two clamping protrusions 113 away from each other. The design of the two first grooves 111 makes the shell wall where the two clamping protrusions 113 are located more likely to deform, so that the convex ring 221 can more easily drive the two clamping protrusions 113 away from each other and more easily complete the clamping.

[0092] In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the front end surface of the clamping protrusion 113 includes a second guide surface 1131. The distance between the two second guide surfaces 1131 gradually increases in the direction from front to back. The second guide surface 1131 is used to guide the convex ring 221 to pass over the clamping protrusion 113.

[0093] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 8, the front shell 11 includes two first side walls 1101, a first bottom wall 1102, and a first top wall 1103. The two first grooves 111 pass through the first bottom wall 1102 and the first top wall 1103, respectively. The two clamping protrusions 113 are located on the inner sides of the two first side walls 1101, respectively.

[0094] The clamping protrusion 113 and the abutting structure 114 described above achieve the limitation of the ferrule assembly 2 in the front-rear direction (or axial direction). In order to achieve the limitation of the ferrule assembly 2 in the circumferential direction, in some examples, as shown in FIG. 7, the outer wall of the convex ring 211 includes a plurality of recesses 212, and the recesses 212 pass through the convex ring 211 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the inner wall of the front shell 11 also includes a plurality of limiting protrusions 115 extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of limiting protrusions 115 respectively extend into the plurality of recesses 212. In this way, when the ferrule assembly 2 has a tendency to rotate, the plurality of limiting protrusions 115 abut against the side walls of the plurality of recesses 212 to prevent the ferrule assembly 2 from rotating.

[0095] In order to make the plurality of grooves 212 successfully abut the plurality of limiting protrusions 115 during the process of inserting the ferrule assembly 2 into the front shell 11 from the front end, in some examples, as shown in FIG. 9, the front end of the limiting protrusion 115 protrudes forward relative to the rear end of the clamping protrusion 113. In this way, it is convenient for the assembler to align the plurality of grooves 212 with the plurality of limiting protrusions 115 respectively during the process of inserting the ferrule assembly 2 into the front shell 11. It can be understood that if the plurality of grooves 212 are not aligned with the plurality of limiting protrusions 115 respectively, the clamping of the protruding ring 211 and the clamping protrusion 113 cannot be completed under the blocking action of the end of the limiting protrusion 115.

[0096] Further, in some examples, as shown in FIG. 9, the front end of the limiting protrusion 115 is flush or protrudes forward relative to the front end of the clamping protrusion 113. In this way, it is more convenient for the assembler to align the plurality of grooves 212 with the plurality of limiting protrusions 115 respectively during the process of inserting the ferrule assembly 2 into the front shell 11.

[0097] In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the limiting protrusion 115 is four. Two limiting protrusions 115 are distributed on one side of the two first grooves 111, and the other two limiting protrusions 115 are distributed on the other side of the two first grooves 111. Each clamping protrusion 113 is arranged between the two limiting protrusions 115.

[0098] Next, the fixing manner of the electrode 5 is exemplarily described. FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of the assembling process of the electrode 5 and the front shell 11. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 11, the first side wall 1101 of the front shell 11 includes a side wall body 11011, a clamping piece 11012 and a limiting protrusion 11013. The bottom end of the clamping piece 11012 is connected to the outer side of the side wall body 11011, and a slot 11014 is formed between the clamping piece 11012 and the side wall body 11011. The limiting protrusion 11013 is located behind the clamping piece 11012. The electrode 5 is inserted into the slot 11014 from top to bottom, and the electrode 5 includes a limiting hole 530, and the limiting protrusion 11013 extends into the limiting hole 530. In this way, the fixing of the electrode 5 on the front shell 11 is achieved.

[0099] In the related art, in order to avoid the cable from pressing the optical fiber, and to avoid the breakdown between the two conductors of the two cables when the cable is struck by lightning, resulting in damage to the equipment, it is necessary to increase the distance between the two cables or to isolate the two cables. In the related art, two cable channels and an optical fiber channel are generally provided on the rear shell, and the optical fiber channel is located between the two cable channels. The optical fiber passes through the optical fiber channel, and the two cables pass through the cable channels respectively, so as to achieve the isolation between the two cables and the isolation between the cable and the optical fiber.

[0100] However, in the process of assembling the connector, the assembler needs to align one end of the cable with the cable channel and push the cable through the cable channel, which is very inconvenient and affects the assembly efficiency of the connector.

[0101] Fig. 12 shows a schematic view of the rear shell 12, and Fig. 13 shows a schematic view of the connector hidden by the rear shell 4. As shown in Fig. 13, the two second side walls 1201 of the rear shell 12 are adjacent to the two first side walls 1101 of the front shell 11 respectively. As shown in Fig. 12, the two second side walls 1201 include second slots 121 which pass through the second side walls 1201 and have openings at the front ends of the second side walls 1201. As shown in Fig. 13, the cable 3 enters the rear shell 12 from the rear end of the rear shell 12. The optical fiber 31 of the cable 3 passes through the rear shell 12 and enters the ferrule assembly 2. The two cables 32 of the cable 3 pass through the two second slots 121 respectively and are connected to the two terminal parts 53 respectively. In this case, the front ends of the cables 32 are pushed away and the conductors 321 are exposed and connected to the terminal parts 53.

[0102] The technical scheme provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure simplifies the assembly process of the connector by opening the second slots 121 in the two second side walls 1201 of the rear shell 12 and providing the openings at the front ends of the second slots 121. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, the assembler first inserts the cable 3 into the rear shell 12 from the rear end of the rear shell 12. Then, the assembler separates the two cables 32 of the cable 3, and in the process of separating, the cable bodies of the two cables 32 pass through the openings of the two second slots 121 into the two second slots 121 respectively, and the distance between the two cables 32 is enlarged after being separated. After that, the assembler inserts the optical fiber 31 into the ferrule assembly 2, and connects the rear end of the front shell 11 to the front end of the rear shell 12. Then, the conductors 321 of the two cables 32 are connected to the two terminal parts 53 respectively, which is very simple and does not require the operation of aligning the cable with the channel.

[0103] In addition, since the two terminal parts 53 are located on the two first side walls 1101 of the front shell 11 respectively, the distance between the two terminal parts 53 is large, and then the distance between the two conductors 321 connected to the two terminal parts 53 is also large. After the distance between the two conductors 321 is enlarged, the possibility of the discharge breakdown of the conductors 321 to the air between the two conductors 321 is reduced. In addition, after the two cables 32 are connected to the two terminal parts 53 respectively, the two cables 32 will not retract into the interior of the rear shell 12 under the limitation of the two terminal parts 53, and then the cables 32 will not press the optical fiber 31, which improves the reliability of the optical fiber 31 in transmitting optical signals.

[0104] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 11, the side contact portion 51 is located at the first side wall 1101 of the front shell 11 and in front of the wiring portion 53. The wiring portion 53 is closer to the axis of the front shell 11 than the side contact portion 52. In this way, a gap for accommodating the conductors 321 of the cable 32 can be formed between the wiring portion 53 and the shell 4.

[0105] Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 11, the front shell 11 further comprises a raised portion 11015, which protrudes relative to the side wall column 11011 and abuts against the side contact portion 52.

[0106] FIG. 15 shows a front view of the front end of the rear shell 12. FIGS. 16, 18-20 show side views of several rear shells 12. As shown in FIG. 15, the inner wall of the rear shell 12 further comprises two groups of blocking ribs 122. The two groups of blocking ribs 122 are arranged between the two second grooves 121, and the blocking ribs 122 protrude relative to the side walls of the second grooves 121. As shown in FIGS. 16, 18-20, each group of blocking ribs 122 has a spacing 1220 between the rear end of the second groove 121. As shown in FIG. 14, the optical fiber 31 is located between the two groups of blocking ribs 122. The two cables 32 pass through the two spacings 1220 respectively and are located outside the two groups of blocking ribs 122. The blocking ribs 122 are used to block the movement of the two cables 32 towards the inside of the rear shell 12. Moreover, before the cables 32 are connected to the wiring portion 53, the two cables 32 are forced to be in an open state by the two groups of blocking ribs 122, which facilitates the subsequent fixed connection of the cables 32 to the wiring portion 53.

[0107] It should be noted that during the assembly of the connector, the assembler can apply force to the two cables 32 so that the two cables 32 respectively pass over the two groups of blocking ribs 122. After the assembler removes the external force, the cables 32 cannot automatically rebound to the inside of the rear shell 12 under the blocking action of the two groups of blocking ribs 122. As shown in FIG. 14, during the assembly of the connector, the cable 3 is first inserted into the rear shell 12 from the rear end of the rear shell 12, then the two cables 32 are separated and the cable bodies of the two cables 32 are respectively slid into the two second grooves 121 from the openings of the two second grooves 121 and slide along the blocking ribs 122 towards the rear end of the second grooves 121, until the cable bodies of the two cables 32 are respectively located in the two spacings 1220.

[0108] The arrangement of the two groups of blocking ribs 122 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, each group of blocking ribs 122 comprises two rows of blocking ribs 122, which respectively protrude relative to the two side walls of the second groove 121. The ratio of the spacing d2 between the two rows of blocking ribs 122 to the outer diameter D1 of the cable 32 is greater than 0.5 and less than 1. The groove width d1 of the second groove 121 is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the cable 32. D1 is the dimension of the cable 32 in the width direction of the second groove 121.

[0109] In this way, during assembly of the connector, the assembler pulls the two cables 32 apart, the two cables 32 contact the two rows of stop ribs 122 and can drive the two rows of stop ribs 122 to open, and the cables 32 themselves contract, so that the two cables 32 respectively pass over the two groups of stop ribs 122 and slide into the two intervals 1220. When the assembler does not exert an external force, because the spacing d2 between the two rows of stop ribs 122 is less than the outer diameter D1 of the cable 32, the cable 32 cannot move to the inside of the rear shell 12 beyond the two groups of stop ribs 122. It can be seen that, by setting the ratio of the spacing d2 between the two rows of stop ribs 122 to the outer diameter D1 of the cable 32 to be greater than 0.5 and less than 1, the two rows of stop ribs 122 not only achieve separation of the two cables 32, but also do not affect assembly of the connector.

[0110] In other examples, as shown in FIG. 20, each group of stop ribs 122 includes a row of stop ribs 122 protruding relative to one side wall of the second slot 121. The spacing d2 between the row of stop ribs 122 and the other side wall of the second slot 121 is greater than 0.5 and less than 1 times the outer diameter D1 of the cable 32. In this way, during assembly of the connector, the assembler pulls the two cables 32 apart, the two cables 32 can drive the stop ribs 122 and the side walls of the second slot 121 to open, and the cables 32 themselves contract, so that the two cables 32 respectively pass over the two groups of stop ribs 122 and slide into the two intervals 1220. When the assembler does not exert an external force, because the spacing d2 between the stop ribs 122 and the side walls of the second slot 121 is less than the outer diameter D1 of the cable 32, the cable 32 cannot move to the inside of the rear shell 12 beyond the two groups of stop ribs 122. It can be seen that the stop ribs 122 achieve separation of the two cables 32 and do not affect assembly of the connector.

[0111] In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 20, each row of stop ribs 122 includes one stop rib 122.

[0112] In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, each row of stop ribs 122 includes a plurality of stop ribs 122 arranged in intervals in the front-rear direction. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 18, the stop ribs 122 of different rows are opposite each other. In other examples, as shown in FIG. 19, the stop ribs 122 of different rows are staggered.

[0113] FIG. 17 shows a partial enlarged view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line frame in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 17, in order to improve the operation feel of the assembler, in some examples, the spacing between the two rows of stop ribs 122, or the spacing between the stop ribs 122 and the side walls of the second slot 121, gradually decreases in the direction from front to back.

[0114] In addition, in order to prevent the cable 3 from being hindered by the two groups of ribs 122 when the cable 3 penetrates into the rear shell 12 from the rear end of the rear shell 12, in some examples, as shown in FIG. 15, the spacing d3 between the two groups of ribs 122 is greater than the outer diameter D2 of the cable 3. Here, D2 is the dimension of the cable 3 along the arrangement direction of the two groups of ribs 122.

[0115] In addition to the technical solution of arranging the ribs 122 on the rear shell 12 to hinder the cables 32 from moving into the interior of the rear shell 12, in some examples, as shown in FIG. 21, the two first side walls 1101 of the front shell 11 include two rearwardly extending baffle plates 11010, which respectively protrude rearward relative to the two terminal portions 53 and respectively extend into the two second slots 121. In this way, after the two cables 32 are connected to the two terminal portions 53, the two baffle plates 11010 are arranged between the two cables 32 to hinder the two cables 32 from moving into the cavity of the rear shell 12. In addition, the two baffle plates 11010 can separate the two conductors 321, thereby avoiding short circuit of the conductors 321 due to air breakdown. In addition, the baffle plates 11010 are arranged on the front shell 11, so that the two cables 32 are not hindered when penetrating through the second slots 121 from inside to outside, and the two cables 32 can more conveniently penetrate through the two second slots 121.

[0116] Of course, in some examples, the baffle plates 11010 arranged on the front shell 11 and the ribs 122 arranged on the rear shell 12 can exist at the same time.

[0117] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 22, the two terminal portions 53 respectively extend into the two second slots 121. In this way, the terminal portions 53 are arranged in the space of the second slots 121 in the front-rear direction, which is beneficial to increase the length of the terminal portions 53 in the front-rear direction, improve the contact area of the terminal portions 53 with the conductors 321 of the cables 32, and further improve the reliability of the connection between the terminal portions 53 and the conductors 321. On the other hand, the terminal portions 53 extending into the second slots 121, or the first side walls 1101 abutting the terminal portions 53 arranged between the two conductors 321, can play a role in separating the two cables 32.

[0118] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 22, the two side walls of the terminal portion 53 respectively contact the two side walls of the second slot 121. In this way, the two side walls of the second slot 121 can also play a limiting role on the terminal portion 53, prevent the terminal portion 53 from being twisted, and improve the reliability of the fixation of the electrode 5.

[0119] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 22, the second slot 121 includes, in sequence from front to back, a first slot section 1211 and a second slot section 1212, the slot width of the first slot section 1211 is greater than that of the second slot section 1212, and the front end of the first slot section 1211 has an opening. The two wire connection portions 53 extend into the two first slot sections 1211 respectively, and the two side walls of the wire connection portion 53 are in contact with the two side walls of the first slot section 1211 respectively. By designing the second slot 121 to include two slot sections with different slot widths, on the one hand, it is convenient to widen the wire connection portion 53, and on the other hand, it can also avoid that the overall width of the second slot 121 is too large, causing the structural strength of the rear shell 12 to be too low.

[0120] In addition, since the slot width of the first slot section 1211 is greater than that of the second slot section 1212, it is also convenient for the cable body of the cable 32 to enter the first slot section 1211 when the two cables 32 are separated.

[0121] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 22, the blocking rib 122 is arranged opposite to the slot opening of the second slot section 1212 and is staggered with the slot opening of the first slot section 1211. In this way, interference between the blocking rib 122 and the wire connection portion 53 can be prevented. The blocking rib 122 and the wire connection portion 53 can have a gap therebetween. In the front-to-back direction, the blocking rib 122 and the wire connection portion 53 are at least partially opposite to each other.

[0122] In some examples, the rear end of the front shell 11 and the front end of the rear shell 12 are connected in a clamping manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, one of the rear end of the front shell 11 and the front end of the rear shell 12 is inserted into the other and clamped.

[0123] In some examples, since the two second side walls 1201 of the rear shell 12 include the second slot 121, and the second slot 121 has an opening at the front end of the rear shell 12. This makes the second bottom wall 1202 and the second top wall 1203 of the rear shell 12 more easily deformed, that is, more easily opened and closed. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the second clamping structure 123 can be arranged on the inner side of the second bottom wall 1202 and the second top wall 1203 of the rear shell 12, and the first clamping structure 116 can be arranged on the outer side of the first bottom wall 1102 and the first top wall 1103 of the front shell 11. The rear end of the front shell 11 is inserted into the front end of the rear shell 12, and the two second clamping structures 123 clamp the two first clamping structures 116 respectively, so as to realize the clamping of the front shell 11 and the rear shell 12.

[0124] In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the first clamping structure 116 is a clamping protrusion, and the second clamping structure 123 is a clamping hole. In some examples, the clamping hole penetrates the second bottom wall 1202 and the second top wall 1203.

[0125] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure makes full use of the characteristics that the second bottom wall 1202 and the second top wall 1203 of the rear shell 12 are easy to deform after the second grooves 121 are opened in the two second side walls 1201 of the rear shell 12, and realizes the clamping of the rear shell 12 and the front shell 11.

[0126] In addition, by arranging the first clamping structure 116 on the outer side of the first bottom wall 1102 and the first top wall 1103 of the front shell 11, the two first clamping structures 116 can drive the second bottom wall 1202 and the second top wall 1203 of the rear shell 12 to move away from each other during the connection of the front shell 11 and the rear shell 12, until the clamping is completed.

[0127] It can be understood that if the front end of the rear shell 12 is inserted into the rear end of the front shell 11, the first clamping structure 116 needs to be arranged on the inner side of the first bottom wall 1102 and the first top wall 1103 of the front shell 11. Then, during the connection of the front shell 11 and the rear shell 12, the two first clamping structures 116 can drive the second bottom wall 1202 and the second top wall 1203 of the rear shell 12 to move close to each other, until the clamping is completed. This makes the second bottom wall 1202 and the second top wall 1203 drive the two side walls of the second groove 121 to move towards each other, which may interfere with the cable 32 and the wiring part 53, and is not conducive to the size design of each part.

[0128] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 25, the inner shell 1 (such as the rear shell 12) includes at least one window 124. The window 124 penetrates the second bottom wall 1202 or the second top wall 1203 of the rear shell 12 and is arranged opposite to the optical fiber 31. In this way, when assembling the connector (fiber optic connector or optical-electric composite connector), the assembler can observe the bending condition of the optical fiber 31 inside the rear shell 12 through the window 124, and make corresponding adjustments when the optical fiber 31 is bent seriously, thereby improving the reliability of the assembled connector.

[0129] In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 12, the second top wall 1203 and the second bottom wall 1202 of the rear shell 12 further include two injection holes 125, and the two injection holes 125 communicate with the two intervals 1220. The injection hole 125 is used for the mold to pass through to form the interval 1220.

[0130] As the injection holes 125 occupy part of the area of the second top wall 1203 and the second bottom wall 1202, as shown in FIG. 25, the window 124 includes a first section 1241 and a second section 1242 from front to back, and the width of the first section 1241 is greater than that of the second section 1242. The width direction is the same as the arrangement direction of the two second side walls 1201. The second section 1242 is at least partially located between the two injection holes 125. In this way, on the one hand, the length of the window 124 is relatively long, which is convenient for the assembler to observe the optical fiber 31. On the other hand, the window 124 does not hinder the arrangement of the injection holes 125, which is conducive to the injection molding of the rear shell 12.

[0131] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 12, the second bottom wall 1202 and the second top wall 1203 each include a window 124.

[0132] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 25, the rear end of the rear shell 12 includes a dispensing window 126. By dispensing glue at the dispensing window 126, the cable 3 and the rear shell 12 can be reliably fixed.

[0133] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to explain the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure should be understood as the common meanings of the technical terms or scientific terms understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. The above description is only optional embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the principles of the present disclosure should be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A connector characterized by comprising: The connector comprises an inner shell (1), a ferrule assembly (2) and an outer shell (4); The inner shell (1) comprises two first slots (111) respectively penetrating through two opposite walls of the inner shell (1), and the two first slots (111) have openings at the front end of the inner shell (1); The ferrule assembly (2) is located inside the inner shell (1) and protrudes from the front end of the inner shell (1), and the ferrule assembly (2) is used for connecting the optical fiber (31) of the cable (3); The outer shell (4) is sleeved outside the inner shell (1).

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein The inner wall of the outer shell (4) comprises at least one protrusion (43) extending into the first slot (111); The outer shell (4) is connected with the inner shell (1) in the front-rear direction, and the outer shell (4) can expose the opening of the first slot (111) by sliding backward.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The inner shell (1) comprises a front shell (11) and a rear shell (12), and the rear end of the front shell (11) is connected with the front end of the rear shell (12); The two first slots (111) respectively penetrate through two opposite walls of the front shell (11); The ferrule assembly (2) is located inside the front shell (11).

4. The connector of claim 3, wherein The front shell (11) comprises two clamping protrusions (113) and an abutting structure (114); The two clamping protrusions (113) are located on both sides of the first slot (111), and the rear end of the first slot (111) is located behind the clamping protrusions (113), and the abutting structure (114) is located behind the clamping protrusions (113); The ferrule assembly (2) is limited between the two clamping protrusions (113) and the abutting structure (114).

5. The connector of claim 4, wherein, The ferrule assembly (2) comprises an optical fiber ferrule (21) and a spring (22), the outer wall of the optical fiber ferrule (21) comprises a protruding ring (211), and the spring (22) is sleeved around the optical fiber ferrule (21); The rear end of the spring (22) abuts against the front end of the abutting structure (114), and the protruding ring (211) abuts against the rear end of the two clamping protrusions (113).

6. The connector of claim 5, wherein, The outer wall of the protruding ring (211) comprises a plurality of grooves (212) penetrating through the protruding ring (211) in the front-rear direction; The inner wall of the front shell (11) further comprises a plurality of limiting protrusions (115) extending in the front-rear direction, and the front end of the limiting protrusion (115) protrudes forward relative to the rear end of the clamping protrusion (113); The plurality of limiting protrusions (115) respectively extend into the plurality of grooves (212).

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein The front end of the limiting protrusion (115) is flush with or protrudes forward relative to the front end of the clamping protrusion (113).

8. The connector of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The connector further comprises two electrodes (5) fixed to the outer wall of the inner shell (1), and the two electrodes (5) are used for connecting two cables (32) of the cable (3); The outer shell (4) comprises an opening for exposing the contact part of the electrode (5).

9. The connector of claim 8, wherein, The two first slots (111) respectively pass through the bottom wall or the top wall of the inner shell (1); The contact part of the electrode (5) comprises side contact parts (51) and top contact parts (52), the two side contact parts (51) are respectively located on the two side walls of the inner shell (1), and the two top contact parts (52) are located on the top wall of the inner shell (1) and are arranged on both sides of the first slot (111) of the top wall of the inner shell (1); The opening of the outer shell (4) comprises two side openings (41) and two top openings (42), the two side openings (41) respectively expose the two side contact parts (51), and the two top openings (42) respectively expose the two top contact parts (52).

10. The connector of claim 9, wherein, The top wall of the inner shell (1) comprises two protrusions (112), the two protrusions (112) are respectively located on the front side of the two top contact parts (52) and are respectively located in the two top openings (42).

11. The connector of claim 10, wherein, The front end of the protrusion (112) comprises a first guide surface (1121), which gradually extends backward along the protruding direction of the protrusion (112).

12. The connector of any one of claims 8-11, wherein, The inner shell (1) comprises a front shell (11) and a rear shell (12), the rear end of the front shell (11) is connected with the front end of the rear shell (12); The wiring part (53) of the two electrodes (5) is located on the two first side walls (1101) of the front shell (11); The two second side walls (1201) of the rear shell (12) comprise a second slot (121), the second slot (121) passes through the second side wall (1201) and has an opening at the front end of the second side wall (1201); Wherein, the two second slots (121) are respectively used for the two cables (32) to pass through, and the two wiring parts (53) are respectively used for connecting with the two cables (32).

13. The connector of claim 12, wherein, The inner wall of the rear shell (12) further comprises two groups of blocking ribs (122), the two groups of blocking ribs (122) are arranged between the two second slots (121), the blocking rib (122) is protruded relative to the side wall of the second slot (121), and each group of blocking ribs (122) has a spacing (1220) between the rear end of the second slot (121); The space between the two groups of blocking ribs (122) is used for accommodating the optical fiber (31); The two spacings (1220) are respectively used for the two cables (32) to pass through, and the two groups of blocking ribs (122) are arranged between the two cables (32).

14. The connector of claim 13, wherein, Each group of blocking ribs (122) comprises two rows of blocking ribs (122), the two rows of blocking ribs (122) are respectively protruded relative to the two side walls of the second slot (121), and the ratio of the spacing between the two rows of blocking ribs (122) to the outer diameter of the cable (32) is greater than 0.5 and less than 1.

15. The connector of claim 13, wherein, Each group of the retaining ribs (122) comprises a row of retaining ribs (122) protruding relative to one side wall of the second slot (121), and the spacing between the row of retaining ribs (122) and the other side wall of the second slot (121) is greater than 0.5 times and less than 1 times the outer diameter of the cable (32).

16. The connector of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The spacing gradually decreases along the front-to-back direction.

17. The connector of any one of claims 13-16, wherein, The spacing between the two groups of retaining ribs (122) is greater than the outer diameter of the cable (3).

18. The connector of any one of claims 12-17, wherein, The two first side walls (1101) of the front shell (11) comprise two retaining plates (11010) respectively protruding rearward relative to the two wire connection portions (53). The two retaining plates (11010) respectively extend into the two second slots (121).

19. The connector of any of claims 12-18, wherein, The two wire connection portions (53) respectively extend into the two second slots (121).

20. The connector of claim 19, wherein, The two side walls of the wire connection portion (53) respectively contact the two side walls of the second slot (121).

21. The connector of claim 20, wherein, The second slot (121) comprises a first slot section (1211) and a second slot section (1212) in sequence along the front-to-back direction, the slot width of the first slot section (1211) is greater than that of the second slot section (1212), and the front end of the first slot section (1211) has an opening. The two wire connection portions (53) respectively extend into the two first slot sections (1211), and the two side walls of the wire connection portion (53) respectively contact the two side walls of the first slot section (1211).

22. The connector of any one of claims 12-21, wherein, The outer side of the first bottom wall (1102) and the first top wall (1103) of the front shell (11) comprises a first clamping structure (116). The inner side of the second bottom wall (1202) and the second top wall (1203) of the rear shell (12) comprises a second clamping structure (123). The rear end of the front shell (11) is inserted into the front end of the rear shell (12), and the two first clamping structures (116) respectively clamps the two second clamping structures (123).

23. The connector of any of claims 12-22, wherein, The contact portion of the electrode (5) at least comprises a side contact portion (51) located at the first side wall (1101) of the front shell (11) and in front of the wire connection portion (53). The wire connection portion (53) is close to the axis of the front shell (11) relative to the side contact portion (52), and the wire connection portion (53) and the outer shell (4) form a gap for accommodating the conductor (321) of the cable (32).

24. The connector of any one of claims 8-23, wherein, The side wall of the inner shell (1) comprises a side wall body (11011), a clamping piece (11012) and a limiting protrusion (11013). The bottom end of the clamping piece (11012) is connected to the outer side of the side wall body (11011), and the clamping piece (11012) and the side wall body (11011) form a slot (11014), and the limiting protrusion (11013) is located on the outer surface of the side wall body (11011) and rearward of the clamping piece (11012). The electrode (5) is inserted into the slot (11014), and a wiring portion (53) of the electrode (5) comprises a limiting hole (530), and the limiting protrusion (11013) extends into the limiting hole (530).

25. The connector of any one of claims 1-24, wherein, The inner shell (1) comprises at least one window (124) penetrating through a bottom wall or a top wall of the inner shell (1).

26. The connector of any one of claims 13-17, wherein, The second bottom wall (1202) and the second top wall (1203) of the rear shell (12) each comprise two injection holes (125) respectively communicating with the two intervals (1220). The rear shell (12) comprises at least one window (124) penetrating through a second bottom wall (1202) or a second top wall (1203) of the rear shell (12). In a front-to-back direction, the window (124) comprises a first section (1241) and a second section (1242) in sequence, the first section (1241) has a width greater than that of the second section (1242), and at least a part of the second section (1242) is located between the two injection holes (125).

27. A connector assembly comprising: The connector assembly comprises a cable (3) and the connector according to any one of claims 1-26. The cable (3) penetrates into the inner shell (1) from a rear end of the inner shell (1) of the connector, and an optical fiber (31) of the cable (3) penetrates into an interior of the ferrule assembly (2) of the connector.

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