Optical fiber connector, optical fiber cable assembly, and optical fiber connection system

Abstract

The present application relates to an optical fiber connector. The optical fiber connector comprises a ferrule assembly and a connector housing. The ferrule assembly is arranged in a head area of the connector housing. The optical fiber connector comprises an internal channel axially passing through the optical fiber connector. The internal channel is configured for an optical fiber to extend through the optical fiber connector. The connector housing comprises an elastic snap-fit structure. The snap-fit structure can move from an initial state to a deformed state inwardly biased relative to the initial state, and can move from the deformed state to the initial state under the action of an elastic restoring force. The snap-fit structure is provided with locking protrusions protruding outwardly. The present application further relates to an optical fiber cable assembly and an optical fiber connection system.

Description

Fiber optic connectors, fiber optic cable assemblies, and fiber optic connection systems

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422509326.9, filed on October 16, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to a fiber optic connector, a fiber optic cable assembly, and a fiber optic connection system. Background Technology

[0003] With the increasing prevalence of fiber optic communication systems, these systems can efficiently transmit large amounts of data over long distances using fiber optic cable networks. Fiber optic connectors play a crucial role in most fiber optic communication systems, enabling rapid optical connections between two optical fibers without the need for splicing. For example, by mating two fiber optic connectors together, two segments of fiber optic cable can be optically interconnected. Furthermore, fiber optic connectors can also connect fiber optic cables to other devices such as lasers, receivers, or beam splitters. Common types of fiber optic connectors include SC, LC, ST, and MTP / MPO.

[0004] There are various types of fiber optic connectors available today, and in practice, there may be a need to interconnect fiber optic cables equipped with one type of fiber optic connector with incompatible optical connection devices. This requires appropriate conversion devices, such as fiber optic adapters or fiber optic connectors. Fiber optic adapters can convert fiber optic connectors to another type, while fiber optic connectors can be used to interconnect fiber optic connectors of the same or different types.

[0005] Given the diverse applications of fiber optic cables, it is important to achieve flexible interconnection between fiber optic cables and compatible devices, such as device connection ports, fiber optic adapters, or fiber optic connectors. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this application is to provide a fiber optic connector, a fiber optic cable assembly, and a fiber optic connection system, which overcome at least some of the deficiencies in the prior art. In particular, the fiber optic connector, the fiber optic cable assembly, and the fiber optic connection system enable flexible interconnection of fiber optic cables.

[0007] The first aspect of this application relates to an optical fiber connector. The optical fiber connector includes a ferrule assembly and a connector housing, the ferrule assembly being disposed in a head region of the connector housing. The optical fiber connector includes an axially extending internal channel configured for an optical fiber to extend through the connector. The connector housing includes a resilient snap-fit ​​structure capable of moving from an initial state to a deformed state offset inward relative to the initial state, and capable of moving from the deformed state back to the initial state under the action of a restoring elastic force. The snap-fit ​​structure has an outwardly protruding locking protrusion.

[0008] The fiber optic connector according to this application can be easily connected to mating devices, such as fiber optic connection ports, fiber optic adapters, dust covers, and fiber optic adapters, by means of a flexible snap-fit ​​structure, so as to realize flexible interconnection of fiber optic cables and facilitate the use of fiber optic cables in diverse application scenarios.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the latching structure includes a first segment extending in an axial direction and a second segment extending in a circumferential direction from the first segment, wherein the latching protrusion is constructed in a region of the second segment away from the first segment.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the first segment and the second segment are constructed in a plate-like shape.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the locking protrusion includes a first guide slope that rises along a first direction, the first direction pointing from the head of the fiber optic connector to the tail of the fiber optic connector.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, viewed along a first direction, the locking protrusion sequentially includes a top connected to a first guide slope and a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion forms a locking action surface.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the locking protrusion includes an unlocking slope that descends in the circumferential direction.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the connector housing includes two snap-fit ​​structures, which are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the fiber optic connector.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, the connector housing includes a connector body having the internal channel and a retaining ring having the snap-fit ​​structure, the retaining ring being fitted onto the connector body.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the retaining ring includes an annular base, and the snap-fit ​​structure is connected to the base.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, the connector body includes a positioning rib extending in the axial direction on its outer wall, and the retaining ring includes a positioning groove corresponding to the positioning rib on its inner wall. The positioning rib and the positioning groove cooperate to define the relative position of the retaining ring and the connector body in the circumferential direction.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this application, the connector body includes a recess extending in a circumferential direction on its outer wall. When the retaining ring is fitted onto the connector body, a second section of the snap-fit ​​structure is located in the region of the recess, and the recess forms a space for the second section of the snap-fit ​​structure to move.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this application, the snap-fit ​​structure includes a retaining protrusion located on the inner wall of the second section, wherein when the retaining ring is fitted onto the connector body, the retaining protrusion cooperates with the recess to define the relative position of the retaining ring and the connector body in the axial direction.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this application, the retaining protrusion transitions along a second direction to the inner wall of the second section by means of a second guide slope, the second direction pointing from the tail of the fiber optic connector to the head of the fiber optic connector.

[0021] According to one embodiment of this application, the retaining protrusion is located at a position corresponding to the locking protrusion.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this application, the fiber optic connector includes at least one annular groove located between the snap-fit ​​structure and the head of the fiber optic connector, and a sealing ring is disposed in the annular groove.

[0023] According to one embodiment of this application, the ferrule assembly includes a ferrule, a spring, and a ferrule housing, wherein the ferrule abuts against the ferrule housing via the spring and extends from the front end of the ferrule housing.

[0024] According to one embodiment of this application, the ferrule housing includes a connecting groove configured in its tail region, and the connector housing includes a connecting key configured in its head region, the ferrule housing being mounted on the connector housing such that the connecting key is engaged with the connecting groove.

[0025] According to one embodiment of this application, the connecting key and the connecting groove extend in the axial direction.

[0026] According to one embodiment of this application, the ferrule housing has chamfers extending from its front end to its rear end.

[0027] According to one embodiment of this application, the ferrule housing has a rectangular outer cross-section at least in its front region, and the chamfering is formed on at least one edge of the ferrule housing.

[0028] According to one embodiment of this application, the chamfer extends over a portion of the length of the ferrule housing.

[0029] According to one embodiment of this application, when the ferrule housing is mounted on the connector housing, the outer surface of the ferrule housing and the outer surface of the connector housing are smoothly connected to each other in at least a portion of the area.

[0030] According to one embodiment of this application, when the ferrule housing is mounted on the connector housing, the outer surface of the ferrule housing and the outer surface of the connector housing are smoothly connected to each other, except for the areas of the connecting key and the connecting slot.

[0031] According to one embodiment of this application, the fiber optic connector includes a fiber optic cable fastener.

[0032] The second aspect of this application relates to an optical fiber cable assembly, the optical fiber cable assembly including an optical fiber cable and an optical fiber connector according to the first aspect of this application.

[0033] According to one embodiment of this application, the fiber optic cable assembly includes a tail sleeve. The tail sleeve can be fitted onto the fiber optic cable and the fiber optic connector in the area where the fiber optic cable extends from the tail end of the fiber optic connector.

[0034] The third aspect of this application relates to an optical fiber connection system comprising an optical fiber connector according to the first aspect of this application or an optical fiber cable assembly according to the second aspect of this application, and a mating device including a receiving portion capable of detachably receiving the optical fiber connector, the mating device including at least one of an optical fiber adapter, a dust cover, and an optical fiber adapter.

[0035] According to one embodiment of this application, the fiber optic adapter is a fiber optic adapter for SC connectors, Huawei connectors, OptiTAP connectors, or DLX connectors.

[0036] According to one embodiment of this application, the mating device includes a recessed portion communicating with the receiving portion, and the locking protrusion of the fiber optic connector can be inserted into the recessed portion, thereby locking the mating device and the fiber optic connector together.

[0037] According to one embodiment of this application, the void portion is a blind hole constructed on the mating device.

[0038] According to one embodiment of this application, the void is a through hole constructed on the mating device, through which the locking protrusion fitted in the void can be applied from the outside of the mating device.

[0039] According to one embodiment of this application, the receiving portion includes a segment for defining the relative orientation of the fiber optic connector with respect to the mating device in the circumferential direction, the shape of the segment matching the shape of a corresponding segment of the fiber optic connector.

[0040] Other features and advantages of the subject matter of this application will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the subject matter of this application. The advantages of the subject matter of this application will be realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0041] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject matter technology of the claimed application. Attached Figure Description

[0042] A better understanding of various aspects of this application will be achieved by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an optical fiber cable assembly according to one embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 schematically shows an exploded view of the fiber optic cable assembly of Figure 1;

[0045] Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of the fiber optic cable assembly of Figure 1;

[0046] Figure 4 schematically shows different optical cable fasteners for the optical fiber cable assembly of Figure 1;

[0047] Figure 5 schematically shows an exploded view of the connector housing of an optical fiber connector according to one embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the connector housing of Figure 5;

[0049] Figure 7 schematically shows a perspective view of the connector housing of Figure 5;

[0050] Figures 8 to 10 schematically illustrate the retaining ring of the connector housing in Figure 5 from different perspectives;

[0051] Figure 11 schematically illustrates an optical fiber connection system according to one embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 12 schematically shows a partial cross-sectional view of an optical fiber connection system according to one embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 13 schematically shows the ferrule housing of the fiber optic cable assembly of Figure 1;

[0054] Figure 14 schematically illustrates the components of a mating device for an optical fiber connection system according to one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present application. However, it should be understood that the present application can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure of the present application more complete and to fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present application. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide more additional embodiments.

[0056] It should be understood that the same reference numerals denote the same elements in all the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the dimensions of certain features may be modified in the drawings.

[0057] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application. All terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0058] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this specification include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term “and / or” used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. The terms “between X and Y” and “between approximately X and Y” used in this specification should be interpreted as including both X and Y. The term “between approximately X and Y” used in this specification means “between approximately X and approximately Y,” and the term “from approximately X to Y” used in this specification means “from approximately X to approximately Y.”

[0059] In the specification, when an element is described as being "on," "attached," "connected," "coupled," or "in contact" with another element, the element can be directly located on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, or in contact with the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly" located on, directly attached to, directly connected to, directly coupled to, or directly in contact with another element, no intermediate elements are present. In the specification, the description of a feature being arranged "adjacent" to another feature can mean that a feature has a portion overlapping with the adjacent feature or a portion located above or below the adjacent feature.

[0060] In the specification, spatial relation terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "high," and "low" describe the relationship between one feature and another in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatial relation terms include not only the orientation shown in the drawings but also the different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, when the device in the drawings is inverted, a feature previously described as "below" other features can now be described as "above" other features. The device can also be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), in which case the relative spatial relationships will be explained accordingly.

[0061] The exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an optical fiber cable assembly 1 according to one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the optical fiber cable assembly 1 may include an optical fiber cable 2 and an optical fiber connector 3 mounted on the optical fiber cable 2. The optical fiber connector 3 can be used to mate the optical fiber cable 2 with another optical fiber cable or optical fiber segment to establish an optical connection between the optical fiber cable 2 and another optical fiber cable or optical fiber segment. The optical fiber connector 3 can also be used to connect the optical fiber cable 2 to other devices, such as lasers, receivers, or beam splitters.

[0063] The fiber optic connector 3 may include a ferrule assembly 4 and a connector housing 5, with the ferrule assembly 4 disposed in the head region of the connector housing 5. The fiber optic connector 3 may include an axially extending internal channel configured to allow the fiber optic cable 2 to extend through the connector 3. Furthermore, the fiber optic connector 3 may include a cable retainer 6 (see Figures 2 and 4) if necessary. When mounting the fiber optic connector 3 onto the fiber optic cable 2, the fiber optic cable 2 may be passed sequentially through the tail sleeve 9, the cable retainer 6, the connector housing 5, and the ferrule assembly 4. After inserting and securing the fiber optic cable 2 to the ferrule assembly 4, the ferrule assembly 4, the connector housing 5, and the cable retainer 6 can be connected and assembled to each other, as will be described in detail below with reference to the specific structures of the components of the fiber optic connector 3. Finally, the tail sleeve 9 may be pushed onto the fiber optic connector 3 after sealing the fiber optic cable 2 and the fiber optic connector 3 with heat shrink tubing in the tail region of the fiber optic connector 3 if necessary, thereby obtaining the fiber optic cable assembly 1 as shown in Figure 1.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, to adapt to different fiber optic cables 2, the fiber optic connector 3 may have a cable fastener 6 that matches the fiber optic cable 2 to be used. The fiber optic cable 2 to be used may be, for example, a 5mm round cable, a 3mm round cable, a 2mm×3mm / 2mm×5mm butterfly cable (e.g., a butterfly cable with metal reinforcement), a 4mm×7mm flat cable, a 4mm×8mm flat cable, a 6mm armored round cable, etc. Figure 4 exemplarily shows a first fiber optic cable 21 in the form of a 3mm round cable and a second fiber optic cable 22 in the form of a 4×7mm flat cable, along with the first cable fastener 61 and the second cable fastener 62 respectively matched with them.

[0065] The first optical cable fastener 61 and the second optical cable fastener 62 may each have a base 63 and an extension 64 extending forward from the base 63, with a radial dimension decreasing relative to the base 63. Here, the base 63 of the first and second optical cable fasteners 61 and 62 may have the same outer circumferential dimension, which can be set such that when the extension 64 is pushed into the tail of the connector housing 5, the base 63 can abut against the tail end 51 of the connector housing 5. For this purpose, the base 63 may have an outer diameter at least equal to, and preferably slightly larger than, the tail end 51 of the connector housing 5. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the connector housing 5 has a necked-off portion in the tail region, into which the base 63 can be pushed and abut against said necked-off portion.

[0066] As can be seen from Figure 4, the first optical cable fixing member 61 has a through hole 64 that matches the cross-section of the first optical fiber cable 21, and the second optical cable fixing member 62 has a through hole 64 that matches the cross-section of the second optical fiber cable 22. Thus, the first optical fiber cable 21 can pass through the first optical cable fixing member 61 without any problems, and the second optical fiber cable 22 can pass through the second optical cable fixing member 62 without any problems.

[0067] To retain the optical cable fastener 6 on the connector housing 5, the optical cable fastener 6 may include locking hooks 65, specifically two radially opposed locking hooks 65. The connector housing 5 may have mating holes 52 on the side wall of the tail region corresponding to the locking hooks 65. When the extension 64 is pushed into the tail of the connector housing 5, the locking hooks 65 can engage with the corresponding mating holes 52, thereby positioning and retaining the optical cable fastener 6 (and thus the optical fiber cable 2) on the connector housing 5.

[0068] In addition, the connector housing 5 may include a glue injection hole 53. Adhesive can be injected into the connector housing 5 through the glue injection hole 53.

[0069] As can be most clearly seen in Figure 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the ferrule assembly 4 may include a ferrule 41, a spring 42, and a ferrule housing 43. The ferrule 41 is particularly a ceramic ferrule and may have a suitable ferrule end face structure, such as PC, APC, UPC, etc. The ferrule 41 may have a fiber optic port for the optical fiber of the fiber optic cable 2 to pass through. The ferrule 41 may be mostly located within the ferrule housing 43, while the front end of the ferrule 41 may extend from the front end of the ferrule housing 43 (see Figure 3). One end of the spring 42 may be supported on the connector housing 5, and the other end of the spring 42 may be supported on the ferrule 41, thereby enabling the ferrule 41 to be pressed against the ferrule housing 43 by means of the spring 42.

[0070] To hold the ferrule assembly 4 on the connector housing 5, the ferrule housing 43 may include a connecting groove 431 (see FIG. 13) configured in its tail region, and the connector housing 5 may include a connecting key 54 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) configured in its head region. Both the connecting key 54 and the connecting groove 431 may extend axially. As shown in FIG. 3, the ferrule housing 43 can be mounted on the connector housing 5 such that the connecting key 54 is engaged with the connecting groove 431. A key-slot pair consisting of only one connecting groove 431 and one connecting key 54 may be constructed, or multiple key-slot pairs consisting of a corresponding connecting groove 431 and a corresponding connecting key 54 may be constructed. Advantageously, a key-slot pair may be provided on each of the opposite sides.

[0071] As can be most clearly seen in Figure 3, when the ferrule housing 43 is mounted on the connector housing 5, the outer surface of the ferrule housing 43 can smoothly connect and transition with the outer surface of the connector housing 5 at least in a partial area, preferably over the entire periphery. In other embodiments, when the ferrule housing 43 is mounted on the connector housing 5, the connecting key 54 can protrude from the ferrule housing 43. Here, except for the area where the connecting key 54 and the connecting groove 431 interlock, the outer surface of the ferrule housing 43 can smoothly connect and transition with the outer surface of the connector housing 5.

[0072] In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 7, the connector housing 5 may include a connector body 8 having an internal channel 81 for optical fiber extension through which it passes (see Figures 6 and 7) and a retaining ring 7. The retaining ring 7 may be fitted onto the connector body 8. Here, the entire axial length of the connector housing 5 may be defined by the connector body 8. Thus, the previously described fiber optic cable retainer 6 may be held in the connector body 8 in the tail region of the connector body 8, while the previously described ferrule assembly 4 may be held in the connector body 8 in the head region of the connector body 8. The retaining ring 7 may be fitted onto the connector body 8 in the middle region of the connector body 8 (i.e., the region between the head region and the tail region of the connector body 8) and thus be located between the ferrule assembly 4 and the fiber optic cable retainer 6 in the assembled state of the fiber optic connector 3.

[0073] To facilitate the connection between the fiber optic connector 3 and mating devices, such as fiber optic connection ports, fiber optic adapters, dust covers, and fiber optic adapters, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the connector housing 5, particularly the retaining ring 7, may include a resilient snap-fit ​​structure 71. The snap-fit ​​structure 71 can move from an initial state to a deformed state offset inward relative to the initial state (i.e., towards the internal channel of the fiber optic connector 3 or the central axis of the connector housing 5), and can move from the deformed state back to the initial state under the action of a restoring force. The snap-fit ​​structure 71 may have a locking protrusion 72 protruding outward (i.e., away from the internal channel of the fiber optic connector 3 or the central axis of the connector housing 5). For example, when the fiber optic connector 3 is inserted into a corresponding receiving portion of the mating device for receiving the fiber optic connector 3, the locking protrusion 72 can engage with a corresponding empty portion of the mating device, thereby locking the mating device and the fiber optic connector together. The specific structure of the mating device will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 12.

[0074] Specifically, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, the retaining ring 7 may include an annular base 70, and a snap-fit ​​structure 71 may be forwardly connected to the base 70. The snap-fit ​​structure 71 may include a first segment 711 extending elongated in the axial direction (basically from the base 70) and a second segment 712 extending elongated in the circumferential direction from the first segment 711. A locking protrusion 72 may be constructed in the region of the second segment 712 away from the first segment 711. Here, due to the elasticity of the material of the retaining ring 7 itself, the second segment 712 can function as an elastic arm. Specifically, for example, when an inward force is applied to the region of the second segment 712 away from the first segment 711, particularly to the locking protrusion 72, the second segment 712 can be substantially biased and deformed inward under the force about the first segment 711 (particularly the transition region 713 between the second segment 712 and the first segment 711) as an axis, and move from the deformed state toward the initial state shown in the figure due to its own elasticity when the force is removed. Advantageously, the first segment 711 and the second segment 712 can be constructed as plates or thin-walled, which helps to give the snap-fit ​​structure 71 the required elasticity. Here, "thin-walled" can be understood in particular as the thickness of the first segment 711 and the second segment 712 being significantly smaller than their planar extension dimensions.

[0075] Referring to Figures 6, 8, and 10, the locking protrusion 72 may include a first guide slope 721 that rises along a first direction R1. Here, the first direction R1 points from the head of the fiber optic connector 3 to the tail of the fiber optic connector. It is understood that when connecting the fiber optic connector 3 to a mating device, such as a fiber optic connection port, fiber optic adapter, dust cover, fiber optic adapter, etc., the mating device generally moves relative to the fiber optic connector 3 along the first direction R1. As shown in Figure 12, the mating device 100 may include a receiving portion 101 for receiving the fiber optic connector 3 as described above, and the fiber optic connector 3 may be at least partially received in the receiving portion 101. In addition, the mating device 100 may include a recess 102 communicating with the receiving portion 101, and the recess 102 may be disposed in the inner wall of the mating device 100. The recess 102 may be constructed as a through hole (penetrating the side wall 103 of the mating device 100) as shown. The recess 102 may also be constructed as a blind hole (not penetrating the side wall 103 of the mating device 100). When the fiber optic connector 3 is pushed into the receiving portion 101 of the mating device 100, the first guide slope 721 can first contact the mating device 100. The force applied by the mating device 100 to the first guide slope 721 can cause the locking structure 71, especially the second section 712, along with the locking protrusion 72, to be biased inward as the mating device 100 moves along the first direction R1, thereby allowing the locking structure 71 to enter the receiving portion 101 of the mating device 100. As the mating device 100 continues to move along the first direction R1, the locking protrusion 72 can be engaged in the empty portion 102 due to the outward rebound of the second section 712, thereby locking the fiber optic connector 3 and the mating device 100 together.

[0076] As can be most clearly seen in Figures 6 and 12, viewed along the first direction R1, the locking protrusion 72 may include a top 722 connected to the first guide slope 721. The top 722 forms the highest point of the locking protrusion 72, having the furthest radial distance relative to the longitudinal axis of the fiber optic connector 3. The locking protrusion 72 may also include a stepped portion 723 connected to the top 722 along the first direction R1. The top 722 may descend along the first direction R1 via the stepped portion 723 and connect to the outer surface of the second segment 712. The stepped portion 723 may form a locking action surface, which, when the locking protrusion 72 is engaged in the recess 102, engages with the locking action surface 104 of the recess 102 of the mating device 100 to prevent the fiber optic connector 3 from being pulled out of the mating device 100 along the first direction R1.

[0077] As can be most clearly seen in Figure 12, the outer diameter of the base 70 of the retaining ring 7 can advantageously be larger than the outer diameters of the first segment 711 and the second segment 712. Furthermore, the distance between the forward-facing annular surface 74 of the base 70 of the retaining ring 7 and the stepped portion 723 can be adapted to the distance between the tail end 105 of the mating device 100 and the locking mating surface 104, such that after the locking protrusion 72 engages in the recess 102, the annular surface 74 of the base 70 prevents the mating device 100 from continuing to move relative to the fiber optic connector 3 along the first direction R1.

[0078] To unlock the fiber optic connector 3 and mating device 100, in some embodiments, as most clearly seen in Figures 7 to 9, the locking protrusion 72 may include an unlocking ramp 724 that descends circumferentially. The top surface 722 of the locking protrusion 72 can smoothly transition into the outer surface of the second segment 712 via the unlocking ramp 724. In the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking ramp 724 descends from the free end of the second segment 712 toward the first region 711. Naturally, an unlocking ramp located on the other side of the top surface 722 in the circumferential direction and thus descending from the first region 711 toward the free end of the second segment 712 is also feasible. By rotating the fiber optic connector 3 or mating device 100 in the corresponding direction, the locking protrusion 72 can be disengaged from the recess 102, thereby unlocking the fiber optic connector 3 and mating device 100. In other embodiments, when the empty portion 102 is configured as a through hole penetrating the side wall 103 of the mating device 100, the locking protrusion 72 embedded in the empty portion 102 can also be applied from the outside of the mating device 100 (e.g., with the aid of a tool or finger) to cause the second section 712 to elastically deform inward, thereby disengaging the locking protrusion 72 from the empty portion 102.

[0079] Advantageously, the connector housing 5, particularly the retaining ring 7, may include two snap-fit ​​structures 71 that are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the fiber optic connector 3. Alternatively, the retaining ring 7 as a whole may be rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the fiber optic connector 3.

[0080] To define the relative position of the retaining ring 7 and the connector body 8, the connector body may include axially extending positioning ribs 85 on its outer wall (see Figure 5), and the retaining ring 7 may include positioning grooves 75 corresponding to the positioning ribs 85 on its inner wall, particularly on the inner wall of the base 70 (see Figure 9). The positioning ribs 85 and the positioning grooves 75 can cooperate to define the relative position of the retaining ring 7 and the connector body 8 in the circumferential direction. The positioning ribs 85 may have a rounded or pointed end facing the tail of the connector body 8 to facilitate insertion of the positioning ribs 85 into the positioning grooves 75.

[0081] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connector body 8 may include a recess 82 extending circumferentially on its outer wall. With the retaining ring 7 fitted onto the connector body 8, the second segment 712 of the snap-fit ​​structure 71 may be substantially located in the region of the recess 82. Here, the recess 82 may form a space for the second segment 712 of the snap-fit ​​structure 71 to allow the second segment 712 to be resiliently biased inward. The circumferential extension dimension of the recess 82 may be adapted to the circumferential extension dimension of the second segment 712. In the embodiment shown in the figures, a recess 82 may extend at an angle of, for example, 120° to 150° in the circumferential direction.

[0082] As shown in Figures 6, 10, and 12, the snap-fit ​​structure 71 may include a retaining protrusion 76 located on the inner wall of the second segment 712. The retaining protrusion 76 may transition to the inner wall of the second segment in a second direction opposite to the first direction R1 by means of a second guide slope 77. The retaining ring 7 may be pushed from the tail of the connector body 8 onto the connector body 8, during which the force applied by the connector body 8 to the second guide slope 77 may cause the second segment 712 of the retaining ring 7 to open slightly. After the positioning rib 85 of the connector body 8 is inserted into the positioning groove 75 of the retaining ring 7, the second segment 712 may spring inward in the region of the recess 82 of the connector body 8 as the retaining ring 7 is pushed forward. Here, the retaining protrusion 76 may cooperate with the recess 82 to define the relative position of the retaining ring 7 and the connector body 8 in the axial direction, and in particular to prevent the retaining ring 7 from moving relative to the connector body 8 in the first direction R1. Furthermore, the front end of the retaining ring 7 may abut against the flange of the connector body 8, thereby preventing the retaining ring 7 from being pushed further forward. In the embodiment shown, the retaining protrusion 76 may be located at a position corresponding to the locking protrusion 72 with respect to the second segment 712. That is, both the retaining protrusion 76 and the locking protrusion 72 may be located in the free end region of the second segment 712 away from the first segment 711.

[0083] It is understood that, not limited to the two-piece construction of the connector housing 5 described above, the connector body 8 and the retaining ring 7 can be integrally formed to constitute a one-piece connector housing 5. The details described above regarding the connector body 8 and the retaining ring 7 can be correspondingly applied to the one-piece connector housing 5.

[0084] Referring to Figure 13, in some embodiments, to ensure that the fiber optic connector 3 is inserted into the mating device 100 in the desired circumferential orientation, the ferrule housing 43 may have a chamfer 432 extending from its front end to its rear end. The ferrule housing 43 may have a substantially rectangular outer cross-section, at least in its front region and preferably generally. The chamfer 432 may be formed on at least one edge, such as two or three edges, of the ferrule housing 43. Here, the chamfer 432 may extend over a portion of the length of the ferrule housing 43. Alternatively, the chamfer 432 may extend over the entire axial length of the ferrule housing 43. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 14, the shape of the receiving portion 101 of the mating device 100 may correspond to the shape of the ferrule housing 43. Specifically, the receiving portion 101 of the mating device 100 may have a segment 106 that matches the chamfer 432, by which the segment 106 and the chamfer 432 uniquely define the relative circumferential orientation of the fiber optic connector 3 with respect to the mating device 100.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, the fiber optic connector 3, particularly the connector body 8, may also include at least one annular groove 83 located between the snap-fit ​​structure 71 and the head of the fiber optic connector 3, particularly the ferrule assembly 4, in which a sealing ring 84 may be provided (see Figure 2). The sealing ring 84 can be used to seal between the fiber optic connector 3 and the mating device 100.

[0086] Figure 11 exemplarily illustrates a fiber optic connection system 200 according to this application. The fiber optic connection system 200 may include a fiber optic cable assembly 1 having a fiber optic connector 3 and at least one mating device 100. The mating device 100 may be a dust cover 110 for the fiber optic cable assembly 1 and a fiber optic adapter 120 for Huawei connectors, etc. The fiber optic adapter 120 for Huawei connectors can be used to convert the fiber optic connector 3 to a Huawei connector. Not limited thereto, the fiber optic adapter 120 may also be conceived as a fiber optic adapter for various different connectors, such as SC connectors, OptiTAP connectors, or DLX connectors. Furthermore, the mating device 100 may also be a fiber optic adapter or a fiber optic connection port of any device, etc.

[0087] While exemplary embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of this application without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, all changes and modifications are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector, characterized in that, The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly and a connector housing. The ferrule assembly is disposed in the head region of the connector housing. The fiber optic connector includes an axially penetrating internal channel configured to allow an optical fiber to extend through the fiber optic connector. The connector housing includes a resilient snap-fit ​​structure that can move from an initial state to a deformed state that is biased inward relative to the initial state, and can move from the deformed state back to the initial state under the action of a restoring elastic force. The snap-fit ​​structure has an outwardly protruding locking protrusion.

2. The fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The latching structure includes a first section extending in an axial direction and a second section extending in a circumferential direction from the first section, wherein the latching protrusion is constructed in a region of the second section away from the first section.

3. The fiber optic connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first section and the second section are constructed in a plate-like shape.

4. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The locking protrusion includes a first guide slope that rises along a first direction, which points from the head of the fiber optic connector to the tail of the fiber optic connector.

5. The fiber optic connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, Viewed along the first direction, the locking protrusion includes a top connected to the first guide slope and a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion forms the locking action surface.

6. The fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The locking protrusion includes an unlocking ramp that slopes downward in the circumferential direction.

7. The fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The connector housing includes two snap-fit ​​structures that are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the fiber optic connector.

8. The fiber optic connector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The connector housing includes a connector body having the internal channel and a retaining ring having the snap-fit ​​structure, the retaining ring being fitted onto the connector body.

9. The fiber optic connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The retaining ring includes an annular base, and the snap-fit ​​structure is connected to the base.

10. The fiber optic connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector body includes a positioning rib extending in the axial direction on its outer wall, and the retaining ring includes a positioning groove on its inner wall corresponding to the positioning rib. The positioning rib and the positioning groove cooperate to define the relative position of the retaining ring and the connector body in the circumferential direction.

11. The fiber optic connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector body includes a recess extending in the circumferential direction on its outer wall. When the retaining ring is fitted onto the connector body, the second section of the snap-fit ​​structure is located in the region of the recess, and the recess forms a space for the movement of the second section of the snap-fit ​​structure.

12. The fiber optic connector according to claim 11, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​structure includes a retaining protrusion located on the inner wall of the second section. When the retaining ring is fitted onto the connector body, the retaining protrusion cooperates with the recess to define the relative position of the retaining ring and the connector body in the axial direction.

13. The fiber optic connector according to claim 12, characterized in that, The retaining protrusion transitions along a second direction to the inner wall of the second section by means of a second guide slope, the second direction pointing from the tail of the fiber optic connector to the head of the fiber optic connector.

14. The fiber optic connector according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The retaining protrusion is located at a position corresponding to the locking protrusion.

15. The fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fiber optic connector includes at least one annular groove located between the snap-fit ​​structure and the head of the fiber optic connector, and a sealing ring is provided in the annular groove.

16. The fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The insert assembly includes an insert, a spring, and an insert housing, wherein the insert abuts against the insert housing via the spring and extends from the front end of the insert housing.

17. The fiber optic connector according to claim 16, characterized in that, The ferrule housing includes a connection groove formed in its tail region, and the connector housing includes a connection key formed in its head region, the ferrule housing being mounted on the connector housing such that the connection key is engaged with the connection groove.

18. The fiber optic connector according to claim 17, characterized in that, The connecting key and the connecting groove extend in the axial direction.

19. The fiber optic connector according to claim 16, characterized in that, The ferrule housing has chamfers extending from its front end to its rear end.

20. The fiber optic connector according to claim 19, characterized in that, The ferrule housing has a rectangular outer cross-section at least in its front region, and the chamfer is formed on at least one edge of the ferrule housing.

21. The fiber optic connector according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The chamfer extends along a portion of the length of the insert housing.

22. The fiber optic connector according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, When the ferrule housing is mounted on the connector housing, the outer surface of the ferrule housing and the outer surface of the connector housing are smoothly connected to each other in at least a portion of the area.

23. The fiber optic connector according to claim 22, characterized in that, When the ferrule housing is mounted on the connector housing, the outer surface of the ferrule housing and the outer surface of the connector housing are smoothly connected to each other, except for the areas of the connecting key and the connecting slot.

24. The fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fiber optic connector includes a fiber optic cable fixing component.

25. An optical fiber cable assembly, characterized in that, The fiber optic cable assembly includes fiber optic cables and fiber optic connectors according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. The optical fiber cable assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that, The fiber optic cable assembly includes a tail sleeve.

27. An optical fiber connection system, characterized in that, The fiber optic connection system includes a fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 24 or a fiber optic cable assembly according to claim 25 or 26, and includes a mating device, the mating device including a receiving portion capable of detachably receiving the fiber optic connector, the mating device including at least one of a fiber optic adapter, a dust cover, and a fiber optic connector.

28. The optical fiber connection system according to claim 27, characterized in that, The fiber optic adapter is a fiber optic adapter for SC connectors, Huawei connectors, OptiTAP connectors, or DLX connectors.

29. The optical fiber connection system according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that, The mating device includes a recess that communicates with the receiving portion, and the locking protrusion of the fiber optic connector can be inserted into the recess to lock the mating device and the fiber optic connector together.

30. The optical fiber connection system according to claim 29, characterized in that, The void portion is a blind hole constructed on the mating device.

31. The optical fiber connection system according to claim 29, characterized in that, The void is a through hole constructed on the mating device, through which the locking protrusion fitted in the void can be applied from the outside of the mating device.

32. The optical fiber connection system according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that, The receiving portion includes a segment for defining the relative orientation of the fiber optic connector with respect to the mating device in the circumferential direction, the shape of the segment matching the shape of a corresponding segment of the fiber optic connector.

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