Optical fiber connection port assembly, optical fiber communication device, and optical fiber communication system

Abstract

An optical fiber connection port assembly (300), an optical fiber communication device, and an optical fiber communication system. The optical fiber connection port assembly (300) comprises a connection port housing (310) and a locking member (320); the connection port housing (310) and the locking member (320) jointly define at least a part of a receiving portion (330) for receiving an optical fiber connector (3); the connection port housing (310) comprises a first locking portion (311) for a first latching protrusion (31) of the optical fiber connector (3), and the locking member (320) comprises a second locking portion (321) for a second latching protrusion (32) of the optical fiber connector (3) and an unlocking actuating portion (322) for the first latching protrusion (31) of the optical fiber connector (3); the locking member (320) can be transitioned between a locked state and an unlocked state; and as compared to the locked state, in the unlocked state, the second locking portion (321) of the locking member (320) is positioned away from the receiving portion (330), and the unlocking actuating portion (322) of the locking member (320) is positioned closer to the receiving portion (330).

Description

Fiber optic connection port components, fiber optic communication equipment and fiber optic communication systems

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411448236.1, filed on October 16, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to an optical fiber connection port assembly, an optical fiber communication device, and an optical fiber communication system. Background Technology

[0003] The prevalence of fiber optic communication systems is increasing daily, enabling the efficient transmission of large amounts of data over long distances using fiber optic cable networks. Currently, a variety of fiber optic communication equipment exists, such as fiber optic junction boxes, fiber optic routers, fiber optic switches, fiber optic transceivers, and fiber optic modems. In practice, it is frequently necessary to connect fiber optic cables to or disconnect them from fiber optic communication equipment. Therefore, it is crucial to allow for flexible, convenient, stable, and reliable establishment or disconnection of fiber optic cable connections from fiber optic communication equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this application is to provide an optical fiber connection port assembly, an optical fiber communication device, and an optical fiber communication system, by means of which at least some of the defects in the prior art can be overcome.

[0005] A first aspect of this application relates to an optical fiber connection port assembly, wherein the optical fiber connection port assembly includes a connection port housing and a locking member, the connection port housing and the locking member jointly defining at least a portion of a receiving portion for receiving an optical fiber connector, the connection port housing including a first locking portion for a first locking protrusion of the optical fiber connector, and the locking member including a second locking portion for a second locking protrusion of the optical fiber connector and an unlocking portion including the first locking protrusion of the optical fiber connector, the locking member being switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein, compared to the locked state, in the unlocked state, the second locking portion of the locking member is away from the receiving portion, and the unlocking portion of the locking member is close to the receiving portion.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this application, the fiber optic connection port assembly is configured to allow a fiber optic connector to be inserted into the receiving portion of the fiber optic connection port assembly in an insertion direction.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, in the locked state, the fiber optic connection port assembly prevents the fiber optic connector located in the receiving part from moving in the opposite direction of insertion; and in the unlocked state, the fiber optic connection port assembly allows the fiber optic connector located in the receiving part to move in the opposite direction of insertion.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, a first locking portion is configured to interact with a first locking protrusion of an optical fiber connector located in a receiving portion in a locked state, and a second locking portion is configured to interact with a second locking protrusion of an optical fiber connector located in a receiving portion in a locked state.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the unlocking part of the locking member is configured to apply an action to the first locking protrusion of the optical fiber connector located in the receiving part in the unlocked state, so that the first locking protrusion disengages from the first locking part.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the second locking part of the locking member is configured to disengage from the second locking protrusion of the optical fiber connector located in the receiving part in the unlocked state, such that the second locking protrusion is disengaged from the second locking part.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the locking member includes an outwardly extending operating part in the region of the unlocking action part, which can cause the locking member to change from a locked state to an unlocked state by pressing the operating part.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the second locking part and the unlocking part are opposite to each other in the unlocking movement direction of the locking member, and the locking member can change from a locked state to an unlocked state along the unlocking movement direction.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the locking member includes a surrounding portion that at least partially defines the receiving portion. The surrounding portion includes a first segment in the shape of a semi-cylindrical shell having a second locking portion and a second segment having an unlocking function portion, the first segment and the second segment together forming the surrounding portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the distance between the central axis of the second locking part and the receiving part is less than the distance between the central axis of the unlocking part and the receiving part.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, the distance between the central axis of the second locking part and the receiving part corresponds to the distance between the central axis of the first locking part and the receiving part.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the locking member is at least partially elastic, capable of elastically deforming from a locked state to an unlocked state, and capable of transitioning from an unlocked state to a locked state under the action of a reset elastic force.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, the locking member includes an elastic arm extending in the axial direction, the elastic arm engaging with the surrounding portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this application, the elastic arm is connected to the second segment of the surrounding portion.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this application, the connection port housing includes a support portion for the elastic arm.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this application, the locking member includes a positioning gap, and the connection port housing includes a positioning protrusion corresponding to the positioning gap.

[0021] According to one embodiment of this application, the locking element includes a guide pin, and the connection port housing includes a guide hole corresponding to the guide pin.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this application, the connection port housing includes a clearance opening for at least a portion of the first section of the locking member.

[0023] According to one embodiment of this application, the locking member has an outwardly extending elastic arch in the region of the second locking portion, the elastic arch being supported on the inner wall of the connection port housing.

[0024] According to one embodiment of this application, the fiber optic connection port assembly includes a spring disposed between the connection port housing and a locking member, the spring holding the locking member in a locked state.

[0025] According to one embodiment of this application, the fiber optic connection port assembly includes a fiber optic adapter located at least partially within the connection port housing.

[0026] According to one embodiment of this application, in the axial direction, the first locking part, the second locking part and the unlocking part are located between the entrance of the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connection port assembly.

[0027] According to one embodiment of this application, the fiber optic adapter, the connection port housing, and the locking member collectively define a receiving portion for receiving a fiber optic connector. The fiber optic adapter includes a segment for defining the relative orientation of the fiber optic connector with respect to the fiber optic connection port assembly in the circumferential direction, the shape of the segment matching the shape of a corresponding segment of the fiber optic connector.

[0028] The second aspect of this application relates to an optical fiber communication device, the optical fiber communication device including at least one optical fiber connection port assembly as described in the first aspect of this application.

[0029] According to one embodiment of this application, the control portion of the fiber optic connection port assembly is exposed outside the housing of the fiber optic communication device, allowing the control portion to be operated from outside the fiber optic communication device.

[0030] According to one embodiment of this application, the optical fiber communication device is a junction box, which includes a junction box housing and a plurality of optical fiber connection port assemblies disposed in the junction box housing.

[0031] According to one embodiment of this application, the junction box housing includes a housing cover and a housing body. The housing body includes a first partition wall that divides the internal space of the junction box housing into a first space and a second space. The connection port housing and locking member of the optical fiber connection port assembly are disposed in the first space, and the optical fiber connection tray is disposed in the second space.

[0032] According to one embodiment of this application, the first partition wall includes a connecting hole connecting the first space and the second space, and the fiber optic adapter of the fiber optic connection port assembly passes through the connecting hole.

[0033] According to one embodiment of this application, a sealing ring is provided between the fiber optic adapter and the communication hole.

[0034] According to one embodiment of this application, the housing body includes a housing support and a panel, the panel defining a connection inlet for a fiber optic connector.

[0035] According to one embodiment of this application, the housing cover includes a first retaining hook extending into a first space, and the panel includes a second retaining hook for engaging with the first retaining hook.

[0036] According to one embodiment of this application, the first retaining hook and the first partition wall define the axial position of the connection port housing in the optical fiber communication device.

[0037] According to one embodiment of this application, the housing cover and the housing body are fixed relative to each other by means of high-frequency induced welding.

[0038] According to one embodiment of this application, the junction box has at least two rows of fiber optic connection port assemblies stacked one on top of the other.

[0039] According to one embodiment of this application, the junction box housing includes a second partition wall configured to separate two adjacent rows of fiber optic connection port assemblies from each other.

[0040] According to one embodiment of this application, the junction box includes a first housing cover and a second housing cover as housing covers.

[0041] According to one embodiment of this application, the optical fiber communication device includes a plug for an optical fiber connection port assembly, the plug including a first locking protrusion and a second locking protrusion.

[0042] The third aspect of this application relates to an optical fiber communication system comprising an optical fiber communication device and an optical fiber cable assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 37, the optical fiber cable assembly comprising an optical fiber cable and an optical fiber connector, the optical fiber connector comprising a first locking protrusion and a second locking protrusion.

[0043] According to one embodiment of this application, the first locking protrusion and the second locking protrusion of the optical fiber connector are radially opposite each other.

[0044] According to one embodiment of this application, the fiber optic connector includes two elastic snap-fit ​​structures, which 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 toward the initial state under the action of a reset elastic force. One snap-fit ​​structure has a first locking protrusion that protrudes outward, and the other snap-fit ​​structure has a second locking protrusion that protrudes outward.

[0045] According to one embodiment of this application, the two snap-fit ​​structures are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the fiber optic connector.

[0046] According to one embodiment of this application, the snap-fit ​​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 snap-fit ​​protrusion is constructed in a region of the second segment away from the first segment.

[0047] According to one embodiment of this application, the first segment and the second segment are constructed in a plate-like shape.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] According to one embodiment of this application, the locking protrusion includes an unlocking slope that descends in the circumferential direction.

[0051] According to one embodiment of this application, the connector housing includes a connector body with an internal channel and a retaining ring with the snap-fit ​​structure, the retaining ring being fitted onto the connector body, and the internal channel being configured to allow an optical fiber to extend through the optical fiber connector.

[0052] According to one embodiment of this application, the retaining ring includes an annular base, and the snap-fit ​​structure is connected to the base.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] According to one embodiment of this application, the retaining protrusion is located at a position corresponding to the locking protrusion.

[0058] 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.

[0059] According to one embodiment of this application, the fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly, the ferrule assembly including a ferrule, a spring and a ferrule housing, the ferrule abutting against the ferrule housing via the spring and extending from the front end of the ferrule housing.

[0060] 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.

[0061] According to one embodiment of this application, the connecting key and the connecting groove extend in the axial direction.

[0062] According to one embodiment of this application, the ferrule housing has chamfers extending from its front end to its rear end.

[0063] 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.

[0064] According to one embodiment of this application, the chamfer extends over a portion of the length of the ferrule housing.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] According to one embodiment of this application, the fiber optic connector includes a cable fastener, and / or the fiber optic cable assembly includes a tail sleeve.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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

[0070] 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:

[0071] Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate an optical fiber connection port assembly according to one embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 4 schematically shows an exploded view of an optical fiber connection port assembly according to one embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connection port assembly according to Figure 5;

[0074] Figure 6 schematically shows the fiber optic connection port assembly according to Figure 5, together with the fiber optic cable assembly inserted into the fiber optic connection port assembly.

[0075] Figure 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figure 5, together with the fiber optic cable assembly inserted into the fiber optic connector assembly.

[0076] Figure 8 schematically shows an enlarged portion of Figure 7;

[0077] Figures 9 to 11 schematically show the locking mechanism of the fiber optic connection port assembly according to Figure 1;

[0078] Figures 12 to 14 schematically show the connection port housing of the fiber optic connection port assembly according to Figure 1;

[0079] Figure 15 schematically illustrates a locking element of a fiber optic connection port assembly according to another embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 16 schematically illustrates an optical fiber communication device according to one embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 17 schematically shows the housing support and fiber optic connection port assembly of the fiber optic communication equipment according to Figure 16;

[0082] Figure 18 schematically shows the housing cover of the optical fiber communication device according to Figure 16;

[0083] Figure 19 schematically shows the panel of the fiber optic communication device according to Figure 16;

[0084] Figure 20 schematically shows the housing of the optical fiber communication device according to Figure 16;

[0085] Figure 21 schematically shows the optical fiber communication equipment and its plug according to Figure 16;

[0086] Figure 22 schematically illustrates an optical fiber cable assembly of an optical fiber communication system according to one embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 23 schematically shows an exploded view of the fiber optic cable assembly of Figure 22;

[0088] Figure 24 schematically shows a perspective view of the fiber optic cable assembly of Figure 22;

[0089] Figure 25 schematically shows different optical cable fasteners for the optical fiber cable assembly of Figure 22;

[0090] Figure 26 schematically shows an exploded view of the connector housing of the fiber optic connector of the fiber optic cable assembly of Figure 22.

[0091] Figure 27 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the connector housing of Figure 26;

[0092] Figure 28 schematically shows a perspective view of the connector housing of Figure 26;

[0093] Figures 29 to 31 schematically illustrate the retaining ring of the connector housing of Figure 26 from different perspectives;

[0094] Figure 32 schematically shows the ferrule housing of the fiber optic cable assembly of Figure 22;

[0095] Figure 33 schematically shows the fiber optic adapter of the fiber optic connection port assembly of Figure 4. Detailed Implementation

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.”

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] The exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0103] Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate a fiber optic connection port assembly 300 according to one embodiment of this application. The fiber optic connection port assembly 300 can, for example, form a fiber optic connection port for fiber optic communication equipment, such as a fiber optic junction box 500 (see Figure 16), a fiber optic router, a fiber optic switch, a fiber optic transceiver, a fiber optic modem, etc. A fiber optic cable assembly with a fiber optic connector can be connected to the fiber optic communication equipment via the fiber optic connection port, particularly the fiber optic connection port assembly 300. The fiber optic connection port assembly 300 may include a connection port housing 310 and a locking member 320. The connection port housing 310 and the locking member 320 may together define at least a portion of a receiving portion 330 for receiving a fiber optic connector. The receiving portion 330 may have an outwardly open inlet 370 through which the fiber optic connector can be inserted into the receiving portion 330 of the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 in the insertion direction R. The locking member 320 may be disposed in the connection port housing 310 and be switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state relative to the connection port housing 310. In the locked state, the fiber optic connector assembly 300 prevents the fiber optic connector located in the receiving portion 330 from moving in the reverse insertion direction R, thereby retaining the fiber optic connector in the fiber optic connector assembly 300. In the unlocked state, the fiber optic connector assembly 300 allows the fiber optic connector located in the receiving portion 330 to move in the reverse insertion direction R, thereby allowing the fiber optic connector to be pulled out of the fiber optic connector assembly 300.

[0104] As can be most clearly seen in Figures 2, 5, and 8 (which exemplarily illustrate an optical fiber connector 3 inserted into and held in an optical fiber connection port assembly 300), the connection port housing 310 may include a first locking portion 311 for a first locking protrusion 31 of the optical fiber connector 3, and a locking member 320 may include a second locking portion 321 for a second locking protrusion 32 of the optical fiber connector 3. In the case shown in Figure 8, the locking member 320 is in a locked state relative to the connection port housing 310, wherein the optical fiber connector 3 is held in the optical fiber connection port assembly 300 by the interaction between the first locking protrusion 31 and the first locking portion 311, and by the interaction between the second locking protrusion 32 and the second locking portion 321. Specifically, the portions of the first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 321 that play a primary locking role may be their respective locking surfaces 700 facing the tail of the connection port assembly 300. The locking surfaces 700 may respectively form stops for the first locking protrusion 31 or the second locking protrusion 32, thereby preventing the optical fiber connector 3 from moving against the insertion direction R. The “tail” can be understood in particular as the part that is opposite to the entrance 370 when viewed along the insertion direction R, and that part is far from the entrance 370.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 5, and 8, the locking member 320 also includes an unlocking action portion 322 for the first locking protrusion 31 of the fiber optic connector 3. The unlocked state of the locking member 320 can be such that, compared to the locked state, the second locking portion 321 of the locking member 320 is further away from the receiving portion 330, or more specifically, further away from the fiber optic connector 3 located in the receiving portion 330, while the unlocking action portion 322 of the locking member 320 is closer to the receiving portion 330, or more specifically, closer to the fiber optic connector 3 located in the receiving portion 330. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the transition of the locking member 320 from the locked state to the unlocked state can be understood as the locking member 320 moving or deforming at least partially downward relative to the connection port housing 310 from the state shown in Figures 5 and 8 (see arrow F), such that the unlocking action portion 322 of the locking member 320 can apply (downward) action to the first locking protrusion 31 of the fiber optic connector 3 located in the receiving portion 330. Since the first locking part 311 is constructed on the connection port housing 310, the first locking part 311 can remain substantially unchanged in position during this process, so that the first locking protrusion 31, which is subjected to a downward force and deforms downward, can disengage from the first locking part 311. At the same time, the second locking part 321 of the locking member 320 can also move downward and away from the second locking protrusion 32 of the fiber optic connector 3 located in the receiving part 330, so that the second locking protrusion 32 can disengage from the second locking part 321. Thus, in the unlocked state, it is permissible to pull the fiber optic connector 3 out of the fiber optic connection port assembly 300.

[0106] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the locking member 320 may include a surrounding portion 323 that at least partially defines the receiving portion 330. The surrounding portion 323 can be understood in particular as a segment of the locking member 320 surrounding the central axis M (see Figure 2), which may be circumferentially closed or form a closed loop. The central axis M may extend substantially along the insertion direction R. In other words, the central axis can be understood as the extension axis of the optical fiber of the optical fiber cable assembly in the optical fiber connection port assembly 300 when the optical fiber cable assembly having the optical fiber connector 3 is inserted into and held in the optical fiber connection port assembly 300.

[0107] The second locking portion 321 may be constructed, for example, in the first segment 324 of the surrounding portion 323. The first segment 324 is, for example, semi-cylindrical shell-shaped. In other embodiments, the first segment 324 may also have other suitable shapes, such as a semi-rectangular shape. The second locking portion 321 may exist as a notch in the first segment 324, which may open toward the tail of the locking member 320. The surface of the notch facing the tail of the locking member 320 may be the locking surface 700 of the second locking portion 321. In other embodiments, the second locking portion 321 may also exist as a "hole" in the first segment 324, so that the first segment 324 is not a single continuous segment.

[0108] The unlocking mechanism 322 can be constructed in the second segment 325 of the surrounding portion 323. The first segment 324 and the second segment 325 can together form the surrounding portion 323. Here, the first segment 324 can exist as the lower half segment, and the second segment 325 can exist as the upper half segment.

[0109] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 5 and 8 to 11, the second locking portion 321 and the unlocking portion 322 of the locking member 320 can be advantageously positioned opposite each other along the unlocking movement direction F of the locking member 320. Thus, when the locking member 320 moves or deforms, for example at least partially, along the unlocking movement direction F, the movement of the second locking portion 321 away from the receiving portion 330 and the movement of the unlocking portion 322 towards (or into) the receiving portion 330 can occur substantially simultaneously, thereby facilitating unlocking.

[0110] In some embodiments, it is also conceivable that only the unlocking actuation portion 322 is located in the unlocking movement direction F of the locking member 320, while the second locking portion 321 may be located outside the unlocking movement direction F of the locking member 320. Specifically, the second locking portion 321 may be spaced apart from the unlocking actuation portion 322 by an angular distance of, for example, 90° to 180° or 90° to 120°. Thus, the second locking portion 321 may be constructed, for example, on one or both sidewalls 326 of the surrounding portion 323 of the locking member 320. When the locking member 320 transitions to the unlocked state, the second locking portion 321 constructed on the sidewall 326 may move away from the receiving portion 330, slide laterally relative to the corresponding second locking protrusion of the fiber optic connector, and disengage from the locking mechanism.

[0111] To facilitate the transition of the locking member 320 from a locked to an unlocked state, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the locking member 320 may include an outwardly extending operating part 327 (opposite to the receiving part 330) in the region of the unlocking actuation part 322. The operating part 327 can be configured as a button, allowing the locking member 320 to transition from a locked to an unlocked state by pressing the operating part 327 along the unlocking movement direction F in Figure 10. The operating part 327, the unlocking actuation part 322, and the second locking part 321 of the locking member 320 can be substantially aligned in a straight line. This line can be parallel to the unlocking movement direction F and may intersect with the central axis M. This is advantageous for force and motion transmission. In particular, viewed along the unlocking movement direction F, the operating part 327, the unlocking actuation part 322, and the second locking part 321 of the locking member 320 can be arranged sequentially.

[0112] In some embodiments, the locking member 320 may be at least partially elastic, capable of elastically deforming from a locked state (e.g., when the operating part 327 is pressed) to an unlocked state, and capable of transitioning from an unlocked state to a locked state under the action of a reset force. Here, the locked state may be a state that the locking member 320 naturally possesses when disposed in the connection port housing 310. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 5, and 9 to 11, the locking member 320 may include elastic arms 328 extending in the axial direction, here two elastic arms 328. The elastic arms 328 may engage with the surrounding part 323, particularly engaging with the second segment 325 of the surrounding part 323 in the upper region of the surrounding part 323. As shown in Figure 12, the connection port housing 310 may include support parts 312 for the elastic arms 328. When the locking member 320 is disposed in the connection port housing 310, the elastic arms 328 of the locking member 320 may be supported on the support parts 312 respectively. When the operating part 327 is pressed, the elastic arm 328 can bend and deform downward with the support part 312 as the fulcrum, thereby changing the locking member 320 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0113] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the connection port housing 310 may further include a positioning protrusion 313, which may cooperate with the positioning recess 329 of the locking member 320. The locking member 320 may also have a tail section 340 at the end opposite to the surrounding portion 323. When the locking member 320 is disposed in the connection port housing 310, the tail section 340 may be close to the inner end wall 314 of the connection port housing 310. During the downward bending of the elastic arm 328 of the locking member 320, the interaction between the positioning protrusion 313 and the positioning recess 329 and / or the interaction between the tail section 340 and the inner end wall 314 ensures that the locking member 320 remains in the connection port housing 310 without slipping.

[0114] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the locking member 320 may include a guide pin 341. The guide pin 341 may be constructed in a region of the first segment 324 of the locking member 320, for example, on the outer wall of the first segment 324 and protruding away from the receiving portion 330. Correspondingly, as shown in Figure 13, the connection port housing 310 may include a guide hole 315 corresponding to the guide pin 341. The guide pin 341 and the guide hole 315 can guide the direction of movement of the locking member 320 relative to the connection port housing 310, particularly defining the unlocking direction F of the surrounding portion 323. Although there are two pairs of guide pins 341 and guide holes 315 in the embodiment shown in the figures, other numbers of guide pins 341 and guide holes 315, such as only one guide pin 341 and only one guide hole 315, are naturally also feasible.

[0115] As shown in Figures 3 and 13, the connection port housing 310 may include a clearance opening 316 for at least a portion of the first segment 324 of the locking member 320, particularly in the region of the second locking portion 321. During the transition of the locking member 320 to the unlocked state, the clearance opening 316 allows the corresponding portion of the locking member 320 to continue moving downward without interfering with the connection port housing 310.

[0116] As can be most clearly seen in Figure 2, the distance between the second locking part 321 and the central axis M of the receiving part 330 can correspond to the distance between the first locking part 311 and the central axis M of the receiving part 330. The central axis M of the receiving part 330 can also be understood here as the longitudinal extension axis of the optical fiber of the optical fiber cable assembly in the receiving part 330 when the optical fiber cable assembly with the optical fiber connector 3 is inserted and held in the receiving part 330. Thus, the inner wall of the first locking part 311 and the inner wall of the first segment 324, and especially the inner wall of the second locking part 321, are at substantially the same distance from the central axis M of the receiving part 330, which is beneficial for balanced support and retention of the optical fiber connector on both sides. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous for optical fiber connectors 3 having mutually symmetrical first locking protrusions 31 and second locking protrusions 32. Exemplary embodiments of such optical fiber connectors 3 will be described in more detail below in conjunction with Figures 22 to 31.

[0117] Furthermore, as can be most clearly seen in Figure 2, when the locking member 320 is disposed in the connection port housing 310 and the operating part 327 is not operated, or in other words, when the locking member 320 is in the locked state, the inner diameter of the first segment 324 of the locking member 320 can advantageously be smaller than the distance between the unlocking part 322 and the central axis M of the receiving part 330. In other words, the distance between the unlocking part 322 and the central axis M of the receiving part 330 can be greater than the distance between the inner wall of the first locking part 311 and the central axis M of the receiving part 330. Thus, the unlocking part 322 of the locking member 320 can naturally be located outside the receiving part 330 in the locked state without affecting the insertion and retention of the fiber optic connector.

[0118] Alternatively, FIG15 schematically illustrates a locking member 320 of a fiber optic connector port assembly according to another embodiment of this application. Here, the locking member 320 may have an outwardly extending elastic arch 342 in the region of the second locking portion 321. When the locking member 320 is installed in the connector port housing 310, the elastic arch 342 may be supported on the inner wall of the connector port housing 310, particularly the bottom. The elastic arch 342 can be elastically deformed along the unlocking movement direction F by manipulation, for example, pressing the operating portion 327, causing the locking member 320 to change from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0119] Alternatively, in some embodiments not shown, the fiber optic connector assembly 300 may include a spring disposed between the connector housing 310 and the locking member 320. Here, the locking member 320 may be constructed similarly to that in FIG. 15, but may not have the elastic arch 342. The spring can bias or preload the locking member 320 toward a locked state. Upon actuation, such as pressing the actuating part 327, the locking member 320 as a whole can overcome the spring force to transition from a locked state to an unlocked state. In such embodiments, the locking member 320 may be constructed as rigid or inelastic.

[0120] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the fiber optic connector assembly 300 may further include a fiber optic adapter 350 at least partially located within the connector housing 310. The fiber optic adapter 350 may be inserted into and held within the connector housing 310, for example, from the rear end. A first locking portion 311, a second locking portion 321, and an unlocking portion 322, viewed axially, may be located between the fiber optic adapter 350 and the fiber optic connector inlet 370 of the fiber optic connector assembly. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the forward-facing end of the fiber optic adapter 350, or the end located within the connector housing 310, may be adapted to a fiber optic connector 3 to be connected from the inlet 370 to the fiber optic connector assembly 300, while the rearward-facing end of the fiber optic adapter 350 may be adapted to another fiber optic connector, such as an SC connector 360 (see Figures 6 and 7). An optical connection can be established between these two fiber optic connectors, particularly between two fiber optic cables each having one of these two fiber optic connectors, by means of the fiber optic adapter 350.

[0121] During assembly, the fiber optic adapter 350 can be inserted into the connection port housing 310 from the rear side. As can be most clearly seen in Figure 5, the connection port housing 310 may have an inner flange 317 formed on its inner wall. The front end of the fiber optic adapter 350 can abut against the inner flange 317 to define the axial position of the fiber optic adapter 350 in the connection port housing 310. Alternatively or additionally, the fiber optic adapter 350 itself may also have an outer flange 355 formed on its outer wall, which can define the axial position of the fiber optic adapter 350 in the connection port housing 310 by abutting against the rear end face of the connection port housing 310. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a recessed first positioning structure 353 may be formed on the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter 350. Correspondingly, the outer contour of the first positioning structure 353 may substantially correspond to the corresponding inner contour 343 of the tail section 340 of the locking member 320 (see Figures 9 to 11). Furthermore, a recessed second positioning structure 354 can be constructed on the outer wall of the fiber optic adapter 350, spaced axially from the first positioning structure 353 (e.g., before the first positioning structure 353). After the fiber optic adapter 350 is inserted into the connection port housing 310, the locking member 320 can be mounted from top to bottom on the connection port housing 310 and the fiber optic adapter 350. At this time, the guide pin 341 of the locking member 320 can be inserted into the corresponding guide hole 315 of the connection port housing 310; and / or the inner contour 343 of the locking member 320 can mate with the outer contour of the first positioning structure 353 of the fiber optic adapter 350; and / or the second positioning structure 354 of the fiber optic adapter 350 can mate with the crossbeam 344 of the locking member 320. Thus, the fiber optic adapter 350, the locking member 320, and the connection port housing 310 can be assembled together in a mutually engaging manner. As can be seen most clearly in Figure 5, the recessed first positioning structure 353 and second positioning structure 354 can prevent the fiber optic adapter 350 from being pulled out of the connection port housing 310.

[0122] The fiber optic adapter 350, the connection port housing 310, and the locking member 320 can collectively define a receiving portion 330 for receiving the fiber optic connector 3. To ensure that the fiber optic connector 3 is inserted into the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 in the desired orientation, the fiber optic connection port assembly 300, such as the fiber optic adapter 350, may include a segment defining the circumferential orientation of the fiber optic connector 3 relative to the fiber optic connection port assembly 300, the shape of which matches the shape of a corresponding segment of the fiber optic connector. It is understood that such a shape should be constructed to be unique in the circumferential direction (i.e., in the direction of rotation about the central axis M), meaning that such a shape is neither radially symmetrical nor rotationally symmetrical about the central axis M. Thus, the circumferential orientation of the fiber optic connector 3 relative to the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 can be uniquely defined by the shape matching of the segment of the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 with the corresponding segment of the fiber optic connector.

[0123] Specifically, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 32 and 33, the fiber optic connector 3, specifically the ferrule housing 43 of the fiber optic connector 3, 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 overall. 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. Correspondingly, as shown in Figure 33, the receiving section 351 of the fiber optic adapter 350 for receiving the ferrule housing 43 may have an inner section 352 that matches the chamfer 432, by which the inner section 352 and the chamfer 432 uniquely define the circumferential orientation of the fiber optic connector 3 relative to the fiber optic adapter 350 and thus relative to the fiber optic connection port assembly 300.

[0124] It is understood that the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 according to this application can be configured to receive any fiber optic connector having a suitable first locking protrusion and a second locking protrusion, and / or a fiber optic cable assembly having such a fiber optic connector. Naturally, the fiber optic connectors that can mate with the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 are not limited to the embodiments exemplified in the figures, but can have diverse configurations.

[0125] Figure 16 schematically illustrates an optical fiber communication device according to one embodiment of this application. The optical fiber communication device is exemplarily represented herein as an optical fiber junction box 500. However, it is not limited to this; the optical fiber communication device can be any device with an optical fiber connection port, such as an optical router, optical fiber switch, optical fiber transceiver, optical fiber modem, etc.

[0126] As most clearly seen in Figures 16 and 21, the fiber optic junction box 500 may include 10 connection ports 510 for accessing fiber optic cable assemblies. In Figure 21, plugs 600 are installed in eight of the connection ports 510. The plugs 600 are configured to prevent dust and water from entering the fiber optic junction box 500. When needed, the corresponding plugs 600 can be removed from the connection ports 510 to access the corresponding fiber optic cable assemblies. As shown in Figures 17 and 21, the fiber optic junction box 500 may include at least one, in this case, 10, fiber optic connection port assemblies 300 housed in the junction box housing 520. However, for clarity, only one fiber optic connection port assembly 300 is shown in Figure 17. The interconnection between the fiber optic junction box 500 and the fiber optic cable assemblies can be achieved by means of the fiber optic connection port assemblies 300. The ports 370 of the fiber optic connection port assemblies 300 may be aligned with the connection ports 510 of the fiber optic communication equipment.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the junction box housing 520 may include a housing support 531 (see FIG. 17) and a panel 532 (see FIG. 19) forming the housing body 530, as well as a housing cover 540 (see FIG. 18). The connection inlet 510 of the fiber optic junction box 500 may be defined by the panel 532. The internal space of the junction box housing 520 may be defined by the housing body 530 and the housing cover 540. In the illustrated embodiment, the various fiber optic connection port assemblies 300 may be arranged in two stacked rows in the fiber optic junction box 500. To facilitate the installation of the fiber optic connection port assemblies 300 in the fiber optic junction box 500, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the fiber optic junction box 500 may include a first housing cover 541 and a second housing cover 542, which may be respectively mounted on a corresponding side of the housing support 531. Thus, a row of fiber optic connector assemblies 300 can be conveniently installed in the housing support 531 from both sides, and then the corresponding first housing cover 541 or second housing cover 542 can be covered and fixed, for example, by means of high-frequency induced welding, to the housing support 531. Alternatively or additionally, the first housing cover 541 and the second housing cover 542 can also be, for example, bonded or ultrasonically welded to the housing support 531.

[0128] As shown in Figure 17, the internal space of the junction box housing 520 can be divided into a first space 521 and a second space 522 by means of the first partition wall 533 of the housing body 530, particularly the housing support 531. The fiber optic connection port assembly 300, particularly its connection port housing 310 and locking member 320, can be arranged in the first space 521. The functional components of the fiber optic junction box 500, such as fiber optic connectors and patch cords (not shown), can be arranged in the second space 522.

[0129] The housing support 531 may include a second partition wall 535 for separating adjacent rows of fiber optic connector assemblies 300 from each other. The second partition wall 535 may exist only in the region of the first space 521. To define the position of the fiber optic connector assemblies 300 in the junction box housing 520, and particularly the position of the connector housing 310 in the first space 521, the junction box housing 520 (here, its second partition wall 535) may be constructed with a positioning recess 536. Accordingly, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the bottom side of the connector housing 310 may be constructed with a positioning protrusion 318 that mates with the positioning recess 536.

[0130] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, the lower region of the connection port housing 310 may have a notch 319. Viewed from the front of the connection port housing 310, the notch 319 may be constructed, for example, at the lower left and lower right corners of the connection port housing 310. A boss corresponding to the notch 319 may be constructed, for example, in the second partition wall 535 of the junction box housing 520, which, by means of the cooperation between the boss and the notch 319, defines the position of the connection port housing 310 within the junction box housing 520.

[0131] Referring again to FIG17, the first partition wall 533 may include a connecting hole 534 connecting the first space 521 and the second space 522. The fiber optic adapter 350 of the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 may, for example, pass through the corresponding connecting hole 534 from the second space 522 and be inserted into the connection port housing 310 located in the first space 521 during assembly. A sealing ring 357 may be provided between the fiber optic adapter 350 and the connecting hole 534 (see FIGS. 5 and 7). The sealing ring 357 can achieve a seal between the first space 521, the fiber optic adapter 350, and the second space 522.

[0132] As shown in Figures 18 and 21, the housing cover 540 may include a first retaining hook 543 (particularly extending into the first space 521 in the assembled state). As shown in Figure 19, the panel 532 may include a second retaining hook 537. The panel 532 can be hooked onto the housing cover 540 by means of the cooperation of the first retaining hook 543 and the second retaining hook 537 (see Figure 20).

[0133] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG19, the connection inlet 510 and the second retaining hook 537 may be located in the planar portion 538 of the panel 532 forming the front side of the fiber optic connector cassette 500. Legs 539 extending substantially perpendicular to the planar portion 538 may be constructed from the left and right sides of the planar portion 538, and these two legs 539 may extend parallel to each other rearward toward the housing support 531 (see FIG16). As shown in FIG17, the housing support 531 may have push-in grooves 545 on its left and right sidewalls corresponding to the legs 539, allowing the legs 539 of the panel 532 to slide in the push-in grooves 545 and guide the installation of the panel 532 during assembly.

[0134] Figure 21 shows a partially assembled fiber optic junction box 500, with the panel 532 not yet installed. As can be seen from Figure 21, in some embodiments, the first retaining hook 543 of the housing cover 540, extending into the first space 521, can act as a front stop for the fiber optic connector assembly 300, particularly the connector housing 310, to prevent the connector housing 310 from sliding forward out of the junction box housing 520. Here, the axial position of the connector housing 310 within the junction box housing 520 can be alternatively or additionally defined by the first retaining hook 543 and the first partition wall 533 (see Figure 17). "Axial" here can be understood essentially as the insertion direction R when the fiber optic cable assembly is inserted into the fiber optic connector assembly 300 and thus into the fiber optic junction box 500.

[0135] As shown in Figures 16, 18, 20, and 21, the housing cover 540 may include a through-hole 544 for an operating section 327 of the fiber optic connector assembly 300. Thus, the operating section 327 can be exposed outside the housing of the fiber optic connector cassette 500, allowing operation of the operating section 327 from outside the fiber optic connector cassette 500. By operating the operating section 327, the connected fiber optic cable assembly can be disconnected from the fiber optic connector cassette 500.

[0136] In some embodiments, at least one of the fiber optic connection port assemblies 300 can form an input terminal of the fiber optic splice cassette 500, through which a signal can be input via a fiber optic cable connected to the input terminal. Other fiber optic connection port assemblies 300 can form output terminals of the fiber optic splice cassette 500, through which a signal can be output to a fiber optic cable connected to the output terminal. In Figure 21, one or both of the two connection ports 510 on the left without end caps 600 can be input terminals of the fiber optic splice cassette 500. If only one input terminal exists, the other connection port 510 can be permanently sealed to prevent water and / or dust ingress. In Figure 21, the eight connection ports 510 on the right with end caps 600 can be output terminals of the fiber optic splice cassette 500.

[0137] Not limited to the embodiments shown, fiber optic communication devices, such as fiber optic junction boxes 500, may also include any number of fiber optic connection port assemblies 300 as needed, and the fiber optic connection port assemblies 300 may be arranged in any suitable manner in the fiber optic communication device.

[0138] For example, in some embodiments not shown, the fiber optic junction box 500 may include only one row or one layer of fiber optic connector assemblies 300. In this case, the fiber optic junction box 500 may have only one housing cover 540, and the contents and features described above relating to the second partition wall 535 may be correspondingly transferred to the base plate of the fiber optic junction box 500, on which the fiber optic connector assemblies 300, particularly their connector housings 310, may be mounted.

[0139] This application also relates to an optical fiber communication system, which may include the optical fiber communication device according to this application and an optical fiber cable assembly. The optical fiber cable assembly can be coupled to the optical fiber communication device and, in particular, can be connected to the optical fiber communication device via an optical fiber connection port assembly. The optical fiber cable assembly may include an optical fiber cable and an optical fiber connector, the optical fiber connector including a first locking protrusion and a second locking protrusion.

[0140] An exemplary embodiment of the fiber optic cable assembly 1 and its fiber optic connector 3 suitable for connection with the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 and / or fiber optic communication equipment, such as the fiber optic junction box 500, according to the present application is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 22 to 31.

[0141] Figure 22 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an optical fiber cable assembly 1 that can mate with an optical fiber connection port assembly 300 and / or optical fiber communication equipment, such as an optical fiber splice box 500. As shown in Figures 22 to 24, 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 also be used to connect the optical fiber cable 2 to other optical fiber cables or optical fiber segments to establish an optical connection between the optical fiber cable 2 and other optical fiber cables or optical fiber segments. In addition, the optical fiber connector 3 can also be used to connect the optical fiber cable 2 to other devices, such as the optical fiber splice box 500, lasers, receivers, or beam splitters.

[0142] The fiber optic connector 3 may include, for example, a first locking protrusion 31 and a second locking protrusion 32, as shown in FIG8. The first locking protrusion 31 and the second locking protrusion 32 of the fiber optic connector 3 may be radially opposed to each other. Advantageously, the first locking protrusion 31 and the second locking protrusion 32 of the fiber optic connector 3 may be rotationally symmetrical about each other about the central axis of the fiber optic connector 3, which will be explained in more detail later in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0143] 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 23 and 25) 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, if necessary, 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, thereby obtaining the fiber optic cable assembly 1 as shown in Figure 22.

[0144] As shown in Figure 25, 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] As can be seen from Figure 25, 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] As can be most clearly seen in Figure 23, in the illustrated embodiment, the ferrule assembly 4 may include a ferrule 41, a spring 42, and a ferrule housing 43. The ferrule 41 may be, in particular, a ceramic ferrule and may have a suitable ferrule end-face structure, such as a PC, APC, UPC, or similar end-face structure. 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 24). 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.

[0150] To hold the ferrule assembly 4 on the connector housing 5, the ferrule housing 43 may include a connecting groove 431 (see FIG. 32) configured in its tail region, and the connector housing 5 may include a connecting key 54 (see FIGS. 26 and 28) configured in its head region. Both the connecting key 54 and the connecting groove 431 may extend axially. As shown in FIG. 24, 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.

[0151] As can be most clearly seen in Figure 24, 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.

[0152] In the embodiments shown in Figures 26 to 28, the connector housing 5 may include a connector body 8 having an internal channel 81 for optical fiber extension (see Figures 27 and 28) 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, while the previously described ferrule assembly 4 may be held in the connector body 8 in the head region. The retaining ring 7 may be fitted onto the connector body 8 in the middle region (i.e., the region between the head and tail regions of the connector body 8) and thus located between the ferrule assembly 4 and the fiber optic cable retainer 6 in the assembled state of the fiber optic connector 3.

[0153] To facilitate the connection between the fiber optic connector 3 and mating devices such as the fiber optic connector port assembly 300, fiber optic adapters, dust covers, and fiber optic adapters, as shown in Figures 26 to 28, the connector housing 5, particularly the retaining ring 7, may include elastic snap-fit ​​structures 71, specifically two snap-fit ​​structures 71 that are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the fiber optic connector 3. Only one snap-fit ​​structure 71 will be described in detail below; the corresponding description naturally applies to the other snap-fit ​​structure 71 and will not be repeated. 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 elastic 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, as shown in FIG8, when the fiber optic connector 3 is inserted into the receiving portion 330 of the mating device, such as the fiber optic connection port assembly 300, the locking protrusion 72 can cooperate with the first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 321 respectively, thereby locking the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 and the fiber optic connector 3 together.

[0154] Specifically, as shown in Figures 29 to 31, 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, 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 with the first segment 711 (particularly the transition region 713 between the second segment 712 and the first segment 711) as an axis or fulcrum, and, upon removal of the force, moves from the deformed state toward the initial state shown in the figure due to its own elasticity. Advantageously, the first segment 711 and the second segment 712 can be constructed as plates or thin-walled, which helps to impart the required elasticity to the snap-fit ​​structure 71. 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.

[0155] Referring to Figures 27, 29, and 31, 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 3. It is understood that when the fiber optic connector 3 is connected to the fiber optic connection port assembly 300, the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 generally moves relative to the fiber optic connector 3 along the first direction R1. The fiber optic connector 3 may be at least partially received in the receiving portion 330 of the fiber optic connection port assembly 300. When the fiber optic connector 3 is pushed into the receiving portion 330 of the fiber optic connector assembly 300, the first guide ramp 721 may first contact, for example, the inner wall of the receiving portion 330. The force exerted by the inner wall of the receiving portion 330 on the first guide ramp 721 may cause the latching structure 71, especially the second section 712, together with the locking protrusion 72, to be biased inward as the fiber optic connector assembly 300 moves along the first direction R1, thereby allowing the latching structure 71 to enter the receiving portion 330 of the fiber optic connector assembly 300. As the fiber optic connector assembly 300 continues to move along the first direction R1, the locking protrusion 72 may engage with the corresponding first locking portion 311 or second locking portion 321 due to the outward rebound of the second section 712, thereby locking the fiber optic connector 3 and the fiber optic connector assembly 300 together.

[0156] As can be most clearly seen in Figure 27, viewed along the first direction R1, the locking protrusion 72 may include a top 722 that engages with 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 that engages with the top 722 along the first direction R1. The top 722 may descend along the first direction R1 via the stepped portion 723 and engage with the outer surface of the second segment 712. The stepped portion 723 may form a locking action surface, which, when the fiber optic connector 3 is held in the fiber optic connection port assembly 300, abuts against the corresponding locking surfaces of the first locking portion 311 or the second locking portion 321 of the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 to prevent the fiber optic connector 3 from being pulled out of the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 along the first direction R1.

[0157] In order to unlock the fiber optic connector 3 and the fiber optic connection port assembly 300, the locking protrusion 72, especially the first locking protrusion 31 (see FIG8), can be applied by pressing the operating part 327 of the fiber optic connection port assembly 300, so that the second section 712 is elastically deformed inward, thereby disengaging the first locking protrusion 31 and the first locking part 311 from each other.

[0158] 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 FIG. 26), 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 FIG. 30). The positioning ribs 85 and 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.

[0159] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, 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.

[0160] As shown in Figures 27 and 31, 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. In addition, 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 forward further. 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] As shown in Figure 24, 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 fiber optic connection port assembly 300.

[0163] In some embodiments, the plug 600 for the fiber optic splice cassette 500 may have a similar structure, particularly having the same snap-fit ​​structure as the fiber optic connector 3. In some embodiments, the plug 600 may have the retaining ring 7 of the fiber optic connector 3 as shown in Figures 29 to 30. Thus, the plug 600 can be installed in the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 of the fiber optic splice cassette 500 in a manner similar to that of the fiber optic connector 3.

[0164] Furthermore, in some embodiments, to limit the axial position of the fiber optic connector 3 in the fiber optic connection port assembly 300, as shown in Figures 32 and 33, the ferrule housing 43 of the fiber optic connector 3 may have a limiting step portion 433. When the fiber optic connector 3 is pushed into the fiber optic connection port assembly 300, the insertion depth of the fiber optic connector 3 can be limited by the limiting step portion 433 abutting against the corresponding limiting stop portion 358 of the fiber optic adapter 350.

[0165] It is understood that the fiber optic cable assembly 1 and its fiber optic connector 3 that can be adapted to the fiber optic connection port assembly 300 and / or fiber optic communication equipment, such as the fiber optic junction box 500, are not limited to the embodiments exemplified in the figures, but can have diverse configurations. For example, in some embodiments not shown, the first and second locking protrusions of the fiber optic connector can be configured as two radially opposed elastic pins that can extend radially outward from the connector body and can be pre-tensioned in the outward-extended state, for example by means of an elastic element, such as a spring. In the outward-extended state, the elastic pins can engage with the first and second locking portions of the fiber optic connection port assembly, respectively. For example, when the operating portion of the fiber optic connection port assembly is pressed, the unlocking action can act on the corresponding elastic pin, causing the elastic pin to retract radially inward against the spring force. Naturally, the second locking portion also moves away from the other elastic pin in this process, thereby unlocking the fiber optic connector from the fiber optic connection port assembly.

[0166] 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. A fiber optic connection port assembly, characterized in that, The fiber optic connection port assembly includes a connection port housing and a locking element, the connection port housing and the locking element together defining at least a portion of a receiving portion for receiving a fiber optic connector. The connection port housing includes a first locking portion for a first locking protrusion of the fiber optic connector, and the locking element includes a second locking portion for a second locking protrusion of the fiber optic connector and an unlocking portion including the first locking protrusion of the fiber optic connector. The locking member can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. Compared with the locked state, in the unlocked state, the second locking part of the locking member is away from the receiving part, and the unlocking part of the locking member is close to the receiving part.

2. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber optic connection port assembly is configured to allow the fiber optic connector to be inserted into the receiving portion of the fiber optic connection port assembly in the insertion direction.

3. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the locked state, the fiber optic connection port assembly prevents the fiber optic connector located in the receiving section from moving in the opposite direction of insertion; and in the unlocked state, the fiber optic connection port assembly allows the fiber optic connector located in the receiving section to move in the opposite direction of insertion.

4. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first locking part is configured to interact with the first locking protrusion of the fiber optic connector located in the receiving part in the locked state, and the second locking part is configured to interact with the second locking protrusion of the fiber optic connector located in the receiving part in the locked state.

5. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The unlocking action of the locking member is configured to apply an action to the first locking protrusion of the optical fiber connector located in the receiving part in the unlocked state, so that the first locking protrusion disengages from the first locking part.

6. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second locking part of the locking member is configured to disengage from the second locking protrusion of the fiber optic connector located in the receiving part in the unlocked state, so that the second locking protrusion is disengaged from the second locking part.

7. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The locking member includes an outwardly extending operating part in the area of ​​the unlocking action part, which can cause the locking member to change from a locked state to an unlocked state by pressing the operating part.

8. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second locking part and the unlocking part are opposite to each other in the unlocking movement direction of the locking member, and the locking member can change from the locked state to the unlocked state along the unlocking movement direction.

9. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The locking member includes a surrounding portion that at least partially defines the receiving portion. The surrounding portion includes a first segment in the shape of a semi-cylindrical shell having a second locking portion and a second segment having an unlocking function portion, the first segment and the second segment together forming the surrounding portion.

10. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The distance between the central axis of the second locking part and the receiving part is less than the distance between the central axis of the unlocking part and the receiving part.

11. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The distance between the central axis of the second locking part and the receiving part corresponds to the distance between the central axis of the first locking part and the receiving part.

12. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The locking element is at least partially elastic, capable of elastically deforming from a locked state to an unlocked state, and capable of transitioning from an unlocked state to a locked state under the action of a reset elastic force.

13. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The locking element includes an elastic arm extending in the axial direction, the elastic arm engaging with the surrounding portion.

14. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The elastic arm connects to the second section of the surrounding portion.

15. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The connection port housing includes a support portion for the elastic arm.

16. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The locking element includes a positioning gap, and the connection port housing includes a positioning protrusion corresponding to the positioning gap.

17. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The locking element includes a guide pin, and the connection port housing includes a guide hole corresponding to the guide pin.

18. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, The connection port housing includes a clearance opening for at least a portion of the first section of the locking member.

19. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The locking member has an outwardly extending elastic arch in the region of the second locking part, the elastic arch being supported on the inner wall of the connection port housing.

20. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The fiber optic connection port assembly includes a spring disposed between the connection port housing and a locking member, the spring holding the locking member in a locked state.

21. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that, The fiber optic connection port assembly includes a fiber optic adapter that is at least partially located within the connection port housing.

22. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that, Viewed in the axial direction, the first locking part, the second locking part, and the unlocking part are located between the entrance of the fiber optic adapter and the fiber optic connection port assembly.

23. The fiber optic connection port assembly according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The fiber optic adapter, the connection port housing, and the locking element together define a receiving portion for receiving a fiber optic connector. The fiber optic adapter includes a segment for defining the relative orientation of the fiber optic connector with respect to the fiber optic connection port assembly in the circumferential direction. The shape of the segment matches the shape of a corresponding segment of the fiber optic connector.

24. An optical fiber communication device, characterized in that, The optical fiber communication device includes at least one optical fiber connection port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. The optical fiber communication device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The control section of the fiber optic connection port assembly is exposed outside the housing of the fiber optic communication device, allowing the control section to be operated from outside the fiber optic communication device.

26. The optical fiber communication device according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The optical fiber communication device is a junction box, which includes a junction box housing and multiple optical fiber connection port assemblies disposed in the junction box housing.

27. The optical fiber communication device according to claim 26, characterized in that, The junction box housing includes a housing cover and a housing body. The housing body includes a first partition wall, which divides the internal space of the junction box housing into a first space and a second space. The connection port housing and locking member of the fiber optic connection port assembly are disposed in the first space, and the fiber optic connection tray is disposed in the second space.

28. The optical fiber communication device according to claim 27, characterized in that, The first partition wall includes a connecting hole that connects the first space and the second space, through which the fiber optic adapter of the fiber optic connection port assembly passes.

29. The optical fiber communication device according to claim 28, characterized in that, A sealing ring is provided between the fiber optic adapter and the connecting hole.

30. The optical fiber communication device according to any one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that, The housing body includes a housing support and a panel, the panel defining a connection port for a fiber optic connector.

31. The optical fiber communication device according to claim 30, characterized in that, The housing cover includes a first retaining hook that extends into the first space, and the panel includes a second retaining hook for engaging with the first retaining hook.

32. The optical fiber communication device according to claim 31, characterized in that, The first retaining hook and the first partition wall define the axial position of the connection port housing in the optical fiber communication device.

33. The optical fiber communication device according to any one of claims 27 to 32, characterized in that, The housing cover and the housing body are fixed relative to each other by means of high-frequency induced welding.

34. The optical fiber communication device according to any one of claims 27 to 33, characterized in that, The junction box has at least two rows of fiber optic connection port assemblies stacked one on top of the other.

35. The optical fiber communication device according to claim 34, characterized in that, The junction box housing includes a second partition wall configured to separate two adjacent rows of fiber optic connection port assemblies from each other.

36. The optical fiber communication device according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that, The junction box includes a first housing cover and a second housing cover, which serve as housing covers.

37. The optical fiber communication device according to any one of claims 24 to 36, characterized in that, The optical fiber communication device includes a plug for an optical fiber connection port assembly, the plug including a first locking protrusion and a second locking protrusion.

38. An optical fiber communication system, characterized in that, The optical fiber communication system includes an optical fiber communication device and an optical fiber cable assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 37, the optical fiber cable assembly including an optical fiber cable and an optical fiber connector, the optical fiber connector including a first locking protrusion and a second locking protrusion.

39. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 38, characterized in that, The first locking protrusion and the second locking protrusion of the fiber optic connector are radially opposite each other.

40. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 38 or 39, characterized in that, The fiber optic connector includes two elastic latching structures. The latching structures 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 reset elastic force. One latching structure has a first latching protrusion that protrudes outward, and the other latching structure has a second latching protrusion that protrudes outward.

41. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 40, characterized in that, The two snap-fit ​​structures are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the fiber optic connector.

42. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 40 or 41, 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.

43. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 42, characterized in that, The first section and the second section are constructed in a plate-like shape.

44. The optical fiber communication system according to any one of claims 38 to 43, 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.

45. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 44, 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.

46. ​​The optical fiber communication system according to any one of claims 40 to 45, characterized in that, The connector housing includes a connector body with an internal channel and a retaining ring with the snap-fit ​​structure, the retaining ring being fitted onto the connector body, and the internal channel being configured to allow an optical fiber to extend through the optical fiber connector.

47. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 46, characterized in that, The retaining ring includes an annular base, and the snap-fit ​​structure is connected to the base.

48. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 46 or 47, 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.

49. The optical fiber communication system according to any one of claims 46 to 48, 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.

50. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 49, 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.

51. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 50, 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.

52. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 50 or 51, characterized in that, The retaining protrusion is located at a position corresponding to the locking protrusion.

53. The optical fiber communication system according to any one of claims 40 to 52, 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.

54. The optical fiber communication system according to any one of claims 40 to 53, characterized in that, The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly, which 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.

55. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 54, 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.

56. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 55, characterized in that, The connecting key and the connecting groove extend in the axial direction.

57. The optical fiber communication system according to any one of claims 54 to 56, characterized in that, The ferrule housing has chamfers extending from its front end to its rear end.

58. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 57, 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.

59. The optical fiber communication system according to claim 57 or 58, characterized in that, The chamfer extends along a portion of the length of the insert housing.

60. The optical fiber communication system according to any one of claims 54 to 59, 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.

61. The optical fiber communication system according to any one of claims 55 to 60, 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.

62. The optical fiber communication system according to any one of claims 38 to 61, characterized in that, The fiber optic connector includes a cable retainer, and / or the fiber optic cable assembly includes a tail sleeve.

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