Fiber optic adapter

Abstract

A fiber optic adapter (100), comprising a housing (10), a connecting sleeve (20), a shielding door (30) and a reset member (40). The shielding door (30) is used to block a first port (13) of the housing (10), and the shielding door (30) has a tendency to close under the action of the reset member (40), such that when there is no external force, the shielding door (30) is always in a closed state. Moreover, for mating a fiber optic connector with the first port (13), the fiber optic connector can be directly pressed against the shielding door (30) and be inserted into the first port (13); during this process, the first port (13) remains blocked.

Description

Fiber optic adapter

[0001]

[0002] Related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202411951356.3, filed on December 27, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This application relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, and in particular to an optical fiber adapter. Background Technology

[0005] A fiber optic adapter is a device that can be used to connect fiber optic connectors of different types or with different interface standards. The fiber optic adapter connects the fiber optic connectors through the ports at both ends to enable the transmission of optical signals. The fiber optic adapter ensures seamless transmission of optical signals by aligning the optical fibers of two independent optical cables.

[0006] Fiber optic adapters come in various types, such as LC, SC, FC, and ST. Fiber optic adapters typically have removable plugs at both ends, especially common in SC type adapters. These plugs prevent dust from entering the adapter. Generally, in practical applications, one end of the adapter is connected to a fiber optic connector, while the other end has a plug. This plug blocks the high-intensity infrared beam emitted from the fiber, thus preventing damage to the human eye from prolonged exposure to infrared light.

[0007] However, before the operator can connect another fiber optic connector to the other end of the fiber optic adapter, the plug needs to be removed. During this process, the operator needs to wear protective glasses to protect their eyes, which poses a risk of eye injury due to improper operation and is not convenient. Therefore, improvements are urgently needed. Technical issues

[0008] The main objective of this application is to propose a fiber optic adapter that optimizes the light leakage prevention and dust prevention performance of the fiber optic adapter. Technical solutions

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes an optical fiber adapter, comprising:

[0010] The outer casing has a first port and a second port on opposite sides;

[0011] A connecting sleeve is disposed inside the housing, with its two ends facing the first port and the second port respectively. The connecting sleeve is used to connect two fiber optic connectors.

[0012] A shielding door, movably connected to the wall of the first port, the shielding door having an open state and a closed state; when the shielding door is in the closed state, the shielding door blocks the first port; when the shielding door is in the open state, the first port is exposed; and,

[0013] A reset element, one end of which is mounted on the housing and the other end of which is connected to the shielding door, so that the shielding door tends to close.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, one side of the shielding door is rotatably connected to one side wall of the first port, and the wall of the first port is provided with a stop step. When the shielding door is in the closed state, the periphery of the outer side of the shielding door abuts against the stop step.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the stop step extends obliquely so that the shielding door, when closed, tilts toward the connecting sleeve along a direction away from its own axis of rotation.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the outer casing has recessed receiving grooves on both sides of the shielding door along the rotation axis direction, and the stop step is the side wall of the receiving groove near the first port. The two sides of the shielding door are rotatably accommodated in the two receiving grooves respectively.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the outer shell includes a shell body and a base, the shell body having the first port, and the connecting sleeve being installed inside the shell body;

[0018] The shell body has an installation opening on one wall between the connecting sleeve and the first port. The opposite two side walls of the installation opening have assembly notches. The shielding door has a convex shaft on opposite sides. The convex shaft is rotatably assembled into the corresponding assembly notch. The base is installed in the installation opening and confines the convex shaft within the assembly notch.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the reset element is a reset spring, which includes a connecting end and a stop end disposed opposite to each other. The connecting end is clamped between the base and the wall of the mounting opening, and the stop end abuts against the end of the shielding door away from the convex shaft.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the side wall of the mounting port near the first port is provided as an assembly step. The assembly step includes an angled insertion surface and a cover surface. The insertion surface is provided with an insertion groove, and the groove opening is oriented in the opposite direction to the opening direction of the first port.

[0021] The edge of the connecting end is provided with a first insertion flange, and one side of the base is provided with a second insertion flange. Both the first insertion flange and the second insertion flange are inserted into the insertion groove, and the connecting end is clamped between the base and the cover surface.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, the cover surface is provided with a limiting protrusion, the connecting end is provided with a first limiting hole, the base is provided with a second limiting hole that aligns with the first limiting hole, and the limiting protrusion is engaged with the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the fiber optic adapter further includes a snap-fit ​​structure connected within the housing, the snap-fit ​​structure being used to secure the fiber optic connector mated to the connecting sleeve.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the snap-fit ​​structure includes a base plate, a protective sleeve, and at least two snap-fit ​​arms. The base plate is connected to the outer shell. The base plate has a clearance hole for the connecting sleeve to pass through. One end of the protective sleeve is connected to the side of the base plate facing the first port and is nested outside the connecting sleeve.

[0025] At least two of the snap-fit ​​arms are connected at one end to the side of the substrate facing the first port and are spaced around the outer periphery of the protective sleeve. Beneficial effects

[0026] The technical solution of this application employs a shielding door to cover the first port. This shielding door, under the action of a reset component, tends to close. Therefore, without external force, the shielding door remains closed. This effectively prevents high-intensity infrared beams from leaking out and causing eye damage, and also effectively prevents dust from entering the adapter, ensuring the stability of optical transmission after fiber optic connection. Furthermore, when connecting the fiber optic connector to the first port, the connector can be directly inserted into the first port by pressing it against the shielding door. During this process, the first port remains blocked, similarly preventing infrared beam leakage. This eliminates the need for protective gear during connection, greatly improving assembly convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the fiber optic adapter provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the fiber optic adapter provided in this application;

[0030] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fiber optic adapter provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fiber optic adapter provided in this application from another perspective;

[0032] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a portion of the structure of the fiber optic adapter provided in this application;

[0033] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 5.

[0034] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0035] 100. Fiber optic adapter; 10. Housing; 11. Housing body; 111. Mounting port; 112. Assembly step; 1121. Cover surface; 1122. Plug surface; 1123. Plug slot; 1124. Limiting protrusion; 12. Base; 121. Second plug flange; 122. Second limiting hole; 123. Clearance recess; 124. Clamping arm; 13. First port; 141. Assembly notch; 15. Receiving groove; 151. Stop step; 16. Second port; 20. Connecting sleeve; 30. Shielding door; 31. Protruding shaft; 40. Reset component; 411. Connecting end; 4111. First plug flange; 4112. First limiting hole; 412. Abutment top; 50. Snap-fit ​​structure; 51. Base plate; 52. Protective sleeve; 53. Clamping arm; 60. Plug; 70. Leaf spring.

[0036] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present invention

[0037] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0039] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5. This application proposes an optical fiber adapter 100, including a housing 10, a connecting sleeve 20, a shielding door 30, and a reset member 40. The housing 10 has a first port 13 and a second port 16 on opposite sides. The connecting sleeve 20 is disposed inside the housing 10, with its two ends facing the first port 13 and the second port 16 respectively. The connecting sleeve 20 is used to connect two optical fiber connectors. The shielding door 30 is movably connected to the wall of the first port 13. The shielding door 30 has an open state and a closed state. When the shielding door 30 is closed, it blocks the first port 13; when the shielding door 30 is open, the first port 13 is exposed. One end of the reset member 40 is mounted on the housing 10, and the other end is connected to the shielding door 30, so that the shielding door 30 tends to close.

[0041] The technical solution of this application uses a shielding door 30 to shield the first port 13. The shielding door 30 tends to close under the action of the reset member 40. Therefore, without external force, the shielding door 30 is always closed. On the one hand, this effectively prevents high-intensity infrared beams from leaking out and causing harm to the eyes; on the other hand, it effectively prevents dust from entering the adapter, ensuring the stability of optical transmission after fiber optic connection. Furthermore, when connecting the fiber optic connector to the first port 13, the connector can be directly inserted into the first port 13 by pressing it against the shielding door 30. During this process, the first port 13 remains blocked, similarly preventing infrared beam leakage. This eliminates the need for operators to wear protective gear during the connection process, greatly improving assembly convenience.

[0042] The aforementioned connecting sleeve 20 serves to align the optical fiber in the fiber optic adapter 100. It is generally made of ceramic material, which has good thermal stability, high hardness, high melting point, and wear resistance. The second port 16 of the fiber optic adapter 100 and its internal structure can be arranged symmetrically with the first port 13, or a plug 60 can be used.

[0043] There are various ways to install the shielding door 30 onto the housing 10. In some embodiments of this application, the housing 10 has a sliding hole on one side wall of the first port 13, and the shielding door 30 is slidably installed in the sliding hole. The reset member 40 is a reset spring. Under the action of the reset spring, the shielding door 30 slides to cover the first port 13. When the fiber optic connector is connected to the first port 13, the shielding door 30 can be pulled open for connection. Furthermore, the outer side of the shielding door 30 can be made into a guide slope, so that the fiber optic connector can be directly pressed against the guide slope, and the shielding door 30 slides open under pressure, which is convenient for assembly.

[0044] To improve the light-blocking and dust-proof performance of the shielding door 30, in some embodiments of this application, one side of the shielding door 30 is rotatably connected to one side wall of the first port 13. The wall of the first port 13 is provided with a stop step 151. When the shielding door 30 is in the closed state, the periphery of the outer side of the shielding door 30 abuts against the stop step 151. In this way, the shielding door 30 fits against the stop step 151, and multiple gaps are formed between the shielding door 30 and the wall of the first port 13, thereby effectively preventing light from leaking out through the gaps between the shielding door 30 and the inner wall of the outer casing 10, and also making it less likely for dust to enter the outer casing 10.

[0045] To further facilitate fiber optic connector mating, in some embodiments of this application, the stop step 151 extends obliquely so that the shielding door 30, when closed, tilts towards the connecting sleeve 20 along a direction away from its own axis of rotation. This reduces the operator's thrust stroke when inserting the fiber optic connector into the first port 13, thus facilitating mating.

[0046] There are various specific implementations of the aforementioned limiting step. For example, the limiting step can be a protruding rib provided on the inner wall of the outer casing 10. In some embodiments of this application, the outer casing 10 has recessed receiving grooves 15 on both side walls in the direction of the rotation axis of the shielding door 30. The stop step 151 is the side wall of the receiving groove 15 near the first port 13. The two side edges of the shielding door 30 are rotatably accommodated in the two receiving grooves 15 respectively. With this configuration, the overall structure of the fiber optic adapter 100 is more compact, and the shielding door 30 can be effectively confined within the receiving grooves 15, resulting in higher structural stability.

[0047] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, the receiving slot 15 is configured as a fan shape, so that the receiving slot 15 is more compatible with the shielding door 30.

[0048] The housing 10 of the fiber optic adapter 100 is generally designed as a split structure, specifically divided into two, three, or more detachable components, which facilitates the assembly and fixation of the shielding door 30. In some embodiments of this application, the housing 10 includes a housing body 11 and a base 12. The housing body 11 forms the first port 13, and the connecting sleeve 20 is installed inside the housing body 11. The housing body 11 has an installation opening 111 on one wall between the connecting sleeve 20 and the first port 13. The opposite side walls of the installation opening 111 are respectively provided with assembly notches 141. The shielding door 30 has protruding shafts 31 on opposite sides. The protruding shafts 31 are rotatably assembled into the corresponding assembly notches 141. The base 12 is installed in the installation opening 111 and confines the protruding shafts 31 within the assembly notches 141. With this solution, when assembling the shielding door 30 to the outer shell 10, the protruding shaft 31 of the shielding door 30 can be pre-assembled into the assembly notch 141, and finally the base 12 can be covered onto the mounting port 111. The assembly is convenient and the overall structure is stable after assembly.

[0049] The aforementioned reset element 40 can be a compression spring, a torsion spring, a metal spring, etc. In some embodiments of this application, the reset element 40 is a reset spring, which includes a connecting end 411 and an abutting end 412 disposed opposite to each other. The connecting end 411 is clamped between the wall surface of the base 12 and the mounting port 111, and the abutting end 412 abuts against the end of the shielding door 30 away from the convex shaft 31. In this way, when the shielding door 30 is in the open state, the reset spring is pressed between the shielding door 30 and the base 12, which occupies less space inside the housing 10, which is conducive to the overall miniaturization of the fiber optic adapter 100. Furthermore, after the fiber optic connector is pulled out from the first port 13, the reset spring can respond quickly to reset the shielding door 30 and prevent light leakage.

[0050] In the structure of the outer shell 10 described above, the shell body 11 and the base 12 can be made of the same material or different materials. Generally, the shell body 11 and the base 12 are made of plastic, such as PBT plastic, which is durable and has a long service life. PP plastic, ABS plastic, etc. can also be used, and no limitation is made here.

[0051] There are various ways to install the base 12 onto the shell body 11. In some embodiments of this application, the base 12 is provided with clamping arms 124 on both sides perpendicular to the axis of the connecting sleeve 20, and the clamping arms 124 on both sides clamp and engage with the opposite sides of the shell body 11.

[0052] Furthermore, the inner wall of the base 12 has a recess 123 for clearance, which is retracted into the recess 123 when the shielding door 30 is in the open position. This configuration makes the fiber optic adapter 100 more compact overall.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 6. In some embodiments of this application, the side wall of the mounting port 111 near the first port 13 is provided as an assembly step 112. The assembly step 112 includes an angled insertion surface 1122 and a cover surface 1121. The insertion surface 1122 is provided with an insertion groove 1123. The groove opening of the insertion groove 1123 is oriented opposite to the opening direction of the first port 13. The edge of the connecting end 411 is provided with a first insertion flange 4111, and one side of the base 12 is provided with a second insertion flange 121. During assembly, both the first insertion flange 4111 and the second insertion flange 121 are inserted into the insertion groove 1123, so that the connecting end 411 is clamped between the base 12 and the cover surface 1121, which provides high assembly convenience and good structural stability.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, the cover surface 1121 is provided with a limiting protrusion 1124, the connecting end 411 is provided with a first limiting hole 4112, and the base 12 is provided with a second limiting hole 122 that aligns with the first limiting hole 4112. The limiting protrusion 1124 is engaged within the first limiting hole 4112 and the second limiting hole 122. This further improves the stability of the reset spring and the base 12 connected to the shell body 11.

[0055] The aforementioned reset springs are generally made of metal, which has high strength, long service life, and wear resistance; of course, they can also be made of plastic, depending on the specific situation, and there is no limitation here.

[0056] In some embodiments of this application, the fiber optic adapter 100 further includes a snap-fit ​​structure 50 connected within the housing 10. The snap-fit ​​structure 50 securely fastens the fiber optic connector mating with the connecting sleeve 20. The main function of the snap-fit ​​structure 50 is to securely fasten the fiber optic connector mating with the connecting sleeve 20, ensuring that the fiber optic connector remains fixed within the adapter and guaranteeing the stability of optical signal transmission.

[0057] There are various specific implementations of the buckle structure 50. In some embodiments of this application, the buckle structure 50 includes a protective sleeve, which is sleeved outside the connecting sleeve 20. The end face of the protective sleeve facing the first port 13 has an annular groove for external fiber optic connectors to be snapped in.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, the snap-fit ​​structure 50 includes a base plate 51, a protective sleeve 52, and at least two snap-fit ​​arms 53. The base plate 51 is connected to the outer shell 10. The base plate 51 has a clearance hole for the connecting sleeve 20 to pass through. One end of the protective sleeve 52 is connected to the side of the base plate 51 facing the first port 13 and is nested outside the connecting sleeve 20. One end of at least two snap-fit ​​arms 53 is connected to the side of the base plate 51 facing the first port 13 and is spaced around the outer periphery of the protective sleeve 52. The above solution can protect the connecting sleeve 20 with the protective sleeve 52 to prevent wear and damage to the connecting sleeve 20. It can also be fixed to the outer shell 10 via the base plate 51 using threaded connections, snap-fits, or other methods. In some embodiments of this application, the base plate 51 and the outer shell 10 are integrally formed, resulting in high overall structural stability, simplified assembly process, and effective prevention of assembly errors affecting the stability of the connecting sleeve 20. At least two snap-fit ​​arms 53 can snap onto the periphery of the fiber optic connector, ensuring balanced force on the fiber optic connector and stable overall structure after docking. The number of snap-fit ​​arms 53 can be two, three, four, or more, and they can be arc-shaped to match the end shape of the fiber optic connector.

[0059] In some embodiments of this application, the fiber optic adapter 100 further includes a leaf spring 70, which is mounted on the outer wall of the housing 10 for snap-fitting with an external device.

[0060] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A fiber optic adapter (100), wherein, The fiber optic adapter (100) includes: The outer casing (10) has a first port (13) and a second port (16) on opposite sides; A connecting sleeve (20) is disposed inside the housing (10), with both ends of the connecting sleeve (20) facing the first port (13) and the second port (16) respectively. The connecting sleeve (20) is used to connect two optical fiber connectors. A shielding door (30) is movably connected to the wall of the first port (13). The shielding door (30) has an open state and a closed state. When the shielding door (30) is in the closed state, the shielding door (30) blocks the first port (13). When the shielding door (30) is in the open state, the first port (13) is exposed. A reset member (40) is installed at one end on the housing (10) and connected at the other end to the shielding door (30) so that the shielding door (30) tends to close.

2. The fiber optic adapter (100) as described in claim 1, wherein, One side of the shielding door (30) is rotatably connected to one side wall of the first port (13). The wall of the first port (13) is provided with a stop step (151). When the shielding door (30) is in the closed state, the periphery of the outer side of the shielding door (30) abuts against the stop step (151).

3. The fiber optic adapter (100) of claim 2, wherein, The stop step (151) extends obliquely so that the shielding door (30) tilts toward the connecting sleeve (20) in the closed state along a direction away from its own axis of rotation.

4. The fiber optic adapter (100) of claim 2, wherein, The outer shell (10) has recessed receiving grooves (15) on both sides of the shielding door (30) in the direction of rotation axis. The stop step (151) is the side wall of the receiving groove (15) near the first port (13). The two sides of the shielding door (30) are respectively rotatably accommodated in the two receiving grooves (15).

5. The fiber optic adapter (100) of claim 2, wherein, The outer shell (10) includes a shell body (11) and a base (12). The shell body (11) has the first port (13) and the connecting sleeve (20) is installed inside the shell body (11). The shell body (11) has an installation port (111) on one wall between the connecting sleeve (20) and the first port (13). The opposite side walls of the installation port (111) are respectively provided with assembly notches (141). The shielding door (30) is provided with convex shafts (31) on opposite sides. The convex shafts (31) are rotatably assembled in the corresponding assembly notches (141). The base (12) is installed in the installation port (111) and limits the convex shafts (31) to be located in the assembly notches (141).

6. The fiber optic adapter (100) of claim 5, wherein, The reset component (40) is a reset spring, which includes a connecting end (411) and an abutting end (412) disposed opposite to each other. The connecting end (411) is clamped between the base (12) and the wall of the mounting port (111), and the abutting end (412) abuts against the end of the shielding door (30) away from the convex shaft (31).

7. The fiber optic adapter (100) of claim 6, wherein, The mounting port (111) has an assembly step (112) on one side wall near the first port (13). The assembly step (112) includes an angled insertion surface (1122) and a cover surface (1121). The insertion surface (1122) has an insertion groove (1123). The groove opening of the insertion groove (1123) is oriented in the opposite direction to the opening direction of the first port (13). The edge of the connecting end (411) is provided with a first insertion flange (4111), and the side of the base (12) is provided with a second insertion flange (121). The first insertion flange (4111) and the second insertion flange (121) are both inserted into the insertion groove (1123), and the connecting end (411) is clamped between the base (12) and the cover surface (1121).

8. The fiber optic adapter (100) of claim 7, wherein, The cover surface (1121) is provided with a limiting protrusion (1124), the connecting end (411) is provided with a first limiting hole (4112), the base (12) is provided with a second limiting hole (122) that aligns with the first limiting hole (4112), and the limiting protrusion (1124) is engaged in the first limiting hole (4112) and the second limiting hole (122).

9. The fiber optic adapter (100) of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The fiber optic adapter (100) also includes a snap-fit ​​structure (50) connected inside the housing (10) and used to secure the fiber optic connector mated to the connecting sleeve (20).

10. The fiber optic adapter (100) of claim 9, wherein, The snap-fit ​​structure (50) includes a base plate (51), a protective sleeve (52) and at least two snap-fit ​​arms (53). The base plate is connected to the outer shell. The base plate (51) has a clearance hole for the connecting sleeve (20) to pass through. One end of the protective sleeve (52) is connected to the side of the base plate (51) facing the first port (13) and is nested outside the connecting sleeve (20). At least two of the snap-fit ​​arms (53) are connected at one end to the side of the substrate (51) facing the first port (13) and are spaced around the outer periphery of the protective sleeve (52).

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