CN111596416A

CN111596416A - Connector system and dust-proof piece thereof

Info

Publication number: CN111596416A
Application number: CN201910666718.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杨沐晨
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-02-20
Filing date: 2019-06-27
Publication date: 2020-08-28
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-27
Also published as: JP2020134950A; TW202032861A; TW202032862A; CN111596416B; CN111596414A; TWI715141B; CN111596415B; CN111596414B; JP6999190B2; JP7057551B2; JP2020134951A; JP2020134946A; TWI712225B; JP6920702B2; CN111596415A; TW202032863A; TWI699933B

Abstract

The connector system provided by the invention comprises a socket, a sleeve, a lock ring and a locking shell. The ferrule is configured to receive a connector and to be inserted into the receptacle from a front end of the receptacle. The locking ring is fitted over the sleeve and is movable in a longitudinal direction over the sleeve. The lock ring is provided with a first groove, a second groove and a third groove. The first, second and third grooves are in communication with each other, wherein the first groove extends in the longitudinal direction. The locking housing is fitted over the locking ring and has a pin formed on an inner wall thereof for moving from the first groove to the second groove through the third groove. When the locking shell is rotated to move the pin within the second groove toward the first groove, the pin pulls the locking ring toward the socket. According to the connector system of the present invention, a user locks or unlocks the connector system in such a manner that the locking housing is rotated.

Description

Connector system and dust-proof piece thereof

The application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application with the application number of 201910567488.9, the application date of 2019, 06, 27 and the name of 'connector system'.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connector system and a dust-proof device thereof, and more particularly, to an optical fiber connector system and a dust-proof device thereof.

Background

In recent years, the amount of fiber usage for communication purposes has been very large, and data, voice, and other communication networks are increasingly using fiber to transmit information. Optical fibers are typically configured as glass fibers for carrying light. Individual fibers may be grouped to carry large amounts of data simultaneously.

In constructing a fiber optic network, each fiber is typically connected to a source device and a destination device. In addition, along the fiber path between the source and destination, various connections or couplings may be made on the fiber to adjust the fiber length. Each connection or coupling requires a connector and adapter to align the optical fibers so that light can be transmitted without interruption.

Referring to fig. 1, U.S. patent No. 9755382 discloses a connector system for a connector module for optical fibers and electrical conductors, wherein the connector is locked to an adapter 20 by a coupling nut 18 disposed thereon, and the coupling nut 18 is prevented from rotating on the housing of the connector by a locking ring 26, thereby preventing the connector 10 from being unintentionally decoupled from the adapter 20. The lock ring 26 operates by pushing forward against the coupling nut 18 after the coupling nut 18 is locked into the adapter 20 to prevent rotation of the coupling nut 18.

However, a disadvantage of the above connector design is that the user remembers to push the locking ring 26 into place each time the nut 18 is locked on for coupling. When the connector is to be removed, the locking ring 26 is pulled back. The complicated installation method may cause user's misoperation in a bad environment such as outdoor or high-altitude environment. Also, the locking ring 26 should normally be stopped in place, but if there is a problem with the size of the locking ring or connector body, the locking ring 26 may slip, especially if the connector is hung vertically. Furthermore, if the locking ring 26 is used in a dust cap configuration, the locking ring 26 may slide completely off the dust cap when the connector is hung vertically. In addition, the locking ring 26 slides more easily if a force is applied to the dust cap. Another disadvantage of the aforementioned connector design is that no "click" sound or tactile feedback is generated to indicate when the connector nut is secured in place.

As shown in fig. 2, the above-described mating of the connector and the adapter requires visual determination of whether or not the aligning pins (not shown) on the inner wall of the connector have slid into the grooves 22 on the adapter 20, and if in a bad environment, such as outdoors, at a high place or in a poorly illuminated environment, or requires entry into a narrow space for installation, it may be difficult for a user to mate the connector and the adapter.

U.S. patent No. 8272790 discloses an outdoor transceiver connector. In its design, the connector is fixed in place in the housing and cannot move independently relative to the adapter. This means that the connector housing and the adapter housing must be perfectly aligned when mated to avoid loss of the optical signal. In addition, the bracket portion 1304 of the connector of FIG. 2 is used to secure the connector. However, the above design is not robust and the connector holder may be pulled out if the part 1304 fails. Also, the ferrule of the connector of fig. 2 is exposed, and if the user installs the connector in a poor environment, the end of the ferrule may be inadvertently touched, thereby soiling or even damaging the ferrule.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a connector system that includes connectors that can move independently of each other, thereby allowing for accurate alignment with adapters.

The present invention provides a connector system that restricts a housing case and a ferrule from being locked and unlocked in a rotational manner.

The present invention provides a connector system that provides tactile feedback to the user when the locked state is reached.

The present invention provides a connector system that prevents accidental impact on a ferrule and provides protection for the ferrule.

The invention provides a dust-proof member which can prevent dust from polluting an optical fiber connector in a connector system.

In one embodiment, the connector system of the present invention includes a receptacle, a ferrule, a lock ring, and a lock housing. The ferrule is configured to receive a connector and to be inserted into the receptacle from a front end of the receptacle. The locking ring is fitted over the sleeve and is movable in a longitudinal direction over the sleeve. The lock ring is provided with a first groove, a second groove and a third groove. The first, second and third grooves are in communication with each other, wherein the first groove extends in the longitudinal direction. The locking housing is fitted over the locking ring and has a pin formed on an inner wall thereof for moving from the first groove to the second groove through the third groove. The pin system draws the lock ring toward the socket when the lock housing is rotated to move the pin within the second groove toward the first groove.

In another embodiment, the dust-proof member of the present invention comprises a dust-proof cover and a locking housing. The dustproof cover is used for covering the socket, and a first groove, a second groove and a third groove are formed in the dustproof cover. The first trench, the second trench and the third trench are interconnected, wherein the first trench extends in a longitudinal direction. The locking shell is sleeved on the dustproof cover, and a pin is formed on the inner wall of the locking shell and used for moving from the first groove to the second groove through the third groove. When the locking shell is rotated to move the pins in the second grooves towards the first grooves, the pins pull the dust cover towards the socket in the longitudinal direction.

According to the connector system of the present invention, a user locks or unlocks the connector system in such a manner that the locking housing is rotated. In addition, the dust guard of the present invention prevents dust from contaminating the fiber optic connectors in the connector system.

In order to make the aforementioned and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention more apparent, embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a prior art connector system.

Fig. 2 shows how the connector system of fig. 1 is mounted.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the connector system of the present invention.

Fig. 4a to 4e are perspective views of the housing shell of the connector system of the present invention from different perspectives.

Fig. 5a to 5d are perspective views of a slider of the connector system of the present invention from different perspectives.

FIG. 5e is a cross-sectional view of the slider of the connector system of the present invention.

Fig. 6a to 6d are perspective views of the ferrule of the connector system of the present invention from different perspectives.

Fig. 7a to 7d are perspective views of the lock ring of the connector system of the present invention from different perspectives.

Fig. 7e to 7g are enlarged views of the guide groove on the lock ring of the connector system of the present invention at different viewing angles.

Fig. 8a to 8d are perspective views of the locking shell of the connector system of the present invention from different perspectives.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a receptacle of the connector system of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a conventional optical fiber connector.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the slider, the housing and the conventional fiber optic connector of the connector system of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional fiber optic connector, slider, and containment housing in the connector system of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view of the conventional fiber optic connector, slider, and containment housing of the connector system of the present invention after assembly.

FIG. 14 is a further cross-sectional view of the conventional fiber optic connector, slider, and containment housing of the connector system of the present invention after assembly.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a conventional fiber optic connector, slider, containment case, ferrule and wave spring in the connector system of the present invention.

Fig. 16a and 16b show how the sleeve is mounted on the containment shell in the connector system of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the connector system of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a connector system of the present invention.

Fig. 19 shows how the lock housing and receptacle are blindly mounted in the connector system of the present invention.

Fig. 20 shows the function of the connector system of the present invention to provide mating of fiber optic connectors.

Fig. 21 shows that the prongs of the ferrule do not interfere with the prongs of the opposing ferrule when the connector system of the present invention provides for a fiber optic connector mating function.

Fig. 22 shows the connector system of the present invention secured to a panel.

Fig. 23 is an exploded view of the dust guard of the present invention.

Fig. 24a to 24c are perspective views of the dust cap of the dust-proof member of the present invention at different viewing angles.

Fig. 25 shows the dust shield of the present invention used to shield the connector system of the present invention.

Wherein:

18 coupling nut 219 second bottom surface of groove 242

20 back section 243 ramp of adapter 220

22 groove 221 front end 245 retaining wall

26 lock ring 222 rear end 246 retaining wall

110 jacket 223 side 247 retaining wall

120 cable connector 224 recess 250 securing aperture

121 anterior segment 225 channel 260 groove

122 middle section 226 channel 270 pin

123 trailing segment 227 groove 300 slider

131O-ring 228 front end of joint 311

132 wave spring 229 rear end of groove 312

134O-ring 230 first groove 321 opens

136 nut 231 first bottom surface 322 open

138 second bottom surface 331 of strap 232

191 longitudinal 233 ramp 332 projection

192 lateral 235 wall 333 notch

200 housing shell 236 retaining wall 341 joint

210 front segment 237 retaining wall 342 joint

211 leading end 240 second recess 351 shoulder

213 first bottom 361 spring of the top surface 241

Tooth 642 pin of 370 upper eaves 530

372 skylight 531 alignment groove 643 projection

400 sleeve 541 protruding 700 socket

411

front end

550 and 711 front end

412 rear end 560 rear end of first channel 712

421 fork 561 first end 720 flange

421a first branch 562 and second end 730

Portion 570 second groove 750 groove

421b second leg 571 first end 760 recess

Second end 770 tab of portion 572

422 fork part 575 protrusion 800 dust cap

422a slit 576 offset 810 end wall

429 notch 580 and third groove 820 projection

431 alignment key 581 first end 821 locking groove

432 recess 582 second end 831 fork

441 thread 585 offset 832 fork

451 groove 591 protrusion 839 gap

461 shoulder 592 Tab 840 side wall

462 notch 593 projection 890 pull handle

471 lug 600 locking shell 900 connector

481 tab 611 front end 910 body

500 lock ring 612 rear end 920 fiber optic ferrule

510 flange 620 protrusion 930 tail post

511 front surface 621 protrusions 990 panel

512 rear 622 projection 1000 connector system

520 tooth 631 shoulder

521 locking groove 641 protrusion

Detailed Description

In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more apparent, the present invention is described in further detail below by way of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

The numbering of the components themselves, such as "first", "second", etc., is used herein only to distinguish between the objects depicted and not to have any sequential or technical meaning. The term "connected" and "coupled" when used in this application, unless otherwise indicated, includes both direct and indirect connections (couplings). In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", and the like, indicate orientations or positional relationships based on those shown in the drawings, and are used only for convenience in describing the present invention and for simplicity in description, and do not indicate or imply that the referenced devices or components must have a particular orientation, be constructed in a particular orientation, and be operated, and thus, are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly stated or limited, the first feature "on" or "under" the second feature may be directly contacting the first and second features or indirectly contacting the first and second features through an intermediate. Also, a first feature "on," "over," and "above" a second feature may be directly or diagonally above the second feature, or may simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. A first feature being "under," "below," and "beneath" a second feature may be directly under or obliquely under the first feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is at a lesser elevation than the second feature.

Referring to fig. 3, an exploded view of the connector system 1000 of the present invention is shown. As shown, the connector system 1000 includes a sheath 110, a cable connector 120, an O-ring 131, a wave spring 132, an O-ring 134, a nut 136, a strap 138, a containment case 200, a latch 270, at least one slider 300, a ferrule 400, a lock ring 500, a lock case 600, a receptacle 700, and at least one connector 900.

The jacket 110 may be made of a soft material and provide strain relief to the cable (not shown) using materials and connection techniques known in the art. The sheath 110 is a hollow structure with a length direction parallel to the longitudinal direction 191. The front end of the sheath 110 has a hexagonal nut-like shape, and threads are formed on the inner wall thereof to allow the sheath 110 to be threadedly coupled to the cable connector 120.

The cable connector 120 has a generally cylindrical shape with a length direction parallel to the longitudinal direction 191. The cable connector 120 has a channel formed therein that extends in a longitudinal direction 191 from a rear end to a front end of the cable connector 120. The cable connector 120 is generally divided into a front section 121, a middle section 122 and a rear section 123 along a longitudinal direction 191. The middle section 122 has a hexagon nut-like shape and is located between the front section 121 and the rear section 123. The rear portion 123 has threads formed on an outer surface thereof for being screwed with the threads formed on the inner wall of the front end of the protector 110, thereby being coupled with the protector 110. The front section 121 has threads formed on an outer surface thereof.

Referring to fig. 4a to 4e, the length direction of the accommodating case 200 is parallel to the longitudinal direction 191. The containment shell 200 may be generally divided into a front section 210 and a rear section 220 along the longitudinal direction 191. The rear section 220 is substantially hollow and cylindrical, and has a flat surface at its rear end 222, a recess 224 formed in the front end 221, and an annular side 223 connecting the front end 221 and the rear end 222.

The front section 210 extends from a front end 221 of the rear section 220 in the longitudinal direction 191 and has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. Two channels 225 and two channels 226 are formed inside the housing case 200. The two channels 225 are circular channels, are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and extend from the rear end 222 of the rear section 220 to the front end 221 in the longitudinal direction 191. The two channels 226 are circular channels, which are disposed side by side left and right and are located below the two channels 225, respectively. The two channels 226 extend in the longitudinal direction 191 from the rear end 222 of the rear section 220 to the front end 211 of the front section 210. The inner diameters of the two channels 225 are the same, and the inner diameters of the two channels 226 are the same and smaller than the inner diameter of the channel 225. Two grooves 227, two grooves 229, and two engaging portions 228 are formed on the inner wall of the rear section 220. The two grooves 227 are disposed side-by-side and extend in the longitudinal direction 191 to the front end 221. The two grooves 229 face the two grooves 227, respectively, and extend in the longitudinal direction 191 to the front end 221. The two engaging portions 228 are disposed opposite to each other and extend in the longitudinal direction 191 to the front end 221. The upper surface 213 of the front section 210 has two grooves 219 formed therein, the two grooves 219 being juxtaposed to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction 191 to the front end 211. In addition, the two grooves 219 on the front section 210 are aligned with the two grooves 229 on the rear section 220, respectively. The side 223 of the rear section 220 has a recess 260 formed therein, the recess 260 extending forwardly from the rear end 222 in the longitudinal direction 191.

Referring to fig. 4c, a first groove 230 is formed on the side 223 of the rear portion 220, and retaining

walls

237, 236, and 235 are respectively formed at the front, the left, and the rear of the first groove 230, that is, the retaining

walls

237, 236, and 235 surround and define the first groove 230, and the retaining

walls

237, 236, and 235 are not closed and form a gap, which is located at the right side of the first groove 230. A first bottom surface 231 and a second bottom surface 232 are formed at the bottom of the first groove 230, wherein the second bottom surface 232 is located at the right side of the first bottom surface 231, and the second bottom surface 232 is inclined downwards from left to right. The side 223 of the rear section 220 is formed with a slope 233, the slope 233 is adjacent to the second bottom surface 232 and the wall 235 at the left side, and is adjacent to the wall 237 at the front side.

Referring to fig. 4d, a second groove 240 is formed on the side 223 of the rear portion 220, and retaining

walls

247, 246 and 245 are respectively formed at the front, the left and the rear of the second groove 240, that is, the retaining

walls

247, 246 and 245 surround and define the second groove 240, and the retaining

walls

247, 246 and 245 are not closed to form a gap located at the right side of the second groove 240. A first bottom surface 241 and a second bottom surface 242 are formed at the bottom of the second groove 240, wherein the second bottom surface 242 is located at the right side of the first bottom surface 241, and the second bottom surface 242 is inclined downwards from left to right. The side 223 of the rear section 220 has an inclined surface 243 formed thereon, the left side of the inclined surface 243 is adjacent to the second bottom surface 242 and the retaining wall 245, and the front side is adjacent to the retaining wall 247.

In one embodiment, the second groove 240 is located on the rear portion 220 relative to the first groove 230, and the configuration may be the same as the configuration of the first groove 230. In other words, the rear portion 220 of the housing shell 200 may be provided with two first grooves 230, wherein one first groove 230 is used to replace the original second groove 240,

referring to fig. 4e, two opposite fixing openings 250 are formed on the side 223 of the rear portion 220, and the two fixing openings 250 are through holes extending from the outside of the rear portion 220 to the inside of the rear portion 220 along a transverse direction 192 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 191 and connected to the concave portion 224.

Referring to fig. 5a to 5e, the slider 300 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the longitudinal direction 191. The slider 300 is hollow and has a channel therein extending in a longitudinal direction 191 from a rear end 312 to a front end 311 of the slider 300, so that an

opening

321, 322 is formed in each of the front end 311 and the rear end 312. The slider 300 may be generally divided along the longitudinal direction 191 into a front section and a back section, wherein the channels in the front section are rectangular channels and the channels in the back section are circular channels. The slider 300 has elongated projections 331 formed on the outer surfaces of the top and bottom walls of the rear section, respectively, the two projections 331 being adjacent to the front section. The outer surfaces of the top and bottom walls of the rear section of slider 300 are also formed with an elongated projection 332, each projection 332 extending from the rear end 312 in the longitudinal direction 191 and forming a gap with the adjacent projection 331, the gap thereby forming a notch 333. An engaging

portion

341, 342 is formed on an outer surface of each of the right and left walls of the rear section portion of the slider 300, and the shape of the engaging

portion

341, 342 corresponds to the shape of the two engaging portions 228 of the accommodating case 200, respectively, so that the two engaging portions 228 can accommodate the engaging

portions

341, 342, respectively. The slider 300 has a shoulder 351 formed on each of the inner surfaces of the top and bottom walls of the rear section portion thereof, the shoulders 351 being disposed opposite one another and extending forwardly from the rear end 312 in the longitudinal direction 191. A spring 361 is formed on each of the inner surfaces of the right and left walls of the rear portion of the slider 300, and the two springs 361 extend from the inner surface of the slider 300 toward the rear end 312. In addition, an upper ledge 370 extends forward from the top wall of the front section of the slider 300, and a skylight 372 is formed on the upper ledge 370.

Referring to fig. 6a to 6d, the sleeve 400 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the length direction thereof is parallel to the longitudinal direction 191. The sleeve 400 has a channel inside which extends in the longitudinal direction 191 from the rear end 412 to the front end 411 of the sleeve 400. A pair of oppositely disposed

prongs

421, 422 extend from the front end 411 of the sleeve 400 in the longitudinal direction 191. The fork 421 has a notch 429 formed at the front end thereof, so as to divide the fork 421 into a first partial fork 421a and a second partial fork 421b, wherein the length of the first partial fork 421a is greater than the length of the second partial fork 421b, and the length herein refers to the length in the longitudinal direction 191. A slit 422a is formed at a corner of the front end of the fork 422. Also formed on the outer surface of the sleeve 400 is an alignment key 431, the alignment key 431 extending forwardly from adjacent the rear end 412 in the longitudinal direction 191. The sleeve 400 has threads 441 formed on an inner wall thereof, the threads 441 being located near the rear end 412 for engaging threads on the front section 121 of the cable connector 120 to couple with the cable connector 120. An annular groove 451 is formed in the outer surface of the middle section of the sleeve 400 for receiving the O-ring 134. In addition, an annular shoulder 461 is formed on the outer surface of the sleeve 400, the shoulder 461 having a notch 462. Two protrusions 471 are formed on the inner wall of the sleeve 400, and a protruding piece 481 is formed on the front corner of each protrusion 471. The projections 471 extend forwardly from the inner wall of the middle section of the ferrule 400 in the longitudinal direction 191. Each projection 471 has a generally curved inner surface so as to smoothly slide on top of the retaining

walls

235, 245 of the containment case 200. A recess 432 is formed on the rear section of the alignment key 431.

Referring to fig. 7a to 7d, the locking ring 500 has a hollow annular flange 510, and the flange 510 has a front surface 511 and a rear surface 512. A protrusion 541 extends vertically from the rear surface 512 of the flange 510. The flange 510 is formed with one or a plurality of equally spaced teeth 520, each tooth 520 extending perpendicularly from the front surface 511 in the longitudinal direction 191. In one embodiment, the lock ring 500 has three equally spaced teeth 520. Furthermore, the flange 510 is provided with a further tooth 530, which tooth 530 extends perpendicularly from the front surface 511 in the longitudinal direction 191. In another embodiment, the

teeth

520, 530 are coupled together without a gap formed therebetween. The inner and outer surfaces of the

teeth

520, 530 are curved. An alignment groove 531 is formed on an inner surface of the tooth 530, and the alignment groove 531 extends from the rear surface 512 of the flange 510 to a front end of the tooth 530 in the longitudinal direction 191. The alignment groove 531 is configured to receive the alignment key 431 of the sleeve 400 to restrict the lock ring 500 from rotating and moving parallel to the longitudinal direction 191. A locking groove 521 is formed on an outer surface of a left front end of each tooth 520, and a bottom surface of each locking groove 521 is inclined with respect to the outer surface of the tooth 520 and is inclined downward toward the left side. Each locking groove 521 is formed with a retaining wall on the left side and a notch at the front end. In addition, a guiding groove 550 is formed on the outer surface of each tooth 520, each guiding groove 550 includes at least a first groove 560, a second groove 570 and a third groove 580, and each of the first groove 560, the second groove 570 and the third groove 580 is defined by a bottom surface and a plurality of sidewalls extending upward from the bottom surface.

Please refer to fig. 7e to 7g, which are enlarged views of the guiding groove 550 at different viewing angles. In the present embodiment, the structure of the guiding groove 550 on each tooth 520 is the same, but not limited thereto, and the structure of each guiding groove 550 can be designed differently. The following description is directed to the guide groove 550 of the same tooth 520.

The first groove 560 included in the guide groove 550 extends in the longitudinal direction 191, and the length direction thereof is parallel to the longitudinal direction 191. The first groove 560 has opposite first and second ends 561, 562. The second grooves 570 extend from the first ends 561 of the first grooves 560 at a predetermined angle opposite the lateral direction 192, and the third grooves 580 extend from the second ends 562 of the first grooves 560 at another predetermined angle opposite the lateral direction 192. The second channel 570 has opposite first and second ends 571, 522, and the third channel 580 has opposite first and second ends 581, 582, wherein the first end 571 of the second channel 570 communicates with the first end 561 of the first channel 560, and the first end 581 of the third channel 580 communicates with the second end 562 of the first channel 560. The second groove 570 is communicated to the third groove 580. Thus, the first groove 560, the second groove 570 and the third groove 580 enclose a closed triangle, such that the channel 550 is defined by a hollow triangular bottom, a continuous outer sidewall and a continuous inner sidewall, wherein the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall extend upward from the hollow triangular bottom and the outer sidewall surrounds the inner sidewall.

A protrusion 591 is provided at the junction of the second groove 570 and the first groove 560, and a protrusion 592 is provided at the junction of the third groove 580 and the first groove 560. The

protrusions

591 and 592 protrude from the outer sidewall toward the inner sidewall of the guide groove 550, wherein the

protrusions

591 and 592 each have a convexly curved side facing the inner sidewall. A protrusion 593 is formed at a middle section of the bottom surface of the first groove 560, and the protrusion 593 has a convex top surface whose height gradually decreases from the center toward the first end 561 and the second end 562. The second groove 570 has a protrusion 575 formed on a bottom surface thereof at a position near a junction of the second groove 570 and the first groove 560. The protrusion 575 is gradually raised toward the first groove 560 and is abruptly reduced in height as it approaches the first groove 560, that is, a step or step 576 is formed between the protrusion 575 and the first groove 560, and the step 576 is higher than the bottom surface of the first groove 560 and also faces the protrusion 591. The junction of the second trench 570 and the third trench 580 is formed with a step 585, where the step 585 is higher than the bottom surface of the second trench 570. The bottom surface of the third groove 580 is gradually decreased as it approaches the first groove 560, and the inclination is gradually increased.

Referring to fig. 8a to 8d, the locking housing 600 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the length direction thereof is parallel to the longitudinal direction 191. The locking housing 600 has a channel therein extending in the longitudinal direction 191 from the rear end 612 to the front end 611 of the locking housing 600. An annular protrusion 620 is formed on the outer surface of the locking housing 600, and the annular protrusion 620 is adjacent to the front end 611 of the locking housing 600. A plurality of protrusions 622 are formed on the outer surface of the locking case 600, and the length direction of the protrusions 622 is parallel to the longitudinal direction 191, and extends from the rear end 612 to the annular protrusion 620 toward the longitudinal direction 191. The annular protrusion 620 has a plurality of protrusions 621 formed on a surface thereof, the protrusions 621 being disposed at equal intervals and extending toward the longitudinal direction 191 to the front end 611.

The inner wall of the locking case 600 is provided with a plurality of shoulders 631, and the length direction of the shoulders 631 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 191. In addition, at least one protrusion 641, at least one prong 642 and at least one protrusion 643 are disposed on the inner wall of the locking housing 600, wherein the protrusion 641 is close to the front end 611 and the prong 642 is close to the rear end 612. The protrusion 641 has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends perpendicularly from the inner wall of the locking case 600. The prongs 642 have a substantially cylindrical shape and extend perpendicularly from the inner wall of the locking housing 600. The prongs 642 are configured to slide within the guide slots 550 of the lock ring 500, respectively. The protrusions 643 are elongated and extend in the longitudinal direction 191 to the shoulders 631. The lugs 643 are configured to mate with locking slots 521 on the outer surface of the lock ring 500.

Referring to fig. 9, the socket 700 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the length direction thereof is parallel to the longitudinal direction 191. The socket 700 has a channel therein extending in a longitudinal direction 191 from a rear end 712 to a front end 711 of the socket 700. The socket 700 has a flange 720, a thread 730 and a plurality of grooves 750 formed on the outer surface thereof. Threads 730 are provided to allow nut 136 to lock onto socket 700. The grooves 750 are used for the protrusions 641 on the inner wall of the locking case 600 to slide therein, respectively. The channel 750 generally includes a front section 751, a middle section 752, and a rear section 753, wherein the middle section 752 connects the front section 751 and the rear section 753. The rear segment portion 753 extends forward from the rear end 712 in the longitudinal direction 191. The middle section 752 extends diagonally from the front end of the rear section 753 towards the front end 711 of the receptacle 700 and extends at a predetermined angle that is the same as the lateral direction 192, i.e., the middle section 752 does not extend parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 191. The front section 751 extends from a front end of the middle section 752 in the transverse direction 192. A tab 770 extends from the rear end 712 of the receptacle 700 and a recess 760 is formed in the outer surface of the receptacle 700, the recess 760 being adjacent the rear end 712 and extending to the tab 770. The aforementioned recess 760 and the protruding piece 770 function as a matching index (complementary index).

The sheath 110, cable connector 120, O-

rings

131, 134, nut 136, containment case 200, latch 270, slider 300, sleeve 400, lock ring 500, lock case 600, and receptacle 700 included in the connector system 1000 can all be integrally formed by plastic molding, while the wave spring 132 can be made of metal.

Referring to fig. 10, the connector 900 shown is a conventional LC-type fiber optic connector having at least one fiber ferrule 920, the fiber ferrule 920 extending from an opening at a front end of a body 910 in a longitudinal direction 191. A tail post 930 extends from the rear end of the body 910. A resilient latch 940 extends from the top wall of the body 910, the latch 940 being capable of being pressed against the top wall. Since the structure of the LC type optical fiber connector is well known, the structure thereof will not be further described. In other embodiments, the connector 900 may be other types of fiber optic connectors, such as SC or MPO type fiber optic connectors.

Referring to fig. 11 to 14, rear portions of two sliders 300 are inserted into the concave portions 224 of the receiving case 200. The tail posts 930 of the two connectors 900 are inserted into the two sliders 300 respectively to be combined with the sliders 300, the latches 940 of the two connectors 900 are pressed down by the upper eaves 370 of the two sliders 300 respectively, and the tail ends of the latches 940 are placed in the two louvers 372 respectively. For clarity, the spring and like components inside the connector 900 are not depicted. After the sliders 300 are mounted in the housing case 200, the latches 270 are inserted into the two positioning holes 250 of the housing case 200, and the latches 270 are located in the notches 333 on the outer surface of the top wall of the two sliders 300, that is, the latches 270 are located between the

protrusions

331 and 332 on the outer surface of the top wall of each slider 300, thereby restricting the movement of the two sliders 300 in the longitudinal direction 191 and preventing the sliders 300 from being pulled out of the housing case 200. Thus, the latch 270 acts like a stop to limit the movement of the two sliders 300 in the longitudinal direction 191. In addition, a stopper may be provided on the body of the housing case 200, and when the slider 300 is pushed into the housing case 200, the stopper may prevent the slider 300 from being pulled out of the housing case 200. The semi-closed rear end 222 of the containment case 200 prevents the two sliders 300 from moving rearward. Furthermore, the body of the housing case 200 can restrict the movement of the two sliders 300 in the lateral direction, that is, the movement of the two sliders 300 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 191. After the tail post 930 is inserted into the slider 300, the resilient tabs 361 on the inner surfaces of the right and left walls of the slider 300 abut the grooves at the rear end of the tail post 930, thereby limiting the movement of the tail post 930 in the longitudinal direction 191. Further, the resilient piece 361 may also restrict the movement of the tail post 930 in the lateral direction. Shoulders 351 on the inner surfaces of the top and bottom walls of slider 300 prevent the tail posts 930 from moving toward the rear end 312. In other embodiments, slider 300 can be integrally formed with tail pillars 930,

referring to FIG. 15, the wave spring 132 can be fitted over the outer surface of the middle portion of the sleeve 400, and the O-ring 134 is fitted in the annular groove 451 on the sleeve 400. The containment shell 200 is mounted within the ferrule 400 with the two

prongs

421, 422 of the front end of the ferrule 400 extending beyond the fiber ferrule 920 of the front end of the connector 900.

Referring to fig. 4c, the outer surface of the housing 200 is provided with retaining

walls

235, 236, 237. If a protruding piece is about to enter the first groove 230, it can only enter from the right side of the first groove 230 because of the blocking

walls

235, 236, 237; and can be removed from the right only when the first groove 230 is removed. Referring to fig. 4d, similarly, if a protruding piece is to enter the second groove 240, the protruding piece can only enter from the right side of the second groove 240, and can also only move out from the right side of the second groove 240.

Referring to fig. 16a and 16b, to mount the sleeve 400 on the accommodating case 200, the sleeve 400 needs to be rotated to move the two protruding pieces 481 on the inner wall thereof into the first groove 230 and the second groove 240 from the notches at the right side of the first groove 230 and the second groove 240, respectively; to remove the sleeve 400 from the housing 200, the sleeve 400 is rotated in the opposite direction to remove the two tabs 481 from the notches at the right of the first groove 230 and the second groove 240, respectively, and then the sleeve 400 is pulled, so as to prevent the sleeve 400 from being pulled out accidentally. The optical fiber connector 900 can be easily cleaned after the ferrule 400 is removed from the housing case 200.

Referring to fig. 17 and 18, a connector system 1000 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the sheath 110 is threadably engaged with the rear portion 123 of the cable connector 120. An O-ring 131 fits over the front section 121 of the cable connector 120 and abuts the middle section 122. The wave spring 132 is fitted over the outer surface of the middle section of the sleeve 400. The O-ring 134 fits within the annular groove 451 on the sleeve 400. The sleeve 400 is coupled to the cable connector 120 by threading 441 on the front section 121 of the cable connector 120 and abuts against the O-ring 131. Lock ring 500 fits over sleeve 400 and encases wave spring 132. The wave spring 132 functions to provide axial force to the lock housing 600 to prevent it from falling out of the receptacle 700. The alignment key 431 on the outer surface of the sleeve 400 is inserted into the alignment groove 531 of the lock ring 500. Nut 136 is locked to socket 700 using threads 730. The rear section of the lock housing 600 is fitted over the sleeve 400 and lock ring 500 and over the O-ring 134. The front section of the locking housing 600 fits over the receptacle 700. The O-ring 134 functions to seal the gap between the sleeve 400 and the lock housing 600 to prevent water from passing through.

The connector system 1000 according to the present invention, wherein the optical fiber can pass through the sheath 110, the cable connector 120, the ferrule 400, the channel 225 of the containment case 200 and the slider 300, and finally connect to the fiber ferrule 920 of the fiber optic connector 900. The electrical cables may also pass through the sheath 110, the cable connector 120, and the sleeve 400 and through the passage 226 of the containment case 200.

Referring to fig. 19, the connector system 1000 according to the present invention, wherein the two

prongs

421 and 422 of the front end of the ferrule 400 extend beyond the fiber-optic ferrule 920 of the front end of the connector 900, can prevent accidental contact with the fiber-optic ferrule 920, and provide protection for the fiber-optic ferrule 920. The fiber optic ferrule 920 will not be damaged by hitting directly against the ground, such as when the connector 900 is dropped. Further, when locking the lock housing 600 to the receptacle 700, without visual confirmation of alignment, the notches 429 on the prongs 421 may be aligned with the recesses 760 and tabs 770 on the receptacle 700 by finger touch, the

prongs

421, 422 may be inserted into the receptacle 700, and the lock housing 600 may be rotated to lock to the receptacle 700. Notches 429 in prongs 421 serve as alignment indicators (alignment indicia) that can form touch mating indicators with recesses 760 and tabs 770 in receptacle 700. The "blind" installation is particularly suitable for use in poor environments, such as outdoors, high or poorly lit environments, or in confined spaces where access is required. In other embodiments of the present invention, one or both of the

prongs

421 and 422 can be formed on other components, such as the containment case 200, in place of the

prongs

421 or 422 originally formed on the sleeve 400.

Referring back to fig. 11, the connector system 1000 according to the present invention, in which the slider 300 and the housing 200 have a slight clearance therebetween, can move in a slight three-dimensional manner with respect to the housing 200, and thus the connectors 900 inserted into the slider 300 can move independently. Thus, when two connectors 900 are inserted into a duplex adapter disposed in receptacle 700, both connectors 900 can be properly aligned with the adapter due to the slight three-dimensional movement of slider 300. Alignment of the fiber optic connector is important because the diameter of the single mode fiber core (core) is very small. Additionally, the upper ledge 370 of slider 300 may depress the latch 940 of connector 900 to enable the connector 900 to be pulled out of the adapter. The tail end of latch 940 is positioned within the window 372 of the upper ledge 370 to prevent the connector 900 from disengaging from the slider 300.

When assembling the connector system 1000 of the present invention, the latches 940 of the two connectors 900 are pressed down and the tail posts 930 of the two connectors 900 are inserted into the two sliders 300, respectively, such that the tail ends of the two latches 940 are placed in the windows 372 of the top eaves 370 of the two sliders 300, respectively. Then, two sliders 300 are inserted into the receiving case 200, and then the latches 270 are inserted into the two positioning holes 250 of the receiving case 200 to fix the two sliders 300. The O-ring 134 is fitted in the annular groove 451 on the sleeve 400. Then, the accommodating case 200 is inserted into the front end of the sleeve 400, the two protruding pieces 481 on the inner wall of the sleeve 400 abut against the retaining

walls

237 and 247 on the outer surface of the accommodating case 200, respectively, and then the sleeve 400 is rotated to allow the two protruding pieces 481 to move into the first recess 230 and the second recess 240 from the notches at the right of the first recess 230 and the second recess 240 on the outer surface of the accommodating case 200, respectively, so as to prevent the accommodating case 200 from being separated from the sleeve 400.

The lock housing 600 is then placed over the lock ring 500 with the prongs 642 first placed in the respective locking slots 521 on the outer surface of the lock ring 500. Then rotating the lock case 600 and pushing the lock case 600 toward the lock ring 500 allows the pins 642 to be rotated into the guide grooves 550, respectively, and finally the protrusions 643 to be rotated into the locking grooves 521, respectively. The wave spring 132 is then fitted over the outer surface of the middle section of the sleeve 400, and the alignment key 431 on the outer surface of the sleeve 400 is then inserted into the alignment groove 531 of the lock ring 500. The O-ring 131 is then fitted over the forward section 121 of the cable connector 120, and the forward section 121 of the cable connector 120 is threaded into the sleeve 400. The sheath 110 is then threaded onto the rear section 123 of the cable connector 120. The notches 429 on the prongs 421 of the sleeve 400 are then aligned with the recesses 760 and tabs 770 on the receptacle 700, and the

prongs

421, 422 are then inserted into the receptacle 700. The locking shell 600 is then rotated so that the protrusions 641 on the inner wall thereof slide in the grooves 750 on the outer wall of the receptacle 700, respectively, and finally the locking shell 600 is locked to the receptacle 700 so that the connector 900 in the ferrule 400 is inserted into the adapter provided in the receptacle 700. It is noted that the optical fibers extend from the rear end of the fiber optic connector 900, and therefore, when assembling the connector system 1000 of the present invention, the optical fibers need to be threaded through the components before they can be assembled.

When the pins 642 of the lock case 600 are respectively seated in the first grooves 560 of the lock ring 500, the protrusions 641 of the inner wall of the lock case 600 are respectively seated in the front sections 751 of the grooves 750, and the protrusions 643 are respectively seated in the locking grooves 521. The locking ring 500 may then be pulled back to allow the prongs 642 to slide within the first grooves 560, respectively, past the tabs 593 to the junction of the first grooves 560 and the third grooves 580, respectively, while the tabs 643 move out of the locking groove 521 from the notch at the front end of the locking groove 521, respectively. The lock housing 600 can then be rotated so that the protrusions 641 slide from the front section 751 of the groove 750, over the middle section 752, and to the rear section 753, respectively. Since lock ring 500 is only able to move in longitudinal direction 191 and is not able to rotate, pins 642 of lock housing 600 slide from first channel 560 into third channels 580, respectively, as lock housing 600 is rotated, which pulls sleeve 400 to allow protrusions 641 to move out of channels 750, respectively, thereby separating connector 900 from the adapter in receptacle 700.

To insert the connector 900 into the adapter in the socket 700, the locking shell 600 is rotated to rotate the pins 642 into the second grooves 570, respectively, and then the protrusions 641 on the inner wall of the locking shell 600 are placed into the rear portion 753 of the groove 750, respectively. The locking housing 600 is then rotated to allow the protrusions 641 to slide into the middle sections 752 and front sections 751 of the channels 750, respectively. During rotation of the lock housing 600, the prongs 642 thereof are blocked from rotating back into the third channel 580 by the break 585, respectively, and because the lock ring 500 can only move in the longitudinal direction 191, the prongs 642 will slide in the second channel 570, respectively, and pull the lock ring 500 toward the lock housing 600, and finally over the protrusions 575 into the first channel 560. The pins 642 rotated into the first grooves 560, respectively, will cause the connector 900 to be inserted into an adapter in the receptacle 700 to form a locked state. In addition, during the rotation of the locking case 600, the protrusions 643 formed on the inner wall thereof approach the locking groove 521 from the left side, and finally fall into the locking groove 521 beyond the retaining walls on the left side of the locking groove 521. Referring back to fig. 18, when the locked state is formed, the shoulder 631 on the inner wall of the lock case 600 prevents the shoulder 461 on the outer surface of the sleeve 400 from retreating, thereby preventing the sleeve 400 from being pulled out backward.

The breaks 576 in the guide slots 550 prevent the pins 642 from moving from the first groove 560 to the second groove 570, respectively, and thus function as a stop. The retaining walls on the left side of the locking slots 521 prevent the protrusions 643 from moving out of the locking slots 521 from the left side, respectively, and thus also prevent the pins 642 from moving from the first groove 560 to the second groove 570, respectively. The breaks 585 in the guide slots 550 prevent the pins 642 from moving from the second grooves 570 to the third grooves 580, respectively, and thus function as a stop.

When the user rotates the locking housing 600 to allow the prongs 642 to pass over the protrusions 575, respectively, a change in resistance is felt, which creates a "feel" that allows the user to detect that the prongs 642 have rotated from the second grooves 570 into the first grooves 560, respectively, to reach a locked state. The protrusion 593 provided in the first groove 560 may allow a user to feel a resistance change when unlocking the lock case 600. In addition, the protrusion 593 can prevent the prong 642 from accidentally sliding past to form the unlocked state. The function of the protrusions 591 is to ensure that the prongs 642 can be seated in the tracks and not be held immobile at the corner dead center where the first and

second grooves

560, 570 are connected. Likewise, the protrusion 592 also serves to ensure that the prong 642 can be seated within the track without being immobilized at the corner dead center where the first channel 560 connects to the third channel 580. The

breaks

576, 585 formed in channel 550 allow pin 642 to move only counterclockwise within channel 550 to lock or unlock.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, the connector system 1000 of the present invention can provide the function of mating optical fiber connectors, wherein the optical fiber connector (not shown) to be mated is connected to the left end of the receptacle 700 by using another set of ferrule 400, lock ring 500 and lock housing 600. In order to prevent the

prongs

421 and 422 of the sleeve 400 from interfering with the

prongs

422 and 421 of the opposing sleeve 400 when the connector system 1000 provides the optical connector mating function, the prongs 422 are designed to have slits 422a that can receive a first portion of the prongs 421a of the opposing prongs 421 (see fig. 21). However, it should be understood that the fiber optic connectors to be mated may be mated to the left end of receptacle 700 using ferrules, locking rings and locking shells other than the present invention. Referring to FIG. 22, a connector system 1000 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the receptacle 700 is secured to a panel 990 using nuts 136. Additionally, when the connector system 1000 is assembled, the strap 138 may be tied to the sleeve 400 through the recess 432, thereby preventing the shackle 500 from being pulled back away from the sleeve 400. Since the protrusions 541 on the locking ring 500 are located above the recesses 432, the strap 138 is prevented from falling out.

The invention also provides a dustproof piece of the optical fiber connector. As shown in fig. 23, the dust-proof device of the present invention includes a locking housing 600 and a dust-proof cover 800. The structure of the locking housing 600 shown in fig. 23 is identical to the structure of the locking housing 600 disclosed in fig. 8a to 8d, and therefore, no further description is provided.

Referring to fig. 24a to 24c, the dust cap 800 includes a circular end wall 810, a pull handle 890 is disposed on the back side of the circular end wall, and a closed annular side wall 840 extends from the front side of the circular end wall in the longitudinal direction 191, so that the end wall 810 and the annular side wall 840 together define a receiving space. One or more bumps 820 are formed on the outer surface of the sidewall 840 at equal intervals. A pair of oppositely disposed

fork portions

831, 832 extend from the front end of the side wall 840 in the longitudinal direction 191, wherein a gap 839 is formed at the front end of the fork portion 831. A locking groove 821 is formed on an outer surface of a left front end of each projection 820, and a bottom surface of each locking groove 821 is inclined with respect to the outer surface of the projection 820 and is inclined downward toward the left side. Each locking groove 821 has a retaining wall formed on the left side and a notch formed at the front end. In addition, a guiding groove 550 is formed on the outer surface of each protrusion 820, wherein the structure of the guiding groove 550 is identical to that of the guiding groove 550 disclosed in fig. 7a to 7g, and further description thereof will not be provided.

The dust shield of the present invention may be used to shield the connector system 1000 shown in fig. 17 from dust contaminating the connector 900 therein. In detail, referring to fig. 25, the dust-proof member includes a locking housing 600 and a dust-proof cover 800 that can be installed at one end of the receptacle 700 to shield the optical fiber connector installed at the other end of the receptacle 700 from dust contaminating the optical fiber connector therein.

When the locking case 600 and the dust cap 800 are mounted on the receptacle 700, the locking case 600 is first fitted over the dust cap 800, and the pins 642 on the inner wall of the locking case 600 are respectively received in the locking grooves 821 on the outer surface of the dust cap 800. Then, the locking case 600 is rotated and the locking case 600 is pushed toward the dust cap 800, so that the pins 642 are rotated into the second grooves 570 of the guide grooves 550, respectively. The notches 839 of the prongs 831 can then be finger-touched to align with the recesses 760 and tabs 770 of the receptacle 700, and the

prongs

831, 832 can be inserted into the receptacle 700 with the protrusions 641 on the inner wall of the lock housing 600 disposed in the rear section 753 of the channel 750, respectively. The locking housing 600 is then rotated to allow the protrusions 641 to slide into the middle sections 752 and front sections 751 of the channels 750, respectively. Stops (not shown) are provided in the receptacle 700 to limit the

prongs

831, 832 from rotating after insertion into the receptacle 700. During the rotation of the locking housing 600, the pins 642 are blocked by the break 585 from rotating back into the third groove 580, and since the dust cover 800 can only move along the longitudinal direction 191, the pins 642 will slide in the second grooves 570 and pull the dust cover 800 toward the locking housing 600, and finally pass over the protrusions 575 to reach the first grooves 560. When the pins 642 are rotated into the first grooves 560, the dust cover 800 is inserted into the receptacle 700 to form a locked state. In addition, during the rotation of the locking case 600, the protrusions 643 formed on the inner walls thereof approach the locking grooves 821 from the left side, respectively, and finally fall into the locking grooves 821 beyond the retaining walls on the left side of the locking grooves 821, respectively.

When the pins 642 of the locking housing 600 are respectively located in the first grooves 560 of the dust cover 800, the protrusions 641 on the inner wall of the locking housing 600 are respectively located at the front sections 751 of the grooves 750, and the protrusions 643 are respectively located in the locking grooves 821. The dust cover 800 may then be pulled back to allow the prongs 642 to slide within the first grooves 560 and over the projections 593 to the junction of the first grooves 560 and the third grooves 580, respectively, while the protrusions 643 may move out of the locking grooves 821 from the notches at the front ends of the locking grooves 821, respectively. The lock housing 600 can then be rotated so that the protrusions 641 slide from the front section 751 of the groove 750, over the middle section 752, and to the rear section 753, respectively. Since the dust cover 800 can only move along the longitudinal direction 191 and cannot rotate, the pins 642 of the lock housing 600 slide into the third grooves 580 from the first grooves 560 respectively when rotating, and the dust cover 800 can be pulled to allow the protrusions 641 to leave the grooves 750 respectively, thereby pulling the lock housing 600 and the dust cover 800 out of the receptacle 700.

Likewise, the breaks 576 in the guide slots 550 of the dust cover 800 prevent the pins 642 of the lock case 600 from moving from the first groove 560 to the second groove 570, respectively, and thus function as a stopper. The retaining walls on the left side of the locking slots 821 prevent the protrusions 643 from moving out of the locking slots 821 from the left side, respectively, and thus also prevent the pins 642 from moving from the first groove 560 to the second groove 570, respectively. The breaks 585 in the guide slots 550 prevent the pins 642 from moving from the second grooves 570 to the third grooves 580, respectively, and thus function as a stop.

second grooves

breaks

The technical features of the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and for the sake of brevity, all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are not described, but should be considered as the scope of the present specification as long as there is no contradiction between the combinations of the technical features.

The above-mentioned embodiments only express several embodiments of the present invention, and the description thereof is more specific and detailed, but not construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that, for a person skilled in the art, several variations and modifications can be made without departing from the inventive concept, which falls within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present patent shall be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector system, comprising:

a socket having opposing front and rear ends;

a ferrule to receive a connector, the ferrule to be inserted into the receptacle from the front end;

a lock ring fitted over the sleeve, the lock ring being movable in a longitudinal direction on the sleeve, the lock ring having a first groove, a second groove, and a third groove formed therein, the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove communicating with each other, wherein the first groove extends in the longitudinal direction; and

a locking housing fitted over the locking ring, the locking housing having a pin formed on an inner wall thereof for moving from the first groove to the second groove through the third groove,

wherein the pin pulls the lock ring toward the socket when the locking shell is rotated to move the pin within the second groove toward the first groove.

2. The connector system of claim 1, wherein a protrusion is formed in the second groove, the protrusion causing a change in resistance to rotation of the locking shell when the locking shell is rotated such that the prong passes over the protrusion to reach the first groove.

3. The connector system of claim 2, wherein the protrusion is further capable of preventing the pin from moving from the first groove back into the second groove.

4. The connector system of claim 1, wherein a protrusion is formed in the first groove, the protrusion causing a change in resistance to pulling of the locking shell when the locking shell is pulled to cause the prong to pass the protrusion.

5. The connector system of claim 1, wherein a discontinuity is formed at a junction of the second groove and the third groove to inhibit movement of the pin from the second groove to the third groove.

6. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle has a fourth groove formed therein and the lock housing has a protrusion formed on an inner wall thereof for movement within the fourth groove to rotate the lock housing.

7. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the locking housing further has a tab formed on an inner wall thereof, and the locking collar further has a locking groove formed thereon for receiving the tab.

8. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has a first shoulder formed thereon and the locking shell has a second shoulder formed on an inner wall thereof for resisting rearward movement of the first shoulder.

9. The connector system of claim 1, wherein said ferrule defines an alignment key extending in said longitudinal direction, and said locking ring defines an alignment groove extending in said longitudinal direction on an inner wall thereof for receiving said alignment key.

10. The connector system of claim 9, wherein the alignment key has a recess formed therein, and wherein a protrusion extends from a rear end of the lock ring, the protrusion being positioned above the recess, the connector system further comprising:

a strap tied to the sleeve through the recess, thereby preventing the locking ring from being pulled back away from the sleeve.

11. A dust guard, comprising:

the dustproof cover is used for covering the socket and is provided with a first groove, a second groove and a third groove which are communicated with each other, wherein the first groove extends towards a longitudinal direction; and

a locking shell sleeved on the dust cover, wherein pins are formed on the inner wall of the locking shell and used for moving from the first groove to the second groove through the third groove,

wherein the prongs pull the dust cover toward the receptacle in the longitudinal direction when the locking shell is rotated to move the prongs within the second groove toward the first groove.

12. The dust guard of claim 11, wherein a protrusion is formed in said second groove, said protrusion causing a change in resistance to rotation of said lock housing when said lock housing is rotated such that said prongs ride over said protrusion to said first groove.

13. The dust guard of claim 12, wherein the protrusion is further configured to prevent the pin from moving from the first groove back into the second groove.

14. The dust guard of claim 11, wherein a protrusion is formed in said first groove, said protrusion causing a change in resistance to pulling of said locking shell when said locking shell is pulled to cause said prong to pass said protrusion.

15. The dust guard of claim 11, wherein a discontinuity is formed at a junction of said second groove and said third groove to prevent said pin from moving from said second groove to said third groove.

16. The dust shield of claim 11, further comprising a protrusion formed on an inner wall of said locking shell, and a locking slot formed on said dust cover for receiving said protrusion.

17. The dust cover of claim 11, wherein said dust cover is formed at a front end thereof with two prongs extending in said longitudinal direction for insertion into said receptacle to prevent rotation of said dust cover.