CN117687155A - Optical fiber connector, optical fiber adapter and optical fiber connection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The application discloses an optical fiber connector, an optical fiber adapter and an optical fiber connection system. The fiber optic connector is for interfacing with a fiber optic adapter. The optical fiber connector comprises an inner shell, a ferrule assembly, a rear body, an elastic piece and a sealing part. The inner housing includes a front end portion for inserting the fiber optic adapter, a rear end portion provided with a first clamping portion, and an open space extending from the front end portion to the rear end portion. A ferrule assembly is disposed in the open space of the inner housing, the ferrule assembly for receiving the optical fiber and at least partially exposed from the front end portion. The rear body is connected to the rear end portion of the inner housing, the rear body has a first mating portion configured to form a snap fit with the first snap fit portion. The elastic member is disposed in the open space and is clamped between the ferrule assembly and the rear body. The seal portion is sandwiched between the inner housing and the rear body.

Description

Optical fiber connector, optical fiber adapter and optical fiber connection system

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of fiber optic connectors, and more particularly to a fiber optic connector, a fiber optic adapter, and a fiber optic connection system.

Background

Current fiber optic connectors and adapters do not have a waterproof function and liquids can enter the interior of the device through the fiber optic connector or adapter, resulting in damage to the device.

Accordingly, there is a need for a fiber optic connector, fiber optic adapter, and fiber optic connection system that at least partially address the above issues.

Disclosure of Invention

In the summary, a series of concepts in a simplified form are introduced, which will be further described in detail in the detailed description. The summary of the present application is not intended to define the key features and essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

To at least partially solve the above-described problems, a first aspect of the present application provides a fiber optic connector for interfacing with a fiber optic adapter, the fiber optic connector comprising:

an inner housing including a front end portion, a rear end portion, and an open space extending from the front end portion to the rear end portion, the front end portion for insertion of the fiber optic adapter, the rear end portion provided with a first clip;

a ferrule assembly disposed in the open space of the inner housing, the ferrule assembly for receiving an optical fiber and at least partially emerging from the front end portion;

a rear body connected to a rear end portion of the inner housing, the rear body having a first mating portion configured to form a snap fit with the first snap fit portion;

the elastic piece is arranged in the open space and clamped between the ferrule assembly and the rear main body;

and a sealing part clamped between the inner housing and the rear body.

A second aspect of the present application provides a fiber optic adapter, the fiber optic adapter including two oppositely disposed receiving portions, and two being provided with a dividing wall between the receiving portions, the receiving portions including a first receiving portion for receiving a first fiber optic connector, the first receiving portion including:

a first housing having a first insertion end, a first mating end, and a first passageway extending from the first insertion end to the first mating end, the first insertion end of the first housing being provided with a key slot for receiving a key portion of the first optical fiber connector;

a first seal disposed at the first butt end and attached to the partition wall;

a catch element disposed within the first housing and configured to press the first seal against the dividing wall, the catch element having a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of the optical fiber connector.

A third aspect of the present application provides an optical fiber connection system, comprising:

at least one first fiber optic connector configured as the fiber optic connector of the first aspect described above; and

the fiber optic adapter of the second aspect;

wherein the first fiber optic connector is insertable into the first receiving portion of the fiber optic adapter and the first fiber optic connector is capable of compressing a first seal located in a first housing of the first receiving portion to achieve a watertight seal.

Drawings

The following drawings of the present application are included to provide an understanding of the present application as part of the present application. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present application and their description to explain the principles of the present application.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fiber optic connector according to a first preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the inner housing of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the rear body of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the outer housing of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a first step assembly process of a fiber optic connector according to a first preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a second step assembly process of a fiber optic connector according to a first preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a third step assembly process of a fiber optic connector according to a first preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 taken along the direction A-A';

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 9 taken along the direction B-B';

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a fiber optic adapter according to a second preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 11;

fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the hook component of fig. 12;

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an installation process of a fiber optic connection system according to a third preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a fiber optic connection system according to a third preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial schematic view of a fiber optic connector according to a first preferred embodiment of the present application in connection with a fiber optic adapter according to a second preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connection system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is an exploded schematic view of a fiber optic adapter according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fiber optic adapter according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of an installation process of a fiber optic connection system according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a fiber optic connection system according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present application; and

fig. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connection system of fig. 22.

Detailed Description

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present application. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present application may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, some features well known in the art have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the present application.

It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exemplary embodiments in accordance with the present application. As used herein, the singular is intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Ordinal words such as "first" and "second" recited in this application are merely identifying and do not have any other meaning, e.g., a particular order, etc. Also, for example, the term "first component" does not itself connote the presence of "second component" and the term "second component" does not itself connote the presence of "first component". It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", and the like are used herein for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting.

Exemplary embodiments according to the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein, the term "optical fiber" is intended to apply to all types of single mode and multimode optical waveguides, including one or more bare optical fibers, coated optical fibers, loose tube optical fibers, tight-buffered optical fibers, ribbon optical fibers, bend performance optical fibers, bend insensitive optical fibers, nanostructured optical fibers, or any other means for transmitting optical signals. Multi-fiber cables include a plurality of optical fibers that may be disposed within a single connector. For example, a multi-fiber connector using multi-fiber push-in/pull (MPO) technology may include and connect 12 or 24 optical fibers. While the following description is directed to MPO adapters and MPO connectors, the described embodiments are applicable to other types of connectors and ferrule types.

First preferred embodiment

A first preferred embodiment of the present application provides an optical fiber connector 110, the optical fiber connector 110 being schematically illustrated in fig. 1 to 10. The fiber optic connector 110 is configured to interface with a fiber optic adapter 160, such as the fiber optic adapter 160 of the second preferred embodiment or the fiber optic adapter 260 of the fourth preferred embodiment, to form a fiber optic connection system, such as the fiber optic connection system 100 of the third preferred embodiment or the fiber optic connection system 200 of the fifth preferred embodiment.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, there is schematically shown an optical fiber connector 110 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present application. From fig. 2, the outer housing 135, the inner housing 111, the ferrule assembly 121, the elastic member 133, the sealing portion 134, the rear body 122, the optical cable 140, the crimp ring 141, and the boot 142 can be seen in order. Wherein the inner housing 135, outer housing 111 and ferrule assembly 121 are located at the proximal end of the fiber optic connector 110 for connection with a fiber optic adapter.

In the following description, the proximal end of the connector is used to describe the end of the connector that is connected to the adapter, and the distal end is used to describe the cable end of the connector. Further, taking fig. 9 as an example, a direction extending from the distal end to the proximal end is referred to as a forward direction (i.e., a direction D1 in fig. 9), a direction extending from the proximal end to the distal end is referred to as a backward direction (i.e., a direction D2 in fig. 9), a direction in which the optical fibers are arranged in the ferrule assembly (i.e., an up-down direction in fig. 9) is referred to as a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber connector, and a direction orthogonal to the forward-backward direction and the longitudinal direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in fig. 9) is referred to as a lateral direction of the optical fiber connector.

Referring to fig. 1, 2, 3 and 10, the inner case 111 includes a front end portion 112, a middle portion 114 and a rear end portion 113, in which an open space 115 is formed. The middle portion 114 is connected between the front end portion 112 and the rear end portion 113. The open space 115 extends through from the front end portion 112 to the rear end portion 113. The front end portion 112 is adapted for insertion into a fiber optic adapter 160. As shown in fig. 1 and 3, the front end portion 112 is substantially planar on both sides extending in the longitudinal direction, with a polarity key 118 provided on one of the sides. The front end portion 112 is flat and slightly curved on both sides extending in the lateral direction, and may be provided with protrusions extending in the front-rear direction on both sides, and a third engaging portion 119 (described later) is provided on the rear portion. The rear end portion 113 is for receiving the rear body 122. The rear end portion 113 may be provided with a first click 116 (described below) on a side surface thereof extending in the lateral direction. The middle portion 114 is preferably provided with a second snap-fit connection 117 (described below). Preferably, the inner housing 111 is formed as a unitary member.

The ferrule assembly 121 is disposed in the open space 115 of the inner housing 111. The ferrule assembly 121 is used to connect and receive optical fibers, such as those extending from the fiber optic cable 140. And, the ferrule assembly 121 is at least partially exposed from the front end portion 112.

Referring to fig. 4, 9 and 10, the rear body 122 includes an insertion portion 123, a transition portion 125 and an exposed portion 124, in which a fiber channel 126 is formed. Wherein the transition portion 125 is connected between the insertion portion 123 and the exposed portion 124. The exposed portion 124 is for receiving an optical fiber, which may be configured like a cylinder as shown. The fiber passage 126 extends through from the exposed portion 124 to the insertion portion 123 and communicates with the open space 115. The insertion portion 123 is inserted into the rear end portion 113 at least partially in the forward direction D1, and the transition portion 125 is attached to the rear end portion 113 of the inner case 111. Preferably, the cross-sectional dimension of the transition portion 125 in a direction perpendicular to the forward direction D1 is greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the insertion portion 123, so that the transition portion 125 can abut against the rear end portion 113. And both lateral sides of the transition portion 125 extending in the lateral direction are preferably provided with lugs 145, such as semicircular or fan-shaped lugs 145, thereby facilitating abutment with the rear end portion 113. The rear body 122 has a first mating portion 129, and the first mating portion 129 is configured to form a snap fit with the first snap fit portion 116.

As shown in fig. 3, the inner cross-sectional dimension of the rear end portion 113 of the inner case 111 in the direction perpendicular to the forward direction D1 is larger than the inner cross-sectional dimension of the middle portion 114, whereby a stepped structure is formed therein. In other words, the open space 115 may be formed as a stepped hole. When the insertion portion 123 is inserted by the rear end portion 113, the insertion portion 123 abuts against the rear end of the middle portion 114. In other words, referring to fig. 9, the insertion portion 123 abuts on the step of the above-described stepped hole.

The resilient member 133 is disposed in the open space 115 between the ferrule assembly 121 and the rear body 122, and the rear body 122 is configured to compress the resilient member 133 against the ferrule assembly 121. Specifically, the surface of the insertion portion 123 facing the forward direction D1 is provided with a receiving portion 143, and the elastic member 133 is located in the receiving portion 143. And the elastic member 133 is configured to press the rear body 122 such that the rear body 122 tends to move toward the rearward direction D2 to enable the first catching portion 116 and the first fitting portion 129 to be caught. Meanwhile, the elastic member 133 is configured to press the ferrule assembly 121 so as to be relatively fixed to the front end portion 112 of the inner housing 111, thereby being relatively fixed to the proximal end of the optical fiber connector 110.

The sealing portion 134 is disposed between the inner case 111 and the rear body 122 and abuts against the insertion portion 123, and the rear body 122 is configured to press the sealing portion 134 against the inner case 111. For example, the insertion portion 123 of the rear body 122 and the middle portion 114 of the inner housing 111 sandwich the sealing portion 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion portion 123 of the rear body 122 presses the sealing part 134 against the step of the stepped hole formed in the above-described open space 115.

According to the optical fiber connector 110 of the present embodiment, the connection between the rear body 122 and the inner housing 111 is achieved by the clamping structure, which is convenient for assembly, and also avoids displacement of the optical fiber, for example, breakage and damage of the optical fiber due to displacement of the threaded mounting between the rear body and the inner housing. In addition, the sealing portion 134 is provided to realize a waterproof function, so that liquid can be prevented from entering the inside of the device through the connector.

Referring to fig. 3, 4 and 9, the first clamping portion 116 may be configured as an opening opened on a lateral side of the rear end portion 113 of the inner case 111 extending in the lateral direction. The first fitting portion 129 is provided to the insertion portion 123, and the first fitting portion 129 may have a protrusion 132, whereby it can be engaged with the first engaging portion 116 in the form of an opening. The first mating portion 129 has a first end 130 and a second end 131 opposite the first end 130, wherein the second end 131 is closer to the distal end of the fiber optic connector 110 than the first end 130. The first end 130 is connected to the insertion portion 123, the second end 131 is spaced from the outer surface of the insertion portion 123, and the protrusion 132 is disposed at the second end 131, for example, the protrusion 132 protrudes at the second end 131 in a direction away from the insertion portion 123. Wherein the first mating portion 129 is capable of deforming the second end 131 against the outer surface of the insertion portion 123 such that the projection 132 is capable of entering the opening to form a snap fit. Illustratively, when the rear body 122 is inserted into the inner case 111, the protrusion 132 of the first fitting portion 129 on the rear body 122 first contacts the rear end portion 113 of the inner case 111, so that the first fitting portion 129 deforms under the pressing of the rear end portion 113, allowing the protrusion 132 to enter into the rear end portion 113, and when the protrusion 132 moves to the opening, the first fitting portion 129 resumes the deformation to achieve the engagement of the protrusion 132 with the opening.

Referring to fig. 1, 4 and 10, the transition portion 125 of the rear body 122 further has key portions 127, the key portions 127 being located at both sides of the rear body 122 extending in the longitudinal direction. The key portion 127 extends toward the forward direction D1, and the key portion 127 is spaced apart from the insertion portion 123 so that the rear end portion 113 of the inner case 111 can be sandwiched between the key portion 127 and the insertion portion 123, thereby further improving the stability of connection. Preferably, the side surfaces (sides extending in the longitudinal direction) of the key portions 127 are provided with male and female formations 128, the key portions 127 are for insertion into the keyway 168 on the fiber optic adapter 160, and the male and female formations 128 are capable of forming a mating connection with additional male and female formations 169 on the side walls of the keyway 168. To limit rattling of the fiber optic connector 110 and to prevent rattling.

Referring to fig. 1, 2, 5 and 9, the optical fiber connector 110 further includes an outer housing 135, and the outer housing 135 includes a frame portion 136 and an operating portion 137 connected to the frame portion 136. Illustratively, the frame portion 136 may be configured as a hollow frame-like shape, or as two beams disposed opposite each other and spaced apart. The operation portions 137 are provided on both side surfaces of the frame portion 136 that are disposed opposite in the longitudinal direction, and extend in the rearward direction D2 from the frame portion 136. The operation part 137 is for being held and operated by an operator, and the outer surface thereof may be selectively provided with anti-skid patterns. The frame portion 136 is provided with a second engaging portion 138, and the outer case 135 is fitted over the inner case 111 in the rearward direction D2. Correspondingly, a second clamping portion 117 is disposed on the middle portion 114 of the inner housing 111, and the second clamping portion 117 and the second matching portion 138 can form a clamping engagement. The second latching portion 117 is preferably arranged on a side extending in the longitudinal direction, for example, on one side behind the polarity key 118.

Alternatively, the second engagement portion 117 is configured as a protruding portion 117 protruding from the outer surface of the inner case 111, and the second fitting portion 138 is configured as an end portion of the frame portion 136 in the forward direction D1, wherein the frame portion 136 is located behind the protruding portion 117 when the second engagement portion 117 and the second fitting portion 138 form engagement.

The rear end portion 113 of the inner case 111 is provided with a stopper 120. Illustratively, the rear end portion 113 of the inner housing 111 has an outer cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the forward direction D1 that is larger than the outer cross-sectional dimension of the middle portion 114, thereby also having a stepped structure outside the inner housing 111, which steps then form the above-mentioned blocking portion 120. The frame portion 136 of the outer case 135 has an elastic portion 139, and the elastic portion 139 abuts the blocking portion 120, so that the outer case 135 tends to move toward the forward direction D1 to clamp the second clamping portion 117 and the second engaging portion 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic portion 139 may be a deformable elastic arm extending obliquely toward the rearward direction D2.

In addition, as shown in fig. 3 and 9, a third engaging portion 119 is further provided on the front end portion 112 for engaging with a hook portion 185 of the hook member 171 of the optical fiber adapter 160 to be able to be fixed after the optical fiber connector 110 is inserted into the optical fiber adapter 160. The third engagement portion 119 is preferably a protrusion extending in a transverse direction, having a trapezoidal cross section, to facilitate guiding the hook portion 185 on the catch element 171 of the fiber optic adapter.

Fig. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the assembly process of the fiber optic connector 110. With reference to fig. 6, the inner housing 111, the ferrule assembly 121, the elastic member 133, the sealing portion 134, and the rear body 122 are first assembled together. The mounting direction may be to clamp the inner housing 111 to the rear body 122 in the backward direction D2, or to clamp the rear body 122 to the inner housing 111 in the forward direction D1.

Second step of assembly referring to fig. 7, the outer case 135 is sleeved outside the inner case 111 in the backward direction D2 such that the frame portion 136 is located behind the boss 117, and the elastic portion 139 of the frame portion 136 abuts the more rearward blocking portion 120 such that the position of the outer case 135 is defined by the boss 117 and the blocking portion 120.

Third step assembly referring to fig. 8, the fiber optic cable 140 is connected to the exposed portion 124 of the rear body 122 and the optical fibers in the fiber optic cable 140 are connected to the ferrule assembly 121 via the fiber channel 126. The crimp ring 141 is then attached to the exposed portion 124, and the fiber is compressed by the rotating action of the threaded connection and by the teeth on the inner surface of the crimp ring 141. Then, a boot 142 is fitted over the exposed portion 124, the boot 142 may be a heat shrinkable tube, and the cable 140, crimp ring 141 and rear body 122 are secured together using heat shrinkage of the boot 142.

Second preferred embodiment

A second preferred embodiment of the present application provides a fiber optic adapter 160, the fiber optic adapter 160 being shown in fig. 11-14. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber adapter is the same as the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber connector in the first embodiment, and is a direction perpendicular to the straight surface in fig. 14. The lateral direction of the optical fiber adapter is the same as the lateral direction of the optical fiber connector in the first embodiment, and is the up-down direction in fig. 14.

The fiber optic adapter 160 of the second preferred embodiment of the present application includes two oppositely disposed receiving portions and a dividing wall 163 located between the two receiving portions. For example, the optical fiber adapter 160 in the present embodiment includes a first receiving portion 161, a second receiving portion 162, and a partition wall 163 connected between the first receiving portion 161 and the second receiving portion 162.

The first receiving portion 161 is configured to receive the first optical fiber connector 110, and the first optical fiber connector 110 may be the optical fiber connector 110 in the first preferred embodiment. The second receiving portion 162 is for receiving the second optical fiber connector 10, and the second optical fiber connector 10 may be an optical fiber connector different from the first preferred embodiment described above, such as a standard optical fiber connector.

Referring to fig. 11, 12 and 14, the first receiving portion 161 includes a first housing 164, a first seal 170 and a catch member 171. The first housing 164 has a first insertion end 165, a first mating end 166, and a first passage 167 extending through the first insertion end 165 to the first mating end 166. The first insertion end 165 is for insertion of the first fiber optic connector 110 and the first mating end 166 is for mating with the second fiber optic connector 10. A first seal 170 is disposed at the first docking end 166 and is attached to the dividing wall 163. The catching member 171 is disposed in the first housing 164 and configured to press the first sealing member 170 to the partition wall 163, and the catching member 171 has a receiving space 181 for receiving at least a portion of the optical fiber connector 110.

The second receiving portion 162 is disposed opposite the first receiving portion 161, the second receiving portion 162 including a second housing 172 and a further catch member 171. The second housing 172 has a second insertion end 173, a second mating end 174, and a second passage 175 extending through the second insertion end 173 to the second mating end 174, and the second passage 175 communicates with the first passage 167 at the partition wall 163. For example, the partition wall 163 may be provided with a through hole, and the second passage 175 communicates with the first passage 167 via the through hole. And, the above-mentioned first seal 170 is attached to the partition wall 163 around the through hole. The second insertion end 173 is for insertion of the second optical fiber connector 10, and the second mating end 174 is for mating with the first optical fiber connector 110. The further catch element 171 is arranged in the second housing 172, which has the same structure as the catch element 171 in the first receiving portion 161.

Illustratively, referring to fig. 13, the catch member 171 in the first receiving portion 161 and the second receiving portion 162 includes a catch body 177, a side arm 178, a locking portion 179, and a polarity portion 180. The inside of the hook body 177 forms an accommodating space 181 for accommodating a part of the structure of the optical fiber connector. The receiving space 181, which can be seen as forming part of the first passage 167 or the second passage 175, extends through the catch element 171. The side arms 178 are connected to two longitudinally opposite sides of the hook body 177, the side arms 178 being configured to catch the fiber optic connector 110 when the fiber optic connector 110 is inserted into the fiber optic adapter 160. For example, the hook 185 at the end of the side arm 178 engages the third engagement portion 119 on the side of the inner housing 111 of the optical fiber connector 110. The locking portion 179 is disposed on an outer surface of the hook body 177, for example, two lateral sides of the hook body 177 disposed opposite to each other in a lateral direction. The side surface may be a flat surface from which the locking portion 179 protrudes outwardly. The locking portion 179 is configured to enable the catch member 171 to be connected to the housing of the receiving portion. Illustratively, two laterally opposite outer side surfaces of the housing of the receiving portion are provided with a clamping groove, with which the locking portion 179 on the catch body 177 can engage. The polar part 180 is disposed on an inner surface of the hook body 177, for example, the polar part 180 may be disposed on one of two inner surfaces opposite to each other in a lateral direction. The polarity portion 180 is configured to receive the polarity key 118 on the fiber optic connector 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the polarity portion 180 is configured as a polarity groove 180 recessed in the inner surface of the catch body 177.

Preferably, the respective polar portions 180 of the two catch elements 171 in the first receiving portion 161 and the second receiving portion 162 are oriented in opposite directions. In the present embodiment, the inner surface of the hooking element 171 in the first receiving portion 161 is configured to closely fit with the outer side surface of the front end portion 112 of the inner housing 111 of the first optical fiber connector 110 to improve the stability of insertion, thereby reducing the possibility of waterproof failure and further improving the waterproof sealing performance. Preferably, the first insertion end 165 of the first housing 164 is provided with key slot 168, which key slot 168 is located on two sides of the first housing 164 that are disposed opposite in the lateral direction. The key slot 168 is for receiving the key portion 127 of the first fiber optic connector 110. The peripheral edge of the key slot 168 is provided with an additional concave-convex structure 169 to be able to cooperate with the concave-convex structure 128 on the key portion 127 of the first optical fiber connector 110, thereby restricting the shake of the first optical fiber connector 110 and preventing rattling (refer to fig. 17). One of the additional relief structures 169 and the relief structures 128 is convex, the other is concave, and vice versa. Thus, the two can be engaged, thereby further preventing the optical fiber connector 110 from shaking in the forward direction D1 and the backward direction D2, and preventing the occurrence of a waterproof seal failure due to the forward and backward shaking.

Also, the first insertion end 165 of the first housing 164 preferably extends in a direction away from the partition wall 163 so as to be able to enclose the middle portion 114 of the inner housing 111 of the first optical fiber connector 110. Therefore, the possibility that the first optical fiber connector 110 shakes up and down and shakes left and right can be further reduced, the connection stability is further improved, and the occurrence of waterproof sealing failure is avoided.

Preferably, the fiber optic adapter 160 in this embodiment further includes a barrier wall 186 and a second seal 176. A blocking wall 186 is provided around the first receiving portion 161 at the junction of the first receiving portion 161 and the second receiving portion 162, and a side of the blocking wall 186 facing the second receiving portion 162 is provided with a receiving groove. A second seal 176 is disposed about the second receiving portion 162 and is attached within the receiving groove.

The optical fiber adapter 160 of the present embodiment may be used for optical fiber docking of a device, for example, the optical fiber adapter 160 of the present embodiment is disposed on the device, the blocking wall 186 is fixed on the device by using the fastener 183 and the gasket 184, and the second sealing member 176 is located between the blocking wall 186 and the outer surface of the device, so as to prevent water from entering the device from the junction between the optical fiber adapter 160 and the device housing.

Third preferred embodiment

A third preferred embodiment of the present application provides a fiber optic connection system 100, the fiber optic connection system 100 being illustrated in fig. 15-18.

The fiber optic connection system 100 of the third preferred embodiment of the present application includes the fiber optic adapter 160, the first fiber optic connector 110, and the second fiber optic connector 10 of the second preferred embodiment. Wherein the first fiber optic connector 110 is configured as the fiber optic connector 110 in the first preferred embodiment of the present application. The second fiber optic connector 10 is configured differently than the first preferred embodiment, such as a standard fiber optic connector.

The optical fiber connection system 100 of the present embodiment can be used for connection between an optical cable and equipment. For example, an external fiber optic cable is connected to the first fiber optic connector 110 and the fiber optic cable of the device is connected to the second fiber optic connector 10.

The first and second fiber optic connectors 110 and 10 are pushed into the first and second receiving portions 161 and 162, respectively, of the fiber optic adapter 160. The first optical fiber connector 110 compresses the first seal 170 in the first receptacle 161 to achieve a seal between the external environment and the optical fiber connection system 100. And, the fiber optic adapter 160 is connected to the equipment housing by fasteners 183 and washers 184 to compress the second seal 176, effecting a seal between the outer ring and the equipment.

Fourth preferred embodiment

A fourth preferred embodiment of the present application provides a fiber optic adapter 260, the fiber optic adapter 260 being shown in fig. 19-20.

The fiber optic adapter 260 of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present application is a variation of the fiber optic adapter 160 of the second preferred embodiment. Accordingly, elements having substantially the same functions as those in the second preferred embodiment will be identically numbered herein, and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail for the sake of brevity.

The optical fiber adapter 260 in the fourth preferred embodiment of the present application is different from the second preferred embodiment in that the optical fiber adapter 260 includes two oppositely disposed first receiving portions 161 and a partition wall 163 between the two first receiving portions 161. The two first seals 170 of the two first receiving portions 161 are attached to the partition wall 163 opposite to each other, and the two first passages 167 of the two first receiving portions 161 communicate at the partition wall 163.

The fiber optic adapter 260 of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present application does not have the blocking wall 186 and the second seal 176 of the second preferred embodiment. And, the respective polarity portions 180 of the two hook elements 171 of the two first receiving portions 161 are oriented in opposite directions.

Fifth preferred embodiment

A fifth preferred embodiment of the present application provides a fiber optic connection system 200, the fiber optic connection system 200 being shown in fig. 21-23.

The fifth preferred embodiment of the fiber optic connection system 200 of the present application includes the fiber optic adapter 260 of the fourth preferred embodiment and two fiber optic connectors 110 of the first preferred embodiment of the present application.

The optical fiber connection system 200 of the present embodiment can be used for connection between optical cables. For example, two fiber optic cables are connected to two first fiber optic connectors 110, respectively. The two first fiber connectors 110 are pushed into the two first receiving portions 161 of the fiber optic adapter 260, respectively. The two first seals 170 in the two receptacles are each compressed by one of the first fiber optic connectors 110, thereby effecting a seal between the external environment and the fiber optic connection system 200.

For purposes of illustration, the fiber optic connectors in this application are MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) connectors, and accordingly, the fiber optic adapters are MPO adapters that mate therewith. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the teachings of the present application are applicable to other types of connectors as well.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the present application. Features described herein in one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment alone or in combination with other features unless the features are not applicable or otherwise indicated in the other embodiment.

While the application has been described by way of example and with reference to the above embodiments, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are for illustration and description only and that the application is not limited to the above embodiments, and that many variations and modifications may be made in accordance with the teachings of the application, which variations and modifications are within the scope of the application as claimed.

Claims (18)

1. A fiber optic connector for interfacing with a fiber optic adapter, comprising:

an inner housing including a front end portion, a rear end portion, and an open space extending from the front end portion to the rear end portion, the front end portion for insertion of the fiber optic adapter, the rear end portion provided with a first clip;

a ferrule assembly disposed in the open space of the inner housing, the ferrule assembly for receiving an optical fiber and at least partially emerging from the front end portion;

a rear body connected to a rear end portion of the inner housing, the rear body having a first mating portion configured to form a snap fit with the first snap fit portion;

the elastic piece is arranged in the open space and clamped between the ferrule assembly and the rear main body; and

and a sealing part clamped between the inner housing and the rear body.

2. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the rear body includes an insertion portion, an exposed portion, and a fiber channel extending from the exposed portion to the insertion portion, the insertion portion being at least partially inserted into the rear end portion in a forward direction, the fiber channel being in communication with the open space, the resilient member and the sealing portion both abutting the insertion portion.

3. The optical fiber connector according to claim 2, wherein,

the first mating portion having a first end connected to the insertion portion and a second end opposite the first end, the second end being spaced from an outer surface of the insertion portion, the first mating portion having an outwardly projecting tab disposed at the second end;

an opening is formed in the rear end portion of the inner shell, and the opening forms the first clamping part;

wherein the first fitting portion is capable of deforming to bring the second end into abutment with the outer surface of the insertion portion so that the projection can enter the opening to form a snap fit.

4. The optical fiber connector according to claim 2, wherein,

a surface of the insertion portion facing the forward direction is provided with a receiving portion for receiving the elastic member;

the elastic member is configured to press the rear body such that the rear body tends to move toward the rear direction to enable the first engaging portion and the first fitting portion to be caught.

5. The fiber optic connector of claim 2, wherein the rear body further comprises a transition portion connected between the insertion portion and the exposed portion, the transition portion attached to the rear end portion of the inner housing, the transition portion having a key portion extending toward the forward direction, and the key portion being spaced from the insertion portion such that the rear end portion of the inner housing is sandwiched between the key portion and the insertion portion.

6. The fiber optic connector of claim 5, wherein the side surface of the key portion is provided with a relief structure for insertion into a key slot on the fiber optic adapter, and wherein the relief structure is capable of forming a mating connection with an additional relief structure on a sidewall of the key slot.

7. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein,

the optical fiber connector further comprises an outer shell, wherein the outer shell comprises a frame part and an operation part connected with the frame part, the operation part is used for being held and operated by an operator, and the frame part is provided with a second matching part;

the inner shell is further provided with a middle part which is connected between the front end part and the rear end part, and the middle part is provided with a second clamping part;

the outer shell is sleeved on the inner shell along the backward direction, and the second clamping part and the second matching part can form clamping.

8. The fiber optic connector of claim 7, wherein the second snap-fit portion is configured as a boss protruding from an outer surface of the inner housing, the second mating portion is configured as an end of the frame portion in the forward direction, wherein the frame portion is rearward of the boss when the second snap-fit portion forms a snap-fit with the second mating portion.

9. The optical fiber connector according to claim 8, wherein a rear end portion of the inner housing is provided with a blocking portion, the frame portion of the outer housing has an elastic portion that abuts against the blocking portion so that the outer housing tends to move toward a forward direction to clamp the second engaging portion and the second fitting portion.

10. An optical fiber adapter, characterized in that the optical fiber adapter includes two receiving portions that set up in opposition, and two be provided with the dividing wall between the receiving portions, the receiving portion includes first receiving portion, first receiving portion is used for receiving first fiber optic connector, first receiving portion includes:

a first housing having a first insertion end, a first mating end, and a first passageway extending from the first insertion end to the first mating end, the first insertion end of the first housing being provided with a key slot for receiving a key portion of the first optical fiber connector;

a first seal disposed at the first butt end and attached to the partition wall;

a catch element disposed within the first housing and configured to press the first seal against the dividing wall, the catch element having a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of the optical fiber connector.

11. The fiber optic adapter of claim 10, wherein the peripheral edge of the key slot is provided with additional male and female features to enable mating with male and female features on the key portion of the first fiber optic connector.

12. The fiber optic adapter of claim 10, wherein the two oppositely disposed receptacles are each configured as the first receptacle, the two first seals of the two first receptacles are attached to the dividing wall opposite one another, and the two first passages of the two first receptacles communicate at the dividing wall.

13. The fiber optic adapter of claim 10, wherein the receiving portion includes a second receiving portion for receiving a second fiber optic connector, the second receiving portion being oppositely disposed relative to the first receiving portion, the second receiving portion including:

a second housing having a second insertion end, a second mating end, and a second passageway extending from the second insertion end to the second mating end, the second passageway being in communication with the first passageway at the dividing wall;

and the other clamping hook element is arranged in the second shell and is abutted against the separation wall, and the clamping hook element is provided with the accommodating space for accommodating at least part of the optical fiber connector.

14. The fiber optic adapter of claim 13, further comprising:

a blocking wall which is arranged at the joint of the first receiving part and the second receiving part around the first receiving part, and a receiving groove is arranged on the side surface of the blocking wall facing the second receiving part;

a second seal disposed about the second receiving portion and attached within the receiving groove.

15. The fiber optic adapter of any of claims 10-14, wherein the catch element comprises:

a hook main body, wherein the accommodating space is formed inside the hook main body;

a side arm connected to the catch body, the side arm configured to latch a fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is inserted into the fiber optic adapter;

a locking portion provided to an outer surface of the hook main body, the locking portion being configured to enable the hook element to be connected to a housing of the receiving portion;

the polarity part is arranged on the inner surface of the clamping hook main body and is used for receiving a polarity key on the optical fiber connector;

wherein the inner side surface of the catch element is configured to closely conform to the outer side surface of the front end portion of the inner housing of the first fiber optic connector.

16. The fiber optic adapter of claim 15, wherein the polar portions of each of the two hook elements of the two receiving portions are oriented in opposite directions.

17. An optical fiber connection system, comprising:

at least one first fiber optic connector configured as the fiber optic connector of any one of claims 1-9; and

the fiber optic adapter of any of claims 10-16;

wherein the first fiber optic connector is insertable into the first receiving portion of the fiber optic adapter and the first fiber optic connector is capable of compressing a first seal located in a first housing of the first receiving portion to achieve a watertight seal.

18. The fiber optic connection system of claim 17, wherein the first insertion end of the first housing of the fiber optic adapter surrounds a central portion of the inner housing of the first fiber optic connector.