CN210051929U

CN210051929U - Optical fiber connector and optical fiber connector assembly

Info

Publication number: CN210051929U
Application number: CN201921114790.0U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘进; 安红娟; 黄木兰; 张玉俊
Original assignee: Tyco Electronics Corp
Current assignee: TE Connectivity Corp
Priority date: 2019-07-16
Filing date: 2019-07-16
Publication date: 2020-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-16

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to fiber optic connectors and fiber optic connector assemblies. The optical fiber connector includes: a cylindrical connector body; a fiber optic connection assembly disposed within the connector body and proximate the proximal end of the connector body, the fiber optic connection assembly including a support member and at least one elongate member fixed to the support member and extending therethrough for coupling optical fibers in a fiber optic cable; a locking assembly for retaining the fiber optic cable, the locking assembly disposed near a distal end of the fiber optic connection assembly; and a sealing element at the distal end of the connector body, the sealing element configured to seal the connection between the distal end of the fiber optic connector and the outer circumference of the fiber optic cable. By disposing the optical fiber connecting assembly inside the connector body and forming a seal at the distal end of the optical fiber connector and the outer periphery of the optical fiber cable by means of the sealing member, it is possible to effectively prevent water, moisture, dust, etc. from entering the inside of the optical fiber connector, thereby enabling the optical fiber connector to be used outdoors.

Description

Optical fiber connector and optical fiber connector assembly

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to cable connectors. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector adapted for outdoor use and a fiber optic connector assembly including the same.

Background

Fiber optic cables are increasingly being used to transmit information. A large amount of information is converted into an optical signal and then transmitted via a fiber optic cable. Fiber optic cables typically include one or more optical fibers, aramid fibers surrounding and/or filling between the optical fibers, and a jacket surrounding the optical fibers and aramid fibers.

Fiber optic connectors are provided for connecting fiber optic cables. The fiber optic cables are coupled within the fiber optic connectors such that the optical fibers in different fiber optic cables are aligned with one another to transmit optical signals therebetween.

Most of the existing optical fiber connectors can not be used outdoors. When used outdoors, existing fiber optic connectors are susceptible to outdoor environmental factors (such as water, moisture, smoke, dust, etc.) that severely compromise the transmission performance of the optical fiber. For example, neither standard SC-type fiber optic connectors nor LC-type fiber optic connectors provide adequate protection from fluid intrusion or other outdoor environmental factors, such that they can only be used indoors.

There is currently an increasing need for fiber optic connectors that can be used outdoors. In particular, fiber optic connectors that can be used outdoors are critical to Fiber To The Antenna (FTTA) interconnect network solutions.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical fiber connector capable of being used outdoors and an optical fiber connector assembly including the same. Fiber optic connectors and fiber optic connector assemblies according to the present disclosure can solve one or more problems in the art and can achieve other additional advantages.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an optical fiber connector is provided. The optical fiber connector may include: a cylindrical connector body; a fiber optic connection assembly disposed within the connector body proximate the proximal end of the connector body, the fiber optic connection assembly including a support member and at least one elongate member secured to the support member and extending therethrough for coupling optical fibers in a fiber optic cable; a locking assembly for retaining the fiber optic cable, the locking assembly disposed near a distal end of the fiber optic connection assembly; and a sealing element at a distal end of the fiber optic connector, the sealing element configured to seal a connection between the distal end of the fiber optic connector and an outer circumference of the fiber optic cable.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing element may include a cylindrical sealing element body and a flange disposed at a proximal end of the sealing element body. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking assembly may comprise a first locking mechanism for crimping at least a jacket of the optical fiber cable and a second locking mechanism for clamping the optical fiber cable.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first locking mechanism may include a support member and a crimping member. The outer side surface of the support member is configured to engage at least a jacket of the optical fiber cable, and the crimping member is used to crimp the jacket between the support member and the crimping member.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second locking mechanism may include a grip member and a tightening member for tightening the grip member. The gripping member may include a gripping portion formed by a plurality of resilient fingers distributed in a circumferential direction, the plurality of resilient fingers being deformable radially inwardly under the action of the takeup member to grip the optical fiber cable extending therethrough.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the resilient finger may comprise a protrusion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the proximal portion of the tightening member may define an inner cavity for receiving the gripping portion of the gripping member, and the gripping portion of the gripping member and the inner cavity of the tightening member may each be configured to taper from a proximal end to a distal end.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal portion of the tightening member may define a second lumen into which at least a portion of the sealing element may extend.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tightening member and the connector body may be screw-coupled.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an outer circumference of the takeup member may be provided with a second sealing element for sealing a connection interface between the takeup member and the connector body.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sealing element may be an O-ring.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the fiber optic connection assembly may include a plurality of elongate members, and the fiber optic connector may include a separation element disposed between the fiber optic connection assembly and the locking assembly.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the fiber optic connector may include a push-pull connection mechanism. The push-pull connection mechanism may include: a cylindrical coupling mechanism body coaxially disposed with the connector body and radially spaced a distance from an outer surface of the connector body to form an annular gap therebetween; a coupling sleeve at least partially covering the connection mechanism body; an annular slider positioned in the annular gap; a first biasing member biasing the annular slider toward the proximal end of the fiber optic connector; a second biasing member biasing the coupling sleeve toward the proximal end of the fiber optic connector; at least one retaining member, each retaining member positioned in a pocket of the connection mechanism body and radially movable, the retaining members configured to interact with the annular slider and the coupling sleeve; wherein, in an unmated state, the first biasing member forces the annular slider to engage the retaining member and the coupling sleeve is in a first position relative to the coupling mechanism body; in the mated state, a proximal portion of a second fiber optic connector mateable with the fiber optic connector forces the annular slider away from the retaining member, and the second biasing member forces the coupling sleeve against the retaining member and forces the coupling sleeve to a second position relative to the connection mechanism body that is closer to the proximal end of the fiber optic connector than the first position.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining member may be a ball.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first biasing member and/or the second biasing member may be a spring.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the annular slider may comprise a recess in which the retaining member resides in the unmated state.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the proximal end portion of the second fiber optic connector may include an annular groove in which the retaining member is pressed in the mated state.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical fiber connector may be provided with a first indicator mark, which may be configured to ensure that an elongated member of the optical fiber connector and an elongated member of a second optical fiber connector mateable with the optical fiber connector are aligned with each other when the first indicator mark is aligned with a corresponding second indicator mark provided on the second optical fiber connector.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first indicator of the optical fiber connector may be disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the proximal end portion of the connector body.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first indicator of the fiber optic connector may be configured as a slot and/or a colored portion.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a proximal portion of a connector body of the fiber optic connector is provided with at least one guiding feature that mates with at least one mating guiding feature provided at a proximal portion of a mating fiber optic connector to facilitate connecting and prevent rotation of the fiber optic connector and the mating fiber optic connector relative to each other.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the guide feature of the fiber optic connector may be configured as a protrusion on an outer peripheral surface of the connector body, and the mating guide feature of the mating fiber optic connector may be configured as a slot capable of receiving the protrusion.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the guide feature of the fiber optic connector may be configured as a plunger having a hemispherical head that may be placed in a bore provided at a proximal end of the connector body and that protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the connector body.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the elongated member of the fiber optic connector may be an LC-type fiber optic connection element.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the elongated member of the fiber optic connector may be an SC-type fiber optic connection element.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a fiber optic connector assembly is provided. The fiber optic connector assembly may include a first fiber optic connector and a second fiber optic connector. The first optical fiber connector may include: a cylindrical first connector body; a first fiber optic connection assembly disposed within the first connector body and proximate the proximal end thereof, the first fiber optic connection assembly including a first support and at least one first elongate member secured to the first support and extending therethrough for coupling optical fibers in a first fiber optic cable; a locking assembly for retaining the first fiber optic cable, the locking assembly disposed at a distal end of the first fiber optic connection assembly; and a sealing element at a distal end of the first fiber optic connector, the sealing element configured to seal a connection between the distal end of the first fiber optic connector and an outer circumference of the first fiber optic cable. The second optical fiber connector includes a cylindrical second connector body; and a second fiber optic connection assembly disposed within the second connector body and proximate the proximal end of the second connector body, the second fiber optic connection assembly including a second support member and at least one second elongated member secured to the second support member and extending therethrough. The first and second elongated members are configured in the same type and number and are aligned with each other when the first and second fiber optic connectors are connected together.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second optical fiber connectors may be provided with first and second indicator markings, respectively, which may be configured to ensure that the first and second elongated members of the first and second optical fiber connectors are aligned with each other when the first and second indicator markings are aligned.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first indicator of the first fiber optic connector may be disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the proximal end portion of the first connector body and the second indicator of the second fiber optic connector may be disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the proximal end portion of the second connector body.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first indicator of the first fiber optic connector may be configured as a slot and/or a colored portion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second index mark of the second fiber optic connector may be configured as a slot and/or a colored portion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second fiber optic connectors may be provided with at least one first and at least one second guiding feature, respectively, the first guiding feature cooperating with the second guiding feature to facilitate connecting the first and second fiber optic connectors and to prevent the first and second fiber optic connectors from rotating relative to each other.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first guide feature may be configured as a protrusion on an outer peripheral surface of the first connector body, and the second guide feature may be configured as a slot on an inner peripheral surface of the second connector body, the slot being capable of receiving the protrusion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first guide feature may be configured as a plunger having a hemispherical head, the plunger may be placed in a bore provided at a proximal end of the first connector body and the hemispherical head of the plunger protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the first connector body.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fiber optic connector assembly may further comprise a push-pull connection mechanism disposed on the first fiber optic connector. The push-pull connection mechanism may include: a cylindrical coupling mechanism body coaxially disposed with the first connector body and radially spaced a distance from an outer surface of the first connector body forming an annular gap therebetween; a coupling sleeve at least partially covering the connection mechanism body; an annular slider positioned in the annular gap; a first biasing member biasing the annular slider toward the proximal end of the first fiber optic connector; a second biasing member biasing the coupling sleeve toward the proximal end of the first fiber optic connector; at least one retaining member, each retaining member positioned in a pocket of the connection mechanism body and radially movable, the retaining members configured to interact with the annular slider and the coupling sleeve; wherein, in an unmated state, the first biasing member forces the annular slider to engage the retaining member and the coupling sleeve is in a first position relative to the coupling mechanism body; in the mated state, the proximal end of the second connector body of the second fiber optic connector forces the annular slider away from the retaining member, and the second biasing member forces the coupling sleeve against the retaining member and forces the coupling sleeve to a second position relative to the connection mechanism body that is closer to the proximal end of the first fiber optic connector than the first position.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the proximal end portion of the second connector body of the second optical fiber connector may include an annular groove in which the retaining member is pressed in the mated state.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing element may comprise a cylindrical sealing element body and a flange provided at a proximal end of the sealing element body, wherein the sealing element body is configured to seal an outer circumference of the first fiber optic cable and the flange is configured to seal a distal end of the first fiber optic connector.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking assembly may comprise a first locking mechanism for crimping at least a jacket of the first fiber optic cable and a second locking mechanism for gripping the first fiber optic cable.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first locking mechanism may include a support member and a crimping member. The support member is for supporting at least the sheath of the first optical fiber cable on an outer periphery thereof, and the crimping member is for crimping the sheath of the first optical fiber cable between the support member and the crimping member.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second locking mechanism may include a grip member and a tightening member for tightening the grip member. The gripping member may include a gripping portion formed by a plurality of resilient fingers distributed in a circumferential direction, the plurality of resilient fingers being deformable radially inwardly under the action of the takeup member to grip the first optical fiber cable extending therethrough.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second fiber optic connector may include a mounting panel in a square or rectangular shape.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second elongated members may each be configured as an LC-type optical fiber connection element.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second elongated members may each be configured as an SC-type fiber optic connection element.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a male fiber optic connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the male fiber optic connector shown in fig. 1, with parts omitted for clarity.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic exploded cross-sectional view of the male fiber optic connector shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a female fiber optic connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 and 6 illustrate perspective views of a male fiber optic connector and a female fiber optic connector, respectively, showing index markings and guide features provided on the male fiber optic connector and the female fiber optic connector, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a male fiber optic connector and a female fiber optic connector in a connected position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodiments described below are intended to provide a more complete disclosure of the present disclosure, and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It is also to be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments.

It is to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. All terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the specification have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art unless otherwise defined. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used in this specification, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprising," "including," and "containing" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features.

In the description, when an element is referred to as being "attached," "connected," or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly attached, connected, or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly attached," "directly connected," and "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

In the specification, the "proximal end" of a connector refers to the end of the connector that mates with another connector or connection interface (shown as "P" in the drawings), and the "distal end" of the connector refers to the end opposite the "proximal end" (shown as "D" in the drawings).

Referring to fig. 1-3, a first connector 100 is shown. The first connector 100 may be configured as a straight fiber cable connector (male fiber connector in this disclosure) for connecting a cable 101. Cable 101 may be one of many commonly used fiber optic cables, including fiber optic distribution cables or hybrid fiber optic cables. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cable 101 may include: one or more optical fibers 102, aramid fibers surrounding the optical fibers 102 and/or filling between the optical fibers 102, and a jacket surrounding the optical fibers 102 and the aramid fibers. In fig. 1 to 3, the aramid and the sheath are schematically shown together and are indicated by reference numeral 103.

The first connector 100 may include: a connector body 110; a fiber optic connection assembly 120 disposed within the connector body 110 and proximate a proximal end of the connector body 110; a locking assembly 130 for holding the cable 101, the locking assembly being disposed near a distal end of the fiber optic connection assembly; and a sealing element 140 at the distal end of the fiber optic connector body 100 configured to seal the connection between the distal end of the fiber optic connector 100 and the outer circumference of the cable 101.

The connector body 110 may be generally cylindrical. The connector body 110 may be made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or brass.

The fiber optic connection assembly 120 may include one or more elongated members 121. The proximal end of the elongate member 121 may include a ferrule, while the distal end of the elongate member 121 may be provided with a cavity for receiving, for example, an optical fiber, to effect a connection with the optical fiber. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the elongated member may be an LC-type fiber optic connection element including a ferrule having a diameter substantially equal to 1.25 mm. In other embodiments, the elongate member may be an SC-type fiber optic connection element including a ferrule having a diameter substantially equal to 2.5 mm.

The elongated member 121 may be secured to and extend through a support 122 (see fig. 1). The support 122 may be configured as a cuff. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the support 122 may be made of zirconia or steel.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the fiber optic connection assembly 120 comprises two elongated members 121, each elongated member 121 being shown as an LC-type fiber optic connection element. Of course, as mentioned above, each elongate member 121 may also be configured as an SC-type fiber optic connection element, or any other suitable type of fiber optic connection element. Additionally, although not shown, the fiber optic connection assembly 120 may also include three or more elongated members 121. In the case where the fiber optic connection assembly 120 includes a plurality of elongated members 121, the use of an LC-type fiber optic connection element may reduce the size of the fiber optic connection assembly 120.

Next, the locking assembly 130, which is configured to secure the cable 101, is described. When the cable 101 is connected to the first connector 100, the locking assembly 130 may prevent the optical fiber 102 of the cable 101 from being disconnected from the elongated member 121 due to the cable 101 being pulled by an external force, and the locking assembly 130 may also prevent the optical fiber 102 of the cable 101 from being damaged due to the cable 101 shaking or swinging.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking assembly 130 comprises a first locking mechanism for crimping at least the sheath (preferably, the aramid and the sheath 103) of the cable 101 and a second locking mechanism for gripping the cable 101 itself, said first locking mechanism being able to prevent at least the sheath (preferably, the aramid and the sheath 103) from being detached from the optical fiber under external force, while said second locking mechanism being able to prevent the cable from being pulled under external force causing the optical fiber to be disconnected from the elongated member 121 or damaging the optical fiber due to the shaking or swinging of the cable 101.

The first locking mechanism includes a support member 131 and a crimping member 132. The outer side surface of the support member 131 is for engaging at least the sheath of the cable 101 or the aramid and the sheath 103 of the cable 101, and the crimping member 132 is for cooperating with the support member 131 to crimp the sheath or the aramid and the sheath 103 between the support member 131 and the crimping member 132. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in fig. 1-3, support member 131 includes a first cylindrical portion 1311 of larger diameter and a second cylindrical portion 1312 of smaller diameter. The optical fiber 102 extends through the first cylindrical section 1311 and the second cylindrical section 1312, while the jacket or aramid and jacket 103 engage the outer surface of the second cylindrical section 1312. The crimping member 132 may be configured as a crimping sleeve that can be fitted over the outer side surface of the second cylindrical portion 1312 of the support member 131 and that can be reduced in diameter by crimping, thereby clamping the sheath or aramid and the sheath 103 between the support member 131 and the crimping member 132.

The second locking mechanism includes a clamp member 133 and a tightening member 134 for tightening the clamp member 133. The cable 101 can extend through the clamping member 133 and the takeup member 134. The gripping member 133 includes a gripping portion 1332 (see fig. 2 and 3) formed by a plurality of resilient fingers 1331. The plurality of elastic fingers 1331 are arranged spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. The grip portion 1332 formed by the plurality of resilient fingers 1331 may be tapered in shape, with a diameter that decreases from the proximal end toward the distal end. Accordingly, the proximal end of the constriction member 134 is provided with an inner cavity 1341 for receiving the grip portion 1332 of the grip member 133 (see fig. 3). The lumen 1341 has a tapered conical shape with a diameter that decreases from the proximal end toward the distal end. In this way, when the clamping portion 1332 of the clamping member 133 is inserted into the inner cavity 1341 of the takeup member 134, the plurality of resilient fingers 1331 are deformed radially inwardly by the radially inward compressive force and thus gradually come together as the diameter of the inner cavity 1341 gradually decreases, thereby enabling clamping of the cable 101 extending therethrough.

The inner surface of the resilient fingers 1331 may be provided with protrusions 1333. The protrusions 1333 help the resilient fingers 1331 grip the cable 101 more securely. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the protrusion 1333 may be configured in the form of a tooth, such as a screw tooth. The present disclosure is not limited thereto and the inner surface of the resilient fingers 1331 may be provided with any other form of protrusion, such as ribs, ridges, etc. The protrusions 1333 may be continuous protrusions, or may be intermittent or discrete protrusions.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tightening member 134 is configured to be threadably connected with the connector body 110. Specifically, the distal end portion of the connector body 110 is provided with internal threads, and the proximal end portion of the tightening member 134 is provided with external threads, so that the tightening member 134 can be screwed into the distal end portion of the connector body 110. During the threaded connection of the constriction member 134 to the connector body 110, the gripping portion 1332 of the gripping member 133 is gradually inserted into the conically shaped cavity 1341 of the constriction member 134, thereby causing the resilient fingers 1331 of the gripping portion 1332 to gradually deform radially inwardly to grip the cable 101.

In addition, in order to achieve sealing of the connection interface between the tightening member 134 and the connector body 110, a sealing member 1342 may be provided on the outer circumference of the tightening member 134. The seal 1342 may be received in an annular groove provided at the outer periphery of the takeup member 134. When the constriction member 134 is threaded onto the connector body 110, the seal 1342 is compressed between the constriction member 134 and the connector body 110, thereby achieving a seal at the connection interface. The seal 1342 may be configured in the form of an O-ring, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not so limited and other forms of seals, such as seals having a rectangular cross-section, may be used.

As described above, a sealing element 140 is also provided at the distal end of the first connector 100. The sealing member 140 is configured to form a seal at the distal end of the first connector 100 and the outer circumference of the cable 101, thereby preventing water, moisture, dust, etc. from entering the interior of the first connector 100 from the distal end of the optical fiber connector 100 or along the outer circumferential surface of the cable 101. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing element 140 includes a cylindrical body 1401 and a flange 1402 disposed at a proximal end of the cylindrical body 1401. The cylindrical body 1401 may be tightly fitted to the outer circumference of the cable 101, and the length of the cylindrical body 1401 is designed to be sufficient to ensure that water, moisture, dust, etc. do not enter the inside of the first connector 100 along the outer circumferential surface of the cable 101. The flange 1402 is configured to seal the distal end of the first connector 100. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal portion of the takeup member 134 is provided with a second cavity for receiving the flange 1402 of the sealing element 140. The flange 1402 of the sealing element 140 extends into the second cavity of the take-up member 134, and an end face and an outer surface of the flange 1402 abut an end face 1343 and an inner surface 1344, respectively, of the second cavity of the take-up member 134, thereby forming a seal at both the end face 1343 and the inner surface 1344 of the second cavity.

The flange 1402 of the sealing element 140 may be clamped between the constriction 134 and the end plug 141 by means of the end plug 141. As shown more clearly in fig. 1 and 3, the end plug 141 may also extend into the second cavity of the take-up member 134 and be threadedly connected to the take-up member 134. Depending on the extent to which end plug 141 extends into the second recess of tightening unit 134, flange 1402 of sealing element 140 may be compressed to different extents in order to achieve the desired sealing effect. A gasket 142 may also be provided between flange 1402 of seal element 140 and end plug 141. In one aspect, the gasket 142 may protect the sealing element 140; on the other hand, by selecting the thickness of the gasket 142, the degree to which the end plug 141 compresses the flange 1402 of the sealing element 140 can be adjusted.

The sealing member 140 may be made of silicon rubber. The sealing element 140 may be shaped differently according to the actual requirements.

In embodiments where the fiber optic connection assembly 120 includes a plurality of elongate members 121, each elongate member 121 may be coupled to a respective one of the optical fibers 102. To effectively separate the individual fibers 102, a separation element 125 may be provided between the fiber optic connection assembly 120 and the locking assembly 130. The separation element 125 may be configured in the shape of a cylinder, and a through hole for passing the optical fiber 102 is provided therein (see fig. 1 and 3). The coupling of the optical fibers 102 to the elongated member 121 is facilitated by separating the optical fibers 102 by extending different ones of the optical fibers 102 through different ones of the through holes.

The basic structure of the first connector 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described above. By disposing the optical fiber connection assembly 120 inside the connector body 110 and sealing the interface between the distal end of the first connector 100 and the outer surface of the cable 101 by means of the sealing member 140, it is possible to effectively prevent water, moisture, dust, and the like from entering the inside of the first connector 100, thereby enabling the first connector 100 to be used outdoors.

In the first connector 100, rotation of the various parts within the connector body 110 is undesirable. Because the optical fibers 102 are fragile, rotation of the parts within the connector body 110 can cause rotation of the cable 101, which can result in damage to the optical fibers 102. To prevent the respective parts from rotating within the connector body 110, the outer circumference of the respective parts is configured in a polygonal structure. Accordingly, the inner surface of the connector body 110 is also configured to have a polygonal structure to match each part. In this way, when the respective parts are assembled in the connector body 110, the rotation of the respective parts with respect to the connector body 110 can be effectively prevented. For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 2, at least a portion of the outer circumference of the support member 131 is configured in a hexagonal configuration. Likewise, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the clamping member 133 is also configured in a hexagonal configuration. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the outer circumferences of the respective parts may be configured in other polygonal structures, such as quadrangles, pentagons, and the like.

With continued reference to fig. 2, corresponding alignment features may also be provided on the various parts of the first connector 100 for ease of assembly. For example, two guide slots 1314 spaced 180 ° apart may be provided on the first cylindrical portion 1311 of the support member 131, and two guide posts 1334 spaced 180 ° apart may be provided on the clamping member 133. When assembled, the guide post 1334 can be inserted into the guide slot 1314 to achieve alignment of the support member 131 with the clamp member 133 to facilitate assembly.

Referring next to fig. 4, a schematic cross-sectional view of a second connector 200 that can be connected with the first connector 100 is shown. The second connector 200 may be configured as a panel-mount connector (female fiber optic connector in this disclosure) that includes a mounting panel 202 in a square or rectangular shape. The mounting panel 202 may be used to secure the second connector 200 to other equipment or components, such as a cover plate of a base station antenna. The back of the mounting panel 202 may be provided with a groove 204 for receiving a seal. When the mounting panel 202 is to be secured to other equipment or components, a seal, such as an O-ring 206, is placed in the groove 204 of the mounting panel 202 to seal. Fasteners, such as screws, may be used to secure the mounting panel 202 to other devices or components.

Similar to the first connector 100, the second connector 200 includes a connector body 210 having a generally cylindrical shape and a fiber optic connection assembly 220 disposed within the connector body 210. The fiber optic connection assembly 220 may include one or more elongated members 221. Similar to the elongate member 121, the proximal end of the elongate member 221 may include a ferrule, while the distal end of the elongate member 221 may be provided with a cavity for receiving, for example, an optical fiber. Likewise, the elongated member 221 may also be configured as a standard fiber optic connection element, including an SC-type fiber optic connection element or an LC-type fiber optic connection element.

The elongated member 221 may be fixedly mounted on and extend through the support 222. The support 222 may be configured as a cuff. The support 222 may be made of zirconia or steel.

The second connector 200 may be used in cooperation with the first connector 100. When mated, the ferrules of the

elongated members

221 and 121 of the second and

first connectors

200 and 100 are aligned and generally abutted against each other to facilitate signal transmission.

The distal end of the first connector 200 may be coupled directly to an optical fiber or other suitable cable, as desired. It is noted, however, that the second connector 200 may also include a locking assembly for retaining the fiber optic cable and a sealing element at the distal end of the connector body, as with the first connector 100. In other words, the second connector 200 may be configured to have an internal structure and a distal structure substantially similar to the first connector 100, except for an interface portion and a proximal connection mechanism portion.

The connection between the optical first connector 100 and the second connector 200 is described next. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a push-pull type connection mechanism may be employed to connect the first connector 100 and the second connector 200. Fig. 1 shows a push-pull connection mechanism 150 included with the first connector 100.

As shown in fig. 1, the push-pull connection 150 includes a cylindrical connection body 151. The connection mechanism body 151 may be connected to the connector body 110 by means such as a threaded connection. The coupling mechanism body 151 may be coaxially disposed with the connector body 110 and radially spaced a distance from the outer surface of the connector body 110 such that an annular gap 152 is formed between the inner surface of the coupling mechanism body 151 and the outer surface of the connector body 110. The annular gap 152 may be formed by providing a shoulder 111 on the outer circumference of the connector body 110. The inner spring 153 is located in the annular gap 152. One end of the inner spring 153 abuts the shoulder 111 and the other end abuts an annular slider 154 arranged within the annular gap 152. Four retaining members 155 are positioned in pockets provided at the proximal end of the connection mechanism body 151. The retaining member 155 may be configured as a ball. The annular slider 154 has a recess 156 at its outer surface. The recess 156 contacts the retaining member 155.

A shoulder 157 is provided on the outer surface of the coupling body 151, the shoulder 157 being proximate the distal end of the coupling body 151. The outer spring 158 surrounds the outer surface of the coupling body 151. A coupling sleeve 159 is provided outside the outer spring 158. The coupling sleeve 159 at least partially covers the connection mechanism body 151. The inner surface of the coupling sleeve 159 is provided with a shoulder 160, the shoulder 160 being near the proximal end of the coupling sleeve 159. An annular cavity is formed between the shoulder 157 and the shoulder 160 for receiving the outer spring 158. One end of the outer spring 158 abuts the shoulder 157 and the other end abuts the shoulder 160.

A first annular undercut 161 and a second annular undercut 162 are provided on the inner surface of the proximal end of the coupling sleeve 159. First annular undercut 161 and second annular undercut 162 are provided to receive retaining member 155. First annular undercut 161 has a diameter greater than a diameter of second annular undercut 162. An inclined transition is provided between first annular undercut 161 and second annular undercut 162.

In an unmated initial state, the coupling sleeve 159 is in a first position relative to the connection mechanism body 151 such that the retaining member 155 is received in the first annular undercut 161 of the coupling sleeve 159. In this first position, the outer spring 158 is compressed between the shoulder 157 of the connection mechanism body 151 and the shoulder 160 of the coupling sleeve 159. The inner spring 153 provides a slight biasing force on the slider 154 such that the retaining member 155 is received in the recess 156 of the slider 154.

When the first connector 100 is mated with another connector or connection interface (e.g., the second connector 200), at least a portion of the proximal end of the connector body 210 of the second connector 200 enters the annular gap 152 of the first connector 100, contacts the slider 154 and forces the slider 154 to move away from the retaining member 155 in a direction that compresses the inner spring 153. When the slider 154 moves away from the retaining member 155, the retaining member 155 can move radially inward. In the process, the coupling sleeve 159 is also moved proximally relative to the connection mechanism body 151 under the urging of the outer spring 158, forcing the retaining members 155 radially inward through the sloped transition between the first annular undercut 161 and the second annular undercut 162 until the retaining members 155 are received in an annular groove 212 (see fig. 4) provided near the proximal end of the connector body 210 of the fiber optic connector 200 and in the second annular undercut 162 of the coupling sleeve 159. At this time, the coupling sleeve 159 is moved to the second position, and the retaining member 155 is pressed between the annular groove 212 of the fiber optic connector 200 and the second annular undercut 162 of the coupling sleeve 159, thereby forming a secure connection between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

To disconnect the connection between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200, the coupling sleeve 159 and the first connector 100 are pulled in the distal direction, pulling the coupling sleeve 159 from the second position to the first position, such that the first annular undercut 161 of the coupling sleeve 159 is moved to the position where the retaining member 155 is located. At this time, the holding member 155 can freely move radially outward. Continued pulling on the coupling sleeve 159 and the fiber optic connector 100 causes the retention member 155 to move out of the annular groove 212 along the angled surface 215 (see FIG. 4) of the annular groove 212. At the same time, the slider 154 moves proximally under the urging of the inner spring 153 and eventually to the position where the retaining member 155 is located, so that the retaining member 155 is received in the recess 156 of the slider 154. At this time, the connection mechanism 150 returns to the unmated initial state, and the first connector 100 is disconnected from the second connector 200.

The connection mechanism 150 effects the connection of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 by a "push-pull" action. This is simpler and faster than conventional threaded connections.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other connection mechanisms may also be suitable for use with the connectors described herein, such as those shown in U.S. patent nos. 6,702,289, 6,692,286, 8,496,495, and 6,645,011, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In the case where the first and

second connectors

100 and 200 include two or more

elongated members

121 and 221, in order to align the

elongated members

121 and 221 of the first and

second connectors

100 and 200 with each other, an indication mark may be provided on the first and

second connectors

100 and 200. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, indication marks 114 and 214 are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the proximal end portions of the connector bodies 110 and 210 of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200, respectively. The indicator marks 114 and 214 are configured to ensure that the

elongated members

121 and 221 are aligned with each other if the indicator marks 114 and 214 are aligned. The

indicators

114 and 214 may be configured as slots or as colored portions (e.g., red, yellow, etc.) so long as they are readily visible to the operator.

Further, to facilitate connecting the first and

second connectors

100, 200 and to prevent the first and

second connectors

100, 200 from rotating relative to each other, at least one guide feature 112 may also be provided near the proximal end of the connector body 110 of the fiber optic connector 100. The guide features 112 may be configured as protrusions. As shown more clearly in fig. 1, the guide feature 112 may be configured as a plunger having a hemispherical head. The plunger is placed in a hole provided near the proximal end of the connector body 110, and a hemispherical head of the plunger protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the connector body 110. Accordingly, as shown in fig. 6, at least one mating guide feature 213 is provided at the proximal end portion of the connector body 210 of the fiber optic connector 200. The mating guide features 213 may be configured as slots located on the inner surface of the connector body 210. The slot extends a certain length along the axial direction of the connector body 210. When connecting first connector 100 and second connector 200, guide feature 112 configured as a plunger with a hemispherical head may be received in mating guide feature 213 configured as a slot, thereby facilitating the connecting mating of first connector 100 and second connector 200 and preventing first connector 100 and second connector 200 from rotating relative to each other.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, three guiding features 112 are provided, which are evenly distributed on the connector body 110 along the circumferential direction. Likewise, three mating guide features 213 are provided, which are evenly distributed on the connection body 210 along the circumferential direction. However, other numbers of guide features 112 and mating guide features 213 may be provided, as the case may be. In addition, the guide features 112 and mating guide features 213 may also have other suitable forms.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 in the connected position when connected together. In fig. 7, the elongated members 121 'and 221' of the first and

second connectors

100 and 200, respectively, are shown as SC-type fiber optic connection elements. As can be seen in fig. 7, when the first and

second connectors

100, 200 are connected together, the ferrules of the elongated members 121 'of the first connector 100 and 221' of the second connector 200 are aligned and generally abut each other to transmit signals.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector, comprising:

a cylindrical connector body;

a fiber optic connection assembly disposed within the connector body proximate the proximal end of the connector body, the fiber optic connection assembly including a support member and at least one elongate member secured to the support member and extending therethrough for coupling optical fibers in a fiber optic cable;

a locking assembly for retaining the fiber optic cable, wherein the locking assembly is disposed near a distal end of the fiber optic connection assembly; and

a sealing element at a distal end of the fiber optic connector, wherein the sealing element is configured to seal a connection between the distal end of the fiber optic connector and an outer circumference of the fiber optic cable.

2. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the sealing element includes a cylindrical sealing element body and a flange disposed at a proximal end of the sealing element body.

3. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the locking assembly includes a first locking mechanism for crimping at least a jacket of the fiber optic cable and a second locking mechanism for gripping the fiber optic cable itself.

4. The optical fiber connector of claim 3, wherein the first locking mechanism includes a support member and a crimping member, wherein an outer side surface of the support member is configured to engage at least a jacket of the optical fiber cable, and the crimping member is configured to crimp the jacket between the support member and the crimping member.

5. The fiber optic connector of claim 3, wherein the second locking mechanism includes a clamping member and a takeup member for takeup the clamping member, the clamping member including a gripping portion formed by a plurality of resilient fingers distributed circumferentially that are deformable radially inwardly under the action of the takeup member to grip the fiber optic cable extending therethrough.

6. The fiber optic connector of claim 5, wherein an inner surface of the resilient fingers includes a protrusion.

7. The fiber optic connector of claim 5, wherein the proximal portion of the takeup member defines an inner cavity for receiving the gripping portion of the gripping member, the gripping portion of the gripping member and the inner cavity of the takeup member each being configured to taper from a proximal end to a distal end.

8. The fiber optic connector of claim 7, wherein the distal end portion of the takeup member defines a second internal cavity into which at least a portion of the sealing element extends.

9. The fiber optic connector of claim 5, wherein the takeup member is threadably connected with the connector body.

10. The optical fiber connector according to claim 9, wherein an outer periphery of the takeup member is provided with a second sealing element for sealing a connection interface between the takeup member and the connector body.

11. The fiber optic connector of claim 10, wherein the second sealing element is an O-ring.

12. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic connection assembly includes a plurality of elongate members, and the fiber optic connector includes a separation element disposed between the fiber optic connection assembly and the locking assembly.

13. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic connector comprises a push-pull connection mechanism comprising:

a cylindrical coupling mechanism body coaxially disposed with the connector body and radially spaced a distance from an outer surface of the connector body to form an annular gap therebetween;

a coupling sleeve at least partially covering the connection mechanism body;

an annular slider positioned in the annular gap;

a first biasing member biasing the annular slider toward the proximal end of the fiber optic connector;

a second biasing member biasing the coupling sleeve toward the proximal end of the fiber optic connector;

at least one retaining member, each retaining member positioned in a pocket of the connection mechanism body and radially movable, the retaining members configured to interact with the annular slider and the coupling sleeve;

wherein, in an unmated state, the first biasing member forces the annular slider to engage the retaining member and the coupling sleeve is in a first position relative to the coupling mechanism body; in the mated state, a proximal portion of a second fiber optic connector mateable with the fiber optic connector forces the annular slider away from the retaining member, and the second biasing member forces the coupling sleeve against the retaining member and forces the coupling sleeve to a second position relative to the connection mechanism body that is closer to the proximal end of the fiber optic connector than the first position.

14. The fiber optic connector of claim 13, wherein the retaining member is a ball.

15. The fiber optic connector of claim 13, wherein the first biasing member and/or the second biasing member is a spring.

16. The fiber optic connector of claim 13, wherein the annular slider includes a recess in which the retention member resides in the unmated state.

17. The fiber optic connector of claim 13, wherein a proximal portion of the second fiber optic connector includes an annular groove in which the retention member is pressed in the mated condition.

18. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic connector is provided with a first index mark configured to ensure that an elongated member of the fiber optic connector and an elongated member of a second fiber optic connector mateable with the fiber optic connector are aligned with one another when the first index mark is aligned with a corresponding second index mark provided on the second fiber optic connector.

19. The fiber optic connector of claim 18, wherein the first indicator of the fiber optic connector is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the proximal portion of the connector body.

20. The fiber optic connector of claim 19, wherein the first indicator of the fiber optic connector is configured as a slot and/or a colored portion.

21. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein a proximal portion of the connector body of the fiber optic connector is provided with at least one guide feature that mates with at least one mating guide feature provided on a proximal portion of a mating fiber optic connector to facilitate connecting and prevent rotation of the fiber optic connector and the mating fiber optic connector relative to one another.

22. The fiber optic connector of claim 21, wherein the guide feature of the fiber optic connector is configured as a protrusion on an outer peripheral surface of the connector body and the mating guide feature of the mating fiber optic connector is configured as a slot capable of receiving the protrusion.

23. The fiber optic connector of claim 22, wherein the guide feature of the fiber optic connector is configured as a plunger having a hemispherical head, the plunger being placed in a bore disposed at a proximal end of the connector body and the hemispherical head of the plunger protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the connector body.

24. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the elongated member of the fiber optic connector is an LC-type fiber optic connection element.

25. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the elongated member of the fiber optic connector is an SC-type fiber optic connection element.

26. A fiber optic connector assembly, comprising:

a first fiber optic connector, the first fiber optic connector comprising:

a cylindrical first connector body;

a first fiber optic connection assembly disposed within the first connector body and proximate the proximal end thereof, the first fiber optic connection assembly including a first support and at least one first elongate member secured to the first support and extending therethrough for coupling optical fibers in a first fiber optic cable;

a locking assembly for retaining the first fiber optic cable, wherein the locking assembly is disposed at a distal end of the first fiber optic connection assembly; and

a sealing element at a distal end of the first fiber optic connector, the sealing element configured to seal a connection between the distal end of the first fiber optic connector and an outer circumference of the first fiber optic cable;

a second fiber optic connector, the second fiber optic connector comprising:

a cylindrical second connector body; and

a second fiber optic connection assembly disposed within the second connector body and proximate the proximal end thereof, the second fiber optic connection assembly including a second support and at least one second elongate member secured to the second support and extending therethrough;

wherein the first and second elongated members are configured in the same type and number and are aligned with each other when the first and second fiber optic connectors are connected together.

27. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 26, wherein the first and second fiber optic connectors are provided with first and second indicator markings, respectively, configured to ensure that the first and second elongated members of the first and second fiber optic connectors are aligned with one another when the first and second indicator markings are aligned.

28. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 27, wherein the first index of the first fiber optic connector is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the proximal end portion of the first connector body and the second index of the second fiber optic connector is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the proximal end portion of the second connector body.

29. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 28, wherein the first indicator of the first fiber optic connector is configured as a slot and/or a colored portion.

30. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 28, wherein the second indicator mark of the second fiber optic connector is configured as a slot and/or a colored portion.

31. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 26, wherein the first and second fiber optic connectors are provided with at least one first and at least one second guide features, respectively, the first and second guide features cooperating to facilitate connection of the first and second fiber optic connectors and prevent rotation of the first and second fiber optic connectors relative to one another.

32. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 31, wherein the first guide feature is configured as a protrusion on an outer peripheral surface of the first connector body and the second guide feature is configured as a slot on an inner peripheral surface of the second connector body, the slot being configured to receive the protrusion.

33. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 32, wherein the first guide feature is configured as a plunger having a hemispherical head, the plunger being disposed in a bore disposed at a proximal end of the first connector body and the hemispherical head of the plunger protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the first connector body.

34. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 26, further comprising a push-pull connection mechanism disposed on the first fiber optic connector, the push-pull connection mechanism comprising:

a cylindrical coupling mechanism body coaxially disposed with the first connector body and radially spaced a distance from an outer surface of the first connector body forming an annular gap therebetween;

a coupling sleeve at least partially covering the connection mechanism body;

an annular slider positioned in the annular gap;

a first biasing member biasing the annular slider toward the proximal end of the first fiber optic connector;

a second biasing member biasing the coupling sleeve toward the proximal end of the first fiber optic connector;

wherein, in an unmated state, the first biasing member forces the annular slider to engage the retaining member and the coupling sleeve is in a first position relative to the coupling mechanism body; in the mated state, the proximal end of the second connector body of the second fiber optic connector forces the annular slider away from the retaining member, and the second biasing member forces the coupling sleeve against the retaining member and forces the coupling sleeve to a second position relative to the connection mechanism body that is closer to the proximal end of the first fiber optic connector than the first position.

35. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 34, wherein the retaining member is a ball.

36. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 34, wherein the first biasing member and/or the second biasing member is a spring.

37. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 34, wherein the annular slider includes a recess in which the retention member resides in the unmated state.

38. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 34, wherein the proximal portion of the second connector body of the second fiber optic connector includes an annular groove in which the retaining member is pressed in the mated condition.

39. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 26, wherein the sealing element includes a cylindrical sealing element body and a flange disposed at a proximal end of the sealing element body, wherein the sealing element body is configured to seal against an outer circumference of the first fiber optic cable and the flange is configured to seal against a distal end of the first fiber optic connector.

40. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 26, wherein the locking assembly includes a first locking mechanism for crimping at least a jacket of the first fiber optic cable and a second locking mechanism for gripping the first fiber optic cable.

41. An optical fiber connector assembly according to claim 40 wherein the first locking mechanism includes a support member for supporting at least the jacket of the first optical fiber cable on an outer periphery thereof and a crimping member for crimping the jacket of the first optical fiber cable between the support member and the crimping member.

42. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 40, wherein the second locking mechanism includes a clamping member and a takeup member for takeup the clamping member, the clamping member including a gripping portion formed by a plurality of circumferentially distributed resilient fingers that are deformable radially inwardly under the action of the takeup member to grip the first fiber optic cable extending therethrough.

43. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 26, wherein the second fiber optic connector comprises a mounting panel having a square or rectangular shape.

44. The fiber optic connector assembly of any of claims 26-43, wherein the first and second elongated members are each configured as an LC-type fiber optic connection element.

45. The fiber optic connector assembly of any of claims 26-43, wherein the first and second elongate members are each configured as SC-type fiber optic connection elements.