CN116203680A - Multi-spring coupling MPO connector and optical cable assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a multi-spring coupling MPO connector and an optical cable assembly. The multi-spring coupling MPO connector includes an outer shell, an inner shell, a socket, an elastic coupling assembly, a ferrule and an unlocking assembly; the front end of the socket, the elastic The coupling assembly and the ferrule are sequentially installed in the inner casing, the outer casing is sleeved on the inner casing, and there is no less than one ferrule, and the elastic coupling assembly enables synchronous docking of all ferrules; the unlocking The component is arranged on the outer shell, and is used for detaching the ferrule from the adapter mated with it. The invention can increase the number of optical fiber channels, and at the same time ensure that all ferrules can be normally coupled and docked, which is beneficial to improving the data transmission capacity.

Description

A kind of multi-spring coupling MPO connector and optical cable assembly

technical field

The invention relates to the field of connectors, in particular to a multi-spring coupling MPO connector and an optical cable assembly.

Background technique

MPO is a multi-core optical fiber connector, which is one of the important passive components to realize the connection of optical fiber cables, and is widely used in the high-density layout of data centers.

In the existing technology, limited by the low precision of the existing injection molds for porous parts and the limitations of related applications such as connector coupling technology, the special MT ferrule for MPO connectors can only achieve 3 in the current application. The mass production and application of row-type fiber channel products, such as multi-mode fiber products, can only achieve mass production and stable application of 3x16, a total of 48 fiber channels, while single-mode fiber products can only achieve 3x12, a total of 36 fiber channels Mass production and stable application. The main difficulty is that under the requirements of IEC-61754-7, the structural size of the connector is limited, and the production accuracy of the injection mold of the MT ferrule cannot meet the requirements. When the overall size of the connector does not change, the core As the number increases, the difficulty of the injection molding process of the ferrule and the accuracy of the fiber hole also increase linearly. Due to insufficient precision, MPO connectors can only achieve 48-channel coupling in the field of multi-mode optical fiber, while single-mode can only achieve 36-channel coupling. After exceeding this number, the pass rate of ferrule coupling cannot meet The product is in normal use.

Contents of the invention

In order to solve the problem that the existing connector cannot increase the number of fiber channels while ensuring the normal coupling of the ferrule, the invention provides a multi-spring coupling MPO connector and an optical cable assembly.

A multi-spring coupling MPO connector, including an outer shell, an inner shell, a socket, an elastic coupling assembly, a ferrule, and an unlocking assembly;

The front end of the socket, the elastic coupling assembly and the ferrule are sequentially installed in the inner casing, the outer casing is sleeved on the inner casing, and there is no less than one ferrule, and the elastic coupling assembly enables all the ferrules to Synchronous docking is realized; the unlocking component is arranged on the outer shell, and is used to disassemble the ferrule from the adapter docked with it. It can increase the number of fiber channels while ensuring the normal coupling and docking of the ferrule.

Optionally, the elastic coupling assembly includes a spring and a guide needle holder assembly, and the guide needle holder assembly includes a guide needle holder, a pin provided at the front end of the guide needle holder, and a limit post arranged at the rear end of the guide needle holder, The ferrule is provided with a pin hole connected with the pin pin, the spring is sleeved on the limit post, and the limit post is matched with the socket. The elastic coupling component can elastically compensate and adjust the ferrule to ensure that all ferrules can be docked and installed at the same time.

Optionally, the socket is provided with a spring limiter, and the spring limiter is provided with spring holes, the number of the spring holes is the same as the number of the limit posts, and the limit posts and the spring extension into the spring hole, and the front end of the socket and the inner casing are detachably installed. It is easy to install and ensures that all ferrules can be docked and installed at the same time.

Optionally, a double ear key is provided on the surface of the socket, and a limiting groove that cooperates with the double ear key is provided on the inner housing. The installation of the socket is convenient and fast, and the fixing is stable.

Optionally, the shortest distance between the limiting post and the bottom of the spring hole is greater than 1mm, and the outer diameter of the spring is ≤2.3mm. The limit post plays a guiding role to ensure that the limit post has a certain space for movement.

Optionally, there are two ferrules, the ferrules are MINI-MT ferrules, and the thickness of the MINI-MT ferrules used is ≤2.3mm. The size of the ferrule is small, multi-ferrule structure.

Optionally, each ferrule has at least 12 fiber channels. Multi-ferrule, the number of fiber channels is relatively large, which is conducive to improving the transmission speed.

Optionally, the unlocking assembly includes an unlocking pull rod sleeved on the outer shell, and an unlocking spring arranged between the inner shell and the outer shell, and an accommodation cavity is provided between the outer shell and the inner shell, so that The unlocking spring is arranged in the accommodating cavity, the unlocking rod is provided with a key, and the outer shell is provided with a groove matching the key. The unlocking assembly has a compact structure, which facilitates the disassembly of the multi-spring coupling MPO connector.

Optionally, the rear end of the socket is provided with a crimping handle, and the crimping handle is provided with a buckle for fixing the optical cable, and a net tail is sleeved on the press buckle. The operation of fixing the optical cable is simple and convenient, and the net tail protects the optical cable.

An optical cable assembly includes a multi-spring coupling MPO connector and an optical cable connected to the multi-spring coupling MPO connector. The transmission speed of the optical cable has been improved.

Compared with prior art, the beneficial effect of the present invention is:

The invention provides a multi-spring coupling MPO connector. The ferrule and the elastic coupling component cooperate to increase the number of optical fiber channels, and at the same time ensure that all ferrules can be coupled and docked normally, and the elastic coupling component can realize each ferrule during the docking operation. The elastic force compensation of the ferrule ensures that each ferrule can complete the docking at the same time. Using multiple ferrules, under the existing production capacity and MPO connector coupling capability, the MPO connector can obtain more fiber channels, and the transmission capacity can be greatly improved in the high-density data transmission environment.

The invention also provides an optical cable assembly, the optical cable is connected with a multi-spring coupling MPO connector, all ferrules can be connected synchronously, and the number of optical fiber channels can be increased through the superposition of multiple ferrules, which is beneficial to improving data transmission capacity.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a single ferrule multi-spring coupling MPO connector provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the multi-ferrule multi-spring coupling MPO connector provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a multi-spring coupling MPO connector provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a multi-spring coupling MPO connector provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram II of the multi-spring coupling MPO connector provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the three-dimensional structure of the socket provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the three-dimensional structure of the guide needle assembly provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the ferrule provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the three-dimensional structure of the optical cable assembly provided by the embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

In order to describe the technical solutions of the present invention in detail, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Apparently, the described embodiments are some, not all, embodiments of the present invention. Based on the described embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by persons of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Example 1:

This embodiment provides a multi-spring coupling MPO connector, including an outer shell 2 , an inner shell 3 , a socket 6 , an elastic coupling component 5 , a ferrule 4 and an unlocking component 100 . The front end of the socket 6, the elastic coupling assembly 5 and the ferrule 4 are sequentially installed in the inner casing 3, the outer casing 2 is sleeved on the inner casing 3, and there is no less than one ferrule 4, and the elastic coupling assembly 5 makes all the sockets Core 4 can realize synchronous docking. The unlocking assembly 100 is arranged on the outer shell 2, and is used to disassemble the ferrule 4 from the adapter docked with it.

The number of elastic coupling components 5 is the same as the number of ferrules 4, and the elastic coupling components 5 adjust the positions of the ferrules 4 during docking to ensure that all the ferrules 4 can be docked with the adapter at the same time.

In this embodiment, there are two ferrules 4, the ferrules 4 are MINI-MT ferrules 4, and the thickness of the MINI-MT ferrules 4 used is ≤2.3 mm. The fiber channels 41 of each ferrule 4 have at least 12 channels, and the fiber channels 41 of each MINI MT ferrule 4 are arranged in 3X12, that is, 36 channels. The thickness L2 of a single MINI-MT ferrule 4≤2.3mm, in this embodiment, the thickness of the MINI-MT ferrule 4 is preferably 1.5mm.

According to the existing process capability, the number of fiber channels 41 of each MINI-MT ferrule 4 can ensure the accuracy and pass rate of the fiber channels 41 , and can also improve the coupling pass rate of the fiber channels 41 . It solves the problems in the prior art that the ferrule 4 cannot satisfy the production of more than 3 rows of fiber optic channels 41 and the connection and coupling are difficult. Due to the setting of multi-ferrule 4, the difficulty of module design in the data center is greatly reduced, allowing designers to more reasonably set the number of fiber channels 41 of a single MPO connector, for example, by setting 12+36 double ferrule 4, Realize 48-channel coupling connection, or 24+36 double ferrule 4, realize 60-channel coupling connection.

The rear end of the socket 6 is provided with a crimping tail handle 63 , the crimping tail handle 63 is covered with a buckle 81 for fixing the optical cable, and the buckle 81 is covered with a net tail 82 . The buckle 81 can be made of metal, and the buckle 81 is crimped on the crimping handle 63 . The front end of the socket 6 is inserted into the inner casing 3 , and the rear end of the socket 6 is provided with a buckle 81 and a net tail 82 .

The elastic coupling assembly 5 includes a spring 52 and a needle holder assembly. The needle holder assembly includes a needle holder 51, a pin needle 511 arranged at the front end of the guide needle holder 51, and a limit post 512 arranged at the rear end of the guide needle holder 51. The core 4 is provided with a pin hole for docking with the pin needle 511 , the spring 52 is sleeved on the limiting column 512 , and the limiting column 512 cooperates with the inserting frame 6 . The outer diameter of the limit post 512 is D2, where D2≥0.3mm. In this embodiment, preferably D2=0.5mm.

Insert frame 6 is provided with spring limiting platform 62, and spring limiting platform 62 is provided with spring hole 621, and the quantity of spring hole 621 is consistent with the quantity of limiting column 512, and limiting column 512 and spring 52 stretch into spring hole 621 Inside, the front end of the insert frame 6 and the inner housing 3 are detachably installed.

Specifically, when the MPO connector is docked and installed, all the ferrules 4 are subjected to extrusion feedback generated by the docked connector. Due to the grinding of the ferrule 4, the heights of each ferrule are inconsistent, so after the ferrules are subjected to the butt extrusion feedback, Each elastic coupling component 5 can perform reasonable elastic force feedback according to the extrusion feedback received by the respective connecting ferrule 4, to ensure that each ferrule 4 can obtain evenly distributed elastic force during the docking process, and ensure that the ferrule 4 can complete the docking Install.

The shortest distance between the limit post 512 and the bottom of the spring hole 621 is greater than 1mm, and the outer diameter of the spring 52 is D1, where D1≤2.3mm, preferably D1=1.3mm. When the spring 52 is not compressed, the distance between the lower end of the limit post 512 and the bottom of the spring hole 621 is L1, L1>1mm, preferably L1=1.3mm, to ensure that the limit post 512 has a certain space in the spring hole 621. event space.

A double ear key 61 is provided on the surface of the insert frame 6 , and a limiting groove for matching with the double ear key 61 is provided on the inner housing 3 . The insert frame 6 is engaged and fixed on the limit groove of the inner casing 3 through the double ear key 61 , so as to realize the fixed installation of the insert frame 6 and the inner casing 3 . The ear keys 61 are arranged on both side surfaces of the front end of the socket 6 to ensure that the front end of the socket 6 can be stably locked inside the inner casing 3 .

The structure of the multi-spring coupling MPO connector of the present invention includes a MINI-MT ferrule 4 with multiple fiber channels 41 instead of a traditional single MT ferrule 4, and each ferrule 4 is individually configured with an elastic coupling assembly 5 for connection, each ferrule 4 has independent elastic compensation. Solve the problem that during the processing of MINI MT, since each MINI MT ferrule 4 needs to be ground separately, the height of the ferrule 4 after grinding is inconsistent. During the docking process, the elastic force of the elastic coupling component 5 is used to solve the inconsistent height of the ferrule The resulting inconsistency of the elastic force required for the docking transmission ensures that the elastic force of each ferrule 4 is evenly distributed during the docking, so as to ensure the test docking.

The present invention combines the upper limit of the existing technology and optimizes the structure of the MPO connector while meeting the specification requirements of IEC-61754-7, realizes the multi-ferrule 4 structure, and realizes the normal coupling and docking of the multi-ferrule 4 structure.

In the multi-spring coupling MPO connector of the present invention, the front-end structural size of the inner housing 3 meets the structural requirements of the front-end butt joint size of the MPO connector of IEC-61754-7, so that the present invention can be compatible with all existing IEC-61754-7 For standard MPO adapters, the MPO connector of the present invention can be directly applied to existing data centers during data expansion, greatly reducing the cost of data center expansion.

The invention provides a multi-spring coupling MPO connector, the structure of the elastic coupling components effectively solves the problem of the traditional MPO connector with a single compression spring. In the hole, when the spring is compressed, the optical fiber is in contact with the edge of the spring, causing the edge of the spring to scratch the optical fiber or the spring coil to shrink and break the optical fiber.

The present invention provides a multi-spring coupling MPO connector, which uses a new type of multi-core MINI-MT ferrule 4 to replace the traditional MT ferrule 4, so as to realize synchronous docking of the multiple ferrule 4 of the MPO connector. At the same time, an elastic coupling assembly 5 is provided, and each MINI-MT ferrule 4 has a separate elastic coupling assembly 5 that cooperates with it, which can realize the elastic force compensation of each ferrule 4 during the docking operation, and ensure that each ferrule 4 can simultaneously Complete the docking.

The present invention can solve the problem that the existing MPO connector cannot break through the production and coupling of the 3-row array fiber channel 41, and the present invention can realize the synchronous docking of at least two ferrules 4, and further promote the MPO connection on the basis of the existing stable technology The coupling quantity of fiber channel 41.

In the present invention, by using multiple ferrules 4, the limitation of the number of fiber channels 41 of the MT ferrule 4 in the conventional MPO connector is realized by superposition of multiple ferrules 4 to increase the number of fiber channels 41. Under the existing production capacity and the coupling capability of the MPO connector, the MPO connector can obtain more fiber channels 41, and the transmission capacity can be further improved in the high-density data transmission environment.

Example 2

This embodiment provides a multi-spring coupling MPO connector, including an outer shell 2 , an inner shell 3 , a socket 6 , an elastic coupling component 5 , a ferrule 4 and an unlocking component 100 . The front end of the socket 6, the elastic coupling assembly 5 and the ferrule 4 are sequentially installed in the inner casing 3, the outer casing 2 is sleeved on the inner casing 3, and there is no less than one ferrule 4, and the elastic coupling assembly 5 makes all the ferrules 4 can realize synchronous docking. The unlocking assembly 100 is arranged on the outer shell 2, and is used to disassemble the ferrule 4 from the adapter docked with it.

The unlocking assembly 100 is arranged on the outer shell 2, and is used to disassemble the ferrule 4 from the adapter docked with it. The unlocking assembly 100 includes an unlocking pull rod 10 sleeved on the outer shell 2, and an unlocking spring 7 arranged between the inner shell 3 and the outer shell 2, and an accommodating cavity 11 is provided between the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3, The unlocking spring 7 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11 , the unlocking rod 10 is provided with a key 101 , and the outer shell 2 is provided with a groove 21 matching with the key 101 .

Specifically, the ferrule 4 is inserted on the adapter, and by pulling the unlocking lever 10, the key 101 is engaged in the groove 21, the outer shell 2 moves away from the adapter, the unlocking spring 7 is compressed, and the inner shell 3 moves , Pull out the entire multi-spring coupling MPO connector from the adapter, which is easy to operate and convenient for maintenance. The unlocking assembly 100 of the present invention has a compact structure and is easy to operate.

Example 3

Referring to FIG. 8 , this embodiment provides an optical cable assembly, including a multi-spring coupling MPO connector, and an optical cable 9 connected to the multi-spring coupling MPO connector. Specifically, a multi-spring coupling MPO is installed at one or both ends of the optical cable 9 Connector. The multi-spring coupling MPO connector includes an outer shell 2 , an inner shell 3 , a socket 6 , an elastic coupling component 5 , a ferrule 4 and an unlocking component 100 . The front end of the socket 6, the elastic coupling assembly 5 and the ferrule 4 are sequentially installed in the inner casing 3, the outer casing 2 is sleeved on the inner casing 3, and there is no less than one ferrule 4, and the elastic coupling assembly 5 makes all the ferrules 4 can realize synchronous docking. The unlocking assembly 100 is arranged on the outer shell 2, and is used to disassemble the ferrule 4 from the adapter docked with it.

This embodiment provides an optical cable assembly, the optical cable 9 is connected with a multi-spring coupling MPO connector, and all ferrules 4 can realize synchronous docking. After superposition of multiple ferrules 4, the number of optical fiber channels 41 can be increased, which is conducive to improving data security. transmission capacity.

Example 4

Referring to FIG. 1 , this embodiment provides a multi-spring coupling MPO connector, including an outer shell 2 , an inner shell 3 , a socket 6 , an elastic coupling component 5 , a ferrule 4 and an unlocking component 100 . The front end of the socket 6, the elastic coupling assembly 5 and the ferrule 4 are sequentially installed in the inner casing 3, the outer casing 2 is sleeved on the inner casing 3, and the ferrule 4 is a conventional MT ferrule.

Compared with the traditional single-spring MPO connector, the multi-spring coupling MPO connector of the present invention has a structural setting of the elastic coupling component, which changes the spring from the traditional central device to the double spring on both sides, which can solve the problem of The size of the spring aperture and the limitation on the number of optical fiber cores also effectively solve the problem of the traditional MPO connector with a single compression spring. Contact with the edge of the spring will cause the edge of the spring to scratch the optical fiber or the spring coil will shrink and the optical fiber will be broken. The springs are arranged on both sides, and the distance between the spring 52 and the optical fiber can be preferentially controlled by the limit setting of the limit post 512, so as to prevent the optical fiber from contacting with the spring, causing the spring to damage the optical fiber during the installation process.

In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms indicating orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying No device or element must have a particular orientation, be constructed, and operate in a particular orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", "fixation" and other terms should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated ; It can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary, and it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to specific situations.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner" and "outer" are based on the Orientation or positional relationship, or the orientation or positional relationship that the inventive product is usually placed in use, is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, so as to Specific orientation configurations and operations, therefore, are not to be construed as limitations on the invention.

Although the description of the present invention is made in conjunction with the above specific embodiments, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make many substitutions, modifications and changes based on the above content. therefore,

All such alternatives, modifications and changes are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A multi-spring coupling MPO connector, characterized in that it includes an outer shell (2), an inner shell (3), a socket (6), an elastic coupling assembly (5), a ferrule (4) and an unlocking assembly ; The front end of the socket, the elastic coupling assembly and the ferrule are sequentially installed in the inner casing, the outer casing is sleeved on the inner casing, and there is no less than one ferrule, and the elastic coupling assembly enables all the ferrules to Synchronous docking is realized; the unlocking component is arranged on the outer shell, and is used to disassemble the ferrule from the adapter docked with it. 2. A multi-spring coupling MPO connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: the elastic coupling assembly includes a spring (52) and a needle seat assembly, and the needle seat assembly includes a needle seat (51 ), a pin needle (511) arranged at the front end of the guide needle holder, and a limit post (512) arranged at the rear end of the guide needle holder, the ferrule is provided with a pin hole connected to the pin needle, and the The spring is sheathed on the limit post, and the limit post cooperates with the socket. 3. A multi-spring coupling MPO connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: the socket is provided with a spring limiter (62), and the spring limiter is provided with a spring hole (621 ), the number of the spring hole is consistent with the number of the limit post, the limit post and the spring extend into the spring hole, and the front end of the socket and the inner housing are detachably installed. 4. A multi-spring coupling MPO connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: the surface of the socket is provided with a double ear key (61), and the inner housing is provided with a double ear key (61). Matching limit slot. 5 . The multi-spring coupling MPO connector according to claim 3 , wherein the shortest distance between the limiting post and the bottom of the spring hole is greater than 1 mm, and the outer diameter of the spring is ≤ 2.3 mm. 6. A multi-spring coupling MPO connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: the number of the ferrules is two, the ferrules are MINI-MT ferrules, and the MINI-MT ferrules used The thickness ≤ 2.3mm. 7. A multi-spring coupling MPO connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: each ferrule has at least 12 fiber channels (41). 8. A multi-spring coupling MPO connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: the unlocking assembly includes an unlocking pull rod (10) sleeved on the outer shell, and a set between the inner shell and the outer shell An unlocking spring (7) between the outer shell and the inner shell is provided with a housing chamber (11), the unlocking spring is arranged in the housing chamber, and a key (101) is provided on the unlocking pull rod, so The outer casing is provided with a groove (21) to cooperate with the snap key. 9. A multi-spring coupling MPO connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: the rear end of the socket is provided with a crimping handle (63), and the crimping handle is sleeved with a handle for fixing the optical cable. Press buckle (81), the described press buckle is covered with net tail (82). 10. An optical cable assembly, characterized in that it comprises the multi-spring coupling MPO connector according to any one of claims 1-9, and an optical cable (9) connected to the multi-spring coupling MPO connector.

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