阅读说明：本技术 可接地的光纤连接器 (Grounded optical fiber connector ) 是由 邓军涛 蒋柏林 黄琪 M·布卢姆-弗拉格 于 2018-03-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种光纤连接器(100)。所述光纤连接器(100)包括塑料壳体(110)和金属夹(170)。塑料壳体(110)适于将光纤连接器(100)连接到光纤适配器。金属夹(170)布置在塑料壳体(110)的一侧。金属夹(170)从塑料壳体(110)延伸,并适于压靠光纤适配器的金属部分。(An optical fiber connector (100) is provided. The optical fiber connector (100) includes a plastic housing (110) and a metal clip (170). The plastic housing (110) is adapted to connect the fiber optic connector (100) to a fiber optic adapter. A metal clip (170) is disposed on one side of the plastic housing (110). A metal clip (170) extends from the plastic housing (110) and is adapted to press against a metal portion of the fiber optic adapter.)

1. An optical fiber connector (100) comprising:

a plastic housing (110) adapted to connect the fiber optic connector (100) to a fiber optic adapter; and

a metal clip (170) disposed on one side of the plastic housing (110), wherein the metal clip (170) extends from the plastic housing (110) and is adapted and arranged to press against a metal portion of the fiber optic adapter.

2. The fiber optic connector (100) of claim 1, wherein the metal clip (170) extends from a first metal portion embedded in the plastic housing (110) at the side of the plastic housing (110) to a second metal portion embedded in the plastic housing (110) at the side of the plastic housing (110).

3. The fiber optic connector (100) of claim 2, wherein the first and second metal portions are offset from one another.

4. The optical fiber connector (100) of any of claims 1-3, wherein a first end of the metal clip (170) has an electrical connection to the first metal portion at the side of the plastic housing (110), and wherein a second end of the metal clip (170) is an open end.

5. The fiber optic connector (100) of claim 4, wherein the metal clip (170) is connected between a first end of the metal clip (170) and a second end of the metal clip (170) in an arcuate manner.

6. The optical fiber connector (100) of any of claims 1-5, further comprising:

a metal ferrule (120) adapted for guiding an optical fiber of the optical fiber connector (100), wherein a first end portion of the metal ferrule (120) extends beyond a first end portion of the plastic housing (110), and wherein a second end portion of the metal ferrule (120) extends in a space defined by the plastic housing (110).

7. The optical fiber connector (100) of any of claims 1-6, further comprising:

a metal body (150) adapted to be connected to a ground connection via a wire spool, wherein a first end portion of the metal body (150) extends in a space defined by a second portion of the plastic housing (110), and wherein a second end of the metal body (150) extends beyond the second end portion of the plastic housing (110).

8. The fiber optic connector (100) of claim 7, further comprising:

a metal tube (140) adapted to guide an optical fiber of the optical fiber connector (100), wherein a first end portion of the metal tube (140) surrounds a second end portion of the metal ferrule (120) and a second end portion of the metal body (150) extends beyond the second end portion of the metal tube (140).

9. The optical fiber connector (100) of any of claims 1-8, further comprising:

a metal spring (160) arranged and adapted to enable engagement between the metal ferrule (120) and the metal body (150).

10. The fiber optic connector (100) of claim 9, wherein one end of the metal spring (160) is in contact with an end of a first end portion of the metal body (150) and is in contact with a portion of the metal ferrule (120) at the other end of the metal spring (160), the portion of the metal ferrule (120) being between the first and second portions of the metal ferrule (120), and wherein the metal spring (160) is disposed around a first end portion of the metal tube (140) and a second end portion of the metal ferrule (120).

11. The fiber optic connector (100) of claim 9 or 10, wherein the metal spring (160) is movably disposed between an end of the first end portion of the metal body (150) and a portion of the metal ferrule (120) between the first and second portions of the metal ferrule (120), and wherein the metal spring (160) is disposed around the first end portion of the metal tube (140) and the second end portion of the metal ferrule (120).

12. The optical fiber connector (100) of any of claims 1-11, further comprising:

a plastic fastener (130) arranged on top of the plastic housing (110) and adapted to secure the fiber optic connector (100) in or at the fiber optic adapter, the fiber optic adapter being complementary to the plastic housing (110) of the fiber optic connector (100).

13. The optical fiber connector (100) of any of claims 1-12, further comprising:

an optical fiber (180) adapted to transmit an optical signal, wherein any one of the elements of the preceding claims is arranged around the optical fiber (180).

14. The optical fiber connector (100) of any of claims 1-13, further comprising:

a further metal clip (170) arranged on the other side of the plastic housing (110), wherein the further metal clip (170) extends from the plastic housing (110) and is adapted to be pressed against a further metal part of the fiber optic adapter.

Technical Field

Examples relate to solutions for implementing a ground connection of a plastic fiber optic connector and applications thereof, and in particular to fiber optic connectors.

Background

Fiber optic connectors may have to be optimized for their performance and cost. However, it is desirable to form fiber optic connectors with continuous ground connections.

It may be desirable to provide a solution for a fiber optic connector that can be grounded.

Disclosure of Invention

Such a need may be met by the subject matter of the claims.

According to one aspect, a fiber optic connector is provided. The fiber optic connector includes a plastic housing. The fiber optic connector includes a metal clip. The plastic housing is adapted to connect the fiber optic connector to a fiber optic adapter. The metal clip is disposed on one side of the plastic housing. A metal clip extends from the plastic housing. The metal clip is adapted and arranged to press against a metal portion of the fiber optic adapter.

Thus, an uninterrupted ground connection can be established by means of the metal clip.

In the following, the term "electrically connected" may mean or be understood as an "electrically conductive connection", in which sense an electrical current may be able to flow through the connection.

The metal clip may be a first metal clip. The side may be a first side of the plastic housing. The metal clip may be adapted to press against a metal portion of the fiber optic adapter in a resilient manner. The metal clip may be resilient or bendable.

The metal clip may be adapted to make an electrical connection (ground connection) with the fiber optic adapter. The electrical connection may be a ground connection. This can be understood as establishing a connection to ground having a potential of 0 volts. It may also be understood as ground or earth.

The fiber optic adapter may be adapted to (compatible with) a fiber optic connector.

The metal clip may extend from a first metal portion embedded in the plastic housing at one side of the plastic housing to a second metal portion embedded in the plastic housing at the side of the plastic housing.

Thus, an overall end-to-end continuous ground connection may be ensured.

The metal clip may be connected between a first metal part embedded in the plastic housing (on one side of the plastic housing) and a second metal part embedded in the plastic housing (on the side of the plastic housing).

The embedded first and/or second metal portions may be in the form of metal-filled cavities (in the plastic material of the plastic housing). The embedded first and/or second metal portions may also be in the form of grooves, slots, grooves, channels, grooves or notches.

The first metal portion and the second metal portion may be offset/spaced from each other.

By means of the connector, the amount of metal material to be used can be minimized as much as possible. Such expensive metal materials can be saved.

The first end of the metal clip may have an electrical connection to the first metal portion at the side of the plastic housing. The second end of the metal clip may be an open end.

Therefore, the metallic material in the connector can be reduced to a minimum.

The open end may be a second metal portion embedded in the plastic housing.

The metal clip may be connected between the first end of the metal clip and the second end of the metal clip in an arcuate manner.

The arcuate approach allows for uninterrupted ground connection even if the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter are not perfectly mated.

For example, the portion of the metal clip between the first end of the metal clip and the second end of the metal clip does not contact the plastic housing. The portion of the metal clip between the first end of the metal clip and the second end of the metal clip may be spaced apart from the plastic housing.

The optical fiber connector may further include a metal ferrule. The metal ferrule may be adapted to guide an optical fiber of the fiber optic connector. The first end portion of the metal ferrule may extend beyond the first end of the plastic housing. The second end portion of the metal ferrule may extend in a space defined by the plastic housing.

The optical fiber connector may further include a metal body. The metal body may be adapted to be connected to a ground connection via a crimp barrel (crimp barrel). The first end of the metal body may extend in a space defined by the second portion of the plastic housing. The second end of the metal body may extend beyond the second end of the plastic housing.

In this specification, the metal body may also be described as a metal rear body.

The first and second parts of the plastic housing may be in contact. The first and second portions of the plastic housing may be spaced apart (from each other).

The optical fiber connector may further include a metal tube. The metal tube may be adapted to guide the optical fiber of the optical fiber connector. The first end portion of the metal tube may surround the second end portion of the metal ferrule. The second end portion of the metal body may extend beyond the second end portion of the metal tube.

The first end portion of the metal tube may surround the second end portion of the metal ferrule.

When pressure is applied to the metal ferrule in the longitudinal direction (direction relative to the optical fiber of the optical fiber connector), the first end portion of the metal tube may extend beyond the second end portion of the metal tube. The first end portion of the metal tube may surround the second end portion of the metal ferrule when no pressure is applied to the metal ferrule in a longitudinal direction (a direction with respect to the optical fiber of the optical fiber connector).

The optical fiber connector may further include a metal spring. The metal spring may be arranged and adapted to enable engagement between the metal ferrule and the metal body.

The space defined by the plastic housing may contain a metal spring. The space defined by the plastic housing may contain at least a portion of the metal ferrule. The space defined by the plastic housing may contain at least a portion of the metal body. The space defined by the plastic housing may contain at least a portion of the metal tube.

Therefore, the safety of external influences can be ensured.

One end of the metal spring may be in contact with an end of the first end portion of the metal body. The other end of the metal spring may be in contact with a portion of the metal ferrule. The portion of the metal ferrule may be between the first portion and the second portion of the metal ferrule. The metal spring may be arranged to surround the first end portion of the metal tube and the second end portion of the metal ferrule.

At least a part of the first end portion of the metal body may be attached or form-fitted to an (inner) portion of the plastic housing.

The metal spring may be movably disposed between an end of the first end portion of the metal body and a portion of the metal ferrule. The portion of the metal ferrule may be between the first and second portions of the metal ferrule. The metal spring may be arranged to surround the first end portion of the metal tube and the second end portion of the metal ferrule.

The portion of the metal ferrule may be between the first and second portions of the metal ferrule in a space defined by the plastic housing. The metal spring may surround the first end portion of the metal tube and the second end portion of the metal ferrule.

For example, in the first position (relaxed-no tension-no compression), the spring may not be under tension. This may correspond to the situation when no pressure is applied to the metal ferrule. For example, in the second position (tension-compression), the spring may be in contact with the metal ferrule and the metal body. This may correspond to the situation when pressure is applied to the metal ferrule.

In a first position of the metal spring (no tension), the metal spring may overlap the first end portion of the ferrule and the first end portion of the metal tube.

In a second position (tension) of the metal spring, the metal spring may overlap the first end portion of the metal ferrule and overlap the second end portion of the metal tube more.

The fiber optic connector may further include a plastic fastener. The plastic fastener may be disposed on a top portion of the plastic housing. The plastic fastener may be adapted to secure the fiber optic connector in or at a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic adapter may be complementary to the plastic housing of the fiber optic connector.

Thus, the optical fiber connector can be securely fixed in the optical fiber adapter.

The optical fiber connector may further include an optical fiber. The optical fiber may be adapted to transmit optical signals. Either may be disposed around the optical fiber. Metal tubes, metal ferrules, metal bodies, metal springs and plastic housings may fall within the scope of the term "element" or may be so understood. Any one of the elements may be arranged to surround the optical fibre.

The fiber optic connector may further include another metal clip. Another metal clip may be disposed on the other side of the plastic housing. Another metal clip may extend from the plastic housing. Another metal clip may be adapted to press against another metal portion of the fiber optic adapter.

Another metal clip may be adapted to make an electrical connection with the fiber optic adapter. Thus, in addition to the (first) metal clip, a further ground connection may be provided by the further metal clip.

The other metal clip may be a second metal clip. The other side of the plastic housing may be a second side of the plastic housing.

The plastic housing may have a top portion, a bottom portion, and two side portions. The two side portions may be a first side and a second side of the plastic housing. The second side of the plastic housing may be opposite the first side of the plastic housing. The top portion of the plastic housing may connect the first side and the second side of the plastic housing. The bottom portion of the plastic housing may also connect the first side and the second side of the plastic housing.

The plastic fastener may extend from a top portion of the plastic housing.

The other metal clip may be adapted to press against another metal portion of the fiber optic adapter in a resilient manner. The other metal clip may be resilient or bendable.

Another metal clip may be adapted to make an electrical connection (ground connection) with the fiber optic adapter. The electrical connection may be a ground connection. This can be understood as establishing a connection to ground having a potential of 0 volts. This can also be understood as ground.

The further metal clip may extend from a third metal portion embedded in the plastic housing at the other side of the plastic housing to a fourth metal portion embedded in the plastic housing at the other side of the plastic housing.

Thus, an overall end-to-end continuous ground connection may be ensured by using a second metal clip.

Another metal clip may be connected between a third metal portion (on the other side of the plastic housing) embedded in the plastic housing and a fourth metal portion (on the one side of the plastic housing) embedded in the plastic housing.

The embedded third and/or fourth metal part may be in the form of a metal-filled cavity (within the plastic material of the plastic housing). The embedded third and/or fourth metal portions may also be in the form of grooves, slots, grooves, channels, grooves or notches.

The third metal portion and the fourth metal portion may be offset from each other.

The first end of the further metal clip may have an electrical connection to the third metal part at the other side of the plastic housing. The second end of the other metal clip may be an open end.

The open portion may be a fourth metal portion embedded in the plastic housing.

The other metal clip may be connected in an arcuate manner between a first end of the other metal clip and a second end of the other metal clip.

The arcuate approach allows for an uninterrupted ground connection even if the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter are not fully mated. Furthermore, the second metal clip may ensure consistency and less wear and tear than the first metal clip alone.

For example, a portion of the other metal clip between the first end of the other metal clip and the second end of the other metal clip does not contact the plastic housing. A portion of the other metal clip between the first end of the other metal clip and the second end of the other metal clip may be spaced apart from the plastic housing.

The metal spring may be arranged and adapted to enable an electrical connection between the metal body and the metal ferrule. The metal tube may be arranged and adapted to realize an electrical connection to the metal ferrule. The first metal part embedded in the plastic housing at one side of the plastic housing may be electrically/conductively connected to the metal rear body. The third metal part embedded in the plastic case at the other side of the plastic case may be electrically/conductively connected to the metal body. The electrical/conductive connection may be established by directly connecting the first/third portion to the metal body.

The fiber optic connector may be a lucent connector LC. The optical fiber connector may be a subscriber connector SC. The fiber optic connectors may be multi-fiber push-on MPO connectors (also known as multi-path push-on).

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning corresponding to their ordinary understanding by one of skill in the relevant art to the present application; they should be understood as neither too broad nor too narrow. If technical terms are erroneously used in the present application and thus cannot reflect the technical ideas of the present application, these should be replaced by technical terms that convey a correct understanding to those skilled in the relevant technical fields of the present application. General terms used herein should be interpreted based on dictionary or context definitions. Too narrow an interpretation should be avoided.

It will be understood that terms such as "comprising," "including," or "having," or the like, specify the presence of stated features, amounts, operations, acts, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and do not preclude the presence or possible addition of one or more other features, amounts, operations, acts, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe different components or features, these components or features are not limited to these terms. Using the above terminology, only one component will be distinguished from another component. For example, a first component may be termed a second component without departing from the scope of the present application; and the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term "and/or" includes a combination of the plurality of the associated features and any feature of the plurality of features described.

In the present case, if one component is "connected to," in communication with, "or" accessing "another component, it may mean that it is directly connected to or directly accesses the other component; however, it should be noted that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, if a component is "directly connected" to or "directly accesses" another component, it is to be understood that no other component exists therebetween.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings; like parts are provided with like reference numerals throughout.

In the description of the present application, detailed descriptions of known connection functions or configurations are omitted because they unnecessarily disperse the scope of the present application; however, such functions and configurations will be understood by those skilled in the art of the present application. The drawings illustrate the present application and are not to be construed as limiting. The technical idea of the present application should be construed to include all such modifications, changes and variations in addition to the accompanying drawings.

Other objects, features, advantages and applications will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, all described and/or illustrated features, taken alone or in any combination, form the subject matter disclosed herein, irrespective of their grouping in the claims or their relation/reference. The dimensions and proportions of parts or portions shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale; these dimensions and proportions may differ from those illustrated in the drawings and the embodiments implemented. All dimensions shown in the following figures may be non-limiting for the present application and merely illustrate the scope of the invention.