Patent Description:
The optical fiber is an tool for optical transmission. An optical-fiber connector is used for connecting the optical fiber with different electronic devices, so that the electronic devices can utilize the signals transmitted by the optical fiber. An optical-fiber connector assembly known to the inventor includes an adapter and a male optical-fiber connector. The adapter is assembled to the electronic device. Hence, when the male optical-fiber connector is inserted into the adapter, the male optical-fiber is fixed with the adapter and signals can be transmitted to the electronic device through the optical-fiber connector assembly. Owing that the size of the optical-fiber connectors is small, the optical-fiber connectors are widely applied in optical communication network, data network, or cable TV network.

Please refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an optical-fiber connector A known to the inventor, and <FIG> illustrates a lateral view showing that the optical-fiber connector A known to the inventor is mated with an adapter B. The male optical-fiber connector A known to the inventor has a housing A1 and an elastic arm A2 on the housing A1. The elastic arm A2 outwardly and inclinedly extends from a top portion of the housing A1. Two stopping blocks A21 are integrally formed on two sides of the elastic arm A2. The stopping blocks A21 are selectively engaged with or detached off a buckling hole B1 of the adapter B. However, because the elastic arm A2 and the stopping blocks A21 are of a one-piece member and made of plastic, the elastic arm A2 is prone to be broken upon being bent when the optical-fiber connector A is mating with the adapter B. The other related prior arts are recited in D1 (<CIT>), D2 (<CIT>), D3 (<CIT>), and D4 (<CIT>).

In view of these, an embodiment of the instant disclosure provides an optical-fiber connector as disclosed in claim <NUM>. Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

Detailed description of the characteristics and the advantages of the instant disclosure are shown in the following embodiments. The technical content and the implementation of the instant disclosure should be readily apparent to any person skilled in the art from the detailed description, and the purposes and the advantages of the instant disclosure should be readily understood by any person skilled in the art with reference to content, claims, and drawings in the instant disclosure.

The instant disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below for illustration only, and thus not limitative of the instant disclosure, wherein:.

Please refer to <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an optical-fiber connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the optical-fiber connector <NUM> is adapted to be utilized in electrocommunication, interior wiring, industrial, military, aerospace, or medical devices. For example, upon applying the optical-fiber connector <NUM> in the aerospace field, the components of the airplane are connected with each other through the optical-fiber connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the optical-fiber connector <NUM> comprises a coupling member <NUM>, a core component <NUM>, a sleeve member <NUM>, a metal retaining member <NUM>, and a pressing member <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>).

The coupling member <NUM> has a receiving space <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) and a plurality of openings <NUM>. The openings <NUM> are at two ends of the coupling member <NUM> and in communication with the receiving space <NUM> (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The core component <NUM> is in the receiving space <NUM>. The sleeve member <NUM> is connected to one of the openings <NUM>. The metal retaining member <NUM> has a frame body <NUM> connected to one of the two ends of the coupling member <NUM>. The frame body <NUM> is assembled to enclose the outer wall of the end of the coupling member <NUM>. The metal retaining member <NUM> comprises an elastic arm <NUM> inclinedly extending toward the other end of the coupling member <NUM> from the frame body <NUM>. Two sides of the elastic arm <NUM> have a plurality of retaining structures <NUM>. The pressing member <NUM> has a mating portion <NUM> and a pressing portion <NUM>. The mating portion <NUM> is fitted over the sleeve member <NUM>. The pressing portion <NUM> extends toward the elastic arm <NUM> from the mating portion <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, when the coupling member <NUM> is assembled with the metal retaining member <NUM>, the optical-fiber connector <NUM> can be mated with an adapter <NUM> through the metal retaining member <NUM> which is completely made of metal (as shown in <FIG>). The metal retaining member <NUM> is rigid and not fragile, thus prolonging the service life of the optical-fiber connector <NUM>. Moreover, the metal retaining member <NUM> has high and low temperatures resistance.

In some embodiments, the optical-fiber connector <NUM> comprises two coupling members <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), but embodiments are not limited thereto; in one embodiment, the optical-fiber connector <NUM> comprises a single coupling member <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) or comprises three or more coupling members <NUM>. According to some embodiments, in the optical-fiber connector <NUM>, two coupling members <NUM> are corresponding mated with one pressing member <NUM>, but embodiments are not limited thereto; according to some embodiments, in the optical-fiber connector <NUM>, one coupling member <NUM> is mated with one pressing member <NUM>, or three or more coupling members <NUM> are correspondingly mated with one pressing member <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the two coupling members <NUM> are respectively assembled with two core components <NUM>, so that an optical-fiber connector <NUM> with a dual-core configuration is provided, thereby having the advantages of reduced wiring spaces.

Please refer to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the optical-fiber connector <NUM> comprises two coupling members <NUM>. The coupling members <NUM> are side-by-side arranged with each other. Each of the coupling members <NUM> is a rectangular structure. A gap is between the coupling members <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a front exploded view of the optical-fiber connector <NUM>, where the core component <NUM> is detached off. <FIG> illustrates a rear exploded view of the optical-fiber connector <NUM>, where the core component <NUM> is detached off. In some embodiments, the core component <NUM> is in the coupling member <NUM>. The core component <NUM> comprises an insertion pin <NUM> and a spring <NUM>. The insertion pin <NUM> is at one of the openings <NUM>. The insertion pin <NUM> is connected to a core member. The core member is made of a ceramic material for enclosing optical fiber cables, and the optical fiber cables are aligned with the core hole of the core member. The insertion pin <NUM> is at one of two ends of the core member. The sleeve member <NUM> is made of a metal material. One of two ends of the sleeve member <NUM> is fitted over the other end of the core member, and the other end of the sleeve member <NUM> is connected to a compressible member <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The compressible member <NUM> is connected to a tail cap <NUM>. The tail cap <NUM> is fitted over the transmission cable as a cover. The compressible member <NUM> is provided for increasing the assembling force between the optical-fiber connector <NUM> and the cover of the cable. Therefore, when a user pulls the cable with an excessive force, the optical-fiber connector <NUM> can be prevented from being detached off the cover of the cable easily. The sleeve member <NUM> is assembled at the rear end of the coupling member <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is fitted over the other end of the core member, and the spring <NUM> is received in the sleeve member <NUM>. One of two ends of the spring <NUM> abuts against the core member, and the other end of the spring <NUM> abuts against the sleeve member <NUM>. The spring <NUM> allows the core member to have a buffering effect upon being forced.

Please refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, the mating portion <NUM> of the pressing member <NUM> is a circular ring. The mating portion <NUM> has a buckling hole <NUM>. Each of two sides of an inner wall of the buckling hole <NUM> has a limiting portion <NUM>. Each of two sides of the sleeve member <NUM> has a positioning portion <NUM>. Each of the limiting portions <NUM> is connected to a corresponding one of the positioning portions <NUM>. In some embodiments, the limiting portions <NUM> and the positioning portions <NUM> are flat structures corresponding to each other, so that the rotation of the sleeve member <NUM> with respect to the mating portion <NUM> can be prevented.

Please refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, the pressing portion <NUM> of the pressing member <NUM> is an arced elastic piece. The arced elastic piece is integrally formed with the mating portion <NUM>, and the arced elastic piece extends to a top portion of the elastic arm <NUM> from a top portion of the mating portion <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the pressing member <NUM> has a plurality of friction portions <NUM> adapted to be contacted by a hand. The friction portions <NUM> are on the pressing portion <NUM>, and the pressing portion <NUM> contacts the top portion of the elastic arm <NUM>. The friction portions <NUM> increase the friction force between the hand and the pressing portion <NUM>, thereby increasing the operation feeling upon the user's hand pressing the pressing member <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. In the embodiment according to the invention, the frame body <NUM> has a plurality of buckling portions <NUM> and a fixation block <NUM>. The buckling portions <NUM> are protruding blocks at the inner surface of the frame body <NUM>. An outer wall of the coupling member <NUM> has a plurality of engaging portions <NUM>. The engaging portions <NUM> are recesses at the outer wall of the coupling member <NUM>. Each of the buckling portions <NUM> is buckled with a corresponding one of the engaging portions <NUM>. The fixation block <NUM> is limited at the outer wall of the coupling member <NUM>. The fixation block <NUM> is a bent structure at the front end of the frame body <NUM>. The fixation block <NUM> leans against the front end of the coupling member <NUM> to limit the movement of the coupling member <NUM>. Therefore, through the fixation block <NUM>, the frame body <NUM> can be prevented from being detached off the coupling member <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, the pressing member <NUM> has a fixation block <NUM>. The fixation block <NUM> is on the mating portion <NUM>. An outer wall of the sleeve member <NUM> has a fixation slot <NUM>. The fixation block <NUM> is buckled with the fixation slot <NUM> to increase the structural strength of the optical-fiber connector <NUM>. The fixation block <NUM> is a bent structure at a side portion of the mating portion <NUM>. The fixation block <NUM> is limited in the fixation slot <NUM> to limit the movement of the pressing member <NUM> with respect to the sleeve member <NUM>, so that the structural strength of the optical-fiber connector <NUM> can be increased.

Please refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, the pressing member has a buckling portion <NUM>. The buckling portion <NUM> is on the mating portion <NUM>. The outer wall of the sleeve member <NUM> has an engaging portion <NUM>. The buckling portion <NUM> is a protruding block at the inner surface of the mating portion <NUM>. The engaging portion <NUM> is a recess at the outer wall of the sleeve member <NUM>. The buckling portion <NUM> is buckled with the engaging portion <NUM> to limit the movement of the pressing member <NUM> with respect to the sleeve member <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the coupling member <NUM> has a connection portion <NUM>. The connection portion <NUM> is at an inner wall of the receiving space <NUM> and adjacent to one of the openings <NUM>. The sleeve portion <NUM> has a joint portion <NUM>, and the connection portion <NUM> is connected to the joint portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connection portion <NUM> is a female thread, the joint portion <NUM> is a male thread, and the inner thread is threaded with the outer thread, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the connection portion <NUM> and the joint portion <NUM> may be convex and concave structures mated with each other, or the connection portion <NUM> and the joint portion <NUM> may be mated with each other through an interference-fitting manner.

In some embodiments, the pressing member <NUM> has an extension portion <NUM>. The extension portion <NUM> is between the pressing portion <NUM> and the mating portion <NUM>. The extension portion <NUM> may be a single plate member (as shown in <FIG>) or a plurality of plate members (as shown in <FIG>).

Please refer to <FIG> and <FIG> illustrates an exploded view showing the optical-fiber connector <NUM> and an adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, each of two sides of the frame body <NUM> has a recessed portion <NUM>, and each of the recessed portions <NUM> corresponds to a protrusion <NUM> on a corresponding one of two inner sides of the adapter <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG>. In some embodiments, when the pressing portion <NUM> of the pressing member <NUM> is at a pressing position P1, the rear end of the elastic arm <NUM> is pushed downwardly by the pressing portion <NUM>, so that the elastic arm <NUM> drives the retaining structure <NUM> to move downwardly and inside the adapter <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG>. In some embodiments, each of the two sides of the elastic arm <NUM> has a limiting portion <NUM> adjacent to the outer wall of the coupling member <NUM>. When the pressing portion <NUM> of the pressing member <NUM> is at the pressing position P1, each of the limiting portions <NUM> leans against the outer wall of the coupling member <NUM>. Therefore, the distance of the downward movement of the elastic arm <NUM> can be limited within a certain value. Hence, the elastic arm <NUM> can be prevented from being pressed excessively and deformed, so that the elastic arm <NUM> can be prevented from providing a sufficient elastic force.

Please refer to <FIG> illustrates a schematic lateral view showing that the optical-fiber connector <NUM> is mating with the adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, each of the retaining structures <NUM> has an arced protrusion <NUM> (which may also be a cone-shaped protrusion), and the retaining structures <NUM> extend outwardly from the two sides of the elastic arm <NUM>. After the optical-fiber connector <NUM> is mated with the adapter <NUM>, an outer arced surface <NUM> of the arced protrusion <NUM> of each of the retaining structures <NUM> contacts an inner wall of a corresponding one of the two connection slots <NUM> inside the adapter <NUM> in a line-contact manner (as shown in <FIG>, through the line <NUM>). Each of the arced protrusions <NUM> is firmly buckled with the corresponding connection slot <NUM>, so that the optical-fiber connector <NUM> can be prevented from detaching off the adapter <NUM> easily. Moreover, the arced protrusion <NUM> also increases the structural strength of the metal retaining member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, from the cross-sectional view of the arced protrusion <NUM>, the arced protrusion <NUM> is an arced structure in which the profile of the structure is more than a semicircle (or an ellipse), and such structure increases the structural strength of the arced protrusion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the arced protrusion <NUM> shown in <FIG> is arced toward the coupling member <NUM> (arced downwardly), but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the arced protrusion <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be arced toward a direction away from the coupling member <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG> illustrates a schematic lateral view showing that the optical-fiber connector <NUM> is mated with the adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, when the pressing portion <NUM> of the pressing member <NUM> is at an original position P2, a distance along the height direction is between the rear end of the elastic arm <NUM> and the outer surface of the coupling member <NUM>, and the pressing portion <NUM> contacts a top portion of the rear end of the elastic arm <NUM>. Hence, the elastic arm <NUM> is moved upwardly to its original position due to the resilient force applied to the elastic arm, <NUM> so that the elastic arm <NUM> drives the retaining structures <NUM> to move upwardly. Therefore, the arced protrusions <NUM> of the retaining structures <NUM> are buckled with the two connection slots <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>, so that the optical-fiber connector <NUM> can be fixed inside the housing of the adapter <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a metal retaining member <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a schematic lateral view showing that the optical-fiber connector <NUM> is mated with the adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the retaining structures <NUM> extend outwardly from the two sides of the elastic arm <NUM>. After the optical-fiber connector <NUM> is mated with the adapter <NUM>, an end surface of each of the retaining structures <NUM> contacts an inner wall of a corresponding one of the two connection slots <NUM> inside the adapter <NUM> in a surface-contact manner (through the surface <NUM>). The end surface of each of the retaining structures <NUM> is firmly buckled with the corresponding connection slot <NUM>, so that the optical-fiber connector <NUM> can be prevented from detaching off the adapter <NUM> easily. Moreover, the retaining structures <NUM> also increases the structural strength of the metal retaining member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An optical-fiber connector (<NUM>), comprising:
a coupling member (<NUM>) having a receiving space (<NUM>) and a plurality of openings (<NUM>), wherein the openings (<NUM>) are at two ends of the coupling member (<NUM>) and in communication with the receiving space (<NUM>);
a core component (<NUM>) in the receiving space (<NUM>);
a sleeve member (<NUM>) connected to one of the openings (<NUM>);
a metal retaining member (<NUM>) having a frame body (<NUM>), wherein the frame body (<NUM>) is connected to one of the two ends of the coupling member (<NUM>), wherein the metal retaining member (<NUM>) comprises an elastic arm (<NUM>) inclinedly extending toward the other end of the coupling member (<NUM>) from the frame body (<NUM>), wherein two sides of the elastic arm (<NUM>) have a plurality of retaining structures (<NUM>), wherein the frame body (<NUM>) has a plurality of buckling portions (<NUM>) and a fixation block (<NUM>), wherein an outer wall of the coupling member (<NUM>) has a plurality of engaging portions (<NUM>), wherein each of the buckling portions (<NUM>) is buckled with a corresponding one of the engaging portions (<NUM>), and wherein the fixation block (<NUM>) is limited at the outer wall of the coupling member (<NUM>); and
a pressing member (<NUM>) having a mating portion (<NUM>) and a pressing portion (<NUM>), wherein the mating portion (<NUM>) is fitted over the sleeve member (<NUM>), and the pressing portion (<NUM>) extends toward the elastic arm (<NUM>) from the mating portion (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the frame body (<NUM>) is assembled to enclose the outer wall of the end of the coupling member (<NUM>) that it is connected to.