CN110426790B - Spring-free push/pull type optical fiber connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical fiber connector having a push/pull tab, wherein the tab is biased forward by an intermediate arm that pushes on a chamfered surface of a widthwise groove, thereby pushing the push/pull tab forward into the hook without the use of an accessory spring. A hook secures the connector in the adapter socket.

Description

Spring-free push/pull type optical fiber connector

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No.62/665,217 entitled "SPRINGLESS PUSH/PULL FIBER option connect" filed on day 5/1 2018, under 35u.s.c.119(e), and is a partial continuation of U.S. non-provisional application 15/720,980 entitled "NARROW WIDTH ADAPTERS AND connect WITH module LATCHING ARM" filed on day 29, 9/2017, which claims: U.S. provisional application No.62/457,150 entitled "NARROW WIDTH ADAPTERS AND connections WITH MODULAR LATCHING ARM" filed on 9/2/2017; U.S. provisional application No.62/546,920 entitled "NARROW WIDTH ADAPTERS AND connections WITH MODULAR LATCHING ARM" filed on 8/17/2017; U.S. provisional application No.62/452,147 entitled "NARROW WIDTH ADAPTERS AND connections WITH SPRING LOADED RELEASE," filed on 30.1.2017; U.S. provisional application No.62/430,560 entitled "NARROW WIDTH ADAPTERS AND connections WITH SPRING LOADED RELEASE," filed on 6.12.2016; and U.S. provisional application No.62/430,067 entitled "NARROW WIDTH ADAPTERS AND connections WITH module LATCHING ARM," filed on 5.12.2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to fiber optic connectors and adapters, and more particularly, to fiber optic connectors having push/pull tabs or extenders attached to latches which when pulled unlatch or release the connector from the adapter receptacle.

Background

Modern high capacity fiber optic systems typically use fiber optic ribbons for inter-system connections. Since there are multiple connection points in the optical path, it is necessary to mate two fiber splices or one splice to another connector. Mechanical and optical alignment is of paramount importance in mating two fiber optic splices or one splice with a connector. Slight misalignment can result in severe signal loss, especially in the case of splices and connectors for multiple fiber optic ribbons and cables. Therefore, there is a need for an adapter that can hold and secure two fiber optic splices or one splice in precise alignment with a connector. The adapter design should also be such that the fitting and connector installation is sufficiently easy for field assembly. Furthermore, the adapter should be of a durable design and/or durable material for repeated installation and removal.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention, the fiber optic connector mates with a receptacle, which may be an opening configured to receive a push/pull tab fiber optic connector. The optical fiber connector includes: a push/pull tab connected to a front body of the connector, the front body receiving one or more tabs; a corresponding connector spring, push/pull tab has a pair of arms configured to partially surround the rear body of the surrounding connector. The tongue has one or more tabs that secure the tongue to the front body. The rear body in conventional push/pull tab connectors has a spring located behind the push/pull tab and biasing the push/pull tab forward. The user pushes the connector into the receptacle and the front top surface and front body of the connector are latched into the hook portion housed within the receptacle. This secures the connector in the receptacle.

In the present invention, the spring is removed and a pair of grips protrude from the top surface of the rear body. The grip has a lip that secures the push/pull tab but allows the tab to move along a channel that extends a predetermined distance along the longitudinal axis of the connector. The longitudinal axis is defined in the same plane from the front to the rear or from a distal end near the cable and boot to a proximal end near the splice. The shelf on the connector corresponding to the rear body lip has a length corresponding to the travel or push/pull applied by the user at the distal end of the connector to secure or remove the connector from the adapter socket.

The proximal end of the push/pull tab has a chamfered or angled surface that engages the medial arm of the hook secured within the socket. The tongue surface lifts the intermediate arm, which in turn lifts the pair of outer arms. These arms form a hook integrally with the hook body. Because the groove is cut at an incline, the intermediate arm pushes the tongue forward as it engages the groove at the top surface of the proximal end of the connector. When the user inserts the tongue using the cable/boot, the groove pushes the pull/push tongue forward, and the outer arm drops into the groove, thereby securing the connector into the receptacle by the hook.

In another embodiment, multiple hook types may be deployed in the adapter receptacle. As described above, the tongue surface lifts the intermediate arm.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A depicts a fiber optic adapter having a push/pull tab and a dust cap removed from the fiber optic adapter;

FIG. 1B depicts an exploded view of the connector of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C1 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1A with an enlarged region therein;

FIG. 1C2 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1C1 showing a push/pull tab spring;

FIG. 1C3 is an enlarged area of FIG. 1C1 showing a cross-sectional view of the push/pull spring;

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1A with a short boot and a long push/pull tab;

FIG. 1E is an exploded view of the connector of FIG. 1D showing the push/pull tab spring prior to insertion into the rear body;

fig. 2A is a perspective view of a hook inserted into a receptacle to secure a connector in the receptacle.

FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the hook portion of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the connector of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the connector of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the connector of FIG. 3A showing an alternative rear body;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged proximal end view of the rear body of FIG. 4, with the rear body securing a push/pull tab;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged proximal end view of the rear body of FIG. 4 with a cutaway cross-section;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the push/pull tab of FIG. 5A attached to the rear body of FIG. 4;

figure 6B is a perspective view of a push/pull tab partially secured to the rear body of figure 4.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the push/pull tab being secured by the rear body of the connector;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the proximal end of the connector with the hook engaging the forward end of the push/pull tab;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the connector when the hook engages the forward end of the push/pull tab;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the proximal end of the connector when the hook arms enter the widthwise grooves;

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7C;

FIG. 7E is a cross-sectional view of the hook mid-arm along the inclined ramp during securing of the connector;

fig. 7F is a perspective view of the proximal end portion of the connector when the outer arm is left in the widthwise groove;

FIG. 7G is the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7F showing the middle arm along the inclined ramp;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the connector of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a proximal portion of the connector of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternative hook;

FIG. 11B is a top perspective view of the hook portion of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the proximal end of the connector of FIG. 8 engaged with the hook of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the proximal end of the connector of FIG. 8 beginning to mount the hook of FIG. 11A in the width-wise groove;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the hook portion of FIG. 11A partially engaging the widthwise groove;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the hook of FIG. 11A engaged in the width-wise groove to secure the connector;

FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 15A;

Detailed Description

In the following description, as a preferred example, an apparatus for mating opposing multi-fiber connectors of different types or the same type is set forth. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications, including additions and/or substitutions, may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Specific details may be omitted so as not to obscure the invention; however, this disclosure is written to enable one skilled in the art to practice the teachings herein without undue experimentation.

Fig. 1A depicts a conventional push/pull connector having: a front body 110; a pair of tabs 125 formed as part of push/pull tab 120, the pair of tabs 125 configured to circumferentially surround the connector housing 127 and cable/boot assembly 108. Push/pull tab piece 120 has a proximal end portion near joint 102 with a widthwise groove 117 and a ramped area 123 on the outer surface of front body 110. Dust caps 101 may be used to protect the joint from debris. FIG. 1B depicts an exploded view of FIG. 1A. The components of the connector 100A are separated or broken down into the connector 100B. Referring to FIG. 1B, push/pull tab piece 120 has: a tongue or handle 125; a biasing spring 105.2; a first securing tab 124a and a second securing tab 124 b; a slope portion 123a as a part of the slope region 123; as well as a raised surface 122 and a front bevel or chamfer 121. The securing tabs are configured to lock into corresponding openings or grooves on the outer surface of the connector body to help secure push/pull tab piece 120 to connector 100A without interfering with the longitudinal movement of push/pull tab piece 120. As is known in the art, the bias spring 105.2 pushes the push/pull tab 120 forward, removing it is an unobvious improvement to the field of fiber optic connectors having push/pull tabs. As described in more detail below, the chamfer 121 engages a middle hook arm (not shown) of a hook portion inserted into the adapter socket. The chamfer is configured to raise the intermediate hook arm until the arm reaches a distance defined by the top surface 122. As described below, the intermediate arm is connected to a pair of outer arms so that the outer arms are deflected upwardly when the intermediate arm is lifted.

Continuing with fig. 1B, a widthwise groove 117 is located at the outer surface of the front body 110. The front body 110 holds a plurality of fittings 102 that are housed within a flange 103 configured to secure the fittings 102 within the front body 110. Spring 104 urges tab 102 forward. Spring 104 is contained at the proximal end of rear body 105. The cut-out 105.7 receives a push/pull bias spring 105.2. In the present invention, the spring 105.2 is removed as described below.

Referring to fig. 1B, crimp ring 106 is covered by a protective cover 107 to form a cable/protective cover assembly 108. Final assembly occurs from the distal end to the proximal end, with the joint inserted into the front body, the rear body constrains the spring 104 forward when the rear body latch 105.8 is inserted into the front body at opening 113. The boot assembly is threaded onto the distal end of the rear body, although other methods are known in the art.

Fig. 1C 1-1C 3 depict the top surface of the front body at the proximal end of the connector 100A. Fig. 1C1 is a perspective view of connector 100A having front body 110 at the proximal end and having a pull tab handle 125 at the distal end of connector 100A. The enlarged region of FIG. 1C1 is shown enlarged in FIG. 1C 2. FIG. 1C2 shows biasing spring 105.2 located within rear body cutout 105.7 and configured to bias push/pull tab 120 forward. Press fitting the securing tabs 124a into corresponding openings in the connector body 127 is also disclosed. The second securing tab 124b is press fit into a corresponding opening in the body 127. These tabs 124a, 124b slide in channels formed in the connector body openings that are sized so that push/pull tab 120 can travel to secure connector 100A with hooks (not shown) located in a receptacle (not shown) and disable the connector from releasing. FIG. 1C3 depicts a second enlarged view of FIG. 1C 1. This view is a cross-sectional view showing biasing spring 105.2 located within the tongue body of the push/pull connector and which pushes push/pull tab 120 forward as is known in the art. Fig. 1D depicts an alternative conventional connector 100D fully assembled. Push/pull tab piece 120 is biased forward by a biasing spring (not shown) as shown by the lowest point of push/pull ramp 123, which is substantially aligned with width-wise groove 117.

Fig. 1E depicts the exploded connector 100D, showing the major components. Referring to FIG. 1B, like parts have like element numbers, e.g., biasing spring 105.2 is shown inserted into a cutout of rear body 105 in FIG. 1E. FIG. 1E also shows biasing spring 105.2 prior to insertion of spring retainer 105.1 in the direction of arrow "A". Comparing fig. 1B and 1E shows a different form of push/pull connector using a biasing spring 105.2 to push the tongue 120 forward.

Fig. 2A depicts the hook 200 inserted into a socket, adapter socket or opening (not shown) for securing the connectors (100A, 100D) therein. Hook 200 has a circular arc 252 that allows the arms (254, 256) to bend as described herein. When a force is applied to the intermediate arm 256, the outer arms 254a, 254b flex or lift upward. When the force "F" is removed from the intermediate arm 256, the outer arms (254a, 254b) return to the initial position under the spring force held primarily in the circular arc portion 252. Referring to fig. 2B, surface 250 is configured to engage a corresponding socket internal structure to secure the hook therein. The legs 259 support the proximal end of the hook portion 200a against a corresponding adapter receptacle structure (not shown) and maintain the arm at a predetermined height when engaging the outer surface of the front body 100, as described herein. This prevents dragging the arm over the outer surface of the top surface of the connector against the movement of the push/pull tab by the user.

Fig. 3A depicts the push/pull connector 300 of the present invention without the biasing spring 105.2. The ramp surface 123 or arm of the push/pull tab 120 has a plurality of sloped surfaces. These surfaces are configured to engage the hook center arm to lift the outer arm. Upon full insertion of connector 300, connector 300 is secured within hook 200 by advancing the connector at the distal end. According to the present invention, angled portion 123b is configured to provide an opposing force against intermediate arm 256 of hook 200 to ensure that push/pull tab 120 is pushed forward, thereby allowing outer arms 254a, 254b to fall into width-wise groove 117 and secure the connector into the adapter receptacle via hook 200.

Fig. 3B is an exploded view of fig. 3A, showing conventional components. A pair of biasing springs 105.2 urge the push/pull tab 120 forward in the connector. The constituent elements of fig. 3B are similar to those shown in fig. 1B and 1E and as described herein. Fig. 4 depicts a push/pull connector 400 without a biasing spring 105.2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rear body 105 has a pair of projections 105.3 that extend through corresponding openings 128 of the push/pull tab 120, as shown in more detail in fig. 5A. The opening 128/pair of projections 105.3 locks the tongue 120 to the connector body, while the opening 128 is also formed as a channel allowing the tongue 120 to slide back and forth.

Fig. 5A depicts the proximal end of connector 400. When the hook is secured within the receptacle, the widthwise groove receives the outer arm of the hook to secure the connector with the adapter receptacle. The cut-away cross-section of fig. 5B shows the position of the joint biasing spring between the joint flange and the rear body, which pushes the joint 103 forward. Push/pull tab arm 129 comprises a plurality of sloped or ramped portions. In the present invention, the ramp 123b is cut or chamfered at about 10 to 35 degrees and it is this angle that provides an opposing surface force to push the middle arm 256 of the hook 200 or hook 400 (fig. 11A) upward when the user inserts the connector into an adapter receptacle containing the hook that is secured in the receptacle. Rear body tab 105.3 with groove 105.3a latches onto raised surface 126 to secure push/pull tab 120 to rear body 105. Surface 126 extends longitudinally a distance necessary to release or secure the connector within a receptacle having a hook therein.

FIG. 6A depicts attachment of push/pull tab piece 120 to the connector body in the direction of arrow "A". The rear body projection 105.3 is attached to the surface 126 and rests against the face 126.2. The securing protrusion 124b is received into the connector body groove 111.1. Fig. 6B shows the protrusion 124B inserted into the connector body opening. Fig. 6C shows that when the push/pull tab 120 is pulled in the direction of arrow "a", the protrusion 124b travels along the channel until it is stopped by the face 110.2. When tongue 120 is pushed forward, protrusion 124b is configured to stop within the connector housing to ensure that the lowest point of ramp region 123 is substantially aligned with width-direction groove 117. Fig. 6C shows the push/pull tab being pulled in the "a" direction and the protrusion 124b moving backwards until it stops at the surface 110.2. The distance of travel of the tab 124b is sufficient to lift the ends of the middle hook portion, which lifts the ends 254a, 254b of the outer hook portion, thereby allowing the connector 400 to be removed from within the adapter socket.

Fig. 7A-7G depict the operation of the connector 400 without the biasing spring 105.2 when the connector 400 is secured in an adapter socket (not shown) having the hook portion 200 therein. FIG. 7A depicts the middle arm 256 of hook 200 as it is lifted upward when it engages surface 121. The raised intermediate arms in turn raise the outer arms 254a, 254 b. The outer arms 254a, 254b are spaced apart so as not to interfere with the push/pull tab arm 129. As shown, the ramped portion 123b is obscuring the groove 117 as the middle arm is pushing the push/pull tab arm 129 rearwardly toward the distal end of the connector 400. Fig. 7B depicts the middle hook 256 being lifted by the surface 121 of the connector arm 129, and as the middle hook 256 travels along the surface 122, the ends 254a, 254B of the outer hooks are lifted a sufficient distance to avoid dragging on the housing surface.

Fig. 7C depicts continued insertion of the connector into a receptacle (not shown) having a hook secured therein. The arc portion 252 of the hook 200 contacts the surface of the ramp area 123, which in turn pushes the connector arm 129 rearwardly. As the middle arm 256 is raised, the force is stored in the radiused portion 252, which pushes the outer arms outward into the groove 117 as described herein. As described above, the protrusion 124b (FIG. 6C) meets the face 110.2, which prevents the push/pull tab from advancing further distally. At this point of insertion, the middle arm 256 is lifted maximally for the design of the hook 200, and the outer arms 254a, 254b (not shown) begin to release tension and fall into the groove 117, thereby securing the connector within the receptacle. As shown in fig. 7C, the proximal end face of the outer arm is now pressed against the connector body 110 via the groove face 117a with its stored spring force. This is the beginning of the hook 200 securing the connector 400 within the receptacle. Fig. 7D depicts the cross-sectional view of fig. 7C, showing the intermediate arm 256 pushing the push/pull connector arm 129 forward as the intermediate arm 256 relaxes along the chamfer 123 a. As mentioned above, the preferred chamfer allows the arm 129 to move forward smoothly without the need for the biasing spring 105.2.

Fig. 7E shows the intermediate arm 256 moving along the tongue profile or chamfer 123b and this causes the connector arm 129 (push/pull tongue 120) to move forward as the intermediate arm is pressed downward by the stored spring force. As push/pull tab 120 is moved forward, outer arms 254a, 2454b rest in groove 117b, securing the connector within the receptacle. Fig. 7F depicts outer arm 254a pressing up against recessed surface 117a when the connector is fully inserted into the receptacle. Fig. 7G depicts the intermediate arm 256 reaching the lowest point of the ramp profile 123 when the connector insertion into the receptacle is completed. At this point, outer arm 254a has extended further into groove 117 and continues to push against groove face 117a, which helps secure the connector and helps middle arm 256 push/pull tab arm 129 forward without the use of biasing spring 105. When the middle arm 256 secures the connector 400 into the adapter socket via the hook 200, the outer arm has reached the locked position. When any user attempts to remove the connector without using the push/pull tab 120, the outer arms 254a, 254b of the hook portion resist by being stopped by the grooved surface 117a (see fig. 7F).

Fig. 8 depicts an alternative push/pull connector 800 that enables removal of the push/pull tab piece 120 via the opening 104.5. Fig. 9 depicts an exploded view of the connector 800. The same elements are similar to those in fig. 1B. Push/pull tab piece 120, rear body 105, and front body 110 are shown. Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the proximal end of the connector 800. When push/pull tab 120 is biased forward, lowest point 123c of ramp region 123 is substantially aligned with the opening of groove 117. The raised surface 122 flexes the middle arm 256 upward, thereby lifting the outer arms 254a, 254 b. The outer arms are raised by the intermediate arms to substantially avoid contact with surface 122a, thereby allowing connector 800 to be inserted into a receptacle without becoming jammed.

Fig. 11A depicts an alternative hook 400. Similar to the hook 200, the outer arms 254a, 254b of the hook 400 are moved upward by the raised surface 121. Surface 122 is received in channel 254 c. As in hook 200, legs 259 contact surfaces 122a, 122b when the connector is inserted into a receptacle. Fig. 11B shows the contact surface 126 securing the hook 400 with a corresponding structure in the adapter socket.

Fig. 12A depicts the beginning of the insertion of the connector 800 into the receptacle with the hook 400 secured therein. As connector 800 is inserted, tab arm 129 is urged in a distal direction as indicated by arrow "A". The middle arm 254c is raised after passing over the surface 121 shown in fig. 12B, which in turn raises the outer arm 254 a. The hook 200 or hook 400 is secured within the adapter receptacle so that when a connector embodying the present invention is pushed in by its boot, the connector arm moves distally until the tab 124b stops (see fig. 6C). Fig. 12B depicts a cross section of the proximal end of the connector surfaces (121, 122) and the hook. The raised surface 122 is sometimes referred to as the hook region in which the attachment arm 129 structure acts on the hook.

Fig. 13A depicts the hook 400 reaching the chamfered surface 123 b. In this embodiment, outer arm 254a (and 254b, not shown) pushes push/pull tab arm 129 toward the proximal end of connector 800. Fig. 13B depicts the intermediate arm 254c reaching a section of the ramp region where the chamfered surface 123B is configured like an inclined portion such that the connector arm 129 is biased forward without the use of the biasing spring 150.2. FIG. 14 depicts intermediate arm 254c releasing its tension-biased push/pull tab arm 129 forwardly as the intermediate arm moves along profile 123 a. The profile has an angle or slope of between 20 and 35 degrees for maximum proximal biasing of push/pull tab arm 129.

Fig. 15A depicts the fully inserted hook 400 and its outer arms 254a, 254b engaged in the groove 117 and advanced over the groove surface 117 a. This secures the connector 800 within the adapter socket. Figure 15B is a cross section of the hook 400 reaching the lowest point of the ramp profile where the tongue 120 is biased forward. The intermediate arm 254c is pushed over the ramp profile 123b to secure the connector in the adapter with the forward tongue.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that by following the principles of the present invention, a form of adapter for mating a multi-fiber splice connector with another multi-fiber splice connector can be obtained without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although the embodiments of the invention described herein relate to multi-fiber applications, the invention may be adapted for single fiber applications. Specific details are omitted so as not to obscure the invention; however, this disclosure is written to enable one skilled in the art to practice the teachings herein without undue experimentation.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims (4)

1. A fiber optic connector system comprising a fiber optic connector and an adapter receptacle, the adapter receptacle including a fixture disposed within the adapter receptacle, the fixture including an intermediate arm and at least one outer arm, the fiber optic connector being insertable into the adapter receptacle and comprising:

a housing having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising a push/pull tab and a rear body;

a top surface of the proximal portion including a widthwise groove configured to receive the fixation device therein and a raised portion;

when the fiber optic connector is inserted into the adapter receptacle, the raised portion of the top surface of the proximal end portion pushes the intermediate arm of the fixture upward, the intermediate arm pushing the at least one outer arm upward, the intermediate arm pushing forward on a chamfered surface formed as part of the groove;

wherein upon completion of insertion, the intermediate arm biases the push/pull tab forward without the use of an accessory spring; and

wherein the rear body has a pair of tabs, each tab having a longitudinally extending groove for receiving a corresponding longitudinally extending raised surface of the push/pull tab such that the push/pull tab is secured to the rear body.

2. The fiber optic connector system of claim 1, wherein the outer arm of the securing device resides in the width-wise groove, thereby securing the fiber optic connector within the adapter receptacle.

3. The fiber optic connector system of claim 1, wherein the push/pull tab has a ramped profile at the proximal end of the fiber optic connector.

4. The fiber optic connector system of claim 3, wherein a forward portion of the ramp profile is chamfered 10 to 50 degrees from normal.

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