CN114830001A

CN114830001A - Cover for fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher

Info

Publication number: CN114830001A
Application number: CN202080086008.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·克劳德; J·希格利; D·R·奇尔德斯
Original assignee: Connec Inc
Current assignee: Connec Inc
Priority date: 2019-12-13
Filing date: 2020-12-11
Publication date: 2022-07-29
Also published as: WO2021119517A1; EP4073565A1

Abstract

A cover for a fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher includes a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear ends and defining a longitudinally extending opening through the rear end opening for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher. The bushing also includes a top side and an opposite bottom side, and two sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side and along at least a portion of the bushing. A receiver is disposed in the top side to receive a protrusion associated with the cannula pusher.

Description

Cover for fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 62/947,966 filed on 12/13/2019 and is a partial continuation of U.S. patent sequence No. 17/251,076 filed on 12/10/2020, in accordance with 35u.s.c. 119(e), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background

In a data center environment, fiber routing between data centers typically requires connecting thousands of fibers to connect one data center building to another. This connection involves manually fusion splicing thousands of optical fibers. Splicing is typically the last job before the data center connection is complete. However, manually splicing optical fibers is time consuming and expensive due to the labor costs and equipment required for the job. Thus, this work becomes a bottleneck for bringing up new data centers.

Solutions to avoid fusion splicing include the use of pre-terminated MT ferrules in a pull handle (or "pull sheath") attached to the jacketed cable between two data center buildings. Such pull handles are known in the art. The number of ferrules in the pulling grip will vary depending on the number of fibers present in each ferrule. For example, one pull handle may accommodate a total of 3456 fibers in 288 fiber optic ferrules (i.e., 12 fibers per ferrule). The fiber optic ferrules are then pulled from the pull handle at a designated location within a second data center building. Then, MT-MPO adapters, such as the one shown in applicant's own U.S. patent No.7,296,935, can be used to connect MT ferrules directly to MPO-type connectors. One problem with this approach is that technicians/users in the data center will need to handle the bare terminated fiber optic ferrules. This increases the chance of ferrule damage, particularly since there are hundreds of fiber ferrules that need to be inserted into an MT-MPO adapter.

Although the pull handle is fairly clean, the preterminated fiber optic ferrules inside the pull handle may still be prone to debris or dust because many of these components co-exist in a confined space. Debris or dust may scratch the optical fiber on the endface and/or cause optical signal attenuation. In addition, the pin clip, cannula pusher and cannula may become separated during handling inside the pull handle. Such separation may damage the fiber ferrule, ferrule pusher, or optical fiber.

Therefore, a cover is needed that keeps the face of the preterminated fiber optic ferrule protected and covered within the pulling grip.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a cover for a fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher, comprising a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear ends, the sleeve defining a longitudinally extending opening through the rear end opening for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher, the sleeve having a top side and an opposite bottom side and two sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side and along at least a portion of the sleeve; a cutout in each of the two side walls, the cutout extending from the rear end toward the front end; and a receiver at the top side for engagement with the cannula pusher.

In some embodiments, the receiver engages a key of the cannula pusher.

In some embodiments, the receiver is a recess in the top surface within the longitudinally extending opening.

In some embodiments, the receiver is a window extending through the top side.

In other embodiments, the receiver has a forward facing surface to engage a rearward facing surface on the keying portion.

In some embodiments, the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher are maintained in a spatial relationship within the longitudinally extending opening of the ferrule.

In yet another aspect, there is a fiber optic assembly that includes a ferrule pusher; a fiber optic ferrule positioned forward of the ferrule pusher within the pulling sheath, the fiber optic ferrule having a plurality of optical fibers supported by the ferrule; and a cover connected to the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher and including a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear ends, the sleeve defining a longitudinally extending opening through the rear end opening for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher, the sleeve having a top side and an opposite bottom side and two sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side and along at least a portion of the sleeve, wherein the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher are held together by the cover in the pulling sock.

And in yet another aspect, there is a cover for a fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher including a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear ends, the sleeve defining a longitudinally extending opening through the rear end opening for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher, the sleeve having a top side and an opposite bottom side and two sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side and along at least a portion of the sleeve; and a receiver at the top side to receive a protrusion associated with the cannula pusher.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fiber optic assembly including a cover for a fiber optic ferrule and a ferrule pusher according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the fiber optic assembly of FIG. 1 with a representative fiber ferrule, ferrule pusher, guide pin, and optical fiber;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic assembly of FIG. 1;

fig. 5 is a front left perspective view of the cover in fig. 1;

fig. 6 is a rear left perspective view of the cover in fig. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher of FIG. 2 in spatial relationship as appears in the cover;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the fiber optic assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a bottom left perspective view of the fiber optic assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a fiber optic assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cover for a fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a cover for a fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher according to the present invention;

figure 13 is a top perspective view of the cover of figure 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cover for a fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher according to the present invention;

figure 15 is a side view of the cover of figure 14; and

fig. 16 is a bottom view of the cover in fig. 14.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Applicants note that the term "front" or "forward" means the direction in which a fiber optic connector and/or ferrule will meet another fiber optic connector or device, while the use of the term "rear" or "rearward" means the direction from which an optical fiber enters a fiber optic ferrule, fiber optic connector, or ferrule pusher. Thus, each component will have a front and a rear, and the two front or forward portions of the fiber optic ferrules will engage each other. Thus, in fig. 1, the "front" of the fiber optic assembly is on the left side of fig. 1 and the "forward" is toward the left and out of the page. "rear" or "back" is the portion of the fiber optic connector or cover that is located to the right of the page, and "rear" and "back" are toward the right and into the page.

One embodiment of a fiber optic assembly including a cover 10 for a fiber optic ferrule and a ferrule pusher is shown in fig. 1-2, 4-6, and 8-9. The cover 10 has a sleeve 12 extending longitudinally between a front end 14 and a rear end 16. The liner 12 has a longitudinally extending opening 18 that opens through the rear end 16 of the liner 12 for receiving at least a portion of a fiber optic ferrule and a ferrule pusher, as described below. The combination of the cover 10 and the fiber ferrule and ferrule pusher may be referred to as a fiber optic assembly 20. The bushing 12 has a top side 24 and an opposite bottom side 26. Two

side walls

28, 30 extend between the top side 24 and the opposite bottom side 26. The

sidewalls

28, 30 extend along at least a portion of the liner 12. Although the

sidewalls

28, 30 are shown as having the same length, they may have different lengths, possibly not all the way to the front end 14 or the rear end 16. As shown, there may be a cut-out 32 in each of the two

side walls

28, 30, the cut-outs 32 preferably extending from the rear end 16 toward the front end 14.

The longitudinally extending opening 18 is formed and defined by a top side 24, an opposing bottom side 26, two

sidewalls

28, 30 and an inner surface 36 thereof. See fig. 6. Top side 24 has a receiver 40 to engage a portion of cannula pusher 102. As shown in fig. 1-2, 4-6 and 8, the receiver 40 is an opening through the top side 24. However, in another embodiment, the receiver 40' may be a recess in the top side 24' from the longitudinally extending opening 118 '. See fig. 10. The receiver 40 (and 40') has a forward facing surface 42 at the rearward end of the receiver. The forward facing surface 42 partially defines the receiver 40 (window). Also, the receiver 40' shown in FIG. 10 has a channel, rather than a window, shaped to receive a portion of the cannula pusher 102.

The fiber optic ferrule 104 may be an MT ferrule as is known in the art. It may also take many other configurations, such as those shown in fig. 2 and 3. However, the fiber optic ferrule 104 preferably has a body 110 that includes a plurality of fiber support structures 112 (see also FIG. 4), which may be a plurality of micro-holes, V-grooves, or the like. The fiber support structure 112 supports and retains the optical fiber 114 inserted into the fiber optic ferrule 104. The body 110 extends between a front end 120 and a rear end 122, and the optical fibers 114 extend from a front face 124 of the front end 120 through a central opening in the body 110 and out the rear end 122. The rear end 122 of the body 110 also has a rear face 128. The ferrule 104 may also have guide pins 130 (see fig. 2) and/or guide pin clips or spacers 132 disposed at the rear end 122. There may also be more than one central opening through the fiber optic ferrule 104. For example, there may be two or more rows of optical fibers 114, fiber support structures 112 in the fiber optic ferrule 104. See fig. 2 and 3.

The fiber ferrule pusher 102 also has a body 150 extending between a front end 152 and a rear end 154. The body includes a central opening 156 extending between the front end 152 and the rear end 154. The central opening 156 also receives the optical fiber 114 disposed in the fiber optic ferrule 104. The front end 152 of the body 150 preferably has the same dimensions as the rear end 122 of the ferrule 104. However, the body 150 may also be sized differently than the fiber optic ferrule 104. Since the optical fibers 114 are already in ribbon form, the height of the central opening 156 through which the ribbon fibers 114 pass is preferably less than the width of the ribbon (in the transverse direction), at least at the front end 152, and possibly over the entire length of the fiber ferrule pusher 114. Such a height prevents the fiber ferrule pusher 102 from rotating relative to the ribbon fiber 114 and the fiber ferrule 104, for example, when in the pull handle and even after the fiber ferrule 104 engages the fiber ferrule pusher 104. Preferably, the ferrule pusher 102 is generally longer (i.e., in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers 114) than the ferrule 104. Alternatively, the ferrule pusher 102 may have a length similar to the ferrule 104. Regardless of its length, the ferrule pusher 102 has substantially the same footprint as the ferrule 104. The term "footprint" as used in this disclosure refers to only the height, only the width, or both the height and the width of the component in question (e.g., the fiber ferrule 104 and/or the fiber ferrule pusher 102) when viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal/lengthwise axis of the component. In some embodiments, the fiber ferrule pusher 102 (including the key 160, one or more protrusions 180, and the rear ledge/flange on one side of the fiber ferrule pusher 102) may protrude no more than or only slightly beyond the footprint defined by the fiber ferrule 104 (particularly its flange/shoulder). For example, the footprint may be less than 10% larger than the footprint size defined by the ferrule 104.

The fiber ferrule pusher 102 includes a first alignment structure or protrusion 160 located on a top surface 162 of the body 150. It may also be referred to as a "key" to those of ordinary skill in the art. The first alignment structure 160 is shown in the drawings as a boss, but other configurations are also employed. The keying member 160 may take any shape or position on the fiber ferrule pusher 102. For example, the key 160 may also be located on one of the side surfaces 166, with the side surfaces 166 being located on opposite sides of the top surface 162.

There may also be a window 168 extending through the top surface 162 and communicating with the central opening 156 forming a channel for the optical fiber 114. The window 168 allows a user to access and/or visually inspect the optical fiber 114.

The fiber ferrule pusher 102 has at least one protrusion 180 or latch extending from the body 150 to engage corresponding structures 182 in the housing 106 for the fiber ferrule 104 and the ferrule pusher 102. Preferably, there are two such protrusions 180, but only one may be needed to retain the fiber ferrule pusher 102 within the housing. As shown and perhaps best shown in fig. 7, the projection 180 is in the form of a cantilever arm that includes a front chamfered surface 184 and a rear facing flat surface 186 to engage the housing.

As shown in fig. 2 and 7, the cannula pusher 102 has an alignment structure or key 160. The key 160 has a rearward facing surface 170. The cover 10 is made of a somewhat flexible or bendable material at least at the rear end 116. Thus, as the ferrule pusher 102 and fiber optic ferrule 104 are inserted into the liner 12, the key pushes against and bends the top side 24 and its inner surface 36. Once the ferrule pusher 102 and the fiber optic ferrule 104 are disposed within the longitudinally extending opening 18, the key 160 will pop out and into the window 40. The engagement of the rearward facing surface 170 with the forward facing surface 42 prevents the ferrule pusher 102 and the fiber ferrule 102 from exiting the cover 10. These two surfaces will prevent removal of the cannula pusher 102 if the cannula pusher 102 is pulled up. The cover 10 is also configured to maintain the ferrule pusher 102 and the fiber ferrule 104 in a constant spatial relationship, as shown in fig. 7. The ferrule pusher 102 will engage the rear end of the fiber ferrule 104. Thus, the ferrule pusher 102 and the fiber optic ferrule 102 will remain connected to one another when the fiber optic assembly 20 is disposed within the pulling grip. Thus, the fiber optic ferrule 102 and the ferrule pusher 104 are held together within the pull handle by the cover 10. See, for example, fig. 4. While the key 160 serves a dual function as a key and as a projection of the engagement receiver 40, the key and projection may be two distinct elements and/or structures.

The longitudinally extending opening 18 may be configured to match the configuration of the ferrule pusher 102 and the fiber ferrule 104. The ferrule front end 120 may engage a corresponding structure in the longitudinally extending opening 18 to provide a stop point for the ferrule pusher 102 and the ferrule 104. See again fig. 4. The cover 10 may also have an opening at the front end 14 to receive the guide pin 130. These structures will be positioned within the bushing such that the key 160 will be disposed within the receiver 40 (or 40') and its rearward facing surface 170 engages the forward facing surface 42. To remove the ferrule pusher 102 and the fiber optic ferrule 104, a lever or finger may be pulled on the top side 24 to allow the liner 12 to be released by the key 160. The cover 10 may then be pulled forward and away from the ferrule pusher 104 and the fiber ferrule 102, outside of the pulling sheath. The cover 10 may then be discarded or reused.

The notches 32 each receive one of the tabs or latches 180 on the cannula pusher 102. The tabs 180 extend outwardly away from the side of the cannula pusher portion 102. The cut 32 thus allows the bushing 10 to be as narrow as possible and still not have to worry about the protrusion 180 engaging the bushing 10, thereby optimizing the available space within the pull sheath for a plurality of such fiber optic assemblies 20.

Fig. 11 shows another embodiment of a cover 210 for a fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher according to the present invention. The cover 210 is similar to the cover 10 and has the same general construction and elements. One of the differences in the cover 210 is that there are two

receivers

40 and 240 to engage a portion of the cannula pusher 102, not just one receiver 40 located in the top side 224. As shown in fig. 11, there is a receiver 40 located in the top side 224 and a second receiver 240 located in the opposite bottom side 226. As mentioned above, the two

receivers

40 and 240 may be recesses in the top side that open from the longitudinal extension.

Each of the

receivers

40, 240 has a forward facing surface,

elements

42 and 242, respectively, at the rear end of the receiver. The forward facing surfaces 42, 242 partially define the

receivers

40, 240.

Fig. 12 and 13 illustrate yet another embodiment of a cover 310 for a fiber ferrule 104 and a ferrule pusher 102 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the cover 310 has a top side 324 and an opposite bottom side 326. In this embodiment, the top side 324 and the bottom side 326 do not extend as far rearward as they did in the previous embodiments. In fact, the top side 324 and the bottom side 326 stop before the position of the receiver in those previous embodiments. In fact, there is no receiver in this embodiment, but a cutout as described below. Two

sidewalls

328, 330 extend between the top side 324 and the opposite bottom side 326 and extend rearwardly along at least a portion of the liner 312 and extend further rearwardly than the top side 324 and the bottom side 326. As shown, there is a cutout 332 in each of the two

side walls

328, 330, the cutout 332 preferably taking the form of a hole or opening having a rearward portion 338 to surround the cutout 332. The cutout will receive a tab 180 or latch extending from the body 150 of the cannula pusher 102. In this case, the tabs 180 engaging the notches 332 retain the ferrule pusher 102 and ferrule 104 in the cover 310.

Fig. 14-16 illustrate another embodiment of a cover 410 for a fiber optic ferrule 104 and a ferrule pusher 102 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, cover 410 has a top side 424 and an abbreviated opposite bottom side 426. In this embodiment, the bottom side 426 does not extend as far rearward as the top side 424 or as far rearward as in the previous embodiment (except for the cover 310). However, the bottom side 426 does extend far enough to prevent contamination of the end face of the ferrule 104. Two

side walls

428, 430 extend between at least a portion of the top side 424 and the bottom side 426, but then the height of the side walls decreases with distance from the rear of the cover 410. Top side 424 does have a receptacle 440, which is shown as an opening through top side 424, which may alternatively be a recess, such as receptacle 40'.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fiber optic assembly, comprising:

a cannula pusher;

a fiber optic ferrule positioned within a pull handle forward of the ferrule pusher, the fiber optic ferrule having a plurality of optical fibers supported by the ferrule; and

a cover coupled to the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher and including a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposing front and rear ends, the sleeve defining a longitudinally extending opening through the rear end opening for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher, the sleeve having a top side and an opposing bottom side, and two sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side and along at least a portion of the sleeve,

wherein the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher are held together within the pull handle by the cover.

2. The fiber optic assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover is removably coupled to the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher outside of the pull handle.

3. The fiber optic assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a receiver in the top side to receive a protrusion from the ferrule pusher.

4. The fiber optic assembly of claim 3, wherein the receiver engages a key of the ferrule pusher.

5. The fiber optic assembly of claim 3, wherein the receiver is a recess in a top surface within the longitudinally extending opening.

6. The fiber optic assembly of claim 3, wherein the receiver is a window extending through the top side.

7. The fiber optic assembly of claim 1, wherein the bushing has a receptacle for a guide pin disposed within the fiber optic ferrule.

8. The fiber optic assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover has a footprint substantially the same as a footprint of the ferrule pusher.

9. A cover for a fiber optic ferrule and a ferrule pusher, comprising:

a bushing extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear ends, the bushing defining a longitudinally extending opening through the rear end opening for receiving at least a portion of the fiber ferrule and the ferrule pusher;

the bushing has a top side and an opposite bottom side, and two sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side and along at least a portion of the bushing;

a cutout in each of the two side walls, the cutout extending from the rear end portion toward the front end portion; and

a receiver in the top side and engaged with the cannula pusher.

10. The overlay of claim 9, wherein the receiver engages a key of the cannula pusher.

11. The overlay of claim 9, wherein the receiver is a recess in a top surface within the longitudinally extending opening.

12. The overlay of claim 9, wherein the receiver is a window extending through the top side.

13. The cover of claim 9, wherein a latch from the cannula pusher extends at least partially into the cutout.

14. The cover of claim 9, wherein the bushing has a receiving portion for a guide pin disposed within the fiber optic ferrule.

15. The overlay of claim 10, wherein the receiver has a forward facing surface to engage a rearward facing surface on the key.

16. The overlay of claim 15, wherein the forward facing surface at least partially defines the receiver.

17. The overlay of claim 15, wherein the forward facing surface defines a portion of the window.

18. The cover of claim 9, wherein the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher are held in a spatial relationship within the longitudinally extending opening of the bushing.

19. The cover of claim 9, wherein the cover has a footprint substantially the same as a footprint of the cannula pusher.

20. A cover for a fiber optic ferrule and a ferrule pusher, comprising:

a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear ends, the sleeve defining a longitudinally extending opening through the rear end opening for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher;

the bushing has a top side and an opposite bottom side, and two sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side and along at least a portion of the bushing; and

a receiver in the top side to receive a protrusion associated with the cannula pusher.