Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
  • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
  • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
  • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
  • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
  • G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
  • G02B6/3825—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
  • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
  • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
  • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
  • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
  • G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
  • G02B6/3847—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces
  • G02B6/3849—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces using mechanical protective elements, e.g. caps, hoods, sealing membranes
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
  • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
  • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
  • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
  • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
  • G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
  • G02B6/3885—Multicore or multichannel optical connectors, i.e. one single ferrule containing more than one fibre, e.g. ribbon type
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
  • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
  • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
  • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
  • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
  • G02B6/389—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type
  • G02B6/3893—Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
  • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
  • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
  • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
  • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
  • G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
  • G02B6/3818—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres of a low-reflection-loss type
  • G02B6/3821—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres of a low-reflection-loss type with axial spring biasing or loading means
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
  • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
  • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
  • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
  • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
  • G02B6/3887—Anchoring optical cables to connector housings, e.g. strain relief features
  • G02B6/38875—Protection from bending or twisting
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
  • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
  • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
  • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
  • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
  • G02B6/3887—Anchoring optical cables to connector housings, e.g. strain relief features
  • G02B6/3888—Protection from over-extension or over-compression

Definitions

• the invention relates to fiber optics or fiber optical interconnect systems and, more particularly, to a multi-fiber optic interconnect system consisting of fiber connectors and corresponding adapters for the precise end-to-end mating of fiber optic cables. More particularly, the invention further relates to an MT-type interconnect system consisting of fiber optic connectors and corresponding adapters with a "push-push" insertion/withdrawal mechanism and a method for using the same.
• the invention herein disclosed applies primarily to multiple fiber applications.
• Optical connector plugs or connectors are one of the solutions used for this purpose. Fibers terminated with optical connector plugs can be coupled together and disconnected when necessary, either to end the connection or to route the light to a different fiber. Optical connector plugs can be of the single or multiple fiber variety. Single fiber connector plugs (simplex connector plugs) provide the connection of only one fiber to another single fiber. In multiple fiber connector plugs, several fibers are simultaneously coupled with another set of similar fibers. Traditionally, in multi-fiber connectors, the connection is achieved by the use of MT- type ferrules.
• the ferrules which may be manufactured mostly from plastic, have a number of channels of a diameter slightly larger than the optical fiber.
• the optical fibers are inserted into the channels and maintained fixed therein by the use of adhesives such as, but not limited to, epoxy, or mechanical clamping.
• the ends of the fibers are preferably made to be flat or protrude slightly from the end surfaces of the ferrule and are then terminated, generally by a polishing procedure or other means that provides a very smooth surface of optical quality.
• Two connectors may be mated using an adapter.
• Each connector preferably comprises the ferrule and a ferrule holder.
• One of the two mated connectors usually has a ferrule with a pair of alignment pins, while the other connector has a ferrule with a pair of alignment holes.
• Modern fiber optic connectors usually have a spring mechanism that pushes the ferrules towards one another with a controlled force in order to achieve physical contact of both of the ferrules' ends, thereby improving the optical performance of the connection.
• the termination or polishing of the fiber ends is a very involved and delicate procedure which results in the fiber position being either slightly below or above the ferrule end-face surface.
• the protrusion of the fibers from the ferrule end has to be controlled to very tight tolerances in order to avoid damage of the fiber ends when in physical contact.
• the pressure between fibers has to be kept in a narrow range in order to keep the glass in its elastic region and thereby prevent fiber rupture as well as preventing the movement of the fibers inside the ferrule channels (pistoning) when the two connectors are mated. It is also very important to obtain a very smooth surface free of scratches and other defects, especially in the central core section of the fiber where the light travels.
• ferrule ends and fibers are preferably polished together, it is necessary to prevent released ferrule material from damaging the fiber ends during this procedure.
• fiber optic connector plugs free from contaminants such as dirt or dust is also very important. Dirt or dust on fiber ends can scatter or absorb light, causing excessive loss of signal and corresponding poor system performance. Presence of contaminants inside the connector plug could cause misalignment with similar consequences.
• the intensity of the light being transferred it is important to shelter users from unintended viewing thereof, so as to prevent eye injury.
• One object of the present invention is to provide a small footprint, multi-fiber optical interconnect system suitable for high density applications which has a push-push mechanism for quick and convenient connect/disconnect operation in an environment where it is difficult to reach and activate a conventional fiber optical interconnect system.
• One embodiment of the system disclosed herein comprises two miniature connectors and an adapter.
• the miniature connectors can handle multi-channel MT standard ferrules so as to enable the acceptance of bare and cabled fiber optics.
• the push-push mechanism is controlled by the connectors' internal springs as well as by two identical springs in the adapter, and works automatically when connectors are connected or disconnected to or from the interior of the adapter.
• pushing a first time on the connector connects the connector to the adapter, while pushing on the connector a second time serves to disconnect the connector from the adapter.
• the connectors can handle standard MT ferrules in an embodiment to accept bare and cabled fiber optics. It is appreciated that the ferrules may be manufactured mostly from plastic, or from other materials including, but not limited to, ceramics, metal and glass and not depart from the scope of the present invention.
• dust and laser protection shutters are located at both sides of the adapter. The shutters are preferably controlled by a spring mechanism, and open and close automatically when connectors and adapters are attached or separated.
• Latches are also included that keep the connection securely together, and a release mechanism that actively uncouples the connector and adapter is included in the body of the connector.
• the adapter also is preferably made of a material or coated so as to provide for protection from EMI (electromagnetic interference).
• EMI electromagnetic interference
• the adapter is designed to provide sufficient freedom to enable alignment of the ferrules during the mating or connecting process. Ideally, the goal is to provide for a floating connection of the ferrules within the adapter housing. This also is true for connectors using angle-polished ferrules which can have ends polished to a variety of angles including a preferred embodiment of about 8 degrees relative to the optical axis. The angled ends of the ferrules are the mating surfaces of the two connectors in face-to-face fashion.
• an adapter shutter mechanism comprises a serpentine-shaped spring acting upon cams of shutter doors that are mounted to rotate about a vertical axis at each end of the adapter.
• Other types of springs and means for biasing the shutter doors into a normally closed position such as, but not limited to, spring clips, coil springs, torsion springs and elastic materials, should be considered as being within the scope of this invention.
• the serpentine-spring pushes against the cam of the shutter door at the open end so as to urge it into the closed position.
• the front of the connector pushes against the adapter shutter door and overcomes the force of the serpentine-spring on the adapter shutter door so as to automatically move the shutter door into the open position.
• Spring loading of the ferrule inside of the connector is preferably provided by two coil springs serving to bias the ferrule forward within the connector housing; however, other types of springs and means for biasing the ferrule forward, such as, but not limited to, spring clips, torsion springs and elastic materials, should be considered as being within the scope of this invention.
• Figure 1 shows an overall perspective view of the miniature connector/adapter system of the present invention.
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of the miniature connector shown in Figure 1.
• Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of the miniature connector shown in Figure 2.
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of the adapter for the miniature connector of Figure 3 showing the openings at each end for receiving a connector in each opening.
• Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the adapter of Figure 4 illustrating the shutters with their respective cams, the serpentine-spring normally contained therein and the outer shell removed.
• Figure 6a is a perspective view of the bottom of the flipper of the present invention.
• Figure 6b is a bottom plan view of the flipper of Figure 6a.
• Figures 7a-7f are schematic views which show different positions of the flipper of the adapter and dual pin of the connector during the push-push insertion and withdrawal actions.
• the miniature MT type connector/adapter system includes a male connector 1, an adapter 2, and a female connector 3.
• male connector 1 is shown as a structure designed for fiber optic ribbon cable with a straight strain relief boot 4 in the position before being inserted into adapter 2
• female connector 3 is shown as having a small strain relief boot 6 designed for bare ribbon when it is fully inserted into adapter 2 and fixed in the mated condition.
• Figure 2 is an isometric view of the male connector 1 of Fig.1 showing a miniature
• MT-type ferrule 7 with two pins 8 which makes it a male connector. It also shows front housing 9 with two latch openings 10 (only one opening is visible) and a dual pin 11. In addition, it shows rear housing 12 with pushing tab 13 and straight strain relief boot 4. Different configurations of the boot (for example 90°, 60°, 45°, etc.) should be considered in the scope of the present invention.
• Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of the connector 1 of Fig. 2. It shows MT ferrule 7 with internal boot 14 which is inserted into the ferrule 7 from the rear. It also shows preassembled pin holder 15 and two alignment pins 16. It should be understood that pin holder 15 is preassembled with pins 16 only in the male configuration of the connector 1. If connector 1 should be assembled as a female configuration then alignment pins 16 are not installed.
• Pin holder 15 (with or without alignment pins 16) pushes or biases ferrule 7 straight ahead by two connector springs 17.
• Rear housing 18 has two nests for springs 17 so they can push pin holder 15 and, consequently, ferrule 7 up to the stop (not shown) inside of the connector housing 9.
• Rear housing 18 is preferably secured inside of the connector housing 9 by two latches 19 that snap into two openings 10 in the connector housing 9 (only one latch and one opening are shown). Once connected, ferrule 7 is spring loaded with a standard force designed for optimal contact between fibers.
• Rear housing 18 also has a tab 20 which is used for pushing the male connector 1 by pen or stylus for insertion or withdrawal when density does not allow human fingers to do that job.
• rear housing 18 preferably has a grooved tail 21 which serves, together with the oval crimp tubing 22, as a holding means for a fiber optic cable's aramid yarn. It should be understood that the bare ribbon version of the connector has a rear housing 18 without the grooved tail and no crimp tubing is present.
• the male connector 1 also preferably has a strain relief boot 4 (can be of many different configurations) for use with cables or a small boot 6 (as shown in Fig. 1 for the female connector 3) for use with bare ribbons.
• the adapter 2 is shown with two apertures 23 and 24 at its ends, where two connectors 1 and/or 3 (See Figure 1) are intended to be inserted.
• Figure 4 also shows outer shell 25 which serves as a holder (i.e., it holds the various parts of the adapter together) and a cover of all the internal parts as well as an EMI shield.
• Adapter 2 also preferably has two latches 5 (only upper latch is visible) and two stoppers 26 (only upper stopper is visible) that are designed to assist in mounting the adapter on a panel (not shown) having a particular thickness. While the adapter is shown as being flangeless, it is appreciated that it may be flanged and not depart from the scope of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the push-push adapter 2 (see Fig. 4).
• two push-push mechanisms 27 are shown near each of the apertures 23 and 24.
• Each mechanism 27 consists of triple prong spring clip 28, flipper 29, and nest 30, which serves as a vertical axis about which the flipper 29 rotates or pivots.
• a re dual shutter mechanism 31 a nd its cover 32.
• Figure 5 also shows the serpentine-shaped spring 33 which outwardly biases two cams 34, each of which is respectively attached to ends of vertically mounted internal shutters 35 and 36. Shutters in this example each have a vertical axis of rotation.
• Adapter also preferably contains a barrel containing an alignment sleeve (not shown) that can, to some extent, freely float inside of the barrel to assist in optimally aligning two ferrules being engaged in physical, end-to-end contact from two opposite sides of the adapter 2.
• dual pin 11 (shown on Fig. 2) is an integral part of the push-push mechanism 27, since this dual pin 11 serves as an actuator of the mechanism 27.
• Each triple prong spring clip 28 has two side arms 37 that keep flipper 29 in the middle position in line with the longitudinal axis of the adapter when the push-push mechanism 27 is not actuated.
• Triple prong spring clip 28 also has a horizontally positioned arm 39 that presses flipper 29 down in order to maintain its constant contact with dual pin 1 1 (see Figure 2) while performing push-push action during insertion and withdrawal of the connector 1 into or out of the adapter 2.
• the insertion of connectors 1 into this engaged and retained relationship with adapter 2 can be accomplished by, among other things, applying a longitudinal force to tab 13 (see Fig. 2) by using a stylus, pen point, paper clip end or the like.
• Figures 6a and 6b show the flipper 29 in detail.
• Figure 6a is an isometric view of the bottom surface of the flipper 29, while Fig. 6b is a bottom plan view of the flipper 29.
• Figures 6a and 6b show that flipper 29 includes pin 40 providing a vertical axis X about which flipper 29 sw ings or pivots to the left and to the right during the push-push operation.
• Also shown are inclined cam surfaces 41 and 42 of projection 43 and inclined cam surface 44 of projection 45 which urge flipper 29 to swing to the left or to the right based on direct contact with dual pin 1 1 of the connector 1, depending upon whether dual pin 11 (see Fig. 2) moves forward or backward respectively, during either the insertion or withdrawal operation.
• V-grooved surface 46 of projection 45 reliably keeps connector 1 in its mating position by holding squared portion of dual pin 11 with the force of two internal connector springs (not shown).
• Cams 48 and 49 facilitate the flipper's 29 movement over the ramped edges 50 and 51 while the non-ramped opposite vertical sides of those edges 50 and 51 prevent flipper 29 from sliding back and swinging in the wrong direction during insertion or withdrawal of connector 1 into or from adapter 2.
• pushing force Ppi continues to move left in Fig. 7b until it reaches face 42 of projection 43 which as shown in Fig. 7c, acts as a stop, while flipper 29 rotates upwardly about axis X, which extends longitudinally through the center of pin 40, as shown in Fig. 6a.
• Figures 7a through 7f schematically show the interaction between flipper 29 and dual pin 1 1 during insertion and withdrawal of connector 1 into or from adapter 2.
• arrows F R and F L represent right and left biasing forces created by two side legs 37 of the spring clip 28 (see Fig. 5). Those forces tend to keep flipper 29 in the neutral position when inactive.
• Arrow Ppi represents the insertion force when connector 1 moves into the adapter 2 during the first "push” action.
• Arrow Pc represents the force provided by two main connector springs (not shown in Fig. 7) which tends to either: (1) keep connector 1 in the mating position with the adapter 2 or, (2) push connector 1 out of the interior of adapter 2 after the second "push” action.
• FIG. 7e arrow P P2 represents a force of a second "push" action.
• FIG. 7e arrow P P2 represents a force of a second "push” action.
• FIG. 7f also has a virtual 2mm ruler which shows the relative position of flipper's 29 different elements described earlier and both square and circular elements of dual pin 11 during each step of the insertion and withdrawal processes.
• connection is initiated by pushing connector 1 in the direction of arrow P P i of Figure 7a, until it is received in opening 24 of adapter 2 (Fig. 4).

Landscapes

• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=36678056

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (4)

Family Cites Families (2)

• 2005
  • 2005-10-20 EP EP05821042A patent/EP1849031A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2005-10-20 WO PCT/US2005/038013 patent/WO2006076061A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2005-10-20 CA CA002594549A patent/CA2594549A1/en not_active Abandoned

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events