EP2987014A2 - Adapter, expansion device for adapter, replacement tool used together with expansion device, replacement assembly and method of replacing sleeve - Google Patents

Adapter, expansion device for adapter, replacement tool used together with expansion device, replacement assembly and method of replacing sleeve

Info

Publication number
EP2987014A2
EP2987014A2 EP14721545.3A EP14721545A EP2987014A2 EP 2987014 A2 EP2987014 A2 EP 2987014A2 EP 14721545 A EP14721545 A EP 14721545A EP 2987014 A2 EP2987014 A2 EP 2987014A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
expansion device
sleeve
adapter
replacement tool
alignment sleeve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP14721545.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Lin Lin
Zhaoyang Tong
Lei Liu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Commscope Telecommunications Shanghai Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Tyco Electronics Shanghai Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tyco Electronics Shanghai Co Ltd filed Critical Tyco Electronics Shanghai Co Ltd
Publication of EP2987014A2 publication Critical patent/EP2987014A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • G02B6/3898—Tools, e.g. handheld; Tuning wrenches; Jigs used with connectors, e.g. for extracting, removing or inserting in a panel, for engaging or coupling connectors, for assembling or disassembling components within the connector, for applying clips to hold two connectors together or for crimping
    • 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
    • G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
    • G02B6/3874—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules
    • G02B6/3878—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules comprising a plurality of ferrules, branching and break-out means
    • G02B6/3879—Linking of individual connector plugs to an overconnector, e.g. using clamps, clips, common housings comprising several individual connector plugs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a connector used in data communication and telecom applications, more particularly, relates to an adapter used for a connector, an expansion device for expanding a sleeve retainer of the adapter, a replacement tool used together with the expansion device to replace a sleeve, a replacement assembly, and a method of replacing a sleeve.
  • a user termination is electrically connected with an outer cable usually by inserting a plug connector into a socket connector for example fixed within a wall.
  • a plug connector for example fixed within a wall.
  • connection, distribution, transferring and etc. of different optical fibers are achieved by using a fiber optic connector.
  • FIG 1 is a schematic perspective view showing two current fiber optic connectors 400; and figures 2 shows an adapter 500 mated with the fiber optic connectors.
  • the fiber optic connector 400 may connect an optical fiber cable 402 to the adapter 500 shown in figure 2.
  • Each fiber optic connector 400 includes a connector body 401, a boot 403 fixed to one end of the connector body 401 to protect the optic fiber cable 402, and a ferrule 404 mounted in the connector body 401 and connected with an optic fiber of the optic fiber cable 402.
  • the adapter 500 has a box shape and includes a frame 501 for receiving the connector body 401, an alignment sleeve 503 for receiving the ferrule 404 of the fiber optic connector 400, and a sleeve retainer 504 for retaining the alignment sleeve 503.
  • a stopping protrusion is provided adjacent to an end of the sleeve retainer 504 to retain the alignment sleeve 503 inside the sleeve retainer 504.
  • the whole adapter 500 has to be discarded.
  • a plurality of (for example, 6 or 12) adapters are integrated into a high-density adapter group, damage of any alignment sleeve will make the whole adapter group be scrapped.
  • the present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.
  • an adapter for a connector specifically, an end of a sleeve retainer of the adapter may be expanded so that an alignment sleeve inside the sleeve retainer may be replaced.
  • an adapter for engaging with a fiber optic connector.
  • the adapter comprises a frame inside which is formed with at least one receiving portion for receiving at least one part of the fiber optic connector, the fiber optic connector including an optic fiber ferrule.
  • Each of the at least one the receiving portion comprises a sleeve retainer and an alignment sleeve.
  • the sleeve container has a base mounted to the frame; a plurality of elastic arms extending from the base in an axial direction and arranged in a circumferential direction with two adjacent elastic arms being spaced from each other by a slot; and at least one stopper extending inwardly and radially from at least one free end of at least one of the plurality of elastic arms.
  • the alignment sleeve is retained in the sleeve retainer by the at least one stopper to receive and align with the ferrule of the fiber optic connector.
  • Each elastic arm has two side surfaces opposite to each other in the circumferential direction, at least one of the side surfaces being configured such that the elastic arm is expanded outwardly and radially by external forces applied to the at least one of the side surfaces.
  • the above adapter may further comprise two cantilevers provided respectively at two sides of the sleeve retainer, a free end of each cantilever being provided with a retaining protrusion.
  • the frame may be provided with guiding grooves.
  • an expansion device used for the above adapter includes: a main body having a through hole extending axially through the main body; and a plurality of expansion bars extending outwardly and axially from the main body at an edge of the through hole, wherein each of the expansion bars is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding slot of the sleeve retainer of the adapter so as to drive the corresponding elastic arm to expand outwardly and radially.
  • an inner diameter of a circle where the expansion bars are located may be substantially equals to that of the sleeve retainer.
  • the above expansion device may further include a housing in which the main body is mounted, wherein the exteriorof the housing is shaped to match with the receiving portion of the adapter. Further, the frame of the adapter is provided with guiding grooves, and the housing is provided with guiding blocks adapted to be fitted with the guiding grooves.
  • the adapter may further comprise two cantilevers located at two sides of the sleeve retainer respectively, and a free end of each cantilever is provided with a retaining protrusion; and the main body of the expansion device may be provided with retaining grooves, wherein when the expansion bars are inserted properly into the slots of the sleeve retainer, respectively , the retaining protrusions are engaged within the retaining grooves, respectively, to retain the expansion device in the adapter.
  • the main body may be provided with a locating portion configured to prevent the main body from moving with respect to the housing during engaging the expansion device with the sleeve retainer of the adapter.
  • a replacement tool used together with the above expansion device comprises an operation portion having an outer profile matched with the through hole of the expansion device; a first inserting portion having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the operation portion and adapted to be inserted into the alignment sleeve in an interference fit way; and a second inserting portion having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the operation portion and the inner diameter of the alignment sleeve.
  • At least one of the first and second inserting tools may be detachably mounted to the operation portion.
  • At least one of the first and second inserting tools may be connected integrally with the operation portion.
  • a transition portion may be provided between the operation portion and the first and/or second inserting portion, and the outer diameter of the transition portion is less than that of the operation portion and greater than that of the first and/or second inserting portion.
  • the operation portion may be provided with an operation protrusion.
  • a replacement assembly is provided, the replacement assembly may comprise the above expansion device; and the above replacement tool.
  • a first replacement tool used together with the above expansion device comprises a first operation portion having an outer profile matched with the through hole of the expansion device; and a first inserting portion having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the operation portion and the inner diameter of the alignment sleeve.
  • a second replacement tool used together with the above expansion device comprises a second operation portion having an outer profile matched with the through hole of the expansion device; and a second inserting portion having outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the operation portion and adapted to be inserted into the alignment sleeve in an interference fit way.
  • a replacement assembly comprises the above expansion device; the above first replacement tool; and the above second replacement tool.
  • a method of replacing an alignment sleeve received in the above adapter by using the above expansion device and using the above replacement tool comprises steps of: inserting the expansion device into the receiving portion of the adapter such that the expansion bars of the expansion device are inserted into the slots of the sleeve retainer, respectively, to drive the elastic arms of the sleeve container to expand outwards and radially; inserting the first inserting portion of the replacement tool into the through hole of the expansion device, with the first inserting portion being inserted into an old alignment sleeve in the sleeve retainer in an interference fit way; pulling out the replacement tool and removing the old alignment sleeve from the first inserting portion; mounting a new alignment sleeve on the second inserting portion of the replacement tool; inserting the second inserting portion which is mounted with the new alignment sleeve into the through hole of the expansion device; inserting the new alignment sleeve into the sleeve
  • the adapter for a connector, the expansion device, the replacement tool and the replacement assembly according to the above various embodiments of the present invention, when contaminant is deposited inside the alignment sleeve due to multiple inserting and pulling out operations, or when the alignment sleeve is cracked or damaged due to improper use, the end of the sleeve retainer of the adapter may be expanded by using the expansion device, and an old alignment sleeve may be removed and replaced with a new alignment sleeve by using the replacement tool.
  • the case that the whole fiber optic connector is adversely affected or even discarded because of a single damaged alignment sleeve is effectively prevented.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a fiber optic connector in prior arts
  • Figure 2 shows an existing adapter mated with the fiber optic connector in figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a sleeve retainer assembly in the adapter in figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a radial sectional view showing the sleeve retainer in figure 4.
  • Figure 6 shows a force analysis for one side surface of an elastic arm of the sleeve retainer in figure 4;
  • Figure 7 shows another force analysis for comparing with the force analysis in figure 6;
  • Figure 8 shows a further force analysis for comparing with the force analysis in figure
  • Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view showing an expansion device according to first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 is another schematic perspective view showing the expansion device in figure 9;
  • Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the expansion device in figure 9 with a housing thereof being removed;
  • Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 18-21 are views showing processes of removing an old alignment sleeve with the expansion device and the replacement tool according to the present invention
  • Figures 22-25 are views showing processes of installing a new alignment sleeve with the expansion device and the replacement tool according to the present invention.
  • Figure 26 is a sectional view in an axial direction in figure 24;
  • Figure 27 is an enlarged schematic view of the portion A shown in figure 26;
  • Figure 28 is a schematic perspective view showing an expansion device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 29 is a schematic perspective view showing an expansion device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • An adapter 10 according to the present invention may be mated with an electrical connector, and/or n fiber optic connector used in various internetwork communication terminals such as a computer, a router, a server, a switch and the like.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the adapter 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a sleeve retainer assembly in the adapter 10 in figure 3.
  • the adapter 10 includes a frame 11, a sleeve retainer 12 and an alignment sleeve 13.
  • the frame 11 is formed therein with at least one receiving portion for receiving at least one portion of a connector (not shown) such as a SC fiber optic connector, a LC fiber optic connector or the like, and the fiber optic connector includes an optic fiber ferrule.
  • a connector such as a SC fiber optic connector, a LC fiber optic connector or the like
  • the fiber optic connector includes an optic fiber ferrule.
  • Each receiving portion includes the sleeve retainer 12 having a substantially cylindrical shape and the alignment sleeve 13 received in the sleeve retainer 12.
  • the sleeve retainer 12 includes a base 15 mounted to the frame 11; a plurality of elastic arms 122 (for example, four elastic arms are shown in the figures) extending from the base in an axial direction and arranged in a circumferential direction with two adjacent elastic arms being spaced from each other by a slot 121, that is, the slots 121 and the elastic arms 122 are arranged alternately at the base 15 in the circumferential direction; and at least one stopper 123 extending inwardly and radially from at least one free end of at least one of the elastic arms 122.
  • the alignment sleeve 13 is retained in the sleeve retainer 12 by the at least one stopper 123 to receive and align with the ferrule of the fiber optic connector.
  • each elastic arm 122 has two side surfaces PI 1 and P12 (that is, the two facing side surfaces of the slot 121) opposite to each other in the circumferential direction, at least one of the side surfaces being configured so that the elastic arm 122 is adapted to be expanded outwardly and radially by external forces Fl applied to the two side surfaces.
  • the at least one stopper 123 will be moved outwardly and radially with the movement of the expanded elastic arms 122, and allow the alignment sleeve 13 in the sleeve retainer 12 to pass through the at least one stopper 123 and be moved out of the sleeve retainer 12 by using a replacement tool 30 (to be described in detail later).
  • PI 1 and P12 respectively indicate two opposite side surfaces of one elastic arm 122 in the circumferential direction, or two side surfaces of one slot 121 facing each other in the circumferential direction;
  • P13 and P14 respectively indicate imaginary planes respectively passing through radially inner sides of the side surfaces PI 1 and P12 and parallel with a symmetric plane OP1 dividing evenly the elastic arm.
  • PI indicates the geometric center or mass center of the elastic arm 122.
  • the side surfaces PI 1 and P12 are arranged inclinedly beyond the imaginary planes P13 and PI 4 respectively.
  • Figure 6 shows a force analysis for the elastic arm 122 of the sleeve retainer 12. If a force Fl, for example, perpendicular to the side surface P12 is applied at the geometric center PI of the elastic arm, the force Fl may be resolved into a first component Fl 1 parallel with the symmetric plane OP1 of the elastic arm 122 and pointing radially outwards, and a second component F 12 perpendicular to the symmetric plane OP1. Due to the first component Fl 1, the elastic arm 122 is expanded radially outwards.
  • Figure 7 shows another force analysis for comparing with the force analysis in figure 6, in which a hypothetical elastic arm 122' whose shape is different from that of the elastic arm 122 of the present invention is shown.
  • P21 and P22 respectively indicate two opposite side surfaces of one elastic arm 122' in the circumferential direction, or two side surfaces of one slot 12 facing each other in the circumferential direction;
  • P23 and P24 respectively indicate imaginary planes respectively passing through radially inner sides of the side surfaces P21 and P22 and parallel with a symmetric plane OP2 dividing evenly the elastic arm 122'.
  • P2 indicates the geometric center or mass center of the elastic arm 122'.
  • the side surfaces P21 and P22 are arranged to be coincided with the imaginary planes P23 and P24 respectively.
  • Figure 8 shows a further force analysis for comparing with the force analysis in figure 6, in which another hypothetical elastic arm 122" whose shape is different from that of the elastic arm 122 of the present invention is shown.
  • P31 and P32 respectively indicate two opposite side surfaces of one elastic arm 122" in the circumferential direction, or two side surfaces of one slot 121 " facing each other in the circumferential direction;
  • P33 and P34 respectively indicate imaginary planes respectively passing through radially inner sides of the side surfaces P31 and P32 and parallel with a symmetric plane OP3 dividing evenly the elastic arm 122" .
  • P3 indicates the geometric center or mass center of the elastic arm 122" .
  • the side surfaces P31 and P32 are arranged to be inclined between the imaginary planes P33 and P34 respectively.
  • the force F3 may be resolved into a first component F31 parallel with the symmetric plane OP3 of the elastic arm 122" and pointing radially inwards, and a second component F32 perpendicular to the symmetric plane OP3. Because the first component F31 points radially inwards, the elastic arm 122 is retracted radially inwards.
  • the elastic arms 122 each is shaped such that the two opposite side surfaces PI 1 and P12 of one elastic arm 122 in the circumferential direction are inclined and located beyond the imaginary planes P13 and P14 which pass through radially inner sides of the side surfaces PI 1 and P12 and are parallel with the symmetric plane OP1 dividing evenly the elastic arm 122, respectively.
  • the elastic arm 122 is shaped such that the two side surfaces PI 1 and PI 2, which face each other in the circumferential direction, of one slot 121 between the adjacent elastic arm 122 are inclined between the imaginary planes P13 and P14 which pass through radially inner sides of the side surfaces PI 1 and P12 and are parallel with the symmetric plane OP1 dividing evenly the elastic arm 122, respectively.
  • the angle between the side surface PI 1 and the imaginary plane P13 and/or the angle between the side surface P12 and the imaginary plane P14 is/are in the range of 10-80 degrees, preferably 30-60 degrees, such that when a force Fl perpendicular to the side surface PI 1 or P12 is applied to the side surface, the elastic arm 122 is expanded radially outwards.
  • the side surfaces PI 1 and P12 of each elastic arm 122 are arranged symmetrically.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing in detail the sleeve retainer in the adapter in figure 3.
  • the adapter 10 further comprises two cantilevers 14 extending from the base 15 at two sides of the sleeve retainer 12 respectively, and a free end of each of the two cantilevers 14 is provided with a retaining protrusion 141.
  • the frame 11 is provided with guiding grooves 11 1 constructed to guide guiding protrusions (not shown) of the connector.
  • FIGS 9-11 show an expansion device 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the expansion device 20 is used for the above adapter 10.
  • the expansion device 20 includes a main body 21 having a substantially cuboid shape and having a through hole 211 extending axially through the main body 21; and a plurality of expansion bars 22 extending outwardly and axially from the main body 21 at an edge of the through hole 211.
  • Each of the expansion bars 22 is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding slot 121 of the sleeve retainer 12 of the adapter 10 so as to drive the corresponding elastic arm 122 to expand outwardly and radially.
  • the expansion bars 22 and the elastic arms 122 are shaped such that when the expansion bar 22 is completely inserted into the corresponding slot 121, the expansion bars
  • the elastic arm 122 has a substantial rectangular shape or a U shape in a side view, and correspondingly, the expansion bar 22 has a substantially tapered or trapezoidal shape in a side view.
  • the elastic arm 122 has a substantially trapezoidal shape in a side view, and the expansion bar 22 has a substantially tapered, trapezoidal or rectangular shape in a side view.
  • the inner diameter of the circle where the expansion bars 22 are located is substantially equals to that of the sleeve retainer 12.
  • the inner surface of the expansion bar 22 is always substantially flush with the inner surface of the elastic arm 122 during inserting the expansion bar 22 into the slot 121.
  • the expansion bar 22 will not be in contact with the alignment sleeve 13 in the sleeve retainer 12.
  • the expansion bars 22 will not contact with the alignment sleeve 13 in the sleeve retainer 12.
  • the expansion device 20 further includes a housing
  • the outer of the housing 23 is shaped to match with the receiving portion of the adapter 10, so that a part of the expansion device 20 may be inserted smoothly into the adapter 10 and the expansion bars 22 of the expansion device 20 are inserted into the slots 121 of the sleeve retainer 12 respectively.
  • the frame 11 of the adapter 10 is provided with the guiding grooves 111
  • the housing 23 is provided with guiding blocks 231 adapted to be fitted with the guiding grooves 111.
  • the expansion device 20 may be inserted into the adapter 10 properly.
  • the main body of the expansion device 20 is provided with retaining grooves 24, and when the expansion bars 22 are respectively inserted properly into the slots 121 of the sleeve retainer 12, the retaining protrusions 141 (Fig. 4) of the adapter 10 are engaged within the retaining grooves 24 respectively to retain the expansion device in the adapter for further operation.
  • the main body 21 of the expansion device 20 may be provided with a locating portion 25 configured to prevent the main body 21 from moving with respect to the housing 23 during engaging the expansion device 20 with the sleeve retainer 12 of the adapter 10. More specifically, as shown in figure 11, the locating portion 25 is a protrusion extending from the main body 21, and correspondingly, a groove 232 is provided to the housing 23. When the main body 21 is mounted to the housing 23, the locating portion 25 is received in the groove 232.
  • Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool 30 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the replacement tool 30 is used together with the above expansion device 20 to remove the alignment sleeve 13 from the sleeve retainer 12.
  • the replacing tool 30 includes an operation portion 31 whose outer profile matches with the through hole 211 of the expansion device 20; a first inserting portion 32 whose outer diameter is less than the outer diameter of the operation portion 31 and which is adapted to be inserted into the alignment sleeve 13 held in the sleeve retainer 12 in an interference fit way; and a second inserting portion 33 whose outer diameter is less than the outer diameter of the operation portion 31 and the inner diameter of the alignment sleeve 13.
  • a transition portion 34 is provided between the operation portion 31 and the second inserting portion 33, and the outer diameter of the transition portion 34 is less than that of the operation portion 31 and greater than that of the second inserting portion 33.
  • a transition portion may be provided between the first inserting portion 32 and the operating portion 31.
  • the end of the first inserting portion 32 is tapered to facilitate inserting into the alignment sleeve 13, and with the first inserting portion 32 being further inserting into the alignment sleeve 13, an interference fit is formed between the first inserting portion 32 and the alignment sleeve 13, so that the alignment sleeve 13 is closely socketed on the first inserting portion 32. With the interference fit, the alignment sleeve 13 is removed from the first inserting portion 32 by applying a certain force.
  • Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the replacement tool 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention except for further including a transition portion 45 between an operation portion 41 and a first inserting portion 42, has the same structure as that of the replacement tool 30 of the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • an operation protrusion 52 is provided to an operation portion 51 for facilitating manually holding the replacement tool 50.
  • Other structures of the replacement tool 50 are the same as those of the replacement tool 40 of the third embodiment.
  • the first and second inserting portions are connected integrally to the operation portion.
  • Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the replacement tool 60 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, at least one of first and second inserting portions 62, 63 is detachably connected to the operation portion 61.
  • the operation portion 61 is a cylindrical body, and the first inserting portion 62 and/or the second inserting portion 63 is/are fixed to the cylindrical body by fastening bolt(s) 66.
  • the first inserting portion 62 and/or the second inserting portion 63 may be detached from the cylindrical body (the operation portion 61).
  • the first and second inserting portions 62, 63 are connected integrally with transition portions 64, 65 having larger diameters, respectively, and the transition portions 64, 65 may be inserted into the cylindrical body (the operation portion 61).
  • Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the replacement tool 70 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention differs from the replacement tool 50 according to the third embodiment in that the first inserting portion 52 is omitted.
  • Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the replacement tool 80 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention differs from the replacement tool 50 according to the third embodiment in that the second inserting portion 53 is omitted. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that removing an old alignment sleeve and installing a new alignment sleeve may be carried out by using both the replacement tool 70 and the replacement tool 80.
  • a method of replacing an alignment sleeve received in the adapter by using the expansion device and using the replacement tool comprising steps of: inserting the expansion device 20 into the receiving portion of the adapter 10 such that the expansion bars 22 of the expansion device are inserted into the slots 121 of the sleeve retainer 12, respectively, to drive the elastic arms 122 of the sleeve container 12 to expand outwards and radially; inserting the first inserting portion 32 of the replacement tool 30 into the through hole 211 of the expansion device 20, with the first inserting portion 32 being inserted into the old alignment sleeve in the sleeve retainer in an interference fit way; pulling out the replacement tool 30 and removing the old alignment sleeve from the first inserting portion; mounting the new alignment sleeve on the second inserting portion 33 of the replacement tool 30; inserting the second inserting portion 33 which has been mounted with the new alignment sleeve into the through hole 211 of the expansion device 20; insert
  • the main body 21 is inserted into the housing 23 to form the expansion device 20; in figure 19, the thinner portion of the housing 23 is manually held to insert the assembled expansion device 20 into the receiving portion of the adapter 10, and during the inserting, the expansion bars 22 of the expansion device 20 are inserted into the slots 121 of the sleeve retainer 12, respectively, to drive the elastic arms 122 of the sleeve retainer 12 to expand radially and outwardly, wherein when the expansion bars 22 are inserted into proper positions in the slots 121 of the sleeve retainer 12, the retaining protrusions 141 of the adapter 10 is engaged within the retaining grooves 24 to retain the expansion device 20 in the adapter 10 (refer to figures 26 and 27).
  • the first inserting portion and a part of the operation portion of the replacement tool 30 are inserted into the through hole 211 of the expansion device 20, and the first inserting portion is inserted into the old alignment sleeve 13 in the sleeve retainer 12 in a interference fit way; in figure 21, the replacement tool 30 is pulled out, and the old alignment sleeve is still held around the first inserting portion; then, in figure 22, the old alignment sleeve is removed from the first inserting portion by applying a certain force.
  • a new alignment sleeve 13' is set around the second inserting portion 33 of the replacement tool 30, and in figure 23, the second inserting portion which has been mounted with the new alignment sleeve 13' and a part of the operation portion of the replacement tool 30 are inserted into the through hole 211 of the expansion device 20; in figure 24, the new alignment sleeve 13' is inserted into the sleeve retainer 12, and figures 26, 27 show the state in which the new alignment sleeve 13' has been inserted into the sleeve retainer 12; in figure 25, the replacement tool 30 is pulled out, and because the outer diameter of the second inserting portion 33 is less than the inner diameter of the new alignment sleeve 13', the new alignment sleeve 13' is automatically released from the second inserting portion and retained in the sleeve retainer 12 during pulling out the replacement tool 30; and finally, the expansion device 20 is pulled out from the adapter 10 so that the expansion bars 22 of the expansion device 20 are disengaged with the elastic arms 122
  • one or two of the replacement tools shown in figures 14-17 may be used together with the expansion device 20 to remove the old alignment sleeve from the sleeve retainer 12, and place the new alignment sleeve into the sleeve retainer 12, and thus achieve the replacement of the alignment sleeve.
  • Figure 28 is a schematic perspective view showing an expansion device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the expansion device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the shape and size of the cross section of the housing 23 ' are substantially the same as the shape and size of the fiber optic connector, and the housing 23 'has a guiding portion 23 .
  • a part of a main body 21 'of the expansion device 20' is detachably mounted in the housing 23'.
  • Figure 29 is a schematic perspective view showing an expansion device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the expansion device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the shape and size of the cross section of the housing 23" are substantially the same as the shape and size of the fiber optic connector, and the housing 23"has a guiding portion 232".
  • the main body of the expansion device may be formed integrally with the housing 23"by a
  • the main body of the expansion device may be detachably mounted in the housing 23".
  • the adapter 10 can only receive a single SC fiber optic connector, however, the present invention is not limited to this.
  • a plurality of receiving portions may be provided in the adapter to receive a plurality of fiber optic connectors at the same time.
  • the adapter of the present invention may comprise all kinds of adapters having an alignment sleeve and adapted to be fit with an fiber optic connector of a corresponding type (for example, a SC fiber optic connector, a LC fiber optic connector) with an optic fiber ferrule.
  • the sleeve retainer thereof comprises a multi-petals structure constituted by a plurality of elastic arms, thus, the alignment sleeve may be firmly retained therein; at the same time, when contaminant is deposited inside the alignment sleeve due to multiple inserting and pulling out operations, or the alignment sleeve is cracked or damaged due to improper use, the expansion device according to the present invention may be used to expand the end of the sleeve retainer of the adapter, and an old alignment sleeve may be removed and replaced with a new alignment sleeve by using the replacement tool according to the present invention.
  • the old alignment sleeve may be replaced easily and conveniently by using the assembly constituted by the expansion device and the replacement tool of the present invention.
  • the connector of the present invention is described with respect to optic fiber splicing, those skilled in the art will appreciate that some of the embodiments of the present invention may be used to connect two electric cables, in particular, in various kinds of internetwork communication terminals such as a computer, a router, a server, a switch and the like in which a plug and a socket are provided.
  • internetwork communication terminals such as a computer, a router, a server, a switch and the like in which a plug and a socket are provided.

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

Abstract

An adapter for engaging with a fiber optic connector, the adapter comprises a frame, inside which is formed with at least one receiving portion for receiving at least one part of the fiber optic connector. Each receiving portion comprises a sleeve retainer and an alignment sleeve. The sleeve retainer includes a base mounted to the frame; a plurality of elastic arms extending from the base in an axial direction and arranged in a circumferential direction with two adjacent elastic arms being spaced from each other by a slot; and at least one stopper extending inwardly and radially from at least one free end of at least one elastic sleeve. The alignment sleeve is retained in the sleeve retainer by the at least one stopper to receive and align with the ferrule of the fiber optic connector. Each elastic arm has two side surfaces opposite to each other in the circumferential direction, at least one of the side surfaces being configured such that the elastic arm is expanded outwardly and radially by external forces applied to the at least one of the side surfaces. The present application also relates to an expansion device for expanding the sleeve retainer of the adapter, a replacement tool used together with the expansion device to replace the alignment sleeve, a replacement assembly, and a method for replacing the alignment sleeve.

Description

ADAPTER, EXPANSION DEVICE FOR ADAPTER, REPLACEMENT TOOL USED TOGETHER WITH EXPANSION DEVICE, REPLACEMENT ASSEMBLY AND
METHOD OF REPLACING SLEEVE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 201310132801.9 filed on April 17, 2013 in the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the whole disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connector used in data communication and telecom applications, more particularly, relates to an adapter used for a connector, an expansion device for expanding a sleeve retainer of the adapter, a replacement tool used together with the expansion device to replace a sleeve, a replacement assembly, and a method of replacing a sleeve.
Description of the Related Art
In various internetwork communication terminations, such as a computer, a router, a server, a switch and the like, a user termination is electrically connected with an outer cable usually by inserting a plug connector into a socket connector for example fixed within a wall. In particular, in fiber optic communication, connection, distribution, transferring and etc. of different optical fibers are achieved by using a fiber optic connector.
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing two current fiber optic connectors 400; and figures 2 shows an adapter 500 mated with the fiber optic connectors. The fiber optic connector 400 may connect an optical fiber cable 402 to the adapter 500 shown in figure 2. Each fiber optic connector 400 includes a connector body 401, a boot 403 fixed to one end of the connector body 401 to protect the optic fiber cable 402, and a ferrule 404 mounted in the connector body 401 and connected with an optic fiber of the optic fiber cable 402. The adapter 500 has a box shape and includes a frame 501 for receiving the connector body 401, an alignment sleeve 503 for receiving the ferrule 404 of the fiber optic connector 400, and a sleeve retainer 504 for retaining the alignment sleeve 503.
In the above current adapter 500, a stopping protrusion is provided adjacent to an end of the sleeve retainer 504 to retain the alignment sleeve 503 inside the sleeve retainer 504. Thus, it is ensured that the alignment sleeve will not be brought out of the adapter 500 by the ferrule 404 during inserting or pulling out the fiber optic connector 400. When the adapter 500 is manufactured, the alignment sleeve 503 is once-packaged within the sleeve retainer 504 so that the alignment sleeve 503 cannot be removed out unless detaching the whole adapter 500. If contaminant is deposited inside the alignment sleeve 503 due to multiple inserting and pulling out operations, or the alignment sleeve 503 is cracked or damaged due to improper use, the whole adapter 500 has to be discarded. Especially for the case that a plurality of (for example, 6 or 12) adapters are integrated into a high-density adapter group, damage of any alignment sleeve will make the whole adapter group be scrapped.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an adapter for a connector, specifically, an end of a sleeve retainer of the adapter may be expanded so that an alignment sleeve inside the sleeve retainer may be replaced.
Accordingly, it is another object of the present invention to provide an expansion device for expanding the sleeve retainer of the adapter, a replacement tool used together with the expansion device to replace the alignment sleeve, a replacement assembly, and a method for replacing the alignment sleeve.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adapter for engaging with a fiber optic connector. The adapter comprises a frame inside which is formed with at least one receiving portion for receiving at least one part of the fiber optic connector, the fiber optic connector including an optic fiber ferrule. Each of the at least one the receiving portion comprises a sleeve retainer and an alignment sleeve. The sleeve container has a base mounted to the frame; a plurality of elastic arms extending from the base in an axial direction and arranged in a circumferential direction with two adjacent elastic arms being spaced from each other by a slot; and at least one stopper extending inwardly and radially from at least one free end of at least one of the plurality of elastic arms. The alignment sleeve is retained in the sleeve retainer by the at least one stopper to receive and align with the ferrule of the fiber optic connector. Each elastic arm has two side surfaces opposite to each other in the circumferential direction, at least one of the side surfaces being configured such that the elastic arm is expanded outwardly and radially by external forces applied to the at least one of the side surfaces.
The above adapter may further comprise two cantilevers provided respectively at two sides of the sleeve retainer, a free end of each cantilever being provided with a retaining protrusion.
In the above adapter, the frame may be provided with guiding grooves.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an expansion device used for the above adapter is provided, the expansion device includes: a main body having a through hole extending axially through the main body; and a plurality of expansion bars extending outwardly and axially from the main body at an edge of the through hole, wherein each of the expansion bars is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding slot of the sleeve retainer of the adapter so as to drive the corresponding elastic arm to expand outwardly and radially.
In the above expansion device, an inner diameter of a circle where the expansion bars are located may be substantially equals to that of the sleeve retainer.
The above expansion device may further include a housing in which the main body is mounted, wherein the exteriorof the housing is shaped to match with the receiving portion of the adapter. Further, the frame of the adapter is provided with guiding grooves, and the housing is provided with guiding blocks adapted to be fitted with the guiding grooves.
In the above expansion device, the adapter may further comprise two cantilevers located at two sides of the sleeve retainer respectively, and a free end of each cantilever is provided with a retaining protrusion; and the main body of the expansion device may be provided with retaining grooves, wherein when the expansion bars are inserted properly into the slots of the sleeve retainer, respectively , the retaining protrusions are engaged within the retaining grooves, respectively, to retain the expansion device in the adapter.
In the above expansion device, the main body may be provided with a locating portion configured to prevent the main body from moving with respect to the housing during engaging the expansion device with the sleeve retainer of the adapter.
According to a still aspect of the present invention, a replacement tool used together with the above expansion device is provided, the replacement tool comprises an operation portion having an outer profile matched with the through hole of the expansion device; a first inserting portion having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the operation portion and adapted to be inserted into the alignment sleeve in an interference fit way; and a second inserting portion having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the operation portion and the inner diameter of the alignment sleeve.
In the above replacement tool, at least one of the first and second inserting tools may be detachably mounted to the operation portion.
In the above replacement tool, at least one of the first and second inserting tools may be connected integrally with the operation portion.
In the above replacement tool, a transition portion may be provided between the operation portion and the first and/or second inserting portion, and the outer diameter of the transition portion is less than that of the operation portion and greater than that of the first and/or second inserting portion. In the above replacement tool, the operation portion may be provided with an operation protrusion.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a replacement assembly is provided, the replacement assembly may comprise the above expansion device; and the above replacement tool.
According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a first replacement tool used together with the above expansion device is provided, the first replacement tool comprises a first operation portion having an outer profile matched with the through hole of the expansion device; and a first inserting portion having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the operation portion and the inner diameter of the alignment sleeve.
According to a further another aspect of the present invention, a second replacement tool used together with the above expansion device is provided, the second replacement tool comprises a second operation portion having an outer profile matched with the through hole of the expansion device; and a second inserting portion having outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the operation portion and adapted to be inserted into the alignment sleeve in an interference fit way.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a replacement assembly is provided, the replacement assembly comprises the above expansion device; the above first replacement tool; and the above second replacement tool.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of replacing an alignment sleeve received in the above adapter by using the above expansion device and using the above replacement tool is provided, the method comprises steps of: inserting the expansion device into the receiving portion of the adapter such that the expansion bars of the expansion device are inserted into the slots of the sleeve retainer, respectively, to drive the elastic arms of the sleeve container to expand outwards and radially; inserting the first inserting portion of the replacement tool into the through hole of the expansion device, with the first inserting portion being inserted into an old alignment sleeve in the sleeve retainer in an interference fit way; pulling out the replacement tool and removing the old alignment sleeve from the first inserting portion; mounting a new alignment sleeve on the second inserting portion of the replacement tool; inserting the second inserting portion which is mounted with the new alignment sleeve into the through hole of the expansion device; inserting the new alignment sleeve into the sleeve retainer; pulling out the replacement tool with the new alignment sleeve being automatically released from the second inserting portion and being retained within the sleeve retainer; and pulling out the expansion device from the adapter.
With the adapter for a connector, the expansion device, the replacement tool and the replacement assembly according to the above various embodiments of the present invention, when contaminant is deposited inside the alignment sleeve due to multiple inserting and pulling out operations, or when the alignment sleeve is cracked or damaged due to improper use, the end of the sleeve retainer of the adapter may be expanded by using the expansion device, and an old alignment sleeve may be removed and replaced with a new alignment sleeve by using the replacement tool. Thus, the case that the whole fiber optic connector is adversely affected or even discarded because of a single damaged alignment sleeve is effectively prevented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a fiber optic connector in prior arts;
Figure 2 shows an existing adapter mated with the fiber optic connector in figure 1;
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a sleeve retainer assembly in the adapter in figure 3;
Figure 5 is a radial sectional view showing the sleeve retainer in figure 4;
Figure 6 shows a force analysis for one side surface of an elastic arm of the sleeve retainer in figure 4;
Figure 7 shows another force analysis for comparing with the force analysis in figure 6;
Figure 8 shows a further force analysis for comparing with the force analysis in figure
6;
Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view showing an expansion device according to first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is another schematic perspective view showing the expansion device in figure 9;
Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the expansion device in figure 9 with a housing thereof being removed;
Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 18-21 are views showing processes of removing an old alignment sleeve with the expansion device and the replacement tool according to the present invention;
Figures 22-25 are views showing processes of installing a new alignment sleeve with the expansion device and the replacement tool according to the present invention;
Figure 26 is a sectional view in an axial direction in figure 24;
Figure 27 is an enlarged schematic view of the portion A shown in figure 26;
Figure 28 is a schematic perspective view showing an expansion device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 29 is a schematic perspective view showing an expansion device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
IVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the like reference numerals refer to the like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
An adapter 10 according to the present invention may be mated with an electrical connector, and/or n fiber optic connector used in various internetwork communication terminals such as a computer, a router, a server, a switch and the like.
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the adapter 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a sleeve retainer assembly in the adapter 10 in figure 3.
The adapter 10 includes a frame 11, a sleeve retainer 12 and an alignment sleeve 13. The frame 11 is formed therein with at least one receiving portion for receiving at least one portion of a connector (not shown) such as a SC fiber optic connector, a LC fiber optic connector or the like, and the fiber optic connector includes an optic fiber ferrule. Each receiving portion includes the sleeve retainer 12 having a substantially cylindrical shape and the alignment sleeve 13 received in the sleeve retainer 12. The sleeve retainer 12 includes a base 15 mounted to the frame 11; a plurality of elastic arms 122 (for example, four elastic arms are shown in the figures) extending from the base in an axial direction and arranged in a circumferential direction with two adjacent elastic arms being spaced from each other by a slot 121, that is, the slots 121 and the elastic arms 122 are arranged alternately at the base 15 in the circumferential direction; and at least one stopper 123 extending inwardly and radially from at least one free end of at least one of the elastic arms 122. The alignment sleeve 13 is retained in the sleeve retainer 12 by the at least one stopper 123 to receive and align with the ferrule of the fiber optic connector. As shown in figures 5-6, each elastic arm 122 has two side surfaces PI 1 and P12 (that is, the two facing side surfaces of the slot 121) opposite to each other in the circumferential direction, at least one of the side surfaces being configured so that the elastic arm 122 is adapted to be expanded outwardly and radially by external forces Fl applied to the two side surfaces. Thus, the at least one stopper 123 will be moved outwardly and radially with the movement of the expanded elastic arms 122, and allow the alignment sleeve 13 in the sleeve retainer 12 to pass through the at least one stopper 123 and be moved out of the sleeve retainer 12 by using a replacement tool 30 (to be described in detail later).
Referring to figure 5, in a radial sectional view of the elastic arm 122 of the adapter 10 of the present invention, PI 1 and P12 respectively indicate two opposite side surfaces of one elastic arm 122 in the circumferential direction, or two side surfaces of one slot 121 facing each other in the circumferential direction; P13 and P14 respectively indicate imaginary planes respectively passing through radially inner sides of the side surfaces PI 1 and P12 and parallel with a symmetric plane OP1 dividing evenly the elastic arm. PI indicates the geometric center or mass center of the elastic arm 122. The side surfaces PI 1 and P12 are arranged inclinedly beyond the imaginary planes P13 and PI 4 respectively.
Figure 6 shows a force analysis for the elastic arm 122 of the sleeve retainer 12. If a force Fl, for example, perpendicular to the side surface P12 is applied at the geometric center PI of the elastic arm, the force Fl may be resolved into a first component Fl 1 parallel with the symmetric plane OP1 of the elastic arm 122 and pointing radially outwards, and a second component F 12 perpendicular to the symmetric plane OP1. Due to the first component Fl 1, the elastic arm 122 is expanded radially outwards.
Figure 7 shows another force analysis for comparing with the force analysis in figure 6, in which a hypothetical elastic arm 122' whose shape is different from that of the elastic arm 122 of the present invention is shown. In figure 7, P21 and P22 respectively indicate two opposite side surfaces of one elastic arm 122' in the circumferential direction, or two side surfaces of one slot 12 facing each other in the circumferential direction; P23 and P24 respectively indicate imaginary planes respectively passing through radially inner sides of the side surfaces P21 and P22 and parallel with a symmetric plane OP2 dividing evenly the elastic arm 122'. P2 indicates the geometric center or mass center of the elastic arm 122'. The side surfaces P21 and P22 are arranged to be coincided with the imaginary planes P23 and P24 respectively. In this case, if a force F2, for example, perpendicular to the side surface P22 is applied at the geometric center P2 of the elastic arm 122', a component parallel with the imaginary plane P24 (or P22) does not exist, thus, the elastic arm 122' will not be expanded radially and outwards.
Figure 8 shows a further force analysis for comparing with the force analysis in figure 6, in which another hypothetical elastic arm 122" whose shape is different from that of the elastic arm 122 of the present invention is shown. In figure 8, P31 and P32 respectively indicate two opposite side surfaces of one elastic arm 122" in the circumferential direction, or two side surfaces of one slot 121 " facing each other in the circumferential direction; P33 and P34 respectively indicate imaginary planes respectively passing through radially inner sides of the side surfaces P31 and P32 and parallel with a symmetric plane OP3 dividing evenly the elastic arm 122" . P3 indicates the geometric center or mass center of the elastic arm 122" . In the hypothetical elastic arm 122" , the side surfaces P31 and P32 are arranged to be inclined between the imaginary planes P33 and P34 respectively. In this case, if a force F3 for example perpendicular to the side surface P32 is applied at the geometric center P3 of the elastic arm 122", the force F3 may be resolved into a first component F31 parallel with the symmetric plane OP3 of the elastic arm 122" and pointing radially inwards, and a second component F32 perpendicular to the symmetric plane OP3. Because the first component F31 points radially inwards, the elastic arm 122 is retracted radially inwards.
Therefore, the elastic arms 122 according to the present invention each is shaped such that the two opposite side surfaces PI 1 and P12 of one elastic arm 122 in the circumferential direction are inclined and located beyond the imaginary planes P13 and P14 which pass through radially inner sides of the side surfaces PI 1 and P12 and are parallel with the symmetric plane OP1 dividing evenly the elastic arm 122, respectively. In other words, the elastic arm 122 according to the present invention is shaped such that the two side surfaces PI 1 and PI 2, which face each other in the circumferential direction, of one slot 121 between the adjacent elastic arm 122 are inclined between the imaginary planes P13 and P14 which pass through radially inner sides of the side surfaces PI 1 and P12 and are parallel with the symmetric plane OP1 dividing evenly the elastic arm 122, respectively. Further, the angle between the side surface PI 1 and the imaginary plane P13 and/or the angle between the side surface P12 and the imaginary plane P14 is/are in the range of 10-80 degrees, preferably 30-60 degrees, such that when a force Fl perpendicular to the side surface PI 1 or P12 is applied to the side surface, the elastic arm 122 is expanded radially outwards. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the side surfaces PI 1 and P12 of each elastic arm 122 are arranged symmetrically.
Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing in detail the sleeve retainer in the adapter in figure 3. The adapter 10 further comprises two cantilevers 14 extending from the base 15 at two sides of the sleeve retainer 12 respectively, and a free end of each of the two cantilevers 14 is provided with a retaining protrusion 141. The frame 11 is provided with guiding grooves 11 1 constructed to guide guiding protrusions (not shown) of the connector.
Figures 9-11 show an expansion device 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the expansion device 20 is used for the above adapter 10. The expansion device 20 includes a main body 21 having a substantially cuboid shape and having a through hole 211 extending axially through the main body 21; and a plurality of expansion bars 22 extending outwardly and axially from the main body 21 at an edge of the through hole 211. Each of the expansion bars 22 is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding slot 121 of the sleeve retainer 12 of the adapter 10 so as to drive the corresponding elastic arm 122 to expand outwardly and radially.
The expansion bars 22 and the elastic arms 122 are shaped such that when the expansion bar 22 is completely inserted into the corresponding slot 121, the expansion bars
22 each is in the greatest surface contact with the corresponding elastic arm 122. In an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic arm 122 has a substantial rectangular shape or a U shape in a side view, and correspondingly, the expansion bar 22 has a substantially tapered or trapezoidal shape in a side view. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the elastic arm 122 has a substantially trapezoidal shape in a side view, and the expansion bar 22 has a substantially tapered, trapezoidal or rectangular shape in a side view.
In the expansion device 20 according to a further embodiment of the present invention, the inner diameter of the circle where the expansion bars 22 are located is substantially equals to that of the sleeve retainer 12. With such a shape of the expansion bar 22, the inner surface of the expansion bar 22 is always substantially flush with the inner surface of the elastic arm 122 during inserting the expansion bar 22 into the slot 121. Thus, the expansion bar 22 will not be in contact with the alignment sleeve 13 in the sleeve retainer 12. In other words, during inserting the expansion device 20 according to the present invention into the adapter 10, the expansion bars 22 will not contact with the alignment sleeve 13 in the sleeve retainer 12.
As a hypothesis, if a round pipe without the expansion bars is inserted into the sleeve retainer 12, though the elastic arms 122 will be expanded radially and outwards when the round pipe passes through the stoppers 123 of the adapter 10, the round pipe will move within the sleeve retainer 12 and further contact with and abut against the alignment sleeve 13 in the sleeve retainer 12, the abutting will render failure of removing the alignment sleeve 13 from the sleeve retainer 12.
The expansion device 20 according to the present invention further includes a housing
23 in which the main body 21 is mounted, wherein the outer of the housing 23 is shaped to match with the receiving portion of the adapter 10, so that a part of the expansion device 20 may be inserted smoothly into the adapter 10 and the expansion bars 22 of the expansion device 20 are inserted into the slots 121 of the sleeve retainer 12 respectively.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the frame 11 of the adapter 10 is provided with the guiding grooves 111, and the housing 23 is provided with guiding blocks 231 adapted to be fitted with the guiding grooves 111. Thus, through the fit between the guiding grooves 111 and the guiding block 231, the expansion device 20 may be inserted into the adapter 10 properly. The main body of the expansion device 20 is provided with retaining grooves 24, and when the expansion bars 22 are respectively inserted properly into the slots 121 of the sleeve retainer 12, the retaining protrusions 141 (Fig. 4) of the adapter 10 are engaged within the retaining grooves 24 respectively to retain the expansion device in the adapter for further operation. The main body 21 of the expansion device 20 may be provided with a locating portion 25 configured to prevent the main body 21 from moving with respect to the housing 23 during engaging the expansion device 20 with the sleeve retainer 12 of the adapter 10. More specifically, as shown in figure 11, the locating portion 25 is a protrusion extending from the main body 21, and correspondingly, a groove 232 is provided to the housing 23. When the main body 21 is mounted to the housing 23, the locating portion 25 is received in the groove 232.
Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool 30 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the replacement tool 30 is used together with the above expansion device 20 to remove the alignment sleeve 13 from the sleeve retainer 12. The replacing tool 30 includes an operation portion 31 whose outer profile matches with the through hole 211 of the expansion device 20; a first inserting portion 32 whose outer diameter is less than the outer diameter of the operation portion 31 and which is adapted to be inserted into the alignment sleeve 13 held in the sleeve retainer 12 in an interference fit way; and a second inserting portion 33 whose outer diameter is less than the outer diameter of the operation portion 31 and the inner diameter of the alignment sleeve 13.
Further, a transition portion 34 is provided between the operation portion 31 and the second inserting portion 33, and the outer diameter of the transition portion 34 is less than that of the operation portion 31 and greater than that of the second inserting portion 33.
Thus, when the second inserting portion 33, with the operation portion being held by an user, is inserted into the alignment sleeve 13 by a predetermined length, an edge of the transition portion 34 will be in contact with an end of the alignment sleeve 13 and prevent the second inserting portion 34 from being further inserted into the alignment sleeve 13, so that contacting between the end of the second inserting portion 33 and an optic fiber arranged in the alignment sleeve 33 is avoided, and thus avoiding damages to the optic fiber. It is understood by those skilled in the art that a transition portion may be provided between the first inserting portion 32 and the operating portion 31. The end of the first inserting portion 32 is tapered to facilitate inserting into the alignment sleeve 13, and with the first inserting portion 32 being further inserting into the alignment sleeve 13, an interference fit is formed between the first inserting portion 32 and the alignment sleeve 13, so that the alignment sleeve 13 is closely socketed on the first inserting portion 32. With the interference fit, the alignment sleeve 13 is removed from the first inserting portion 32 by applying a certain force.
Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The replacement tool 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, except for further including a transition portion 45 between an operation portion 41 and a first inserting portion 42, has the same structure as that of the replacement tool 30 of the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the replacement tool 50 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, an operation protrusion 52 is provided to an operation portion 51 for facilitating manually holding the replacement tool 50. Other structures of the replacement tool 50 are the same as those of the replacement tool 40 of the third embodiment. In the above replacement tools 30, 40 and 50, the first and second inserting portions are connected integrally to the operation portion.
Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the replacement tool 60 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, at least one of first and second inserting portions 62, 63 is detachably connected to the operation portion 61. Specifically, the operation portion 61 is a cylindrical body, and the first inserting portion 62 and/or the second inserting portion 63 is/are fixed to the cylindrical body by fastening bolt(s) 66.
Through loosing the bolt(s) 66, the first inserting portion 62 and/or the second inserting portion 63 may be detached from the cylindrical body (the operation portion 61). In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first and second inserting portions 62, 63 are connected integrally with transition portions 64, 65 having larger diameters, respectively, and the transition portions 64, 65 may be inserted into the cylindrical body (the operation portion 61).
Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The replacement tool 70 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention differs from the replacement tool 50 according to the third embodiment in that the first inserting portion 52 is omitted. Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement tool according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The replacement tool 80 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention differs from the replacement tool 50 according to the third embodiment in that the second inserting portion 53 is omitted. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that removing an old alignment sleeve and installing a new alignment sleeve may be carried out by using both the replacement tool 70 and the replacement tool 80.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of replacing an alignment sleeve received in the adapter by using the expansion device and using the replacement tool, the method comprising steps of: inserting the expansion device 20 into the receiving portion of the adapter 10 such that the expansion bars 22 of the expansion device are inserted into the slots 121 of the sleeve retainer 12, respectively, to drive the elastic arms 122 of the sleeve container 12 to expand outwards and radially; inserting the first inserting portion 32 of the replacement tool 30 into the through hole 211 of the expansion device 20, with the first inserting portion 32 being inserted into the old alignment sleeve in the sleeve retainer in an interference fit way; pulling out the replacement tool 30 and removing the old alignment sleeve from the first inserting portion; mounting the new alignment sleeve on the second inserting portion 33 of the replacement tool 30; inserting the second inserting portion 33 which has been mounted with the new alignment sleeve into the through hole 211 of the expansion device 20; inserting the new alignment sleeve into the sleeve retainer 12; pulling out the replacement tool 30 with the new alignment sleeve being automatically released from the second inserting portion and being retained within the sleeve retainer; and pulling out the expansion device from the adapter.
Processes for replacing the alignment sleeve 13 by using the expanding device 20 and the replacement tool 30 according to the present invention will be described with reference to figures 18-26.
In figure 18, the main body 21 is inserted into the housing 23 to form the expansion device 20; in figure 19, the thinner portion of the housing 23 is manually held to insert the assembled expansion device 20 into the receiving portion of the adapter 10, and during the inserting, the expansion bars 22 of the expansion device 20 are inserted into the slots 121 of the sleeve retainer 12, respectively, to drive the elastic arms 122 of the sleeve retainer 12 to expand radially and outwardly, wherein when the expansion bars 22 are inserted into proper positions in the slots 121 of the sleeve retainer 12, the retaining protrusions 141 of the adapter 10 is engaged within the retaining grooves 24 to retain the expansion device 20 in the adapter 10 (refer to figures 26 and 27). In figure 20, the first inserting portion and a part of the operation portion of the replacement tool 30 are inserted into the through hole 211 of the expansion device 20, and the first inserting portion is inserted into the old alignment sleeve 13 in the sleeve retainer 12 in a interference fit way; in figure 21, the replacement tool 30 is pulled out, and the old alignment sleeve is still held around the first inserting portion; then, in figure 22, the old alignment sleeve is removed from the first inserting portion by applying a certain force.
Later, a new alignment sleeve 13' is set around the second inserting portion 33 of the replacement tool 30, and in figure 23, the second inserting portion which has been mounted with the new alignment sleeve 13' and a part of the operation portion of the replacement tool 30 are inserted into the through hole 211 of the expansion device 20; in figure 24, the new alignment sleeve 13' is inserted into the sleeve retainer 12, and figures 26, 27 show the state in which the new alignment sleeve 13' has been inserted into the sleeve retainer 12; in figure 25, the replacement tool 30 is pulled out, and because the outer diameter of the second inserting portion 33 is less than the inner diameter of the new alignment sleeve 13', the new alignment sleeve 13' is automatically released from the second inserting portion and retained in the sleeve retainer 12 during pulling out the replacement tool 30; and finally, the expansion device 20 is pulled out from the adapter 10 so that the expansion bars 22 of the expansion device 20 are disengaged with the elastic arms 122 of the adapter 10, and the elastic arms 122 return to their initial state where the stoppers 123 of the elastic arms 122 retain the new alignment sleeve 13' in the sleeve retainer 12.
It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that one or two of the replacement tools shown in figures 14-17 may be used together with the expansion device 20 to remove the old alignment sleeve from the sleeve retainer 12, and place the new alignment sleeve into the sleeve retainer 12, and thus achieve the replacement of the alignment sleeve.
Figure 28 is a schematic perspective view showing an expansion device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the expansion device
20'according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the shape and size of the cross section of the housing 23 'are substantially the same as the shape and size of the fiber optic connector, and the housing 23 'has a guiding portion 23 . A part of a main body 21 'of the expansion device 20'is detachably mounted in the housing 23'.
Figure 29 is a schematic perspective view showing an expansion device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the expansion device
20"according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the shape and size of the cross section of the housing 23"are substantially the same as the shape and size of the fiber optic connector, and the housing 23"has a guiding portion 232". The main body of the expansion device may be formed integrally with the housing 23"by a
single-injection- molding process. Alternatively, the main body of the expansion device may be detachably mounted in the housing 23".
In the above embodiments, the adapter 10 can only receive a single SC fiber optic connector, however, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of receiving portions (for example, 2, 3 or 4 receiving portions) may be provided in the adapter to receive a plurality of fiber optic connectors at the same time. It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the adapter of the present invention may comprise all kinds of adapters having an alignment sleeve and adapted to be fit with an fiber optic connector of a corresponding type (for example, a SC fiber optic connector, a LC fiber optic connector) with an optic fiber ferrule.
In the adapter according to the present invention, the sleeve retainer thereof comprises a multi-petals structure constituted by a plurality of elastic arms, thus, the alignment sleeve may be firmly retained therein; at the same time, when contaminant is deposited inside the alignment sleeve due to multiple inserting and pulling out operations, or the alignment sleeve is cracked or damaged due to improper use, the expansion device according to the present invention may be used to expand the end of the sleeve retainer of the adapter, and an old alignment sleeve may be removed and replaced with a new alignment sleeve by using the replacement tool according to the present invention. Therefore, the case that the whole fiber optic connector is adversely affected or even discarded because of a single damaged alignment sleeve is effectively prevented. Especially for high-density optic fiber adapter assembly, the old alignment sleeve may be replaced easily and conveniently by using the assembly constituted by the expansion device and the replacement tool of the present invention.
Though in the above embodiments the connector of the present invention is described with respect to optic fiber splicing, those skilled in the art will appreciate that some of the embodiments of the present invention may be used to connect two electric cables, in particular, in various kinds of internetwork communication terminals such as a computer, a router, a server, a switch and the like in which a plug and a socket are provided.
It should be appreciated for those skilled in this art that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrated, and not restrictive. For example, many modifications may be made to the above embodiments by those skilled in this art, and various features described in different embodiments may be freely combined with each other without conflicting in configuration or principle, so that more kinds of adapters, expansion devices and
replacement tools can be achieved with overcoming the technical problem of the present invention.
Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is,
1. An adapter for engaging with a fiber optic connector, comprising:
a frame, inside which is formed with at least one receiving portion for receiving at least one part of the fiber optic connector, the fiber optic connector including a ferrule;
each of the at least one the receiving portion comprising:
a sleeve retainer having
a base mounted to the frame;
a plurality of elastic arms extending from the base in an axial direction and arranged in a circumferential direction with two adjacent elastic arms being spaced from each other by a slot; and
at least one stopper extending inwardly and radially from at least one free end of the plurality of elastic arms,
an alignment sleeve retained in the sleeve retainer by the at least one stopper to receive and align with the ferrule of the fiber optic connector,
wherein each elastic arm has two side surfaces opposite to each other in the
circumferential direction, at least one of the side surfaces being configured such that the elastic arm is expanded outwardly and radially by external forces applied to the at least one of the side surfaces.
2. The adapter according to claim 1, further including
two cantilevers provided respectively at two sides of the sleeve retainer, a free end of each cantilever being provided with a retaining protrusion.
3. The adapter according to claim 2, wherein
the frame is provided with guiding grooves.
4. An expansion device used for the adapter according to claim 1, comprising a main body having a through hole extending axially through the main body; and a plurality of expansion bars extending outwardly and axially from the main body at an edge of the through hole,
wherein each of the expansion bars is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding slot of the sleeve retainer of the adapter so as to drive the corresponding elastic arm to expand outwardly and radially.
5. The expansion device according to claim 4, wherein
an inner diameter of a circle where the expansion bars are located is substantially equals to that of the sleeve retainer.
6. The expansion device according to claim 5, further comprising
a housing in which the main body is mounted, wherein the exterior of the housing is shaped to match with the receiving portion of the adapter.
7. The expansion device according to claim 6, wherein
the frame of the adapter is provided with guiding grooves, and the housing is provided with guiding blocks adapted to be fitted with the guiding grooves.
8. The expansion device according to claim 6, wherein
the adapter further comprises two cantilevers located at two sides of the sleeve retainer, respectively, and a free end of each cantilever is provided with a retaining protrusion; and the main body of the expansion device is provided with retaining grooves, wherein when the expansion bars are inserted properly into the slots of the sleeve retainer, respectively , the retaining protrusions are engaged within the retaining grooves,
respectively, to retain the expansion device in the adapter.
9. The expansion device according to claim 4, wherein
the main body is provided with a locating portion configured to prevent the main body from moving with respect to the housing during engaging the expansion device with the sleeve retainer of the adapter.
10. A replacement tool used together with the expansion device according to any one of claims 4-9, comprising:
an operation portion having an outer profile matched with the through hole of the expansion device;
a first inserting portion having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the operation portion and adapted to be inserted into the alignment sleeve in an interference fit way; and
a second inserting portion having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the alignment sleeve.
11. The replacement tool according to claim 10, wherein
at least one of the first and second inserting tools is detachably mounted to the operation portion.
12. The replacement tool according to claim 10, wherein
at least one of the first and second inserting tools is connected integrally with the operation portion.
13. The replacement tool according to claim 10, wherein
a transition portion is provided between the operation portion, and the first and/or second inserting portion, and the outer diameter of the transition portion is less than that of the operation portion and greater than that of the first and/or second inserting portion.
14. The replacement tool according to claimlO, wherein
the operation portion is provided with an operation protrusion.
15. A replacement assembly, comprising:
the expansion device according to any one of claims 4-9; and
the replacement tool according to any one of claims 10-14.
16. A first replacement tool used together with the expansion device according to any one of claims 4-9, comprising:
a first operation portion having an outer profile matched with the through hole of the expansion device; and
a first inserting portion having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the operation portion and the inner diameter of the alignment sleeve.
17. A second replacement tool used together with the expansion device according to any one of clams 4-9, comprising:
a second operation portion having an outer profile matched with the through hole of the expansion device; and
a second inserting portion having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the operation portion and which is adapted to be inserted into the alignment sleeve in an interference fit way.
18. A replacement assembly, comprising:
the expansion device according to any one of claims 4-9;
the first replacement tool according to claim 16; and
the second replacement tool according to claim 17.
19. A method of replacing an alignment sleeve received in the adapter according to any one of claims 1-3 by using the expansion device according to any one of claims 4-9 and using the replacement tool according to any one of claims 10-14, the method comprising steps of: inserting the expansion device into the receiving portion of the adapter such that the expansion bars of the expansion device are inserted into the slots of the sleeve retainer, respectively, to drive the elastic arms of the sleeve container to expand outwards and radially;
inserting the first inserting portion of the replacement tool into the through hole of the expansion device, with the first inserting portion being inserted into an old alignment sleeve in the sleeve retainer in an interference fit way;
pulling out the replacement tool and removing the old alignment sleeve from the first inserting portion;
mounting a new alignment sleeve on the second inserting portion of the replacement tool;
inserting the second inserting portion which is mounted with the new alignment sleeve into the through hole of the expansion device;
inserting the new alignment sleeve into the sleeve retainer;
pulling out the replacement tool with the new alignment sleeve being automatically released from the second inserting portion and being retained within the sleeve retainer; and pulling out the expansion device from the adapter.
EP14721545.3A 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Adapter, expansion device for adapter, replacement tool used together with expansion device, replacement assembly and method of replacing sleeve Withdrawn EP2987014A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201310132801.9A CN104111498B (en) 2013-04-17 2013-04-17 Adapter, extension fixture, replacing instrument, change assembly and change the method for aligned sleeves
PCT/IB2014/060792 WO2014170856A2 (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Adapter, expansion device for adapter, replacement tool used together with expansion device, replacement assembly and method of replacing sleeve

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2987014A2 true EP2987014A2 (en) 2016-02-24

Family

ID=50639829

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14721545.3A Withdrawn EP2987014A2 (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Adapter, expansion device for adapter, replacement tool used together with expansion device, replacement assembly and method of replacing sleeve

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2987014A2 (en)
CN (1) CN104111498B (en)
WO (1) WO2014170856A2 (en)
ZA (1) ZA201507738B (en)

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CN113341506B (en) * 2021-05-24 2023-11-07 武汉光迅科技股份有限公司 Optical fiber connectors and connecting devices

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JP2612840B2 (en) * 1993-07-02 1997-05-21 ヒロセ電機株式会社 Sleeve holder insertion / extraction tool for optical fiber connectors
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN104111498A (en) 2014-10-22
CN104111498B (en) 2016-03-09
WO2014170856A2 (en) 2014-10-23
WO2014170856A3 (en) 2014-12-31
ZA201507738B (en) 2017-01-25

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