US20160041356A1 - Fiber optic connection assembly - Google Patents

Fiber optic connection assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US20160041356A1
US20160041356A1 US14/782,934 US201414782934A US2016041356A1 US 20160041356 A1 US20160041356 A1 US 20160041356A1 US 201414782934 A US201414782934 A US 201414782934A US 2016041356 A1 US2016041356 A1 US 2016041356A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
fiber optic
fiber
optical cable
fiber optical
fan
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/782,934
Inventor
Zhengbin WANG
Wenyong FAN
Jianfeng JIN
Xin Tian
Liming Wang
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.)
Tyco Electronics 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
Priority claimed from CN201310117198.7A external-priority patent/CN104101953B/en
Priority claimed from CN201320169165.2U external-priority patent/CN203164475U/en
Application filed by Tyco Electronics Shanghai Co Ltd filed Critical Tyco Electronics Shanghai Co Ltd
Publication of US20160041356A1 publication Critical patent/US20160041356A1/en
Priority to US15/710,483 priority Critical patent/US11002934B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/4471—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps
    • 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
    • G02B6/381—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
    • G02B6/3885—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
    • G02B6/3887—Anchoring optical cables to connector housings, e.g. strain relief features
    • 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
    • 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
    • G02B6/3897—Connectors fixed to housings, casing, frames or circuit boards
    • 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
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4401—Optical cables
    • G02B6/4429—Means specially adapted for strengthening or protecting the cables
    • G02B6/44384—Means specially adapted for strengthening or protecting the cables the means comprising water blocking or hydrophobic materials
    • 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
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
    • G02B6/4453—Cassettes
    • G02B6/4494—

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fiber optic connection assembly, more particularly, relates to a fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home (FTTH).
  • FTTH fiber to the home
  • FIG. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a conventional fiber optic connection box 10
  • FIG. 2 shows the fiber optic connection box 10 of FIG. 1 after a cover 14 is removed from a body 12 .
  • the fiber optic connection box mainly comprises the body 12 and the cover 14 .
  • a multi-fiber optical cable 16 containing a plurality of fibers is introduced into the body 12 from an end of the fiber optic connection box 10 .
  • a plurality of fiber optic adapters 18 are provided on a back side of the body 12 .
  • the fiber optic adapter s 18 each comprises an internal port located inside the body 12 and an external port located outside the body 12 .
  • the external port is often sealed by a sealing cap 19 .
  • the sealing cap 19 can be simply removed.
  • the plurality of fibers 11 of the multi-fiber optical cable 16 are coupled to a plurality of single-fiber optic connectors 13 , respectively.
  • the single-fiber optic connector 13 is fitted in the internal port of the fiber optic adapter 18 .
  • the single-fiber optic connector 13 is coupled to the single-fiber optic connector of the user side, and the fiber of the multi-fiber optical cable 16 is optically coupled to the fiber of the single-fiber optic connector of the user side.
  • the fiber optic connectors 13 and adapters 18 are all provided in the fiber optic connection box 10 . Therefore, the conventional fiber optic connection box 10 has a large size and cannot be used in a narrow workspace, for example, in a well. Accordingly, the conventional fiber optic connection box 10 is limited in the practical application. Further, the cost of the conventional fiber optic connection box 10 is very high.
  • the fiber optic adapters 18 are fixed on the body 12 of the fiber optic connection box 10 , therefore, the single-fiber optical cable from the user side must have an enough length to be coupled to the fiber optic connector 18 . If the single-fiber optical cable from the user side is too short to reach the fiber optic connector 18 , the single-fiber optical cable from the user side must be replaced, complicating the operation of coupling fibers.
  • the present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.
  • a fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home, comprising: a fan-out member; a multi-fiber optical cable having a first end introduced into the fan-out member and a second end extending out of the fan-out member; a multi-fiber optic connector connected to the second end of the multi-fiber optical cable; a plurality of single-fiber optical cables each having a first end introduced into the fan-out member and a second end extending out of the fan-out member; and a plurality of single-fiber optic connectors connected to the second ends of the single-fiber optical cables, respectively; a plurality of first fiber optic adapters mated with the plurality of single-fiber optic connectors, respectively; and a plurality of outer shields each constructed to receive the connector and the adapter of a respective single-fiber optical cable therein, wherein the outer shield is hermetically fitted on the connector and the adapter of the respective single-fiber optical cable to form a sealed inner chamber so as to prevent moisture or water from entering into the inner
  • FIG. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a conventional fiber optic connection box
  • FIG. 2 shows the fiber optic connection box of FIG. 1 , wherein a cover has been removed from a body
  • FIG. 3 is an illustrative perspective view of a fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the fan-out member of FIG. 4 after it has been assembled
  • FIG. 6 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is an illustrative view of a fiber optic connection assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is an illustrative view of a fiber optic connection assembly according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is an illustrative exploded view of a fiber optic connection seal assembly for the fiber optic connection assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 11 is an illustrative assembled view of a fiber optic connection seal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is an illustrative perspective exploded view of a fiber optic connector of FIG. 10 ;
  • FIG. 13 is a cross section view of the fiber optic connection seal assembly of FIG. 11 ;
  • FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross section view of an outer shield of FIG. 10 ;
  • FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross section view of an outer tube of FIG. 12 ;
  • FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross section view of an inner tube of FIG. 12 .
  • FIG. 3 is an illustrative perspective view of a fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the fiber optic connection assembly mainly comprises a multi-fiber optical cable 100 , a plurality of single-fiber optical cables 200 and a fan-out member 300 .
  • the multi-fiber optical cable 100 has a first end introduced into the fan-out member 300 and a second end extending out of the fan-out member 300 .
  • a multi-fiber optic connector 110 is hermetically connected to the second end of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 .
  • the multi-fiber optic connector 110 may be coupled to another mating multi-fiber optic connector (not shown) by a fiber optic adapter.
  • the plurality of single-fiber optical cables 200 each has a first end introduced into the fan-out member 300 and a second end extending out of the fan-out member 300 .
  • a plurality of single-fiber optic connectors 1000 are connected to the second ends of the single-fiber optical cables 200 , respectively.
  • the single-fiber optic connectors 1000 each may be coupled to another mating single-fiber optic connector (not shown) from a user side by a fiber optic adapter 2000 .
  • the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are introduced into the fan-out member 300 from the same side of the fan-out member 300 .
  • the present invention is not limited to this, in other embodiments, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 may be introduced into the fan-out member 300 from different sides of the fan-out member 300 , as shown in FIGS. 6-7 and 9 .
  • the single-fiber optical cables 200 have the same length extending out of the fan-out member 300 .
  • the present invention is not limited to this, in other embodiments, the single-fiber optical cables 200 may have different lengths extending out of the fan-out member 300 , as shown in FIGS. 8-9 .
  • each group of single-fiber optical cables 200 has four single-fiber optical cables 200 .
  • the single-fiber optic connectors 1000 of the same one group of single-fiber optical cables 200 are arranged in the same layer; and the single-fiber optic connectors 1000 of different groups of single-fiber optical cables 200 are arranged in different layers and may be held in different layers by, for example, a locking mechanism.
  • the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, the number and the arrangement of the single-fiber optical cables 200 may be freely adjusted as necessary.
  • each group of single-fiber optical cables 200 have a same length extending out of the fan-out member 300 ; and different groups of single-fiber optical cables 200 also have the same length extending out of the fan-out member 300 .
  • the present invention is not limited to this, in other embodiments, the different groups of single-fiber optical cables 200 may have different lengths extending out of the fan-out member 300 , as shown in FIGS. 8-9 .
  • the single-fiber optic connector 1000 may be configured to be a sealed type of fiber optic connector to have excellent waterproof performance.
  • the fiber optic connection assembly may further comprises a plurality of first fiber optic adapters 2000 mated with the plurality of single-fiber optic connectors 1000 , respectively.
  • the single-fiber optic connector 1000 may be coupled to another mating single-fiber optic connector (not shown) from a user side by the fiber optic adapter 2000 .
  • the fiber optic connection assembly may further comprises a second fiber optic adapter (not shown in FIG. 3 ) mated with the multi-fiber optic connector 110 .
  • the multi-fiber optic connector 110 may be hermetically fitted in the second fiber optic adapter.
  • FIG. 4 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the fan-out member 300 of FIG. 4 after it has been assembled.
  • the fiber optic connector 110 , 1000 and fiber optic adapters 2000 are all disposed on ends of the respective optical cables 100 , 200 extending outside of the fan-out member 300 .
  • the single-fiber optic connectors of the fiber optic connection assembly and the mating single-fiber optic connector (not shown) from the user side are hermetically fitted in the first fiber optic adapters 2000 .
  • the respective port of the first fiber optic adapter 2000 may be provisionally sealed by a sealing cap 2200 .
  • the sealing cap 2200 may be simply removed, and the mating single-fiber optic connector of the user side can be inserted into the respective port of the first fiber optic adapter 2000 .
  • the fiber of the single-fiber optical cable 200 can be optically coupled to a mating fiber of the single-fiber optical cable of the user side.
  • the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member 300 .
  • it will describe the sealing manners of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 in detail according to several embodiments.
  • the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member 300 by pressing a sealing gel block 306 .
  • the fan-out member 300 mainly comprises a housing 301 , a tray 302 , 303 , a first pressing plate 305 , the sealing gel block 306 , and a second pressing plate 307 .
  • the tray 302 , 303 is received in the housing 301 to store and manage the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 .
  • the tray 302 , 303 comprises a body 302 and cover 303 fitted or sealed on the body 302 .
  • the tray 302 , 303 contains a pillar 310 inside thereof.
  • the redundant fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 may be wound on the pillar 310 .
  • the first pressing plate 305 may be hermetically fitted in the housing 301 by a sealing ring 304 .
  • the second pressing plate 307 is disposed at a side of the first pressing plate 305 opposite to the housing 301 , and the sealing gel block 306 is received in an inner space defined by the first and second pressing plates 305 , 307 .
  • the first end of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 extends into the housing 301 after passing through the second pressing plate 307 , the sealing gel block 306 and the first pressing plate 305 .
  • the first ends of fibers of the single-fiber optical cable 200 are received in holes 308 formed in the sealing gel block 306 , respectively, after passing through holes formed in the second pressing plate 307 .
  • the housing 301 , the sealing gel block 306 and the second pressing plate 307 may be assembled together by bolts.
  • the sealing gel block 306 and the sealing ring 304 can be pressed by screwing the bolts, so that the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cable 200 can be hermetically fitted in the fan-out member 300 (the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cable 200 can be hermetically sealed in the fan-out member 300 ).
  • the multi-fiber optical cable 100 is fixed to the first pressing plate 305 with, for example, epoxy glue. As a result, an external force exerted on the multi-fiber optical cable 100 is transferred to the housing 301 rather than the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 .
  • a crimp ring 201 is crimped on the first end of the single-fiber optical cable 200 , and the crimp ring 201 has a diameter larger than that of the hole in the second pressing plate 307 to prevent the single-fiber optical cable 200 from being disengaged from the second pressing plate 307 , and transfer an external force exerted on the single-fiber optical cable 200 to the housing 301 rather than the fiber of the single-fiber optical cable 200 .
  • the fan-out member 300 may further comprises an elastic tail sleeve 309 sleeved on the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 and connected to the second pressing plate 307 at an end of the housing 301 to protect the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 from being damaged by a lateral force.
  • FIG. 6 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cable 200 are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member 300 by filling a sealing gel into the fan-out member 300 .
  • the fan-out member mainly comprises a housing 301 ′, 302 ′ and an end plate 307 ′.
  • the housing 301 ′, 302 ′ defined a chamber 311 ′ therein.
  • the end plate 307 ′ is fitted in a port of the housing 301 ′, 302 ′.
  • the housing 301 ′, 302 ′ comprises a body 301 ′ and a cover 302 ′ fitted on the body 301 ′.
  • the first end of the single-fiber optical cable 200 passes through a hole in the end plate 307 ′ and extends into the chamber 311 ′, and the first end of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 extends into the chamber 311 ′ of the housing 301 ′.
  • the sealing gel is filled into the chamber 311 ′ of the housing 301 ′, 302 ′, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are sealed in the fan-out member 300 .
  • the multi-fiber optical cable 100 may be fixed to the housing 301 ′ to transfer an external force exerted on the multi-fiber optical cable 100 to the housing 301 ′ rather than the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 .
  • a crimp ring 201 is crimped on the first end of the single-fiber optical cable 200 , and the crimp ring 201 has a diameter larger than that of the hole in the end plate 307 ′ to prevent the single-fiber optical cable 200 from being disengaged from the end plate 307 ′ and transfer an external force exerted on the single-fiber optical cable 200 to the housing 301 ′ rather than the fiber of the single-fiber optical cable 200 .
  • the fan-out member 300 may further comprises an elastic tail sleeve 309 ′ sleeved on the single-fiber optical cables 200 and connected to the end plate 307 ′ to protect the single-fiber optical cables 200 from being damaged by a lateral force.
  • the fan-out member 300 may further comprises a tray 310 ′ for store and managing the redundant fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 .
  • the tray 310 ′ is received in the chamber 311 ′ of the housing 301 ′.
  • FIG. 7 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the fan-out member does not comprise a tray for managing the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 , and Kevlar elements 101 of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 may be directly joined to the crimp ring 201 of the single-fiber optical cables 200 by a sealing gel.
  • the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 can be directly spliced with the fibers of the single-fiber optical cables 200 , respectively, without needing a tray to manage the fiber of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 .
  • Kevlar elements of the single-fiber optical cables 200 is disposed on a metal piece 202 and is crimped on the metal piece 202 by the crimp ring 201 .
  • the fan-out member is configured to have a cylindrical housing 301 ′.
  • the cylindrical fan-out member defines a chamber 311 ′ in the housing 301 ′.
  • the sealing gel is filled into the chamber 311 ′ of the housing 301 ′, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are sealed in the fan-out member 300 .
  • the single-fiber optical cables 200 are introduced into the fan-out member from one side of the fan-out member, and the multi-fiber optical cable 100 is introduced into the fan-out member from the other side of the fan-out member.
  • An elastic tail sleeve 309 ′ is sleeved on the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and connected to the housing 301 ′ to protect the multi-fiber optical cable 100 from being damaged by a lateral force.
  • another elastic tail sleeve 309 ′ is sleeved on the single-fiber optical cables 200 and connected to the housing 301 ′ to protect the single-fiber optical cables 200 from being damaged by a lateral force.
  • the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Many other suitable fan-out members may be made according to the teaching of the present invention.
  • the plurality of single-fiber optical cables 200 each may have a fiber spliced with a respective one of the plurality of fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 in the fan-out member 300 .
  • a splitter may be disposed in the fan-out member 300 to separate the multi-fiber optical cable 100 into a plurality of fibers, and the plurality of fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 each may directly run through a respective one of the single-fiber optical cables 200 and is terminated at the single-fiber optic connector 1000 on the respective one of the single-fiber optical cables 200 .
  • FIG. 10 is an illustrative exploded view of a fiber optic connection seal assembly for the fiber optic connection assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the fiber optic connection seal assembly mainly comprises the fiber optic connector 1000 , the fiber optic adapter 2000 and an outer shield 3000 .
  • FIG. 11 is an illustrative assembled view of a fiber optic connection seal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 13 is a cross section view of the fiber optic connection seal assembly of FIG. 11 .
  • an end of an optical cable 1000 is inserted into and coupled to the fiber optic connector 1000 .
  • the fiber optic adapter 2000 is configured to position the fiber optic connector 1000 therein, so that the fiber optic connector 1000 is optically coupled with a mating fiber optic connector (not shown) in the fiber optic adapter 2000 .
  • the outer shield 3000 is disposed on the fiber optic connector 1000 and the fiber optic adapter 2000 .
  • the outer shield 3000 is hermetically fitted on the fiber optic connector 1000 and the fiber optic adapter 2000 to form a sealed inner chamber so as to prevent moisture or water from entering into the inner chamber.
  • the fiber optic connector 1000 may comprise LC connector or other type of connector.
  • the outer shield 3000 has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end.
  • the first end of the outer shield 3000 is screwed onto a housing 2100 of the fiber optic adapter 2000 .
  • a first elastic seal ring 1010 is interposed between an inner flange surface 3020 (see FIG. 14 ) of the first end of the outer shield 3000 and an outer flange surface (not indicated) of the housing 2100 of the fiber optic adapter 2000 .
  • the first elastic seal ring 1010 is axially pressed between the inner flange surface 3020 of the outer shield 3000 and the outer flange surface of the fiber optic adapter 2000 to seal an interface between the outer shield 3000 and the fiber optic adapter 2000 .
  • FIG. 12 is an illustrative perspective exploded view of the fiber optic connector 1000 of FIG. 10 .
  • the fiber optic connector 1000 comprises an outer tube 1300 having a groove 1330 formed in an outer wall of the outer tube 1300 .
  • a second elastic seal ring 1020 is received in the groove 1330 .
  • the outer tube 1300 may be made of metal.
  • the outer shield 3000 is formed with a radial protrusion 3300 on an inner wall of the outer shield 3000 at the second end of the outer shield 3000 .
  • the second elastic seal ring 1020 is radially inward pressed in the groove 1330 by the an inner peripheral surface 3030 of the radial protrusion 3300 to seal an interface between the outer shield 3000 and the fiber optic connector 1000 .
  • the fiber optic adapter 2000 comprises a seal cap 2200 screwed into a port of the housing 2100 of the fiber optic adapter 2000 opposite to the fiber optic connector 1000 .
  • a third elastic seal ring 1030 is interposed between an outer peripheral surface of the seal cap 2200 and an inner peripheral surface of the housing 2100 of the fiber optic adapter 2000 .
  • the third elastic seal ring 1030 is radially inward pressed between the outer peripheral surface of the seal cap 2200 and the inner peripheral surface of the fiber optic adapter 2000 to seal an interface between the seal cap 2200 and the fiber optic adapter 2000 .
  • the seal cap 2200 may be removed, and the mating fiber optic connector may be inserted into the port of the fiber optic adapter 2000 . In this way, the fiber optic connector 1000 is coupled with the mating fiber optic connector.
  • the fiber optic connector 1000 comprises a shrinkable tube 1600 having a first end 1610 firmly attached on a first end 1310 of the outer tube 1300 and a second end 1620 firmly attached on the optical cable 200 to seal an interface between the fiber optic connector 1000 and the optical cable 200 .
  • the radial protrusion 3300 of the outer shield 3000 has a slope 3100 for guiding the second elastic seal ring 1020 to the inner peripheral surface 3030 of the radial protrusion 3300 .
  • FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross section view of the outer tube 1300 of FIG. 12 ; and FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross section view of an inner tube 1200 of FIG. 12 .
  • the fiber optic connector 1000 further comprises an inner tube 1200 passing through the outer tube 1300 and having a first end inserted into a housing 1100 of the fiber optic connector 1000 .
  • a buffer spring 1400 is provided between an outer flange 1220 on an outer wall of a second end of the inner tube 1200 and an inner flange 1340 (see FIG. 15 ) on an inner wall of the second end of the outer tube 1300 .
  • a slot 1210 is formed in the outer wall of the inner tube 1200 , and a block ring 1700 is received in the slot 1210 .
  • the outer tube 1300 is formed with an radial outer protrusion 1320 at the second end of the outer tube 1300 , and the radial outer protrusion 1320 is limited between an radial inner protrusion 3300 of the outer shield 3000 and the block ring 1700 to prevent the outer tube 1300 and the buffer spring 1400 from being disengaged from the inner tube 1200 .
  • the inner tube 1200 may be made of metal.
  • the radial outer protrusion 1320 of the outer tube 1300 has a first axial force carrying face 1350 (see FIG. 15 ), and the radial protrusion 3300 of the outer shield 3000 has a second axial force carrying face 3320 (see FIGS. 13-14 ) facing the first axial force carrying face 1350 .
  • FIG. 13-15 the radial outer protrusion 1320 of the outer tube 1300 has a first axial force carrying face 1350 (see FIG. 15 ), and the radial protrusion 3300 of the outer shield 3000 has a second axial force carrying face 3320 (see FIGS. 13-14 ) facing the first axial force carrying face 1350 .
  • the first axial force carrying face 1350 of the outer tube 1300 abuts against the second axial force carrying face 3320 of the outer shield 3000 to prevent the fiber optic connector 1000 from being pulled out of the outer shield 3000 and prevent the external force from being transferred to the inner tube 1200 and a ferrule (not indicated, which is received in the housing 1100 ) of the fiber optic connector 1000 .
  • the fiber optic connector 1000 may further comprise a crimp tube 1500 for crimping Kevlar elements of the optical cable 200 on the first end 1310 of the outer tube 1300 to prevent the external force exerted on the optical cable 200 from being transferred to the ferrule of the fiber optic connector.
  • an outer surface of the first end 1310 of the outer tube 1300 is knurled to enhance a friction engagement force with the crimp tube 1500 and reliably hold the Kevlar elements of the optical cable 200 on the outer tube 1300 .
  • the outer shield 3000 provides a simple and reliable seal structure, and the fiber optic connection seal assembly may reach a classification of waterproof IP68. Furthermore, once the outer shield 3000 is screwed onto the fiber optic adapter 2000 , the fiber optic connector 1000 is reliably positioned in the outer shield 3000 and cannot be pulled out of the outer shield 3000 under the external force, therefore, the seal performance of the assembly is independent of the external force exerted on the optical cable 200 .
  • the outer shield 3000 can limit a movement of the outer tube 1300 on which Kevlar elements of the optical cable 200 are crimped so as to prevent the external force exerted on the optical cable 200 from being transferred to the ferrule of the fiber optic connector 1000 , therefore, the optical performance of the fiber optic connector 1000 is not affected by the external force.

Abstract

A fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home, comprising: a fan-out member; a multi-fiber optical cable having a first end introduced into the fan-out member and a second end extending out of the fan-out member; a multi-fiber optic connector connected to the second end of the multi-fiber optical cable; a plurality of single-fiber optical cables each having a first end introduced into the fan-out member and spliced with a respective one of fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable and a second end extending out of the fan-out member; and a plurality of single-fiber optic connectors connected to the second ends of the single-fiber optical cables, respectively; a plurality of first fiber optic adapters mated with the plurality of single-fiber optic connectors, respectively; and a plurality of outer shields each constructed to receive the connector and the adapter of a respective single-fiber optical cable therein, wherein the outer shield is hermetically fitted on the connector and the adapter of the respective single-fiber optical cable to form a sealed inner chamber so as to prevent moisture or water from entering into the inner chamber.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 201310117198.7 filed on Apr. 7, 2013 and Chinese Patent Application No. 201320169165.2 filed on Apr. 7, 2013 in the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the whole disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The present invention relates to a fiber optic connection assembly, more particularly, relates to a fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home (FTTH).
  • 2. Description of the Related Art
  • In a conventional technology of fiber to the home (FTTH), a fiber optic connection box is commonly used to couple fibers of a multi-fiber optical cable to respective fibers of single-fiber optical cables of a user side. For example, FIG. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a conventional fiber optic connection box 10, and FIG. 2 shows the fiber optic connection box 10 of FIG. 1 after a cover 14 is removed from a body 12.
  • As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the fiber optic connection box mainly comprises the body 12 and the cover 14. A multi-fiber optical cable 16 containing a plurality of fibers is introduced into the body 12 from an end of the fiber optic connection box 10. A plurality of fiber optic adapters 18 are provided on a back side of the body 12. The fiber optic adapter s18 each comprises an internal port located inside the body 12 and an external port located outside the body 12. When the fiber optic adapter 18 is not in use, the external port is often sealed by a sealing cap 19. When it needs to operate the external port, the sealing cap 19 can be simply removed.
  • Referring to FIGS. 1-2 again, the plurality of fibers 11 of the multi-fiber optical cable 16 are coupled to a plurality of single-fiber optic connectors 13, respectively. The single-fiber optic connector 13 is fitted in the internal port of the fiber optic adapter 18. When a single-fiber optic connector of the user side is fitted in the external port of the fiber optic adapter 18 after the sealing cap 19 is removed from the external port, the single-fiber optic connector 13 is coupled to the single-fiber optic connector of the user side, and the fiber of the multi-fiber optical cable 16 is optically coupled to the fiber of the single-fiber optic connector of the user side.
  • Please refer to FIGS. 1-2, the fiber optic connectors 13 and adapters 18 are all provided in the fiber optic connection box 10. Therefore, the conventional fiber optic connection box 10 has a large size and cannot be used in a narrow workspace, for example, in a well. Accordingly, the conventional fiber optic connection box 10 is limited in the practical application. Further, the cost of the conventional fiber optic connection box 10 is very high.
  • Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the fiber optic adapters 18 are fixed on the body 12 of the fiber optic connection box 10, therefore, the single-fiber optical cable from the user side must have an enough length to be coupled to the fiber optic connector 18. If the single-fiber optical cable from the user side is too short to reach the fiber optic connector 18, the single-fiber optical cable from the user side must be replaced, complicating the operation of coupling fibers.
    • 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 a fiber optic connection assembly having a small volume and adapted to be used in a narrow workspace.
  • According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home, comprising: a fan-out member; a multi-fiber optical cable having a first end introduced into the fan-out member and a second end extending out of the fan-out member; a multi-fiber optic connector connected to the second end of the multi-fiber optical cable; a plurality of single-fiber optical cables each having a first end introduced into the fan-out member and a second end extending out of the fan-out member; and a plurality of single-fiber optic connectors connected to the second ends of the single-fiber optical cables, respectively; a plurality of first fiber optic adapters mated with the plurality of single-fiber optic connectors, respectively; and a plurality of outer shields each constructed to receive the connector and the adapter of a respective single-fiber optical cable therein, wherein the outer shield is hermetically fitted on the connector and the adapter of the respective single-fiber optical cable to form a sealed inner chamber so as to prevent moisture or water from entering into the inner chamber.
    • 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:
  • FIG. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a conventional fiber optic connection box;
  • FIG. 2 shows the fiber optic connection box of FIG. 1, wherein a cover has been removed from a body;
  • FIG. 3 is an illustrative perspective view of a fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 4 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the fan-out member of FIG. 4 after it has been assembled;
  • FIG. 6 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 7 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 8 is an illustrative view of a fiber optic connection assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 9 is an illustrative view of a fiber optic connection assembly according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 10 is an illustrative exploded view of a fiber optic connection seal assembly for the fiber optic connection assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 11 is an illustrative assembled view of a fiber optic connection seal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 12 is an illustrative perspective exploded view of a fiber optic connector of FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 13 is a cross section view of the fiber optic connection seal assembly of FIG. 11;
  • FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross section view of an outer shield of FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross section view of an outer tube of FIG. 12; and
  • FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross section view of an inner tube of FIG. 12.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
  • 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.
  • FIG. 3 is an illustrative perspective view of a fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, the fiber optic connection assembly mainly comprises a multi-fiber optical cable 100, a plurality of single-fiber optical cables 200 and a fan-out member 300.
  • Referring to FIG. 3, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 has a first end introduced into the fan-out member 300 and a second end extending out of the fan-out member 300. A multi-fiber optic connector 110 is hermetically connected to the second end of the multi-fiber optical cable 100. The multi-fiber optic connector 110 may be coupled to another mating multi-fiber optic connector (not shown) by a fiber optic adapter.
  • Please refer to FIG. 3 again, the plurality of single-fiber optical cables 200 each has a first end introduced into the fan-out member 300 and a second end extending out of the fan-out member 300. A plurality of single-fiber optic connectors 1000 are connected to the second ends of the single-fiber optical cables 200, respectively. The single-fiber optic connectors 1000 each may be coupled to another mating single-fiber optic connector (not shown) from a user side by a fiber optic adapter 2000.
  • In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are introduced into the fan-out member 300 from the same side of the fan-out member 300. But the present invention is not limited to this, in other embodiments, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 may be introduced into the fan-out member 300 from different sides of the fan-out member 300, as shown in FIGS. 6-7 and 9.
  • Please refer to FIG. 3 again, in an exemplary embodiment, the single-fiber optical cables 200 have the same length extending out of the fan-out member 300. But the present invention is not limited to this, in other embodiments, the single-fiber optical cables 200 may have different lengths extending out of the fan-out member 300, as shown in FIGS. 8-9.
  • In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, there are provided twelve single-fiber optical cables 200. The twelve single-fiber optical cables 200 are divided into three groups. Each group of single-fiber optical cables 200 has four single-fiber optical cables 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the single-fiber optic connectors 1000 of the same one group of single-fiber optical cables 200 are arranged in the same layer; and the single-fiber optic connectors 1000 of different groups of single-fiber optical cables 200 are arranged in different layers and may be held in different layers by, for example, a locking mechanism.
  • Please be noted that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, the number and the arrangement of the single-fiber optical cables 200 may be freely adjusted as necessary.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, each group of single-fiber optical cables 200 have a same length extending out of the fan-out member 300; and different groups of single-fiber optical cables 200 also have the same length extending out of the fan-out member 300. But the present invention is not limited to this, in other embodiments, the different groups of single-fiber optical cables 200 may have different lengths extending out of the fan-out member 300, as shown in FIGS. 8-9.
  • Referring to FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the single-fiber optic connector 1000 may be configured to be a sealed type of fiber optic connector to have excellent waterproof performance.
  • In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the fiber optic connection assembly may further comprises a plurality of first fiber optic adapters 2000 mated with the plurality of single-fiber optic connectors 1000, respectively. The single-fiber optic connector 1000 may be coupled to another mating single-fiber optic connector (not shown) from a user side by the fiber optic adapter 2000.
  • In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the fiber optic connection assembly may further comprises a second fiber optic adapter (not shown in FIG. 3) mated with the multi-fiber optic connector 110. The multi-fiber optic connector 110 may be hermetically fitted in the second fiber optic adapter.
  • FIG. 4 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the fan-out member 300 of FIG. 4 after it has been assembled.
  • As shown in FIGS. 3-5, there is not provided any fiber optic connector and fiber optic adapter in the fan-out member 300. The fiber optic connector 110, 1000 and fiber optic adapters 2000 are all disposed on ends of the respective optical cables 100, 200 extending outside of the fan-out member 300.
  • In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the single-fiber optic connectors of the fiber optic connection assembly and the mating single-fiber optic connector (not shown) from the user side are hermetically fitted in the first fiber optic adapters 2000.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, before the mating single-fiber optic connector of the user side is fitted into a respective port of the first fiber optic adapter 2000, the respective port of the first fiber optic adapter 2000 may be provisionally sealed by a sealing cap 2200. When it needs to fit the mating single-fiber optic connector of the user side into the respective port of the first fiber optic adapter 2000, the sealing cap 2200 may be simply removed, and the mating single-fiber optic connector of the user side can be inserted into the respective port of the first fiber optic adapter 2000. In this way, the fiber of the single-fiber optical cable 200 can be optically coupled to a mating fiber of the single-fiber optical cable of the user side.
  • In the illustrated embodiments, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member 300. Hereafter, it will describe the sealing manners of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 in detail according to several embodiments.
  • As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member 300 by pressing a sealing gel block 306.
  • In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4-5, the fan-out member 300 mainly comprises a housing 301, a tray 302, 303, a first pressing plate 305, the sealing gel block 306, and a second pressing plate 307.
  • As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the tray 302, 303 is received in the housing 301 to store and manage the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100. The tray 302, 303 comprises a body 302 and cover 303 fitted or sealed on the body 302. In addition the tray 302, 303 contains a pillar 310 inside thereof. The redundant fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 may be wound on the pillar 310.
  • As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the first pressing plate 305 may be hermetically fitted in the housing 301 by a sealing ring 304.
  • As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the second pressing plate 307 is disposed at a side of the first pressing plate 305 opposite to the housing 301, and the sealing gel block 306 is received in an inner space defined by the first and second pressing plates 305, 307.
  • Please refer to FIGS. 4-5 again, the first end of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 extends into the housing 301 after passing through the second pressing plate 307, the sealing gel block 306 and the first pressing plate 305. The first ends of fibers of the single-fiber optical cable 200 are received in holes 308 formed in the sealing gel block 306, respectively, after passing through holes formed in the second pressing plate 307.
  • In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4-5, the housing 301, the sealing gel block 306 and the second pressing plate 307 may be assembled together by bolts. In this case, the sealing gel block 306 and the sealing ring 304 can be pressed by screwing the bolts, so that the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cable 200 can be hermetically fitted in the fan-out member 300 (the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cable 200 can be hermetically sealed in the fan-out member 300).
  • Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 is fixed to the first pressing plate 305 with, for example, epoxy glue. As a result, an external force exerted on the multi-fiber optical cable 100 is transferred to the housing 301 rather than the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100.
  • Referring to FIGS. 4-5, a crimp ring 201 is crimped on the first end of the single-fiber optical cable 200, and the crimp ring 201 has a diameter larger than that of the hole in the second pressing plate 307 to prevent the single-fiber optical cable 200 from being disengaged from the second pressing plate 307, and transfer an external force exerted on the single-fiber optical cable 200 to the housing 301 rather than the fiber of the single-fiber optical cable 200.
  • As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the fan-out member 300 may further comprises an elastic tail sleeve 309 sleeved on the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 and connected to the second pressing plate 307 at an end of the housing 301 to protect the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 from being damaged by a lateral force.
  • FIG. 6 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • As shown in FIG. 6, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cable 200 are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member 300 by filling a sealing gel into the fan-out member 300.
  • Referring to FIG. 6, the fan-out member mainly comprises a housing 301′, 302′ and an end plate 307′. The housing 301′, 302′ defined a chamber 311′ therein. The end plate 307′ is fitted in a port of the housing 301′, 302′. The housing 301′, 302′ comprises a body 301′ and a cover 302′ fitted on the body 301′.
  • Please refer to FIG. 6, the first end of the single-fiber optical cable 200 passes through a hole in the end plate 307′ and extends into the chamber 311′, and the first end of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 extends into the chamber 311′ of the housing 301′. When the sealing gel is filled into the chamber 311′ of the housing 301′, 302′, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are sealed in the fan-out member 300.
  • As shown in FIG. 6, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 may be fixed to the housing 301′ to transfer an external force exerted on the multi-fiber optical cable 100 to the housing 301′ rather than the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100.
  • Referring to FIG. 6 again, a crimp ring 201 is crimped on the first end of the single-fiber optical cable 200, and the crimp ring 201 has a diameter larger than that of the hole in the end plate 307′ to prevent the single-fiber optical cable 200 from being disengaged from the end plate 307′ and transfer an external force exerted on the single-fiber optical cable 200 to the housing 301′ rather than the fiber of the single-fiber optical cable 200.
  • Please refer to FIG. 6, the fan-out member 300 may further comprises an elastic tail sleeve 309′ sleeved on the single-fiber optical cables 200 and connected to the end plate 307′ to protect the single-fiber optical cables 200 from being damaged by a lateral force.
  • As shown in FIG. 6, the fan-out member 300 may further comprises a tray 310′ for store and managing the redundant fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100. The tray 310′ is received in the chamber 311′ of the housing 301′.
  • FIG. 7 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a fan-out member according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • As shown in FIG. 7, the fan-out member does not comprise a tray for managing the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100, and Kevlar elements 101 of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 may be directly joined to the crimp ring 201 of the single-fiber optical cables 200 by a sealing gel. In this case, the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 can be directly spliced with the fibers of the single-fiber optical cables 200, respectively, without needing a tray to manage the fiber of the multi-fiber optical cable 100.
  • Referring to FIG. 7, Kevlar elements of the single-fiber optical cables 200 is disposed on a metal piece 202 and is crimped on the metal piece 202 by the crimp ring 201.
  • In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, the fan-out member is configured to have a cylindrical housing 301′. The cylindrical fan-out member defines a chamber 311′ in the housing 301′. When the sealing gel is filled into the chamber 311′ of the housing 301′, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are sealed in the fan-out member 300.
  • As shown in FIG. 7, the single-fiber optical cables 200 are introduced into the fan-out member from one side of the fan-out member, and the multi-fiber optical cable 100 is introduced into the fan-out member from the other side of the fan-out member. An elastic tail sleeve 309′ is sleeved on the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and connected to the housing 301′ to protect the multi-fiber optical cable 100 from being damaged by a lateral force. Similarly, another elastic tail sleeve 309′ is sleeved on the single-fiber optical cables 200 and connected to the housing 301′ to protect the single-fiber optical cables 200 from being damaged by a lateral force.
  • Although several exemplary embodiments of the fan-out member have been shown and described with reference to FIGS. 4-7, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Many other suitable fan-out members may be made according to the teaching of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of single-fiber optical cables 200 each may have a fiber spliced with a respective one of the plurality of fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 in the fan-out member 300. In another exemplary embodiment, a splitter may be disposed in the fan-out member 300 to separate the multi-fiber optical cable 100 into a plurality of fibers, and the plurality of fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 each may directly run through a respective one of the single-fiber optical cables 200 and is terminated at the single-fiber optic connector 1000 on the respective one of the single-fiber optical cables 200.
  • Hereafter, it will describe in detail a seal configuration for sealing the single-fiber optic connector 1000 and the adapter 2000 of each single-fiber optical cable 200 with reference to FIGS. 10-16.
  • FIG. 10 is an illustrative exploded view of a fiber optic connection seal assembly for the fiber optic connection assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • As shown in FIG. 10, the fiber optic connection seal assembly mainly comprises the fiber optic connector 1000, the fiber optic adapter 2000 and an outer shield 3000.
  • FIG. 11 is an illustrative assembled view of a fiber optic connection seal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a cross section view of the fiber optic connection seal assembly of FIG. 11.
  • As shown in FIGS. 10-11 and 13, an end of an optical cable 1000 is inserted into and coupled to the fiber optic connector 1000. The fiber optic adapter 2000 is configured to position the fiber optic connector 1000 therein, so that the fiber optic connector 1000 is optically coupled with a mating fiber optic connector (not shown) in the fiber optic adapter 2000. The outer shield 3000 is disposed on the fiber optic connector 1000 and the fiber optic adapter 2000. The outer shield 3000 is hermetically fitted on the fiber optic connector 1000 and the fiber optic adapter 2000 to form a sealed inner chamber so as to prevent moisture or water from entering into the inner chamber.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the fiber optic connector 1000 may comprise LC connector or other type of connector.
  • Please refer to FIG. 13, the outer shield 3000 has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the outer shield 3000 is screwed onto a housing 2100 of the fiber optic adapter 2000. A first elastic seal ring 1010 is interposed between an inner flange surface 3020 (see FIG. 14) of the first end of the outer shield 3000 and an outer flange surface (not indicated) of the housing 2100 of the fiber optic adapter 2000. When the outer shield 3000 is screwed onto the housing 2100 of fiber optic adapter 2000, the first elastic seal ring 1010 is axially pressed between the inner flange surface 3020 of the outer shield 3000 and the outer flange surface of the fiber optic adapter 2000 to seal an interface between the outer shield 3000 and the fiber optic adapter 2000.
  • In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 13, when the outer shield 3000 is screwed in position on the fiber optic adapter 2000, for example, an end face of the first end of the outer shield 3000 becomes contact with the housing 2100 of the adapter 2000, the interface between the outer shield 3000 and the fiber optic adapter 2000 is sealed by the first elastic seal ring 1010.
  • FIG. 12 is an illustrative perspective exploded view of the fiber optic connector 1000 of FIG. 10.
  • As shown in FIG. 12, the fiber optic connector 1000 comprises an outer tube 1300 having a groove 1330 formed in an outer wall of the outer tube 1300. A second elastic seal ring 1020 is received in the groove 1330. The outer tube 1300 may be made of metal.
  • As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the outer shield 3000 is formed with a radial protrusion 3300 on an inner wall of the outer shield 3000 at the second end of the outer shield 3000. When the outer shield 3000 is screwed onto the housing 2100 of fiber optic adapter 2000, the second elastic seal ring 1020 is radially inward pressed in the groove 1330 by the an inner peripheral surface 3030 of the radial protrusion 3300 to seal an interface between the outer shield 3000 and the fiber optic connector 1000.
  • Referring to FIG. 13 again, the fiber optic adapter 2000 comprises a seal cap 2200 screwed into a port of the housing 2100 of the fiber optic adapter 2000 opposite to the fiber optic connector 1000. A third elastic seal ring 1030 is interposed between an outer peripheral surface of the seal cap 2200 and an inner peripheral surface of the housing 2100 of the fiber optic adapter 2000. When the seal cap 2200 is screwed into the port of fiber optic adapter 2000, the third elastic seal ring 1030 is radially inward pressed between the outer peripheral surface of the seal cap 2200 and the inner peripheral surface of the fiber optic adapter 2000 to seal an interface between the seal cap 2200 and the fiber optic adapter 2000.
  • In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when it needs to couple the fiber optic connector 1000 with a mating fiber optic connector (not shown), the seal cap 2200 may be removed, and the mating fiber optic connector may be inserted into the port of the fiber optic adapter 2000. In this way, the fiber optic connector 1000 is coupled with the mating fiber optic connector.
  • As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the fiber optic connector 1000 comprises a shrinkable tube 1600 having a first end 1610 firmly attached on a first end 1310 of the outer tube 1300 and a second end 1620 firmly attached on the optical cable 200 to seal an interface between the fiber optic connector 1000 and the optical cable 200.
  • As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the radial protrusion 3300 of the outer shield 3000 has a slope 3100 for guiding the second elastic seal ring 1020 to the inner peripheral surface 3030 of the radial protrusion 3300.
  • FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross section view of the outer tube 1300 of FIG. 12; and FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross section view of an inner tube 1200 of FIG. 12.
  • As shown in FIGS. 12-13 and 15-16, the fiber optic connector 1000 further comprises an inner tube 1200 passing through the outer tube 1300 and having a first end inserted into a housing 1100 of the fiber optic connector 1000. A buffer spring 1400 is provided between an outer flange 1220 on an outer wall of a second end of the inner tube 1200 and an inner flange 1340 (see FIG. 15) on an inner wall of the second end of the outer tube 1300.
  • As shown in FIGS. 12-13 and 15-16, a slot 1210 is formed in the outer wall of the inner tube 1200, and a block ring 1700 is received in the slot 1210. The outer tube 1300 is formed with an radial outer protrusion 1320 at the second end of the outer tube 1300, and the radial outer protrusion 1320 is limited between an radial inner protrusion 3300 of the outer shield 3000 and the block ring 1700 to prevent the outer tube 1300 and the buffer spring 1400 from being disengaged from the inner tube 1200.
  • In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inner tube 1200 may be made of metal.
  • As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the radial outer protrusion 1320 of the outer tube 1300 has a first axial force carrying face 1350 (see FIG. 15), and the radial protrusion 3300 of the outer shield 3000 has a second axial force carrying face 3320 (see FIGS. 13-14) facing the first axial force carrying face 1350. As shown in FIG. 13, when the optical cable 200 is pulled outward by an external force, the first axial force carrying face 1350 of the outer tube 1300 abuts against the second axial force carrying face 3320 of the outer shield 3000 to prevent the fiber optic connector 1000 from being pulled out of the outer shield 3000 and prevent the external force from being transferred to the inner tube 1200 and a ferrule (not indicated, which is received in the housing 1100) of the fiber optic connector 1000.
  • As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the fiber optic connector 1000 may further comprise a crimp tube 1500 for crimping Kevlar elements of the optical cable 200 on the first end 1310 of the outer tube 1300 to prevent the external force exerted on the optical cable 200 from being transferred to the ferrule of the fiber optic connector.
  • In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an outer surface of the first end 1310 of the outer tube 1300 is knurled to enhance a friction engagement force with the crimp tube 1500 and reliably hold the Kevlar elements of the optical cable 200 on the outer tube 1300.
  • In the above various embodiments of the present invention, the outer shield 3000 provides a simple and reliable seal structure, and the fiber optic connection seal assembly may reach a classification of waterproof IP68. Furthermore, once the outer shield 3000 is screwed onto the fiber optic adapter 2000, the fiber optic connector 1000 is reliably positioned in the outer shield 3000 and cannot be pulled out of the outer shield 3000 under the external force, therefore, the seal performance of the assembly is independent of the external force exerted on the optical cable 200. Moreover, the outer shield 3000 can limit a movement of the outer tube 1300 on which Kevlar elements of the optical cable 200 are crimped so as to prevent the external force exerted on the optical cable 200 from being transferred to the ferrule of the fiber optic connector 1000, therefore, the optical performance of the fiber optic connector 1000 is not affected by the external force.
  • 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 fiber optic connection assembly 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.
  • As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Claims (32)

1. A fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home, comprising:
a fan-out member;
a multi-fiber optical cable having a first end introduced into the fan-out member and a second end extending out of the fan-out member;
a multi-fiber optic connector connected to the second end of the multi-fiber optical cable;
a plurality of single-fiber optical cables each having a first end introduced into the fan-out member and a second end extending out of the fan-out member;
a plurality of single-fiber optic connectors connected to the second ends of the single-fiber optical cables, respectively;
a plurality of first fiber optic adapters mated with the plurality of single-fiber optic connectors, respectively; and
a plurality of outer shields each constructed to receive the connector and the adapter of a respective single-fiber optical cable therein,
wherein the outer shield is hermetically fitted on the connector and the adapter of the respective single-fiber optical cable to form a sealed inner chamber so as to prevent moisture or water from entering into the inner chamber.
2. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the outer shield has a first end screwed onto a housing of the fiber optic adapter;
wherein a first elastic seal ring is interposed between an inner flange surface of the first end of the outer shield and an outer flange surface of the housing of the fiber optic adapter; and
when the outer shield is screwed onto the housing of fiber optic adapter, the first elastic seal ring is axially pressed between the inner flange surface of the outer shield and the outer flange surface of the fiber optic adapter to seal an interface between the outer shield and the fiber optic adapter.
3. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the fiber optic connector comprises an outer tube having a groove formed in an outer wall of the outer tube, and a second elastic seal ring is received in the groove;
wherein the outer shield is formed with an radial protrusion on an inner wall of the outer shield at a second end of the outer shield; and
when the outer shield is screwed onto the housing of fiber optic adapter, the second elastic seal ring is radially pressed in the groove by the an inner peripheral surface of the radial protrusion to seal an interface between the outer shield and the fiber optic connector.
4. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 3,
wherein the fiber optic adapter comprises a seal cap screwed into a port of the housing of the fiber optic adapter opposite to the fiber optic connector;
wherein a third elastic seal ring is interposed between an outer peripheral surface of the seal cap and an inner peripheral surface of the housing of the fiber optic adapter; and
when the seal cap is screwed into the port of fiber optic adapter, the third elastic seal ring is radially pressed between the outer peripheral surface of the seal cap and the inner peripheral surface of the fiber optic adapter to seal an interface between the seal cap and the fiber optic adapter.
5. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 4,
wherein the fiber optic connector comprises a shrinkable tube having a first end firmly attached on a first end of the outer tube and a second end firmly attached on the optical cable to seal an interface between the fiber optic connector and the optical cable.
6. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 5,
wherein the radial protrusion of the outer shield has a slope for guiding the second elastic seal ring to the inner peripheral surface of the radial protrusion.
7. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 6,
wherein the fiber optic connector further comprises an inner tube passing through the outer tube and having a first end inserted into a housing of the fiber optic connector; and
wherein a buffer spring is interposed between an outer flange on an outer wall of a second end of the inner tube and an inner flange on an inner wall of the second end of the outer tube.
8. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 7,
wherein a slot is formed in the outer wall of the inner tube, and a block ring is received in the slot; and
wherein the outer tube is formed with an radial outer protrusion at the second end of the outer tube, and the radial outer protrusion is limited between an radial inner protrusion of the outer shield and the block ring to prevent the outer tube and the buffer spring from being disengaged from the inner tube.
9. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 8,
wherein the fiber optic connector further comprises a crimp tube for crimping Kevlar elements of the optical cable on the first end of the outer tube to prevent an external force exerted on the optical cable from being transferred to a ferrule of the fiber optic connector.
10. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 9,
wherein an outer surface of the first end of the outer tube is knurled to enhance a friction engagement force with the crimp tube.
11. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable and the single-fiber optical cables are introduced into the fan-out member from a same side or different sides of the fan-out member.
12. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the single-fiber optical cables have different lengths extending out the fan-out member.
13. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the single-fiber optical cables are divided into a plurality of groups, and each group of single-fiber optical cables have a same length extending out the fan-out member; and
wherein different groups of single-fiber optical cables have a same length or different lengths extending out the fan-out member.
14. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 13,
wherein the single-fiber optic connectors of the same one group of single-fiber optical cables are arranged in the same layer; and
wherein the single-fiber optic connectors of different groups of single-fiber optical cables are arranged in different layers.
15. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein there is not provided any fiber optic connector or fiber optic adapter for coupling with a fiber optic connector of a user side in the fan-out member.
16. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the single-fiber optic connector is configured to be a sealed type of optic connector.
17. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 16, further comprising:
a second fiber optic adapter mated with the multi-fiber optic connector.
18. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 17,
the single-fiber optic connectors and the mating single-fiber optic connectors are hermetically fitted in the first fiber optic adapters.
19. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 18, wherein,
before the mating single-fiber optic connector of the user side is fitted into a respective port of the first fiber optic adapter, the respective port is provisionally sealed by a sealing cap.
20. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable and the single-fiber optical cables are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member.
21. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 20,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable and the single-fiber optical cables are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member by pressing a sealing gel block.
22. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 21, wherein the fan-out member comprising:
a housing;
a tray received in the housing and constructed to store and manage the redundant fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable;
a first pressing plate hermetically fitted in the housing by a sealing ring; and
a second pressing plate disposed at a side of the first pressing plate opposite to the housing,
wherein the sealing gel block is received in an inner space defined by the first and second pressing plates,
wherein the first end of the multi-fiber optical cable passes through the second pressing plate, the sealing gel block and the first pressing plate and extends into the housing,
wherein the first end of the single-fiber optical cable passes through a hole in the second pressing plate and is received in a hole in the sealing gel block,
wherein the housing, the sealing gel block and the second pressing plate are assembled together by bolts, so that the sealing gel block and the sealing ring can be pressed by screwing the bolts, and that the multi-fiber optical cable and the single-fiber optical cable can be hermetically fitted in the fan-out member.
23. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 22,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable is fixed to the first pressing plate to transfer an external force exerted on the multi-fiber optical cable to the housing rather than the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable; and
wherein a crimp ring is crimped on the first end of the single-fiber optical cable, and the crimp ring has a diameter larger than that of the hole formed in the second pressing plate to prevent the single-fiber optical cable from being disengaged from the second pressing plate and transfer an external force exerted on the single-fiber optical cable to the housing rather than the fiber of the single-fiber optical cable.
24. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 20,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable and the single-fiber optical cable are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member by filling a sealing gel into the fan-out member.
25. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 24, wherein the fan-out member comprising:
a housing having a chamber therein; and
an end plate fitted in a port of the housing,
wherein the first end of the single-fiber optical cable passes through a hole in the end plate and extends into the chamber,
wherein the first end of the multi-fiber optical cable extends into the chamber of the housing, and
wherein the sealing gel is filled into the chamber of the housing, so that the multi-fiber optical cable and the single-fiber optical cable are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member.
26. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 25,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable is fixed to the housing to transfer an external force exerted on the multi-fiber optical cable to the housing rather than the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable; and
wherein a crimp ring is crimped on the first end of the single-fiber optical cable, and the crimp ring has a diameter larger than that of the hole in the end plate to prevent the single-fiber optical cable from being disengaged from the end plate and transfer an external force exerted on the single-fiber optical cable to the housing rather than the fiber of the single-fiber optical cable.
27. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 26, wherein the fan-out member further comprising:
a tray received in the chamber of the housing and constructed to store and manage the redundant fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable.
28. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 26,
wherein Kevlar elements of the multi-fiber optical cable are directly joined to the crimp ring of the single-fiber optical cables by the sealing gel.
29. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim, wherein the fan-out member further comprising:
an elastic tail sleeve sleeved on the multi-fiber optical cable and/or the single-fiber optical cables and connected to the housing or the end plate to protect the multi-fiber optical cable and/or the single-fiber optical cables from being damaged by a lateral force.
30. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the plurality of single-fiber optical cables each has a fiber spliced with a respective one of the plurality of fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable in the fan-out member.
31. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein a splitter is disposed in the fan-out member to separate the multi-fiber optical cable into a plurality of fibers.
32. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 31,
wherein the plurality of fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable each runs through a respective one of the single-fiber optical cables and is terminated at the single-fiber optic connector on the respective one of the single-fiber optical cables.
US14/782,934 2013-04-07 2014-03-27 Fiber optic connection assembly Abandoned US20160041356A1 (en)

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CN2013201691652 2013-04-07
CN2013101171987 2013-04-07
CN201310117198.7A CN104101953B (en) 2013-04-07 2013-04-07 For fiber-to-the-home joint
CN201320169165.2U CN203164475U (en) 2013-04-07 2013-04-07 Cable connector sealing assembly
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US11702946B1 (en) 2022-07-13 2023-07-18 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Service tube locking device

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WO2014167447A1 (en) 2014-10-16
AU2014100325A4 (en) 2014-05-01
AU2014252282A1 (en) 2015-11-05
ES1148183U (en) 2015-12-23
US11531176B2 (en) 2022-12-20
US20210333499A1 (en) 2021-10-28
AU2014101479B4 (en) 2015-08-27
AU2018208689B2 (en) 2020-09-03
US20180100982A1 (en) 2018-04-12
AU2018208689A1 (en) 2018-08-09
AU2014101479A4 (en) 2015-01-22
EP2984513B1 (en) 2023-02-15
ES1148183Y (en) 2016-03-18
US11002934B2 (en) 2021-05-11
EP2984513A1 (en) 2016-02-17

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