US20200088952A1 - Fiber optic connection system - Google Patents
Fiber optic connection system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200088952A1 US20200088952A1 US16/587,761 US201916587761A US2020088952A1 US 20200088952 A1 US20200088952 A1 US 20200088952A1 US 201916587761 A US201916587761 A US 201916587761A US 2020088952 A1 US2020088952 A1 US 2020088952A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fiber optic
- adapter
- connector
- holder
- latch
- 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
Links
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Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3825—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3873—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
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/389—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type
- G02B6/3893—Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3897—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
- G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
- G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
- G02B6/44528—Patch-cords; Connector arrangements in the system or in the box
Definitions
- a fiber optic cable typically includes an optical fiber or optical fibers, a buffer or buffers that surrounds the fiber or fibers, a strength layer that surrounds the buffer or buffers, and an outer jacket.
- the optical fibers function to carry optical signals.
- a typical optical fiber includes an inner core surrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating.
- Buffers e.g., loose or tight buffer tubes
- Strength layers add mechanical strength to fiber optic cables to protect the internal optical fibers against stresses applied to the cables during installation and thereafter.
- Example strength layers include aramid yarn, steel and epoxy reinforced glass roving. Outer jackets provide protection against damage caused by crushing, abrasions, and other physical damage. Outer jackets also provide protection against chemical damage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids).
- Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connecting and disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring a splice.
- a typical fiber optic cable connection system for interconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectors mounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and an adapter for mechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectors together.
- Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that support the ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end faces of the ferrules are typically polished and are often angled.
- the adapter includes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles for receiving the fiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected).
- the adapter includes an internal sleeve that receives and aligns the ferrules of the fiber optic connectors when the connectors are inserted within the ports of the adapter. With the ferrules and their associated fibers aligned within the sleeve of the adapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from one fiber to the next.
- Some systems are known which include alignment of fibers but no ferrules.
- a fiber optic connector is mounted to a fiber optic connector holder.
- the holder can be a separate piece mountable to other devices, such as trays, panels, modules, cassettes, and chassis.
- the holder can be integrally formed with the device.
- multiple holders can be provided as separate elements, or as an integral element.
- the fiber optic connector holder holds the fiber optic connector in position ready for connection to another fiber optic connector at a desired time.
- the holder receives a fiber optic adapter, and a second fiber optic connector.
- the adapter aligns the two connectors for fiber optic signal transmission.
- the fiber optic connector holder includes a clip for clipping to the connector.
- the clip is releasable.
- the first and the second fiber optic connectors and the adapter include interlatching features for relatively fixing the connectors to the adapter.
- the connector(s) may be removed from the adapter by releasing the latching features.
- the adapter may also be relatively removed from the connector(s) by releasing the latching features.
- the disclosure is directed to fiber optic connector holders that include release mechanisms for releasing the fiber optic adapter and a second fiber optic connector from a first fiber optic connector when the first fiber optic connector may not be readily accessible to a user.
- the first fiber optic connector might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector from an exterior of the device.
- the release mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns the first and second fiber optic connectors.
- the release mechanism of the adapter might allow a user to release the adapter and the second fiber optic connector from the first fiber optic connector when the first fiber optic connector is not readily accessible to a user (e.g., when the first fiber optic connector is supported by a holder that is part of a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector from an exterior of the device).
- the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications system comprising a fiber optic adapter including a catch, a fiber optic connector including a latch configured to mate with the catch for latching the connector with the adapter, wherein the latch is configured to be unlatched from the catch by direct contact with the latch, and a fixture configured to fixedly hold the fiber optic connector for mating with the adapter, wherein the fixture includes a release mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of the connector from the catch of the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the connector.
- the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic adapter comprising a body configured to mate a first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the first and second fiber optic connectors including latches for mating with catches of the adapter for releasably engaging the first and second connectors with the fiber optic adapter, wherein the latches are configured to be unlatched from the catches by direct contact with the latches, wherein the adapter has a release mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors from the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors.
- the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications system comprising a fiber optic adapter configured to mate a first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the first fiber optic connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter, the second fiber optic connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter for optically mating with the first fiber optic connector, wherein both of the first and second fiber optic connectors include latches for mating with catches of the fiber optic adapter for releasably engaging the first and second connectors with the fiber optic adapter, the latches configured to be unlatched from the catches by direct contact with the latches, wherein the adapter has a release mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors from the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors.
- the disclosure is directed to a method of unlatching a fiber optic connector that is fixedly held by a fixture from a fiber optic adapter without directly contacting a latch of the fiber optic connector that mates with a catch of the fiber optic adapter, the method comprising contacting the latch of the fiber optic connector with a portion of a release mechanism located on the fixture to separate the latch of the fiber optic connector from the catch of the fiber optic adapter.
- the disclosure is directed to a method of unlatching a fiber optic connector from a fiber optic adapter without directly contacting a latch of the fiber optic connector that mates with a catch of the fiber optic adapter, the method comprising contacting the latch of the fiber optic connector with a portion of a release mechanism located on the fiber optic adapter to separate the latch of the fiber optic connector from the catch of the fiber optic adapter.
- the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications system comprising a fixture defining a pocket for receiving a fiber optic adapter, the pocket defining an adapter insertion first end and an opposite second end, the fiber optic adapter inserted into the pocket from the first end, the fiber optic adapter including a catch, a fiber optic connector inserted into the pocket from the second end, the fiber optic connector including a latch configured to mate with the catch ( 571 / 671 / 771 ) for latching the connector with the adapter, wherein the latch is configured to be unlatched from the catch by direct contact with the latch, and a release mechanism provided on the fiber optic adapter or on the fixture for allowing a user to release the latch of the connector from the catch of the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the connector, the release mechanism operable by the user from adjacent the adapter insertion first end of the pocket.
- the disclosure is directed to a method of releasing a first fiber optic connector that has been inserted into a pocket defined by a fixture from a first end of the pocket from a fiber optic adapter that has been inserted into the pocket from a second end of the pocket, wherein the adapter is configured to mate the first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the method comprising unlatching a latch of the first fiber optic connector that connects the first fiber optic connector to the fiber optic adapter from adjacent the second end of the pocket.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector mounted to a fiber optic connector holder
- FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic connector holder of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic connector holder of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic connector holder of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder
- FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder
- FIG. 7 shows a fiber optic adapter being mounted to the fiber optic connector held by the fiber optic connector holder of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is a further view of the fiber optic adapter being mounted to the fiber optic connector
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the view of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fiber optic adapter fully mounted to the fiber optic connector
- FIG. 12 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic adapter mounted to the fiber optic connector
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a second fiber optic connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter for optical signal transmission between two fiber optic cables;
- FIG. 14 is a further perspective view of the view of FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 15 is a side view of the view of FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 16 is a top view of the view of FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing two fiber optic connectors separated from a mating fiber optic adapter
- FIG. 18 shows a plurality of fiber optic connector holders mounted in a mounting arrangement for holding a plurality of first fiber optic connectors, mating fiber optic adapters, and second fiber optic connectors;
- FIG. 19 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder mounting arrangement of FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder mounting arrangement without the connectors or adapters shown;
- FIG. 21 is an example implementation of a connector holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations of FIGS. 1-20 ;
- FIG. 22 is another example implementation of a connector holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations of FIGS. 1-20 ;
- FIG. 24 is a further example implementation of a connector holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations of FIGS. 1-20 ;
- FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a fiber optic connector holder system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 25 ;
- FIG. 27 is a side view of the system of FIG. 25 ;
- FIG. 28 is a top view of the system of FIG. 25 ;
- FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the system of FIG. 25 ;
- FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30 - 30 of FIG. 28 ;
- FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the system of FIG. 25 ;
- FIG. 32 is a left side perspective view of another embodiment of a fiber optic connector holder system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 32 ;
- FIG. 34 illustrates the system of FIG. 33 in a fully assembled configuration
- FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 34 ;
- FIG. 36 is a top view of the system of FIG. 34 ;
- FIG. 37 is a side view of the system of FIG. 34 ;
- FIG. 38 is a rear view of the system of FIG. 34 ;
- FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 39 - 39 of FIG. 38 ;
- FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 40 - 40 of FIG. 38 ;
- FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 41 - 41 of FIG. 38 ;
- FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of the holder of the system of FIGS. 32-41 ;
- FIG. 43 is a rear view of the holder of FIG. 42 ;
- FIG. 44 is a top view of the holder of FIG. 42 ;
- FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 45 - 45 of FIG. 44 ;
- FIG. 46 illustrates a portion of the holder of FIGS. 42-45 with a fiber optic connector mounted to the clip of the holder;
- FIG. 47 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a fiber optic connector holder system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 48 is a side view of the holder system of FIG. 47 ;
- FIG. 49 is a top view of the holder system of FIG. 47 ;
- FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 50 - 50 of FIG. 49 ;
- FIG. 51 illustrates the holder system of FIGS. 47-50 in an exploded configuration
- FIGS. 52-56 illustrate the sequence of operation for releasing an adapter and a second connector of the system of FIGS. 47-51 from a first connector of the system;
- FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an adapter configured for use with the system of FIGS. 47-56 , the adapter shown with first and second connectors mated;
- FIG. 58 is a rear perspective view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57 ;
- FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57 ;
- FIG. 60 is a top view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57 ;
- FIG. 61 is a bottom view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57 ;
- FIG. 62 is a left side view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57 ;
- FIG. 63 is a right side view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57 ;
- FIG. 64 is a front view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57 ;
- FIG. 65 is a rear view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57 ;
- FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 66 - 66 of FIG. 60 ;
- FIG. 67 illustrates the connectors exploded off the adapter of FIG. 57 ;
- FIG. 68 is a top view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 67 ;
- FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 69 - 69 of FIG. 68 ;
- FIG. 70 is a bottom view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 67 ;
- FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 71 - 71 of FIG. 70 .
- System 10 includes a fiber optic connector holder 14 which holds a first fiber optic connector 12 .
- System 10 maintains first connector 12 in a protected and organized manner for later connection to a second fiber optic connector.
- System 10 also does not require a fiber optic adapter for holding the first connector 12 before connection to the second connector.
- a connector only approach is provided wherein only the one or more first connectors 12 are held and maintained ready for connection to an adapter and one or more second connector as desired by the user.
- Holder 14 includes a base 16 and a housing 18 .
- Housing 18 defines a pocket 20 for receipt of a distal end 22 of first connector 12 .
- Pocket 20 also receives an adapter as will be described below.
- Holder 14 includes a clip 26 which clips to first connector 12 to hold first connector 12 to holder 14 . As shown, clip 26 clips to a rear 24 of first connector 12 .
- Clip 26 is located at end 30 of holder 14 .
- Clip 26 is u-shaped and includes two clip arms 48 .
- an adapter 36 is inserted into an opposite end 32 of holder 14 for mating connection with first connector 12 .
- Adapter 36 is inserted along a longitudinal axis 40 into pocket 20 and latches to first connector 12 .
- Adapter 36 is not latched to holder 14 wherein movement in the axially direction would be prevented. Instead, axial movement is controlled by clip 26 mounted to first connector 12 .
- Adapter 36 includes posts 46 which slide along slots 28 of holder 14 to provide proper alignment with first connector 12 .
- Pocket 20 does provide some support to adapter 36 .
- the main fixation of the mating connectors and adapter is between first connector 12 and holder 14 .
- a second connector 50 is mated with adapter 36 . See FIGS. 13-16 .
- fiber optic signals can be transmitted between a first cable 54 and a second cable 56 .
- both connectors are mated to adapter 36 , the fiber optical fibers within each of the first and second connectors 12 , 50 and cables 54 , 56 are in optical alignment.
- second connector 50 can be pre-mated with adapter 36 , and then the combined adapter 36 and second connector 50 can be inserted into holder 14 for mating with first connector 12 .
- First connector 12 includes a shutter 34 for protecting the user and others before connection to the second connector 50 .
- Second connector 50 also preferably includes a shutter.
- Holder 14 includes an RFID tag location 42 for holding an RFID tag, if desired.
- Holder 14 can be provided with holes 44 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ) to allow for RFID tags on the connectors to be read while positioned in holder 14 .
- RFID tags allow for identification of specific connectors and adapters.
- Holder 14 is shown with a closed housing 18 defining pocket 20 .
- Housing 18 is optional if desired.
- An open topped base 16 can be provided.
- first connectors 12 cannot be removed, if desired. Only adapters 36 and second connectors 50 would be accessible in that case.
- the first fiber optic connector 12 might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector 12 from an exterior of the device.
- the present disclosure contemplates fiber optic connector holders that include release mechanisms for releasing the fiber optic adapter 36 and a second fiber optic connector 50 from a first fiber optic connector 12 when the first optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user.
- the release mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns the first and second fiber optic connectors 12 , 50 . Examples of such adapters will also be discussed in further detail below.
- adapter 36 is shown separated from first connector 12 and second connector 50 .
- connectors 12 , 50 mount to adapter 36 with latches 60 .
- shutters 34 lift up exposing the optical fiber inside of connectors 12 , 50 .
- Further descriptions of the functions and structures of first connector 12 and second connector 50 and the mating adapter 36 are shown in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/758,021, Attorney Docket No. 02316.3413USP2, entitled Optical Fiber Connection System Including Optical Fiber Alignment Device, filed Jan. 29, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- first and second connectors 12 , 50 and mating adapter 36 are shown in the drawings as one example implementation. It is to be appreciated that other format connectors and adapters could be used as desired wherein the connector (for example, LC, SC, MPO) is mounted to a holder configured to mount to the connector, instead of the adapter.
- the connector for example, LC, SC, MPO
- a mounting arrangement or fixture 70 is shown with a plurality of holders 14 .
- Holders 14 can be separate elements held together with a mounting structure, or mounting arrangement or fixture 70 can be made with integrally formed holders 14 .
- a single holder 14 or a plurality of holders 14 can be mounted to a tray, a panel, a module, a cassette, a chassis, or other telecommunications equipment, as desired.
- clip 26 is releasable for removing first connector 12 .
- Other mounting structures can be used instead of clip 26 to mount first connector 12 to holder 14 .
- FIGS. 21-24 show various implementations of mounting arrangements 70 including a plurality of holders 14 , either separately mounted, or integrally formed therewith for holding a plurality of connectors prior to connections with an adapter and a second connector.
- the mounting arrangements 70 can be moveably mounted for improved user access too, as desired.
- First tray 100 including a mounting arrangement 70 in the form of a single row of fiber optic connector holders 14 .
- First tray 100 can include other cable management structures 102 such as a cable pass through 104 and a cable storage area 106 .
- Second tray 200 is shown with a mounting arrangement or fixture 70 in the form of a single row of fiber optic connector holders 14 .
- Second tray 200 includes a tray base 202 and a pivotable cover 204 .
- Posts 46 on adapters 36 are held in slots 206 when cover 204 is closed. Fixation is by the first connectors 12 (not shown) within the interior second tray 200 .
- Slots 206 provide an additional load bearing structure in situations where an extra load may be placed on second connectors 50 and cables 56 . However, the engagement of posts 46 and slots 206 does not interfere with the fiber optic signal pathway alignment between the first and second connectors 12 , 50 , since the primary fixation is by tray 200 , holders 14 and first connectors 12 inside of tray 200 .
- Posts 46 allow for rotation of adapter 36 to help avoid stress on the fiber to fiber alignment.
- Adapters 36 can be removed from the interiorly located first connectors 12 by engagement with buttons 210 .
- Button 210 engages the connector latch 60 on first connector 12 disposed within the closed interior of a rear portion 212 of second tray 200 .
- a panel 300 is shown including a plurality of rows 302 of holders 14 .
- Holders 14 are provided in mounting arrangements 70 which are pivotable up and down relative to one another to allow for connector access. Such pivoting will also allow for improved access to individual RFID tags associated with the adapters 36 , and the related connectors 12 , 50 .
- mounting block 400 also includes a dense arrangement of the adapters 36 and the first and second connectors 12 , 50 in mounting arrangement 70 . Rows 402 pivot about an axis which is parallel to the connector axis for each of the connectors for improved access to the adapters 36 and connectors 12 , 50 .
- Connector holder system 10 and the various implementations noted above holds the connector of one of the mated connector pairs, instead of the mating adapter 36 .
- the connector 12 is the primary fixation of the system 10 . If there is additional fixation provided, such as for load bearing situations, it does not interfere with the connector 12 to holder 14 fixation, or the fiber to fiber alignment.
- One result of providing a connector holder system 10 as described herein is that the adapters 36 can be added at a later date, when desired. In the implementations shown above, the connector 12 is protected without the need for an adapter.
- the first fiber optic connector 12 might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector 12 from an exterior of the device.
- the present disclosure contemplates fiber optic connector holders that might include release mechanisms for releasing the fiber optic adapter and a second fiber optic connector 50 from a first fiber optic connector 12 when the first optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user.
- the adapter and the second connector 50 may be added at a later date.
- removability of the adapter and the second connector 50 without having to access or interfering with the first connector 12 is important in such a connector-only approach wherein only the one or more first connectors 12 are held and maintained ready for connection to an adapter and one or more second connectors 50 as desired by the user.
- the holder system 500 includes a connector holder 514 that includes a release mechanism 502 for releasing a fiber optic adapter 536 and a second fiber optic connector 50 from a first fiber optic connector 12 when the first fiber optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user such as, for example, when the holder 514 may be part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector 12 from an exterior of the device.
- the holder 514 of the system 500 includes a base 516 and a housing 518 .
- Housing 518 defines a pocket 520 for receipt of a distal end 22 of first connector 12 .
- Pocket 520 also receives the adapter 536 .
- Holder 514 includes a clip 526 which clips to first connector 12 to hold first connector 12 to holder 514 .
- clip 526 clips to a rear 24 of first connector 12 .
- Clip 526 is located at end 530 of holder 514 .
- the depicted clip 526 is u-shaped and includes two clip arms 548 . Other variations in structures for fixedly holding the connector 12 are also possible.
- the adapter 536 is inserted into an opposite end 532 of holder 514 for mating connection with first connector 12 .
- Adapter 536 is inserted along a longitudinal axis 540 into pocket 520 and latches to first connector 12 .
- Adapter 536 is not latched to holder 514 wherein movement in the axially direction would be prevented. Instead, axial movement is controlled by clip 526 mounted to first connector 12 .
- pocket 520 does provide some support to adapter 536 .
- the main fixation of the mating connectors and adapter 536 is between first connector 12 and holder 514 .
- adapter 536 is mated with first connector 12
- a second connector 50 is mated with adapter 536 .
- fiber optic signals can be transmitted between a first cable and a second cable.
- both connectors 12 , 50 are mated to adapter 536 , the optical fibers within each of the first and second connectors 12 , 50 and first and second cables are in optical alignment.
- second connector 50 can be pre-mated with adapter 536 , and then the combined adapter 536 and second connector 50 can be inserted into holder 514 for mating with first connector 12 .
- the holder 514 includes the release mechanism 502 that allows a user to release the fiber optic adapter 536 and the second fiber optic connector 50 from the first fiber optic connector 12 when the first optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user such as, for example, when the holder 514 may be part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector 12 from an exterior of the device.
- the release mechanism 502 is defined by a lever arm 510 pivotally attached via a hinge 506 at a top 508 of the holder housing 518 .
- the lever arm 510 defines a first end 511 and a second end 513 .
- the first end 511 is configured to be pressed down by a user and is positioned so as to be accessible to a user from an exterior of a device if, for example, the holder is forming a part of the device that limits access to the first connector 12 .
- the second end 513 of the lever arm 510 is configured as a release end.
- the release end 513 abuts and lifts up the latch 60 of the first fiber optic connector 12 and frees the latch 60 from a catch 571 of the adapter 536 .
- the adapter 536 and the second connector 50 that is latched thereto can be slidably removed from holder 514 .
- connection that is preventing axial movement of the adapter 536 and the second connector 50 relative to the holder 514 is the latched connection of the first connector 12 that is held by the clip 526 , freeing the adapter 536 from the first connector 12 allows release of the adapter 536 and the second connector 50 from the holder 514 .
- the release mechanism 502 can be used to release the adapter 536 and the second connector 50 without disturbing the first connector 12 .
- the release end 513 of the lever arm 510 simply pivots upwardly and out of the way due to abutment with the adapter 536 to allow the latch 60 of the first connector to engage with the catch 571 of the adapter 536 .
- FIGS. 32-46 illustrate another embodiment of a connector holder system 600 , wherein the holder 614 of the system 600 includes a release mechanism 602 for releasing a fiber optic adapter 636 and a second fiber optic connector 50 from a first fiber optic connector 12 when the first optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user.
- FIGS. 32-41 are various views of the connector holder system 600 wherein the mounting and the release of the adapter 636 and the second connector 50 to and from the first connector 12 that is held by the holder 614 are illustrated.
- FIGS. 42-45 illustrate the holder 614 in isolation.
- FIG. 46 illustrates a portion of the holder 614 with a first connector 12 attached to a clip 626 of the holder 614 .
- the holder 614 of the system 600 defines a plurality of pockets 620 for receiving the distal ends 22 of first connectors 12 and also the adapters 636 . It should be noted that the inventive features of the holder 614 are applicable to versions that might have less or more pockets.
- Each pocket 620 is cooperatively defined by a base 616 and a housing 618 .
- the holder 614 also includes a vertical wall 604 that defines openings 606 for each housing 618 .
- the vertical wall 604 might represent a portion (e.g., an exterior wall) of a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis.
- the first fiber optic connector 12 may be positioned at a first side 608 of the wall 604 and not accessible from a second side 610 of the wall 604 that only provides access to the adapter 636 and the second connector 50 .
- the holder 614 For each pocket 620 , the holder 614 includes a clip 626 which clips to first connector 12 to hold first connector 12 to holder 614 . Similar to the embodiments discussed above, the clips 626 clip to the rear 24 of first connector 12 . In the depicted embodiment, the clips 626 are u-shaped and include two clip arms 648 . Other variations are possible. Each clip 626 is located at end 630 of housing 618 that is at the opposite end from the adapter insertion end of the housing 618 .
- the release mechanism 602 of the holder is defined by a pivotable floor 601 of the base 616 of the holder 614 .
- the pivotable floor 601 is integrally attached to the base 616 at a first end 603 and defines a free unattached end 605 that enables the floor 601 to act as a cantilever.
- the adapter 636 is brought into the pocket 620 from the opposite end 632 .
- the front end 637 of the adapter 636 that is going to be latched with the connector 12 can be pivoted downwardly within the pocket 620 .
- the pivoting of the adapter 636 is allowed because of the contact of the bottom 639 of the adapter with the pivotable floor 601 .
- the floor 601 acts as a cantilever that allows the latch 60 of the first connector 12 to move over the catch 671 of the adapter 636 and to latch to the adapter 636 .
- a tab 609 defined by the pivoting floor 601 also locks within a detent 611 defined on the adapter body 647 for axially engaging the adapter 636 with respect to the holder 614 .
- This axial engagement is in addition to the engagement provided by the latch 60 of the first connector 12 .
- the removal of the adapter 636 from the holder 614 occurs in a similar fashion to insertion thereof
- the top 613 of the housing 618 is also used to initially free the adapter 636 from the first connector 12 .
- the top 613 of the housing 618 defines a flexible portion 621 that acts as a cantilever.
- a rear end 61 of the latch 60 of the first connector 12 is contacted.
- the front end 63 of the latch 60 can be freed from the catch 671 of the adapter 636 .
- the adapter 636 needs to be freed from the tab 609 defined by the pivotable floor 601 .
- the rear end 641 of the adapter 636 can be pressed downwardly, lifting up the front end 637 and freeing the tab 609 from the detent 611 of the adapter 636 .
- the flexibility of the top 613 of the housing 618 allows the front end 637 of the adapter 636 to be lifted up and the pivotability/flexibility of the floor 601 allows the adapter 636 to be slidably pulled out once the tab 609 has cleared the detent 611 . In this manner, the adapter 636 can be taken out of the pocket 620 of the holder 614 .
- the first end 623 of the flexible portion 621 of the top 613 of the housing 618 can also be used in freeing the first connector 12 from the holder 614 if the user has access to the first side 608 of the vertical wall 604 .
- the first end 623 of the top 613 of the housing 618 is positioned such that it is accessible from the first side 608 of the wall 604 . If the first connector 12 is at a location that is accessible by the user and needs to be released from the adapter 636 and the second connector 50 , the first end 623 of the top 613 of the housing 618 can be pressed downwardly by the user to free to first connector 12 from the adapter 636 .
- the first connector 12 can, thus, be pulled out of the holder 614 .
- the adapter 636 is prevented from being pulled out of the first side 608 of the wall 604 by the clip 626 .
- the release mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns the first and second fiber optic connectors. Similar to the embodiments discussed above with respect to FIGS. 25-46 , the release mechanism of the adapter might allow a user to release the adapter and the second fiber optic connector from the first fiber optic connector when the first optic connector is not readily accessible to a user (e.g., when the first fiber optic connector is supported by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector from an exterior of the device).
- FIGS. 47-56 illustrate such a system 700 wherein the release mechanism is an integral part of the adapter 736 .
- FIGS. 47-51 illustrate various components of the system 700
- FIGS. 52-56 illustrate the sequence of operation in releasing the adapter 736 and the second fiber optic connector 50 from the first fiber optic connector 12 that may be held by the holder of the system 700 .
- FIGS. 57-71 show a variation of an adapter 836 for use with the system 700 , wherein the adapter 836 has similar release features to the adapter 736 of system 700 .
- the system 700 includes the adapter 736 having an integral release mechanism 702 .
- the system 700 may include a holder 714 that facilitates use of the integral release mechanism 702 of the adapter 736 as will be described in further detail below.
- the release mechanism 702 of the adapter 736 is defined by a slider 704 that is positioned at the top 713 of the adapter 736 .
- the slider 704 is configured to be slidably moved by a user to release the latch 60 of a connector, either a first connector 12 or a second connector 50 , from the catches 771 of an adapter 736 .
- the slider 704 defines a pair of first slide tabs 701 on opposing sides of the slider 704 adjacent the first end 703 of the slider 704 and a pair of second slide tabs 705 on opposing sides of the slider 704 adjacent the second end 707 of the slider.
- Each of a right sidewall 709 and a left sidewall 711 of the adapter 736 defines a first slot 715 adjacent the first end 743 of the adapter 736 and a second slot 717 adjacent the second end 745 of the adapter 736 .
- the first slots 715 receive the first slide tabs 701 and the second slots 717 receive the second slide tabs 705 to allow the slider 704 to slidably move.
- the movement is limited by the slide tabs 701 , 705 abutting with the ends of the slots 715 , 717 that act as positive stops.
- the top 721 of the slider 704 defines a grip surface 723 to assist a user in using the slider 704 .
- the first and second ends 703 , 707 of the slider 704 define release portions 725 .
- the release portions 725 are configured to abut and wedge underneath the latches 60 of the connectors 12 to pivot the front ends 63 of the latches 60 of the connectors 12 to release the latches 60 from the catches 771 of the adapter 736 . In this manner, if one of the connectors 12 , 50 is not accessible to a user, the user can push the slider 704 toward the connector and release the latch 60 from the catch 771 of the adapter 736 .
- system 700 may also include a holder 714 that facilitates use of the integral release mechanism 702 of the adapter 736 as illustrated in FIGS. 47-56 .
- the holder 714 defines a base 716 and a housing 718 .
- a clip 726 is located at a first end 730 of the holder 714 for clipping in the first connector 12 .
- Extending from a top 719 of the housing 718 of the holder 714 is a retention tab 731 .
- the retention tab 731 is configured to contact a pair of tabs 733 positioned on the top 713 of the adapter 736 and retain the adapter within the housing 718 of the holder 714 and prevent the adapter 736 to be pulled out in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion into the housing 718 .
- the deflection tab 731 is configured to be flexible such that when the slider 704 is used to release a connector from the adapter 736 , the deflection tab 731 abuts a portion of the slider 704 and moves upwardly out of the way of the slider 704 as the release portion 725 of the slider 704 is abutting the latch 60 of a connector.
- FIGS. 52-56 the sequence of operation for releasing an adapter 736 and a second connector 50 from a first connector 12 of the system 700 is shown in FIGS. 52-56 .
- the configuration of the release mechanism 702 of the system 700 allows a user to release the adapter 736 from the connector 12 and to pull the adapter 736 and the second connector 50 from the holder 714 with a single hand.
- FIGS. 57-71 illustrate another embodiment of an adapter 836 having an integral release mechanism 802 that is configured for use with the system 700 of FIGS. 47-56 .
- the adapter 836 of FIGS. 57-71 is similar in configuration to the adapter 736 shown in FIGS. 47-56 except for having a slider 804 with a different grip surface 823 .
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Abstract
A fiber optic adapter (736/836) includes a body configured to mate a first fiber optic connector (12) with a second fiber optic connector (50), the first and second fiber optic connectors (12,50) including latches (60) for mating with catches (771) of the adapter (736/836) for releasably engaging the first and second connectors (12,50) with the fiber optic adapter (736/836), wherein the latches (60) are configured to be unlatched from the catches (771) by direct contact with the latches (60). The adapter (736/836) includes a release mechanism (702/802) for allowing a user to release the latch (60) of at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors (12,50) from the adapter (736/836) without directly contacting the latch (60) of the at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors (12,50).
Description
- This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/040,008, filed on Jul. 19, 2018, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/033,648, filed on May 1, 2016, no U.S. Pat. No. 10,048,447, which is a National Stage of PCT/EP2014/073213, filed on Oct. 29, 2014, which claims benefit of 61/898,159, filed on Oct. 31, 2013, and which applications are incorporated herein by reference their entireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.
- The present disclosure relates generally to a fiber optic connection system. Modern optical devices and optical communications systems widely use fiber optic cables. Fiber optic cables are often used to transmit light signals for high speed data transmission. A fiber optic cable typically includes an optical fiber or optical fibers, a buffer or buffers that surrounds the fiber or fibers, a strength layer that surrounds the buffer or buffers, and an outer jacket. The optical fibers function to carry optical signals. A typical optical fiber includes an inner core surrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating. Buffers (e.g., loose or tight buffer tubes) typically function to surround and protect coated optical fibers. Strength layers add mechanical strength to fiber optic cables to protect the internal optical fibers against stresses applied to the cables during installation and thereafter. Example strength layers include aramid yarn, steel and epoxy reinforced glass roving. Outer jackets provide protection against damage caused by crushing, abrasions, and other physical damage. Outer jackets also provide protection against chemical damage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids).
- Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connecting and disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring a splice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system for interconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectors mounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and an adapter for mechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectors together. Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that support the ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end faces of the ferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The adapter includes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles for receiving the fiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected). The adapter includes an internal sleeve that receives and aligns the ferrules of the fiber optic connectors when the connectors are inserted within the ports of the adapter. With the ferrules and their associated fibers aligned within the sleeve of the adapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from one fiber to the next. Some systems are known which include alignment of fibers but no ferrules.
- Improvements in the adapters are desired.
- In one implementation, a fiber optic connector is mounted to a fiber optic connector holder. The holder can be a separate piece mountable to other devices, such as trays, panels, modules, cassettes, and chassis. Alternatively, the holder can be integrally formed with the device. In some implementations, multiple holders can be provided as separate elements, or as an integral element.
- The fiber optic connector holder holds the fiber optic connector in position ready for connection to another fiber optic connector at a desired time. The holder receives a fiber optic adapter, and a second fiber optic connector. The adapter aligns the two connectors for fiber optic signal transmission. In one example, the fiber optic connector holder includes a clip for clipping to the connector. In some implementations, the clip is releasable.
- According to certain embodiments, the first and the second fiber optic connectors and the adapter include interlatching features for relatively fixing the connectors to the adapter. The connector(s) may be removed from the adapter by releasing the latching features. Similarly, the adapter may also be relatively removed from the connector(s) by releasing the latching features.
- According to other aspects, the disclosure is directed to fiber optic connector holders that include release mechanisms for releasing the fiber optic adapter and a second fiber optic connector from a first fiber optic connector when the first fiber optic connector may not be readily accessible to a user. For example, the first fiber optic connector might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector from an exterior of the device.
- According to other aspects of the disclosure, the release mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns the first and second fiber optic connectors. The release mechanism of the adapter might allow a user to release the adapter and the second fiber optic connector from the first fiber optic connector when the first fiber optic connector is not readily accessible to a user (e.g., when the first fiber optic connector is supported by a holder that is part of a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector from an exterior of the device).
- According to one aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications system comprising a fiber optic adapter including a catch, a fiber optic connector including a latch configured to mate with the catch for latching the connector with the adapter, wherein the latch is configured to be unlatched from the catch by direct contact with the latch, and a fixture configured to fixedly hold the fiber optic connector for mating with the adapter, wherein the fixture includes a release mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of the connector from the catch of the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the connector.
- According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic adapter comprising a body configured to mate a first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the first and second fiber optic connectors including latches for mating with catches of the adapter for releasably engaging the first and second connectors with the fiber optic adapter, wherein the latches are configured to be unlatched from the catches by direct contact with the latches, wherein the adapter has a release mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors from the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors.
- According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications system comprising a fiber optic adapter configured to mate a first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the first fiber optic connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter, the second fiber optic connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter for optically mating with the first fiber optic connector, wherein both of the first and second fiber optic connectors include latches for mating with catches of the fiber optic adapter for releasably engaging the first and second connectors with the fiber optic adapter, the latches configured to be unlatched from the catches by direct contact with the latches, wherein the adapter has a release mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors from the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors.
- According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of unlatching a fiber optic connector that is fixedly held by a fixture from a fiber optic adapter without directly contacting a latch of the fiber optic connector that mates with a catch of the fiber optic adapter, the method comprising contacting the latch of the fiber optic connector with a portion of a release mechanism located on the fixture to separate the latch of the fiber optic connector from the catch of the fiber optic adapter.
- According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of unlatching a fiber optic connector from a fiber optic adapter without directly contacting a latch of the fiber optic connector that mates with a catch of the fiber optic adapter, the method comprising contacting the latch of the fiber optic connector with a portion of a release mechanism located on the fiber optic adapter to separate the latch of the fiber optic connector from the catch of the fiber optic adapter.
- According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications system comprising a fixture defining a pocket for receiving a fiber optic adapter, the pocket defining an adapter insertion first end and an opposite second end, the fiber optic adapter inserted into the pocket from the first end, the fiber optic adapter including a catch, a fiber optic connector inserted into the pocket from the second end, the fiber optic connector including a latch configured to mate with the catch (571/671/771) for latching the connector with the adapter, wherein the latch is configured to be unlatched from the catch by direct contact with the latch, and a release mechanism provided on the fiber optic adapter or on the fixture for allowing a user to release the latch of the connector from the catch of the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the connector, the release mechanism operable by the user from adjacent the adapter insertion first end of the pocket.
- According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of releasing a first fiber optic connector that has been inserted into a pocket defined by a fixture from a first end of the pocket from a fiber optic adapter that has been inserted into the pocket from a second end of the pocket, wherein the adapter is configured to mate the first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the method comprising unlatching a latch of the first fiber optic connector that connects the first fiber optic connector to the fiber optic adapter from adjacent the second end of the pocket.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector mounted to a fiber optic connector holder; -
FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic connector holder ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic connector holder ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic connector holder ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder; -
FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder; -
FIG. 7 shows a fiber optic adapter being mounted to the fiber optic connector held by the fiber optic connector holder ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a further view of the fiber optic adapter being mounted to the fiber optic connector; -
FIG. 9 is a side view of the fiber optic adapter being mounted to the fiber optic connector; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the view ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fiber optic adapter fully mounted to the fiber optic connector; -
FIG. 12 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic adapter mounted to the fiber optic connector; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a second fiber optic connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter for optical signal transmission between two fiber optic cables; -
FIG. 14 is a further perspective view of the view ofFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15 is a side view of the view ofFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 16 is a top view of the view ofFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing two fiber optic connectors separated from a mating fiber optic adapter; -
FIG. 18 shows a plurality of fiber optic connector holders mounted in a mounting arrangement for holding a plurality of first fiber optic connectors, mating fiber optic adapters, and second fiber optic connectors; -
FIG. 19 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder mounting arrangement ofFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder mounting arrangement without the connectors or adapters shown; -
FIG. 21 is an example implementation of a connector holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations ofFIGS. 1-20 ; -
FIG. 22 is another example implementation of a connector holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations ofFIGS. 1-20 ; -
FIG. 23 is a further example implementation of a connector holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations ofFIGS. 1-20 ; -
FIG. 24 is a further example implementation of a connector holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations ofFIGS. 1-20 ; -
FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a fiber optic connector holder system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the system ofFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 27 is a side view of the system ofFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 28 is a top view of the system ofFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the system ofFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 ofFIG. 28 ; -
FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the system ofFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 32 is a left side perspective view of another embodiment of a fiber optic connector holder system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the system ofFIG. 32 ; -
FIG. 34 illustrates the system ofFIG. 33 in a fully assembled configuration; -
FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of the system shown inFIG. 34 ; -
FIG. 36 is a top view of the system ofFIG. 34 ; -
FIG. 37 is a side view of the system ofFIG. 34 ; -
FIG. 38 is a rear view of the system ofFIG. 34 ; -
FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 39-39 ofFIG. 38 ; -
FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 40-40 ofFIG. 38 ; -
FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 41-41 ofFIG. 38 ; -
FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of the holder of the system ofFIGS. 32-41 ; -
FIG. 43 is a rear view of the holder ofFIG. 42 ; -
FIG. 44 is a top view of the holder ofFIG. 42 ; -
FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 45-45 ofFIG. 44 ; -
FIG. 46 illustrates a portion of the holder ofFIGS. 42-45 with a fiber optic connector mounted to the clip of the holder; -
FIG. 47 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a fiber optic connector holder system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 48 is a side view of the holder system ofFIG. 47 ; -
FIG. 49 is a top view of the holder system ofFIG. 47 ; -
FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 50-50 ofFIG. 49 ; -
FIG. 51 illustrates the holder system ofFIGS. 47-50 in an exploded configuration; -
FIGS. 52-56 illustrate the sequence of operation for releasing an adapter and a second connector of the system ofFIGS. 47-51 from a first connector of the system; -
FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an adapter configured for use with the system ofFIGS. 47-56 , the adapter shown with first and second connectors mated; -
FIG. 58 is a rear perspective view of the adapter and connectors ofFIG. 57 ; -
FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter and connectors ofFIG. 57 ; -
FIG. 60 is a top view of the adapter and connectors ofFIG. 57 ; -
FIG. 61 is a bottom view of the adapter and connectors ofFIG. 57 ; -
FIG. 62 is a left side view of the adapter and connectors ofFIG. 57 ; -
FIG. 63 is a right side view of the adapter and connectors ofFIG. 57 ; -
FIG. 64 is a front view of the adapter and connectors ofFIG. 57 ; -
FIG. 65 is a rear view of the adapter and connectors ofFIG. 57 ; -
FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 66-66 ofFIG. 60 ; -
FIG. 67 illustrates the connectors exploded off the adapter ofFIG. 57 ; -
FIG. 68 is a top view of the adapter and connectors ofFIG. 67 ; -
FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 69-69 ofFIG. 68 ; -
FIG. 70 is a bottom view of the adapter and connectors ofFIG. 67 ; and -
FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 71-71 ofFIG. 70 . - Referring now to
FIGS. 1-6 , aconnector holder system 10 is shown.System 10 includes a fiberoptic connector holder 14 which holds a firstfiber optic connector 12.System 10 maintainsfirst connector 12 in a protected and organized manner for later connection to a second fiber optic connector.System 10 also does not require a fiber optic adapter for holding thefirst connector 12 before connection to the second connector. Withsystem 10, a connector only approach is provided wherein only the one or morefirst connectors 12 are held and maintained ready for connection to an adapter and one or more second connector as desired by the user. -
Holder 14 includes abase 16 and ahousing 18.Housing 18 defines apocket 20 for receipt of adistal end 22 offirst connector 12.Pocket 20 also receives an adapter as will be described below.Holder 14 includes aclip 26 which clips tofirst connector 12 to holdfirst connector 12 toholder 14. As shown,clip 26 clips to a rear 24 offirst connector 12.Clip 26 is located atend 30 ofholder 14.Clip 26 is u-shaped and includes twoclip arms 48. - As shown in
FIGS. 7-12 , anadapter 36 is inserted into anopposite end 32 ofholder 14 for mating connection withfirst connector 12.Adapter 36 is inserted along alongitudinal axis 40 intopocket 20 and latches tofirst connector 12.Adapter 36 is not latched toholder 14 wherein movement in the axially direction would be prevented. Instead, axial movement is controlled byclip 26 mounted tofirst connector 12. -
Adapter 36 includesposts 46 which slide alongslots 28 ofholder 14 to provide proper alignment withfirst connector 12.Pocket 20 does provide some support toadapter 36. The main fixation of the mating connectors and adapter is betweenfirst connector 12 andholder 14. - Once
adapter 36 is mated withfirst connector 12, asecond connector 50 is mated withadapter 36. SeeFIGS. 13-16 . Oncesecond connector 50 is mated withadapter 36, fiber optic signals can be transmitted between afirst cable 54 and asecond cable 56. Once both connectors are mated toadapter 36, the fiber optical fibers within each of the first andsecond connectors cables - If desired,
second connector 50 can be pre-mated withadapter 36, and then the combinedadapter 36 andsecond connector 50 can be inserted intoholder 14 for mating withfirst connector 12. -
First connector 12 includes ashutter 34 for protecting the user and others before connection to thesecond connector 50.Second connector 50 also preferably includes a shutter. -
Holder 14 includes anRFID tag location 42 for holding an RFID tag, if desired.Holder 14 can be provided with holes 44 (seeFIGS. 5 and 6 ) to allow for RFID tags on the connectors to be read while positioned inholder 14. RFID tags allow for identification of specific connectors and adapters. -
Holder 14 is shown with aclosed housing 18 definingpocket 20.Housing 18 is optional if desired. An open toppedbase 16 can be provided. -
Holder 14 can be used as a system demarcation location. In some implementations,first connectors 12 cannot be removed, if desired. Only adapters 36 andsecond connectors 50 would be accessible in that case. In such implementations, for example, the firstfiber optic connector 12 might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the firstfiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a device without access to thefirst connector 12 from an exterior of the device. The present disclosure contemplates fiber optic connector holders that include release mechanisms for releasing thefiber optic adapter 36 and a secondfiber optic connector 50 from a firstfiber optic connector 12 when thefirst optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user. Such holders will be discussed in further detail below. According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the release mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns the first and secondfiber optic connectors - Referring now to
FIG. 17 ,adapter 36 is shown separated fromfirst connector 12 andsecond connector 50. In use,connectors adapter 36 withlatches 60. During insertion ofconnectors adapter 36,shutters 34 lift up exposing the optical fiber inside ofconnectors first connector 12 andsecond connector 50 and themating adapter 36 are shown in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/758,021, Attorney Docket No. 02316.3413USP2, entitled Optical Fiber Connection System Including Optical Fiber Alignment Device, filed Jan. 29, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further embodiments of fiber optic adapters configured to mate first and secondfiber optic connectors - The types of first and
second connectors mating adapter 36 are shown in the drawings as one example implementation. It is to be appreciated that other format connectors and adapters could be used as desired wherein the connector (for example, LC, SC, MPO) is mounted to a holder configured to mount to the connector, instead of the adapter. - Referring now to
FIGS. 18-20 , a mounting arrangement orfixture 70 is shown with a plurality ofholders 14.Holders 14 can be separate elements held together with a mounting structure, or mounting arrangement orfixture 70 can be made with integrally formedholders 14. - A
single holder 14 or a plurality ofholders 14, such as mounting arrangement orfixture 70, can be mounted to a tray, a panel, a module, a cassette, a chassis, or other telecommunications equipment, as desired. In the example implementation,clip 26 is releasable for removingfirst connector 12. Other mounting structures can be used instead ofclip 26 to mountfirst connector 12 toholder 14. -
FIGS. 21-24 show various implementations of mountingarrangements 70 including a plurality ofholders 14, either separately mounted, or integrally formed therewith for holding a plurality of connectors prior to connections with an adapter and a second connector. The mountingarrangements 70 can be moveably mounted for improved user access too, as desired. - Referring now to
FIG. 21 , afirst tray 100 is shown including a mountingarrangement 70 in the form of a single row of fiberoptic connector holders 14.First tray 100 can include othercable management structures 102 such as a cable pass through 104 and acable storage area 106. - Referring now to
FIG. 22 , asecond tray 200 is shown with a mounting arrangement orfixture 70 in the form of a single row of fiberoptic connector holders 14.Second tray 200 includes atray base 202 and apivotable cover 204.Posts 46 onadapters 36 are held inslots 206 whencover 204 is closed. Fixation is by the first connectors 12 (not shown) within the interiorsecond tray 200.Slots 206 provide an additional load bearing structure in situations where an extra load may be placed onsecond connectors 50 andcables 56. However, the engagement ofposts 46 andslots 206 does not interfere with the fiber optic signal pathway alignment between the first andsecond connectors tray 200,holders 14 andfirst connectors 12 inside oftray 200.Posts 46 allow for rotation ofadapter 36 to help avoid stress on the fiber to fiber alignment.Adapters 36 can be removed from the interiorly locatedfirst connectors 12 by engagement withbuttons 210.Button 210 engages theconnector latch 60 onfirst connector 12 disposed within the closed interior of arear portion 212 ofsecond tray 200. - Referring now to
FIG. 23 , apanel 300 is shown including a plurality ofrows 302 ofholders 14.Holders 14 are provided in mountingarrangements 70 which are pivotable up and down relative to one another to allow for connector access. Such pivoting will also allow for improved access to individual RFID tags associated with theadapters 36, and therelated connectors - Referring now to
FIG. 24 , another fixture in the form of amounting block 400 is shown with a plurality ofrows 402 ofholders 14. As withpanel 300, mountingblock 400 also includes a dense arrangement of theadapters 36 and the first andsecond connectors arrangement 70.Rows 402 pivot about an axis which is parallel to the connector axis for each of the connectors for improved access to theadapters 36 andconnectors -
Connector holder system 10 and the various implementations noted above holds the connector of one of the mated connector pairs, instead of themating adapter 36. In general, it is not desirable to precisely fix to a holder, tray, or other device both of the mating connectors and the mating adapter. Tolerance offsets, and misalignments may interfere with proper fiber alignment and signal transmission. In the present implementations, theconnector 12 is the primary fixation of thesystem 10. If there is additional fixation provided, such as for load bearing situations, it does not interfere with theconnector 12 toholder 14 fixation, or the fiber to fiber alignment. - One result of providing a
connector holder system 10 as described herein is that theadapters 36 can be added at a later date, when desired. In the implementations shown above, theconnector 12 is protected without the need for an adapter. - As noted above, in certain implementations, the first
fiber optic connector 12 might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the firstfiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a device without access to thefirst connector 12 from an exterior of the device. The present disclosure contemplates fiber optic connector holders that might include release mechanisms for releasing the fiber optic adapter and a secondfiber optic connector 50 from a firstfiber optic connector 12 when thefirst optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user. When aconnector 12 is protected within a device without the need for an adapter, the adapter and thesecond connector 50 may be added at a later date. However, removability of the adapter and thesecond connector 50 without having to access or interfering with thefirst connector 12 is important in such a connector-only approach wherein only the one or morefirst connectors 12 are held and maintained ready for connection to an adapter and one or moresecond connectors 50 as desired by the user. - Referring now to
FIGS. 25-31 , another embodiment of aconnector holder system 500 is illustrated. Theholder system 500 includes a connector holder 514 that includes arelease mechanism 502 for releasing afiber optic adapter 536 and a secondfiber optic connector 50 from a firstfiber optic connector 12 when the firstfiber optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user such as, for example, when the holder 514 may be part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the firstfiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a device without access to thefirst connector 12 from an exterior of the device. - Still referring to
FIGS. 25-31 , the holder 514 of thesystem 500 includes abase 516 and ahousing 518.Housing 518 defines apocket 520 for receipt of adistal end 22 offirst connector 12.Pocket 520 also receives theadapter 536. Holder 514 includes aclip 526 which clips tofirst connector 12 to holdfirst connector 12 to holder 514. As shown,clip 526 clips to a rear 24 offirst connector 12.Clip 526 is located atend 530 of holder 514. The depictedclip 526 is u-shaped and includes twoclip arms 548. Other variations in structures for fixedly holding theconnector 12 are also possible. - As shown in
FIGS. 25-31 , theadapter 536 is inserted into anopposite end 532 of holder 514 for mating connection withfirst connector 12.Adapter 536 is inserted along alongitudinal axis 540 intopocket 520 and latches tofirst connector 12.Adapter 536 is not latched to holder 514 wherein movement in the axially direction would be prevented. Instead, axial movement is controlled byclip 526 mounted tofirst connector 12. As discussed for previous embodiments,pocket 520 does provide some support toadapter 536. The main fixation of the mating connectors andadapter 536, however, is betweenfirst connector 12 and holder 514. - Once
adapter 536 is mated withfirst connector 12, asecond connector 50 is mated withadapter 536. Oncesecond connector 50 is mated withadapter 536, fiber optic signals can be transmitted between a first cable and a second cable. Once bothconnectors adapter 536, the optical fibers within each of the first andsecond connectors - If desired,
second connector 50 can be pre-mated withadapter 536, and then the combinedadapter 536 andsecond connector 50 can be inserted into holder 514 for mating withfirst connector 12. - In the embodiment shown, the holder 514 includes the
release mechanism 502 that allows a user to release thefiber optic adapter 536 and the secondfiber optic connector 50 from the firstfiber optic connector 12 when thefirst optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user such as, for example, when the holder 514 may be part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the firstfiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a device without access to thefirst connector 12 from an exterior of the device. Therelease mechanism 502 is defined by alever arm 510 pivotally attached via ahinge 506 at a top 508 of theholder housing 518. - The
lever arm 510 defines afirst end 511 and asecond end 513. Thefirst end 511 is configured to be pressed down by a user and is positioned so as to be accessible to a user from an exterior of a device if, for example, the holder is forming a part of the device that limits access to thefirst connector 12. - The
second end 513 of thelever arm 510 is configured as a release end. When thelever arm 510 is operated, therelease end 513 abuts and lifts up thelatch 60 of the firstfiber optic connector 12 and frees thelatch 60 from acatch 571 of theadapter 536. Thus, when thelever arm 510 is pivotally moved, theadapter 536 and thesecond connector 50 that is latched thereto can be slidably removed from holder 514. Since the only connection that is preventing axial movement of theadapter 536 and thesecond connector 50 relative to the holder 514 is the latched connection of thefirst connector 12 that is held by theclip 526, freeing theadapter 536 from thefirst connector 12 allows release of theadapter 536 and thesecond connector 50 from the holder 514. - In this manner, as discussed, when the first
fiber optic connector 12 is not readily accessible to a user such as, for example, when the holder 514 may be part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the firstfiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a device without access to thefirst connector 12 from an exterior of the device, therelease mechanism 502 can be used to release theadapter 536 and thesecond connector 50 without disturbing thefirst connector 12. - During initial insertion or re-insertion of the
adapter 536 into the holder 514 to mate with thefirst connector 12, therelease end 513 of thelever arm 510 simply pivots upwardly and out of the way due to abutment with theadapter 536 to allow thelatch 60 of the first connector to engage with thecatch 571 of theadapter 536. -
FIGS. 32-46 illustrate another embodiment of aconnector holder system 600, wherein theholder 614 of thesystem 600 includes arelease mechanism 602 for releasing afiber optic adapter 636 and a secondfiber optic connector 50 from a firstfiber optic connector 12 when thefirst optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user. -
FIGS. 32-41 are various views of theconnector holder system 600 wherein the mounting and the release of theadapter 636 and thesecond connector 50 to and from thefirst connector 12 that is held by theholder 614 are illustrated.FIGS. 42-45 illustrate theholder 614 in isolation.FIG. 46 illustrates a portion of theholder 614 with afirst connector 12 attached to aclip 626 of theholder 614. - Still referring to
FIGS. 32-46 , in the embodiment shown, theholder 614 of thesystem 600 defines a plurality ofpockets 620 for receiving the distal ends 22 offirst connectors 12 and also theadapters 636. It should be noted that the inventive features of theholder 614 are applicable to versions that might have less or more pockets. - Each
pocket 620 is cooperatively defined by abase 616 and ahousing 618. In the embodiment shown, theholder 614 also includes avertical wall 604 that definesopenings 606 for eachhousing 618. - The
vertical wall 604 might represent a portion (e.g., an exterior wall) of a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis. In such an example, the firstfiber optic connector 12 may be positioned at afirst side 608 of thewall 604 and not accessible from asecond side 610 of thewall 604 that only provides access to theadapter 636 and thesecond connector 50. - For each
pocket 620, theholder 614 includes aclip 626 which clips tofirst connector 12 to holdfirst connector 12 toholder 614. Similar to the embodiments discussed above, theclips 626 clip to the rear 24 offirst connector 12. In the depicted embodiment, theclips 626 are u-shaped and include twoclip arms 648. Other variations are possible. Eachclip 626 is located atend 630 ofhousing 618 that is at the opposite end from the adapter insertion end of thehousing 618. - The
release mechanism 602 of the holder, as shown inFIGS. 37-41 , is defined by apivotable floor 601 of thebase 616 of theholder 614. Thepivotable floor 601 is integrally attached to the base 616 at afirst end 603 and defines a freeunattached end 605 that enables thefloor 601 to act as a cantilever. - Once the
first connector 12 has been inserted into thepocket 620 from theend 630 of thehousing 618 and has been clipped to theclip 626, theadapter 636 is brought into thepocket 620 from theopposite end 632. When theadapter 636 is inserted into thepocket 620, as shown inFIG. 39 , thefront end 637 of theadapter 636 that is going to be latched with theconnector 12 can be pivoted downwardly within thepocket 620. The pivoting of theadapter 636 is allowed because of the contact of the bottom 639 of the adapter with thepivotable floor 601. Thefloor 601 acts as a cantilever that allows thelatch 60 of thefirst connector 12 to move over thecatch 671 of theadapter 636 and to latch to theadapter 636. - When the
adapter 636 is latched with thefirst connector 12, a tab 609 defined by the pivotingfloor 601 also locks within a detent 611 defined on the adapter body 647 for axially engaging theadapter 636 with respect to theholder 614. This axial engagement is in addition to the engagement provided by thelatch 60 of thefirst connector 12. - The removal of the
adapter 636 from theholder 614 occurs in a similar fashion to insertion thereof However, as shown inFIGS. 39-41 , in addition to using the pivotingfloor 601 of the base 616 to free theadapter 636 from theholder 614, the top 613 of thehousing 618 is also used to initially free theadapter 636 from thefirst connector 12. - As shown in
FIGS. 39-41 , the top 613 of thehousing 618 defines aflexible portion 621 that acts as a cantilever. By either pressing down on afirst end 623 of the top 613 of thehousing 618 or lifting up asecond end 625 of the top 613 of thehousing 618, arear end 61 of thelatch 60 of thefirst connector 12 is contacted. By pressing down on therear end 61 of thelatch 60, thefront end 63 of thelatch 60 can be freed from thecatch 671 of theadapter 636. - Once the
adapter 636 is freed from thefirst connector 12, theadapter 636 needs to be freed from the tab 609 defined by thepivotable floor 601. The rear end 641 of theadapter 636 can be pressed downwardly, lifting up thefront end 637 and freeing the tab 609 from the detent 611 of theadapter 636. The flexibility of the top 613 of thehousing 618 allows thefront end 637 of theadapter 636 to be lifted up and the pivotability/flexibility of thefloor 601 allows theadapter 636 to be slidably pulled out once the tab 609 has cleared the detent 611. In this manner, theadapter 636 can be taken out of thepocket 620 of theholder 614. - Referring now to
FIGS. 34, 36, and 41 , it should be noted that thefirst end 623 of theflexible portion 621 of the top 613 of thehousing 618 can also be used in freeing thefirst connector 12 from theholder 614 if the user has access to thefirst side 608 of thevertical wall 604. Thefirst end 623 of the top 613 of thehousing 618 is positioned such that it is accessible from thefirst side 608 of thewall 604. If thefirst connector 12 is at a location that is accessible by the user and needs to be released from theadapter 636 and thesecond connector 50, thefirst end 623 of the top 613 of thehousing 618 can be pressed downwardly by the user to free tofirst connector 12 from theadapter 636. Thefirst connector 12 can, thus, be pulled out of theholder 614. Theadapter 636 is prevented from being pulled out of thefirst side 608 of thewall 604 by theclip 626. - The embodiments discussed above are directed to holders that include the release mechanisms. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the release mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns the first and second fiber optic connectors. Similar to the embodiments discussed above with respect to
FIGS. 25-46 , the release mechanism of the adapter might allow a user to release the adapter and the second fiber optic connector from the first fiber optic connector when the first optic connector is not readily accessible to a user (e.g., when the first fiber optic connector is supported by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector from an exterior of the device). -
FIGS. 47-56 illustrate such asystem 700 wherein the release mechanism is an integral part of theadapter 736.FIGS. 47-51 illustrate various components of thesystem 700, whileFIGS. 52-56 illustrate the sequence of operation in releasing theadapter 736 and the secondfiber optic connector 50 from the firstfiber optic connector 12 that may be held by the holder of thesystem 700. -
FIGS. 57-71 show a variation of anadapter 836 for use with thesystem 700, wherein theadapter 836 has similar release features to theadapter 736 ofsystem 700. - Referring back to
FIGS. 47-56 , thesystem 700 includes theadapter 736 having anintegral release mechanism 702. Thesystem 700 may include aholder 714 that facilitates use of theintegral release mechanism 702 of theadapter 736 as will be described in further detail below. - The
release mechanism 702 of theadapter 736 is defined by aslider 704 that is positioned at the top 713 of theadapter 736. Theslider 704 is configured to be slidably moved by a user to release thelatch 60 of a connector, either afirst connector 12 or asecond connector 50, from thecatches 771 of anadapter 736. - The
slider 704 defines a pair offirst slide tabs 701 on opposing sides of theslider 704 adjacent thefirst end 703 of theslider 704 and a pair of second slide tabs 705 on opposing sides of theslider 704 adjacent thesecond end 707 of the slider. Each of aright sidewall 709 and aleft sidewall 711 of theadapter 736 defines a first slot 715 adjacent thefirst end 743 of theadapter 736 and asecond slot 717 adjacent thesecond end 745 of theadapter 736. The first slots 715 receive thefirst slide tabs 701 and thesecond slots 717 receive the second slide tabs 705 to allow theslider 704 to slidably move. The movement is limited by theslide tabs 701, 705 abutting with the ends of theslots 715, 717 that act as positive stops. The top 721 of theslider 704 defines agrip surface 723 to assist a user in using theslider 704. - The first and second ends 703, 707 of the
slider 704 define release portions 725. As shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 50 , the release portions 725 are configured to abut and wedge underneath thelatches 60 of theconnectors 12 to pivot the front ends 63 of thelatches 60 of theconnectors 12 to release thelatches 60 from thecatches 771 of theadapter 736. In this manner, if one of theconnectors slider 704 toward the connector and release thelatch 60 from thecatch 771 of theadapter 736. - As noted above, the
system 700 may also include aholder 714 that facilitates use of theintegral release mechanism 702 of theadapter 736 as illustrated inFIGS. 47-56 . - The
holder 714, similar to previously discussed holders, defines abase 716 and ahousing 718. Aclip 726 is located at afirst end 730 of theholder 714 for clipping in thefirst connector 12. Extending from a top 719 of thehousing 718 of theholder 714 is aretention tab 731. Theretention tab 731 is configured to contact a pair oftabs 733 positioned on the top 713 of theadapter 736 and retain the adapter within thehousing 718 of theholder 714 and prevent theadapter 736 to be pulled out in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion into thehousing 718. - When the
slider 704 is used to release thelatch 60 of theconnector 12, theslider 704 also contacts theretention tab 731 to move and unlatch theretention tab 731 from thetabs 733 on the top 713 of theadapter 736. Thedeflection tab 731 is configured to be flexible such that when theslider 704 is used to release a connector from theadapter 736, thedeflection tab 731 abuts a portion of theslider 704 and moves upwardly out of the way of theslider 704 as the release portion 725 of theslider 704 is abutting thelatch 60 of a connector. For example, the sequence of operation for releasing anadapter 736 and asecond connector 50 from afirst connector 12 of thesystem 700 is shown inFIGS. 52-56 . - The configuration of the
release mechanism 702 of thesystem 700 allows a user to release theadapter 736 from theconnector 12 and to pull theadapter 736 and thesecond connector 50 from theholder 714 with a single hand. -
FIGS. 57-71 illustrate another embodiment of anadapter 836 having anintegral release mechanism 802 that is configured for use with thesystem 700 ofFIGS. 47-56 . Theadapter 836 ofFIGS. 57-71 is similar in configuration to theadapter 736 shown inFIGS. 47-56 except for having aslider 804 with a different grip surface 823. - The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
-
- 10 Connector holder system
- 12 First fiber optic connector
- 14 Fiber optic connector holder
- 16 Base
- 18 Housing
- 20 Pocket
- 22 Distal end of first connector
- 24 Rear of first connector
- 26 Clip
- 28 Slots
- 30 End of holder
- 32 Opposite end of holder
- 34 Shutter
- 36 Adapter
- 40 Longitudinal axis
- 42 RFID tag location
- 44 Holes
- 46 Posts
- 48 Clip arms
- 50 Second fiber optic connector
- 54 First cable
- 56 Second cable
- 60 Latch
- 61 Rear end
- 62 Front end
- 70 Mounting arrangement
- 100 First tray
- 102 Structures
- 104 Cable pass through
- 106 Cable storage area
- 200 Second tray
- 202 Base
- 204 Cover
- 206 Slots
- 210 Buttons
- 212 Rear portion
- 300 Panel
- 302 Rows
- 400 Mounting block
- 402 Rows
- 500 Connector holder system
- 502 Release mechanism
- 506 Hinge
- 508 Top
- 510 Lever arm
- 511 First end
- 513 Second release end
- 514 Holder
- 516 Base
- 518 Housing
- 520 Pocket
- 526 Clip
- 530 End
- 532 Opposite end
- 536 Adapter
- 540 Longitudinal axis
- 548 Clip arms
- 571 Catch
- 600 Connector holder system
- 601 Pivotable floor
- 602 Release mechanism
- 603 First end
- 604 Vertical wall
- 605 Second end
- 606 Opening
- 608 First side
- 609 Tab
- 610 Second side
- 611 Detent
- 613 Top
- 614 Holder
- 616 Base
- 618 Housing
- 620 Pocket
- 621 Flexible portion
- 623 First end
- 625 Second end
- 626 Clip
- 630 End
- 632 Opposite end
- 636 Adapter
- 637 Front end
- 639 Bottom
- 641 Rear end
- 647 Adapter body
- 648 Clip arms
- 671 Catch
- 700 Connector holder system
- 701 First slide tab
- 702 Release mechanism
- 703 First end
- 704 Slider
- 705 Second slide tab
- 707 Second end
- 709 Right sidewall
- 711 Left sidewall
- 713 Top
- 714 Holder
- 715 First slot
- 716 Base
- 717 Second slot
- 718 Housing
- 719 Top
- 721 Top of slider
- 723 Grip surface
- 725 Release portion
- 726 Clip
- 730 First end
- 731 Deflection tab
- 733 Tab
- 736 Adapter
- 743 First end
- 745 Second end
- 771 Catch
- 802 Release mechanism
- 804 Slider
- 823 Grip surface
- 836 Adapter
Claims (22)
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. A method of unlatching a fiber optic connector from a fiber optic adapter without directly contacting a latch of the fiber optic connector that mates with a catch of the fiber optic adapter, the method comprising:
contacting the latch of the fiber optic connector with a portion of a release mechanism located on the fiber optic adapter to separate the latch of the fiber optic connector from the catch of the fiber optic adapter.
10. A method according to claim 9 , wherein the portion of the release mechanism located on the fiber optic adapter includes a slider that slides with respect to the rest of the fiber optic adapter.
11. A method according to claim 9 , wherein the fiber optic connector is one of a first fiber optic connector and a second fiber optic connector that optically mates via the fiber optic adapter, the portion of the release mechanism located on the fiber optic adapter is configured to unlatch either of the first fiber optic connector or the second fiber optic connector.
12. A telecommunications system comprising:
a fixture defining a pocket for receiving a fiber optic adapter, the pocket defining an adapter insertion first end and an opposite second end;
the fiber optic adapter inserted into the pocket from the first end, the fiber optic adapter including a catch;
a fiber optic connector inserted into the pocket from the second end, the fiber optic connector including a latch configured to mate with the catch for latching the connector with the adapter, wherein the latch is configured to be unlatched from the catch by direct contact with the latch; and
a release mechanism provided on the fiber optic adapter or on the fixture for allowing a user to release the latch of the connector from the catch of the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the connector, the release mechanism operable by the user from adjacent the adapter insertion first end of the pocket.
13. A telecommunications system according to claim 12 , wherein the release mechanism includes a pivotable structure positioned on the fixture.
14. A telecommunications system according to claim 13 , wherein the pivotable structure includes a lever arm mounted to the fixture with a hinge.
15. A telecommunications system according to claim 13 , wherein the pivotable structure includes a cantilever member formed integrally with the fixture.
16. A telecommunications system according to claim 12 , wherein the fixture defines a plurality of locations for fixedly holding a plurality of the fiber optic connectors for mating with a plurality of the adapters.
17. A method of releasing a first fiber optic connector that has been inserted into a pocket defined by a fixture from a first end of the pocket from a fiber optic adapter that has been inserted into the pocket from a second end of the pocket, wherein the adapter is configured to mate the first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the method comprising:
unlatching a latch of the first fiber optic connector that connects the first fiber optic connector to the fiber optic adapter from adjacent the second end of the pocket.
18. A method according to claim 17 , wherein the latch is released by a release mechanism that is located on the fixture, the release mechanism located on the fixture including a pivotable structure positioned on the fixture.
19. A method according to claim 18 , wherein the pivotable structure includes a lever arm mounted to the fixture with a hinge.
20. A method according to claim 18 , wherein the pivotable structure includes a cantilever member formed integrally with the fixture.
21. A method according to claim 17 , wherein the latch is released by a release mechanism that is located on the fiber optic adapter.
22. A method according to claim 21 , wherein the release mechanism located on the fiber optic adapter includes a slider that slides with respect to the rest of the fiber optic adapter.
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US16/587,761 US20200088952A1 (en) | 2013-10-31 | 2019-09-30 | Fiber optic connection system |
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US201361898159P | 2013-10-31 | 2013-10-31 | |
PCT/EP2014/073213 WO2015063148A1 (en) | 2013-10-31 | 2014-10-29 | Fiber optic connection system |
US201615033648A | 2016-05-01 | 2016-05-01 | |
US16/040,008 US10444440B2 (en) | 2013-10-31 | 2018-07-19 | Fiber optic connection system |
US16/587,761 US20200088952A1 (en) | 2013-10-31 | 2019-09-30 | Fiber optic connection system |
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US16/040,008 Continuation US10444440B2 (en) | 2013-10-31 | 2018-07-19 | Fiber optic connection system |
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US16/587,761 Abandoned US20200088952A1 (en) | 2013-10-31 | 2019-09-30 | Fiber optic connection system |
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WO2014118221A1 (en) * | 2013-01-29 | 2014-08-07 | Tyco Electronics Raychem Bvba | Fiber optic connection system |
US20170176696A1 (en) * | 2014-02-11 | 2017-06-22 | Rax Connect Ltd. | Wireless non-intrusive remote monitoring optical connection apparatus utilizing rft photo-detector |
FR3059938A1 (en) | 2016-12-13 | 2018-06-15 | Saint-Gobain Glass France | TRANSPARENT LAYER ELEMENT COMPRISING A SCREEN AREA |
US11702293B2 (en) * | 2017-09-07 | 2023-07-18 | Aegis Sortation, LLC | Enhanced system and method for conveyor maintenance |
JP7014424B2 (en) * | 2018-10-24 | 2022-02-01 | 北川工業株式会社 | Connector fixture |
US11219383B2 (en) * | 2019-01-28 | 2022-01-11 | Laborie Medical Technologies Corp. | Radiofrequency detection and identification of pressure sensing catheters |
US20210382248A1 (en) * | 2020-06-09 | 2021-12-09 | Senko Advanced Components, Inc. | Multiport assembly and associated compone |
US11543601B1 (en) * | 2021-07-22 | 2023-01-03 | Suncall Technologies (Sz) Co., Ltd | MPO connector with high-density release clip and connector release tool |
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US20110222819A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-09-15 | John Anderson | Managed fiber connectivity systems |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20190018202A1 (en) | 2019-01-17 |
US20160274311A1 (en) | 2016-09-22 |
US10048447B2 (en) | 2018-08-14 |
EP3063575A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 |
US10444440B2 (en) | 2019-10-15 |
WO2015063148A1 (en) | 2015-05-07 |
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