WO2013173726A1 - Connectors and adapters with auto-latching features - Google Patents
Connectors and adapters with auto-latching features Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013173726A1 WO2013173726A1 PCT/US2013/041612 US2013041612W WO2013173726A1 WO 2013173726 A1 WO2013173726 A1 WO 2013173726A1 US 2013041612 W US2013041612 W US 2013041612W WO 2013173726 A1 WO2013173726 A1 WO 2013173726A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- adapter
- connector
- port
- plug connector
- fiber optic
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 51
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 43
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000010287 polarization Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008054 signal transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001846 repelling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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
- G02B6/389—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
-
- 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
-
- 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
- G02B6/3869—Mounting ferrules to connector body, i.e. plugs
- G02B6/387—Connector plugs comprising two complementary members, e.g. shells, caps, covers, locked together
-
- 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
- G02B6/3895—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs identification of connection, e.g. right plug to the right socket or full engagement of the mating parts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/6205—Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
- H01R13/6275—Latching arms not integral with the housing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
-
- 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
- G02B6/389—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
- G02B6/3898—Tools, e.g. handheld; Tuning wrenches; Jigs used with connectors, e.g. for extracting, removing or inserting in a panel, for engaging or coupling connectors, for assembling or disassembling components within the connector, for applying clips to hold two connectors together or for crimping
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q1/00—Details of selecting apparatus or arrangements
- H04Q1/02—Constructional details
- H04Q1/13—Patch panels for monitoring, interconnecting or testing circuits, e.g. patch bay, patch field or jack field; Patching modules
- H04Q1/135—Patch panels for monitoring, interconnecting or testing circuits, e.g. patch bay, patch field or jack field; Patching modules characterized by patch cord details
- H04Q1/136—Patch panels for monitoring, interconnecting or testing circuits, e.g. patch bay, patch field or jack field; Patching modules characterized by patch cord details having patch field management or physical layer management arrangements
Definitions
- a variety of communications devices can be used for switching, cross-connecting, and interconnecting communications signal transmission paths in a communications network.
- Some such communications devices are installed in one or more equipment racks to permit organized, high-density installations to be achieved in limited space available for equipment.
- Some connections are made between plug connectors (e.g., optical plug connectors, electrical plug connectors, etc.) and adapters (e.g., optical adapters, electrical jacks, etc.) within the communications network.
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of one example optical adapter 450 defining front and rear ports 452 receiving first and second optical plug connectors 400A, 400B, respectively.
- Each optical plug connector 400A, 400B includes a manually actuated latch finger 405 that extends rearwardly so that a distal end of the latch fmger 405 is located at a first distance L" away from the front of the connector 400.
- the first distance L" is sufficiently long that at least the distal end of the latch finger 405 extends outwardly from the optical adapter 450 when the connector 400 is fully inserted within the adapter 450. Accordingly, the distal end of the latch finger 405 is accessible to a user when the connector 400 is fully inserted within the adapter 450.
- the latch finger 405 defines latching surfaces that engage abutment surfaces within the ports 452.
- the latch finger 405 may be flexed towards a body of the connector 400 (e.g., by a finger of the user or by the adapter body as the user applies an insertion force to the connector 400) to allow the latching surfaces to pass the abutment surfaces.
- the latch finger 405 flexes back to align the latching surfaces and the abutment surfaces, thereby securing the connector 400 to the adapter 450.
- the latch finger 405 is depressed by a user (e.g., using a finger of the user) to move the latching surface out of engagement with the abutment surface.
- a user e.g., using a finger of the user
- the latching surface is clear of the abutment surface, the user may pull the connector 400 out of the adapter port 452.
- Manually actuated latch fingers can be actuated accidentally by a user (e.g., when routing cables past a dense group of ports; when actuating an adjacent latch finger; etc.). Improvements in connection of fiber optic connectors are desired.
- a plug connector e.g., a fiber optic connector, an electrical connector, etc.
- a latching arrangement including a latch arm pivotally coupled to the plug body.
- the latch arm is pivotal between a raised position and a lowered position.
- the latch arm is configured to be in the lowered position absent an external force.
- the latch arm is at least partially formed from or coated with a material that is temporarily magnetizable.
- the adapter arrangement includes an adapter body defining a port and a magnet arrangement coupled to the adapter body.
- the magnet arrangement includes at least one permanent magnet and at least one electromagnet.
- the permanent magnet constantly generates a magnetic field within a region of the port.
- the electromagnet is configured to selectively generate a magnetic field within the port. The electromagnet is stronger than the permanent magnet.
- a managed connectivity system including at least one adapter defining a plurality of ports having magnet arrangements; a plug connector including a magnetizable latching arm that is sufficiently short to not extend outside of the adapter when the plug connector is mounted within one of the ports of the adapter; and a management system including a processor that is configured to operate the magnet arrangements.
- the latching arm is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position.
- the latching arm is sized to pass by the abutment surface when in the lowered position during insertion or removal of the plug connector.
- the latching arm is sized to engage the abutment surface when the in the raised position during insertion or removal of the plug connector.
- a plug connector e.g., an optical plug connector, an electrical plug connector, etc.
- an adapter including determining that a plug connector has been inserted into the port of the adapter; determining that insertion of the plug connector is authorized at the port; and actuating an electromagnet to generate a magnetic field that is sufficiently powerful to lift a latch arm of the plug connector to a raised position.
- the plug connector is not secured to the adapter until the electromagnet is actuated.
- the plug connector has a latch arm that is retained in a raised position by a magnetic field having a first polarity.
- the method includes receiving a port selection identifying a port of an adapter from which removal of the plug connector is desired; receiving a readiness indication from a user; actuating a magnet arrangement; and indicating to the user that the plug connector is unlatched and ready for removal. Actuating the magnet arrangement generates a magnetic field having a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity that moves the latch arm of the plug connector to a lowered position.
- inventive aspects can relate to individual features and combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example fiber optic connector including a latching arrangement having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged, front perspective view of a plug nose portion of the connector of FIG. 1 shown with the latching arrangement in a lowered position;
- FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the plug nose portion of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the plug nose portion of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the plug nose portion of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, front perspective view of a plug nose portion of the connector of FIG. 1 shown with the latching arrangement in a raised position;
- FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the plug nose portion of FIG. 6;
- FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the plug nose portion of FIG. 6;
- FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of another example plug nose having another example latching arrangement exploded outwardly from the plug nose;
- FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the plug nose portion of FIG. 9 with the latching arrangement assembled and in a raised position;
- FIG. 1 1 is an enlarged view of a portion of another plug nose portion having another latching arrangement in the raised position;
- FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an optical adapter defining ports for receiving a fiber optic connector
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plug insertion axis of the optical adapter of FIG. 12 and a connector having one of the latching
- FIG. 14 shows the connector of FIG. 13 partially inserted within the optical connector
- FIG. 15 shows the connector of FIG. 13 fully inserted within the optical connector and the latching arrangement in the raised position
- FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of an example management system that is operationally coupled to equipment including one or more optical adapters that are configured in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure
- FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an insertion process by which a user may securely plug a connector into an optical adapter
- FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an insertion authorization process by which the management system may decide whether or not to latch a connector within an optical adapter
- FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a removal process by which a user may remove a connector from an optical adapter
- FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a removal authorization process by which the management system may decide whether or not to unlatch a connector within an optical adapter
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plug insertion axis of an optical adapter including an ejector for pushing a connector out of the adapter port;
- FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plug insertion axis of an optical adapter including an internal micro-switch by which a user may indicate readiness to remove a connector by pushing the connector further into the adapter port;
- FIG. 23 illustrates an adapter receiving connectors having manually operated latching arrangements that protrude from the adapter ports
- FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of a connector body with another example implementation of a latching member exploded outwardly from the connector body;
- FIG. 25 shows the latching member of FIG. 24 assembled on the connector body
- FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a connector body with another example implementation of a latching member exploded outwardly from the connector body;
- FIG. 27 shows the latching member of FIG. 26 assembled on the connector body
- FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter at which the connector body and latching member of FIG. 27 is inserted with the latching member disposed in the lowered position;
- FIG. 29 shows the adapter and connector of FIG. 28 with the latching member disposed in the raised position;
- FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of a connector body with another example implementation of a latching member exploded outwardly from the connector body;
- FIG. 31 shows the latching member of FIG. 30 assembled on the connector body
- FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter at which the connector body and latching member of FIG. 31 is inserted with the latching member disposed in the lowered position;
- FIG. 33 shows the adapter and connector of FIG. 32 with the latching member disposed in the raised position.
- the present disclosure relates to plug connectors and adapters that may be automatically secured and released via a management system.
- Such automation may inhibit accidental and/or unauthorized insertion of plug connectors into adapter ports.
- the automation also may inhibit accidental and/or unauthorized removal of the plug connectors from the ports.
- the plug connectors are optical plug connectors (e.g., LC-type connectors, MPO-type connectors, SC-type connectors, LX.5-type connectors, etc.).
- the plug connectors are electrical plug connectors (e.g., RJ45-type plugs, RJpoint5-type plugs, etc.).
- RJ45-type plugs e.g., RJpoint5-type plugs, etc.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example optical fiber connector 300 including a connector body 301 coupled to a ferrule 302 that is configured to hold at least one optical fiber.
- a boot 303 extends rearwardly from the connector body 301 to support and protect the optical fiber terminated by the connector 300.
- the connector body 301 includes a key area 304 that protrudes upwardly from the connector body 301.
- the key area 304 is configured to align with a notched area of an optical adapter port 352 (see FIG. 12) when the connector 300 is inserted into the optical adapter 350.
- the example connector 300 includes a latching member 305 that is configured to pivot about a pivot axis P (FIG. 7) between a raised position and a lowered position as will be discussed in more detail herein.
- a pivot axis P FIG. 7
- the connector 300 includes a storage device 306 that is configured to electronically store information pertaining to the connector 300 (e.g., physical layer information).
- the storage device 306 is mounted to the key area 304 of the connector 300.
- the connector 300 does not include memory for electronically storing information.
- FIGS. 2-8 illustrate one example latching member 305 suitable for use with the connector body 301.
- FIGS. 2-5 show the latching member 305 in the lowered position relative to the connector body 301 and
- FIGS. 6-8 show the latching member 305 in the raised position.
- the latching member 305 When in the lowered position, the latching member 305 enables the connector 300 to be freely inserted and removed from an optical adapter port.
- the latching member 305 secures the connector 300 within an optical adapter port as will be disclosed in more detail herein.
- the latching member 305 includes a pivot pin 307 that pivotally couples to the connector body 301.
- the pivot pin 307 is mounted within a recess 31 1 defined in the key area 304 of the connector body 301.
- the pivot pin 307 is elongated along the pivot axis P and rotatable within the recess 31 1.
- the pivot pin 307 is snap-fit between latching fingers 313 defined at a rear side of the key area 304.
- the pivot pin 307 may be otherwise pivotally or rotatably coupled to the connector body 301.
- An arm 308 extends from the pivot pin 307 to a handle 309.
- the arm 308 is bent or curved.
- the arm 308 may define a planar surface.
- the handle 309 extends transverse to the arm 308 to form a T-shape.
- the handle 309 defines protrusions 310 that extend forwardly of the handle 309 towards the key region 304 at opposite sides of the handle 309.
- the handle 309 has a generally rectangular shape.
- the latching member 305 extends rearwardly so that a distal end of the latch finger 405 is located at a second distance L' away from the front of the connector 300 (see FIG. 4).
- the second distance L' is less than the first distance L" of the conventional LC-type connector shown in FIG. 23.
- the arm 308 is sufficiently short so that the distal end of the latching member 305 is fully contained within an adapter port 352 when the connector 300 is inserted within the adapter port 352 (see FIG. 15).
- FIGS. 9 and 10 show an alternative implementation of a connector body 301 ' and a latching member 305'.
- the connector body 301 ' includes two spaced apart support mounts 304A extending from a rear side of a key area 304'.
- Each of the support mounts 304A defines an opening 31 1 ' through which a pivot pin 307' may be inserted.
- the pivot pin 307' may be snap-fit, welded, heat-sealed, or otherwise secured within the openings 31 1 '.
- the pivot pin 307' is rotationally fixed within the openings 31 ⁇ .
- An example latching member 305' includes a pin-receiving portion
- the pin- receiving portion 315 that defines a channel sized and shaped to receive the pivot pin 307'.
- the pin- receiving portion 315 is configured to rotate around the pivot pin 307' (see FIG. 10) to enable the latching member 305' to pivot between the raised and lowered positions.
- the pin-receiving portion includes a hollow cylinder.
- the arm 308 extends from the pin-receiving portion 315 similar to how the arm 308 extends from the pivot pin 307 of latching member 305.
- FIG. 1 1 illustrates yet another alternative implementation of a latching member 305" suitable for mounting on the connector body 301 ' of FIGS. 9 and 10.
- the latching member 305" is substantially similar to the latching member 305' of FIGS. 9 and 10, except that a pin-receiving portion 315' includes a bent or folded section of the arm 308.
- the pin-receiving portion 315' is configured to rotate about the pivot pin 307'. However, the pin-receiving portion 315' does not fully enclose the pivot pin 307'.
- any of the connector bodies 301 , 30 ⁇ shown above may include a bump 314 or other support structure that maintains the handle 309 of the latching member 305, 305', 305" at a first distance away from the connector body 301, 30 ⁇ when the latching member 305 is in the lowered position.
- a bump 314 is shown on connector body 301 in FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8.
- the arm 308 of the latching member 305, 305', 305" may seat on the bump 314 when the latching member 305, 305', 305" is in the lowered position. When in the raised position, the latching member 305, 305', 305" does not seat on the bump 314 (see FIG. 7).
- At least a portion of the latching member 305, 305', 305" is formed from a magnetizable material (e.g., a metal).
- the handle 309 is formed of a magnetizable material.
- the arm 308 is formed of a magnetizable material. In certain implementations, the arm 308 is not formed of a magnetizable material. In other implementations, the entire latching member 305, 305', 305" is formed of a magnetizable material.
- the connector 300 disclosed above may be inserted into and removed from an optical adapter 350.
- the remainder of the disclosure will refer only to the connector body 301 and latching member 305. It should be understood, however, that the principles discussed below apply to all of the implementations discussed above. Accordingly, in the below disclosure, the connector body 30 ⁇ may be substituted for the connector body 301 and either of the latching members 305', 305" may be substituted for the latching member 305.
- FIG. 12 illustrates an example optical adapter 350 configured to receive and align two or more optical connectors 300.
- the optical adapter 350 includes an adapter housing 351 defining two or more ports 352.
- the optical adapter 350 is a quadruplex adapter that defines four ports 352 at a front side and four ports 352 at a rear side. In other implementations, however, the adapter 350 may include a greater or lesser number of ports 352 on each side.
- Each port 352 defines a notched region 353 sized and shaped to receive the key area 304, 304' of an optical connector 300.
- the adapter housing 351 includes a ferrule holder 355 between each set of front and rear ports 352.
- the ferrule holder 355 includes a splice sleeve that is configured to receive and align a ferrule of an optical connector 300 at each end of the ferrule holder 355.
- the adapter housing 351 also includes an abutment surface 354 that faces an interior of the adapter housing 351.
- the abutment surface 354 is sized so that the latching member of the connector 300 may freely pass by the abutment surface 354 when the latching member is lowered. When the latching member is raised, the distal end of the latching member engages the abutment surfaces 354 of the adapter housing 351 (see FIG. 15).
- a magnet arrangement 365 is coupled to the adapter housing 351 at the port 352 to interact with the latching member 305 of the connector 300 when the connector 300 is inserted at the adapter housing 351.
- the magnet arrangement 365 includes at least one permanent magnet 363 and at least one electromagnet 367 (FIG. 16).
- a permanent magnet 363 is a structure that continuously generates a magnetic field.
- an electromagnet 367 is a structure (e.g., a coil of wire) that generates a magnetic field when an electric current is applied and does not generate a magnetic field when an electric current is not applied. The polarization of the magnetic field generating by the electromagnet 367 can be selectively reversed.
- the permanent magnet 363 is sufficiently weak that the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet is insufficient to attract the magnetizable material of the latching member 305 towards the permanent magnet 363 when the latching member 305 is in the lowered position.
- the permanent magnet 363 is sufficiently strong that the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet is sufficient to attract the magnetizable material of the latching member 305 when the latching member 305 is in the raised position.
- the electromagnet 367 is sufficiently strong that the magnetic field generated by the activated electromagnet is sufficient to attract the magnetizable material of the latching member 305 when the latching member 305 is in the lowered position.
- the magnet arrangement 365 is disposed within the adapter port 352 so that the permanent magnet 363 is aligned with a portion of the latching member 305 when the connector 300 is fully inserted within the adapter port 352.
- the permanent magnet 365 is disposed to align with one of the protrusions 310 extending forwardly from the handle 309 of the latching member 305.
- the magnet arrangement 365 includes two permanent magnets 363 and one electromagnet 367. In one example
- each permanent magnet 363 aligns with one of the protrusions 310 of the handle 309.
- the magnet arrangement 365 may include any desired number of permanent and electromagnets.
- FIGS. 24-33 illustrate additional example implementations of a connector body and a latching member.
- FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate a connector body 601 and a latching member 605 that pivots between a raised position and a lowered position.
- the connector body 601 holds a ferrule 602.
- a storage device 606 is disposed at a key 604 defined by the body 601. In other implementations, the storage device 606 may be disposed elsewhere on the body 601. In still other implementations, the connector body 601 may not have a storage device mounted thereon.
- the latching member 605 is configured to be mounted to the connector body 601.
- the latching member 605 includes a first pivot pin 607A and a second pivot pin 607B that extend away from each other.
- Each pivot pin 607A, 607B is sized to be mounted at one of the two spaced-apart support mounts 604A, 604B extending from a rear side of the key 604.
- each pivot pin 607A, 607B fits within an opening 61 1 defined in the respective support mount 604A, 604B.
- the pivot pins 607A, 607B may be snap-fit, welded, heat-sealed, or otherwise secured within the openings 61 1.
- Two spaced-apart arms 608A, 608B extends from the pivot pins 607A, 607B to a handle 609.
- the arms 608 A, 608B are bent or curved.
- the arm 608A, 608B may define a planar surface.
- the handle 609 extends transverse to the arm 608 to form a T-shape.
- the handle 609 has a generally rectangular shape.
- the handle 609 has protrusions that extend forwardly of the handle 609 towards the key region 604.
- the latching member 605 extends rearwardly so that a distal end of the latching member 605 is located closer to the front of the connector body 601 than the distal end of the latching member of the conventional LC-type connector shown in FIG. 23.
- the arms 608 A, 608B are sufficiently short so that the distal end of the latching member 605 is fully contained within an adapter port 352 when the connector body 601 is inserted within the adapter port 352.
- FIGS. 26-29 illustrate another alternative implementation of a connector body 621 having a latching member 625 that pivots between a raised position and a lowered position.
- the connector body 621 holds a ferrule 622 and defines a key region 624.
- Support mounts 624A extend rearwardly from the key region 624 and define laterally aligned openings 631 for receiving a pivot pin 627 that extends between the openings 631.
- the pin 627 is rotationally fixed (e.g., welded, glued, etc.) to the support mounts 624A.
- the pin 627 is rotatable (e.g., snap-fit) within the openings 631.
- the latching member 625 includes an arm 628 extending from a handle 629 to a pin-receiving portion 635.
- the pin-receiving portion 635 is shaped to wrap or fold partially around the pivot pin 627.
- the pin-receiving portion 635 is configured to rotate about the pivot pin 627.
- the pin-receiving portion 615 does not fully enclose the pivot pin 627.
- part of the arm 628 extends parallel with part of the pin-receiving portion 635.
- the arm 628 is bent or curved between the handle 629 to the pin-receiving portion 635.
- the handle 629 has a major surface 629A that extends upwardly form the arm 628 so that an edge 629B of the handle 629 faces away from the connector body 621.
- FIGS. 28 and 29 show the connector body 621 on a connector 600 that has been inserted in a port of an example adapter housing 651.
- the adapter housing 651 is substantially the same as adapter housing 351 of FIGS. 13-15, except that the orientation of the adapter housing 651 has been flipped and an indicator
- the adapter housing 651 may be equipped with an indicator (e.g., an LED) as shown in FIGS. 13-15.
- the adapter housing 651 includes an abutment surface 654 that faces an interior of the adapter housing 651.
- the abutment surface 654 is sized so that the latching member 625 of the connector 600 may freely pass by the abutment surface 654 when the latching member is lowered (see FIG. 28).
- the distal end of the latching member 625 engages the abutment surfaces 654 of the adapter housing 651 (see FIG. 29).
- a magnet arrangement 665 is coupled to the adapter housing 651 to interact with the latching member 625 of the connector 600.
- the magnet arrangement 665 is substantially the same as the magnet arrangement 365 of FIGS. 13-15, except that the magnet arrangement 365 aligns with the edge 629B of the handle 629 (instead of the major surface 629A) when the latching member 625 is in the raised position (see FIG. 29).
- FIGS. 30-33 illustrate another alternative implementation of a connector body 641 having a latching member 645 that pivots between a raised position and a lowered position.
- the connector body 641 holds a ferrule 642 and defines a key region 644.
- Support mounts 644A extend rearwardly from the key region 644 and define laterally aligned openings 671 for receiving a pivot pin 647 that extends between the openings 671.
- the pin 647 is rotationally fixed (e.g., welded, glued, etc.) to the support mounts 644A.
- the pin 647 is rotatable (e.g., snap-fit) within the openings 671.
- the latching member 645 includes an arm 648 extending from a handle 649 to a pin-receiving portion 675.
- the pin-receiving portion 675 is shaped to wrap or fold partially around the pivot pin 647.
- the pin-receiving portion 675 is substantially the same as pin-receiving portion 635 of FIG. 26, except that the pin- receiving portion 675 curves upwardly and away from the connector body 641 and back towards the handle 649 whereas the pin-receiving portion 635 had curved downwardly towards the connector body 621.
- FIGS. 32 and 33 show the connector body 641 on a connector 640 that has been inserted in a port of an example adapter housing 681.
- the adapter housing 681 is substantially the same as adapter housings 351 , 651 described above, except that the connector 640 is shown inserted into the left port instead of the right port. Of course, connectors can be received at both ports.
- the adapter housing 651 may be equipped with an indicator (e.g., an LED) as shown in FIGS. 13-15.
- a magnet arrangement 695 which is substantially the same as magnet arrangement 665 and 365 disclosed herein, is mounted in the adapter 681 and is coupled to a circuit board 690 to actuate the latching member 645 of the connector 640 to releasably lock the connector 640 to the adapter 681.
- the shape of the latching member 645 allows the arm 648 to pivot within the adapter port while remaining clear of any obstacles. For example, the arm 648 of the latching member 645 stays farther away from the adapter body 681 than the arm 628 of latching member 625 (compare FIG. 33 with FIG. 29).
- each adapter 350 of the equipment 370 includes an indicator 368 (e.g., an LED) with which the user's attention may be drawn to a particular adapter on the equipment 370.
- the equipment 370 may include a display screen on which port identification (e.g., labels) may be listed.
- the communications equipment 370 may be configured to otherwise identify a selected one of the adapters 350.
- the magnet arrangement 365 and indicator 368 are controlled by a management system 380.
- the management system 380 determines when the electromagnet 367 is activated, activated with reverse polarization, and deactivated. Accordingly, the management system determines when the connector 300 is secured to the adapter 350 and when the connector 300 is releasable from the adapter 350.
- the management system 380 also determines when the indicator 368 for each adapter 350 is activated (e.g., lit) and deactivated.
- the management system 380 includes a local processor coupled to the adapter 350 or equipment including the adapter. In other implementations, the management system 380 includes a remote processor 382 coupled to the adapter 350 or equipment including the adapter 350.
- management system 380 also includes memory 384 that may store processes or operation implemented by the processor 382.
- the management system 380 also may include a user interface module 386 with which one or more users communicate with the management system 380. Additional details regarding example management systems suitable for use in controlling the magnet arrangement 365 as described in more detail below are disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 201 1 -0262077- Al, filed February 1 1, 201 1 , and titled "Managed Fiber Connectivity Systems," the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- the management system 380 determines whether to authorize the insertion. If the insertion is authorized, then the connector 300 is latched in the adapter port 352. If the insertion is not authorized, then the connector 300 is not latched within the port 352. In some implementations, authorization is granted if the management system 380 expected a connection to be made at the port 352 and the connector 300 matches predetermined criteria.
- FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for an example insertion process 500 by which a user may plug a fiber optic connector 300 into an adapter 350.
- the process steps may be implemented by one or more users. In certain implementations, the process steps herein described may occur at different times and/or locations.
- the insertion process 500 begins at a start module 502 and proceeds to an access operation 504.
- the user communicates with the management system 380.
- the user may communicate with the management system 380 via a direct connection to the user interface module 386.
- the user may communicate with the management system 380 via a networked computer or handheld processing device (e.g., smart phone, PDA, etc.) that is remotely connected (e.g., via a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or another network) to the management system 380.
- a networked computer or handheld processing device e.g., smart phone, PDA, etc.
- the user identifies the adapter port 352 at which the user wants to insert the connector 300. For example, in some implementations, the user may view a port map and identify the port at which the connection should be made. In certain implementations, the port map is graphically displayed and the user selects an area on the graphic display. In other words,
- the user may type or otherwise provide a port identification (e.g., a unique identification number) to the management system 380.
- a port identification e.g., a unique identification number
- the user also may provide the management system 380 with identifying characteristics of the connector 300 to be inserted. For example, the user may provide a unique identification number associated with the connector 300. In other implementations, the user may provide a cable type, connector type, or other physical feature associated with the connector 300. In still other implementations, the user may indicate that the connector 300 to be received is a managed connector (i.e., a connector 300 that includes memory storing physical layer information thereabout). 2
- the user pushes the connector 300 into an adapter port 352.
- the user holds the connector 300 in the adapter port 350 (see hold operation 510) until the management system 380 indicates that an action has been taken.
- the action includes latching the connector 300 into the adapter port 352 if the management system 380 determines that insertion is authorized as disclosed in more detail below.
- the action includes issuing an alarm or error if the management system 380 determines that insertion is not authorized as disclosed in more detail below.
- the insertion operation 500 performs any appropriate completion procedures and ends at a stop module 512.
- FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for an authorization process 520 by which the management system 380 determines whether or not a connector insertion is appropriate.
- the process steps may be implemented by one or more processors associated with the management system 380. In certain implementations, the process steps are implemented locally at the adapter 350 or adapter equipment. In other implementations, the process steps are implemented at a location remote from the adapters 350.
- the insertion authorization process 520 begins at a start module 522 and proceeds to a determine operation 524.
- the determine operation 524 determines that a connector 300 has been or is being inserted into one of the adapters 350 associated with the
- the management system 380 may determine that a switch has been opened or closed, thereby indicating that a connector 300 has been inserted into the adapter 350.
- the determine operation 524 may be
- the connector 300 pushes against electrical contacts 362 when inserted, thereby completing a circuit between the contacts 362 and a printed circuit board 360 associated with the adapter 350.
- other types of presence sensors e.g., pressure sensors, light sensors, etc. may be utilized.
- An obtain operation 526 reads or attempts to read data stored in the memory of the connector 300. If the connector 300 being inserted includes memory 306, then the obtain operation 526 retrieves some or all of the data stored in the memory and sends the data to the management system 380 for processing. In some implementations, the data is sent to a local processor at the adapter equipment. In other implementations, the data is sent to a remote processor. In some
- the obtain operation 526 retrieves a unique identifier associated with the connector 300. In other implementations, the obtain operation 526 retrieves physical layer information (e.g., cable type, cable length, connector type, insertion count, security clearance, etc.) pertaining to the connector 300 or cable terminated thereat.
- physical layer information e.g., cable type, cable length, connector type, insertion count, security clearance, etc.
- a determination module 528 implemented by the management system 380 determines whether the insertion of the connector 300 at the adapter port 352 should be allowed. For example, in some implementations, the management system 380 determines whether a unique identifier read from the connector memory 306 matches an expected unique identifier provided by a user prior to the insertion. In other implementations, the management system 380 determines whether other types of data read from the memory 306 matches the expected data (e.g., whether the connector 300 is the expected connector type, whether the connector 300 terminates a cable of the expected cable type, whether the connector 300 is associated with the expected security clearance, etc.).
- the management system 380 determines that authorization should be provided, then the management system 380 temporarily activates (e.g., pulses) the magnet arrangement 365 at an actuate operation 530. For example, the management system 380 may activate the electromagnet 367 to create a magnetic field that is sufficiently strong to pull the latch 305 towards the permanent magnet 363.
- the management system 380 also activates an indicator 368 associated with the adapter port 352 or adapter equipment at an indicate operation 532. For example, in one implementation, the management system 380 may light an LED or other light source associated with the port 352. Activating the indicator tells the user that the connector 300 has been latched.
- the management system 380 determines that authorization should not be provided, then the management system 380 implements an error operation 534 at which the user is informed that authorization is not granted.
- the error operation 534 does not light an indicator light (e.g., LED) associated with the port.
- the error operation 534 activates the indicator light with a warning color (e.g., red) or pattern (e.g., flashing).
- the error operation 534 sounds an auditory alarm.
- the error operation 534 sends an alert message to the user or to an administrator of the management network or security personnel.
- the management system 380 implements an eject operation 536 at which the management system 380 instructs the adapter 350 to physically push or otherwise attempt to force the connector 300 out of the port 352.
- the ejector 356 applies a pressure to the connector 300 to push the connector 300 sufficiently out of the port 352 to prevent transmission of a signal from or to the connector 300.
- the ejector 356 pushes the connector 300 completely outside of the adapter port 352.
- FIG. 21 illustrates an adapter 350 including an example ejector 356 disposed within the adapter port 352.
- the example ejector 356 includes a spring 358 that biases the ejector 356 towards the open end of the port 352.
- the ejector 356 is shaped and configured to engage part of a connector 300 that has been inserted into the respective adapter port 352 at least when the ejector 356 is actuated.
- the ejector 356 is held (e.g., physically, magnetically, etc.) in a retracted position against the bias of the spring 358 until actuated by the management system 380.
- the management system 380 releases the ejector 356 to be freely biased by the spring 358.
- the insertion authorization operation 520 performs any appropriate completion procedures and ends at a stop module 538.
- a connector 300 may be removed from an adapter port 352 when the management system 380 determines that such a removal is authorized.
- a user provides a request to the management system 380 that a particular connector 300 be unlatched to facilitate removal of the connector 300 from the port 352.
- the user When ready to remove the connector 300, the user signals the management system to unlatch the connector 300.
- the management system 380 unlatches the requested connector 300.
- FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for an example removal process 550 by which a user may pull or otherwise remove a fiber optic connector 300 from an adapter port 352.
- the process steps may be implemented by one or more users. In certain implementations, the process steps herein described may occur at different times and/or locations.
- the removal process 550 begins at a start module 552 and proceeds to an access operation 554.
- the user communicates with the management system 380.
- the user may communicate with the management system 380 via a direct connection to the user interface module 386.
- the user may communicate with the management system 380 via a networked computer or handheld processing device (e.g., smart phone, PDA, etc.) that is remotely connected (e.g., via a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or another network) to the management system 380.
- a networked computer or handheld processing device e.g., smart phone, PDA, etc.
- the user identifies the adapter port 352 from which the user wants to remove the connector 300 and/or the user identifies the connector 300 that the user wants to remove. For example, in some
- the user may view a port map and identify the port at which the disconnection should be made.
- the port map is graphically displayed and the user selects an area on the graphic display.
- the user may type or otherwise provide a port identification (e.g., a unique identification number) and/or a connector identification to the management system 380.
- the user pushes a button or otherwise actuates an input member to provide an indication to the management system 380 that the user is ready to remove a connector.
- the user pushes a button 375 (FIG. 16) that is associated with multiple adapters 350 on a piece of adapter equipment.
- the user pushes a button (359) associated with a particular adapter port 352.
- the user directly depresses the button with a finger of the user.
- the user indirectly actuates the button as will be described in more detail herein.
- the user indicates readiness using a biometric device (e.g., a fingerprint scanner).
- the biometric device analyzes biometric data (e.g., a scanned fingerprint) to identify the user.
- the management system 380 may check whether the identified user is authorized to remove the connector 300 or otherwise modify the connections of the system. 41612
- the user pushes the connector 300 forwardly into the adapter port 352 (see push operation 560) until the management system 380 indicates (e.g., via indicator 368) that an action has been taken.
- the action includes unlatching the connector 300.
- the action may include ejecting the connector 300 from the port 352.
- the action may include issuing an alarm or error.
- the user implements the push operation 560 before the indicate operation 558.
- the user implements the indicate operation
- FIG. 22 illustrates a connector 300 disposed within a port 352 of an adapter 350 having an internal input member 359.
- the internal input member 359 is a micro- switch that is electrically connected to the circuit board 360 (e.g., via a circuit board 357 or other electrical connecting structure).
- pushing the connector 300 into the port 352 actuates the internal input member 359, which triggers the management system 380 to act (e.g., release the latch 305 of the connector 300).
- the user may pull the connector 300 out of the port 352 at a remove operation 362.
- the removal may be assisted by an ejector 356.
- the removal operation 550 performs any appropriate completion procedures and ends at a stop module 564.
- FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for an authorization process 570 by which the management system 380 determines whether or not removal of a connector from an adapter port is appropriate.
- the process steps may be implemented by one or more processors associated with the management system 380. In certain implementations, the process steps are implemented locally at the adapter 350 or adapter equipment. In other implementations, the process steps are implemented at a location remote from the adapters 350.
- the removal authorization process 570 begins at a start module 572 and proceeds to a receive operation 574.
- the receive operation 574 obtains a selection of a desired connector 300 to be removed (i.e., or an adapter port 352 from which a connector 300 is desired to be removed).
- the receive operation 574 obtains a connector selection or port selection from a user via the user interface 386 of the management system 380 (FIG. 16). In certain implementations, the selection is obtained using a graphic interface. In certain implementations, the selection is obtained via a port identification number (or alphanumeric code) or connector identification number (or alphanumeric code). In certain implementations, the receiver operation 574 obtains multiple selections from the user.
- a determine operation 576 receives an indication from a user that the user is ready to disconnect the selected connector 300 (i.e., to disconnect the connector 300 plugged into the selected port 352).
- the determine operation 576 may receive and process a signal from a push button 359, 375 or other input member actuated manually by the user.
- the input member 359, 375 is located at the adapter 350 or adapter equipment.
- one input member 375 (FIG. 16) is associated with all ports 352 defined by the adapter equipment.
- each adapter port 352 is associated with its own input member 359 (FIG. 22).
- a first determination module 578 determines whether the readiness indication received in the determine operation 576 identifies a particular port 352 from which a connector 300 is to be removed (i.e., or a particular connector 300 to be removed). If the readiness indication does not identify a particular port 352 or connector 300, then the management system 380 implements a flip operation 580 to actuate the electromagnet 367 associated with the port 352 or connector 300 identified in the receive operation 572. However, the management system 380 reverses (i.e., flips) the polarity of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 367, thereby repelling the connector latch 305 away from the permanent magnet 363.
- the management system 380 actuates an indicator 368 to denote the connector 300 being unlatched from the port 352.
- the indicator 368 visually denotes unlatching (e.g., lights an LED, flashes an LED, changes the color of an LED).
- the indicator 368 audibly denotes unlatching.
- the management system 380 may actuate an ejection member 356 during an eject operation 584 to aid in removing the unlatched connector 300 from the port 352. For example, the management system 380 may release an ejector spring 358 to bias the connector 300 out of the port 352.
- the management system 380 implements a compare operation 586 that determines whether the user has identified the connector 300 preselected for removal. If the readiness indication identifies the preselected connector 300 or port 352 (see the second determination module 588), then the management system 380 implements the flip operation 580 and proceeds as described above.
- the management system 380 implements an error operation 590. Similarly, if the second determination module 588 determines that no connector 300 or port 352 has been preselected, then the management system 380 will proceed to the error operation 590.
- the error operation 590 provides an indication to the user that the user is attempting an unauthorized removal of a connector. For example, the error operation 590 may generate or trigger a visual alarm (e.g., a flashing LED), an audible alarm, or some other type of alert. In certain implementations, the error operation 590 will identify (e.g., flash an LED located at) the connector 300 preselected for removal.
- the removal authorization operation 570 performs any appropriate completion procedures and ends at a stop module 592.
- the management system 380 includes tamper detection sensors (e.g., Hall sensors) disposed at the adapter 350 or adapter equipment to detect when a magnetic field is being applied within the port. The management system 380 may determine whether or not a detected magnetic field is occurring only when the magnet arrangement 365 is actuated. If a magnetic field is detected, but the magnet arrangement 365 is not actuated, then the management system 380 may generate an alert. Such an alert will inhibit a user from forcing an unauthorized connection or removal using an external magnet.
- tamper detection sensors e.g., Hall sensors
- the above latching techniques and management system can be applied to other types of optical connectors (e.g., MPO connectors, LX.5 connectors, etc.), to electrical connectors (e.g., RJ45 connectors, RJpoint5 connectors, USB connectors, etc.) and sockets, or to hybrid or mixed media connectors and adapters.
- optical connectors e.g., MPO connectors, LX.5 connectors, etc.
- electrical connectors e.g., RJ45 connectors, RJpoint5 connectors, USB connectors, etc.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (7)
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EP13790549.3A EP2850477A4 (en) | 2012-05-18 | 2013-05-17 | Connectors and adapters with auto-latching features |
BR112014028660A BR112014028660A2 (en) | 2012-05-18 | 2013-05-17 | self-locking connectors and adapters |
CN201380037297.2A CN104471454B (en) | 2012-05-18 | 2013-05-17 | Connector and adapter with automatic bolt-lock feature |
AU2013262558A AU2013262558A1 (en) | 2012-05-18 | 2013-05-17 | Connectors and adapters with auto-latching features |
MX2014014008A MX2014014008A (en) | 2012-05-18 | 2013-05-17 | Connectors and adapters with auto-latching features. |
CA2873866A CA2873866A1 (en) | 2012-05-18 | 2013-05-17 | Connectors and adapters with auto-latching features |
ZA2014/09208A ZA201409208B (en) | 2012-05-18 | 2014-12-15 | Connectors and adapters with auto-latching features |
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- 2013-05-17 CN CN201380037297.2A patent/CN104471454B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-05-17 WO PCT/US2013/041612 patent/WO2013173726A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-05-17 EP EP13790549.3A patent/EP2850477A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2013-05-17 US US13/896,797 patent/US9063298B2/en active Active
- 2013-05-17 CA CA2873866A patent/CA2873866A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-05-17 AU AU2013262558A patent/AU2013262558A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-05-17 MX MX2014014008A patent/MX2014014008A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2014
- 2014-11-18 CL CL2014003127A patent/CL2014003127A1/en unknown
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9063298B2 (en) | 2015-06-23 |
EP2850477A4 (en) | 2016-02-24 |
AU2013262558A1 (en) | 2014-12-11 |
BR112014028660A2 (en) | 2017-06-27 |
EP2850477A1 (en) | 2015-03-25 |
CL2014003127A1 (en) | 2015-08-21 |
US9500817B2 (en) | 2016-11-22 |
ZA201409208B (en) | 2016-08-31 |
CN104471454A (en) | 2015-03-25 |
CN104471454B (en) | 2017-07-28 |
US20130323940A1 (en) | 2013-12-05 |
MX2014014008A (en) | 2015-06-10 |
CA2873866A1 (en) | 2013-11-21 |
US20150293311A1 (en) | 2015-10-15 |
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