CN1241045C - Adapters for coupling optical fiber - Google Patents

Abstract

An adapter for connecting optical fibers. A first adapter includes a port for receiving an optical fiber fitted with a first interface connector. The adapter includes the first interface port mounted on a block. The outer dimensions of the block correspond to an opening in a plate for a second interface adapter. Mounting clips may be pre-formed within the block. A second adapter includes a duplex retaining latch having a first retaining latch for receiving and clamping a first optical fiber connector and a second retaining latch for receiving and clamping a second optical fiber connector. The first and second retaining latches are connected by a connector integral with the first and second retaining latches. A third embodiment includes mounting clips extending through openings within the adapter.

Description

Adapter for connecting fiber optics

technical field

The present invention relates generally to an adapter for connecting optical fibers, and more particularly to an adapter that facilitates panel mounting.

Background technique

Optical fiber transmission is typically accomplished through a fiber optic assembly that includes a length of optical fiber and an interconnect that includes two The adapter mates to the connector. Such interconnects facilitate testing along cable segments, rerouting, and can facilitate changing floor plans within buildings. Especially in the case of a fiber-to-the-desktop application, the transmission is usually done by means of a duplex interconnect, i.e. the cable consists of two fibers and corresponding simplex connectors, the adapters are connected to each other together to form a double (duplex) interconnect.

There are usually two types of connector interfaces for data and telephone communication systems, and their names are ST and SC. The ST is a push/twist lock type interface. Most duplex ST adapters consist of two (2) identical, generally rectangular bodies that are welded together. The adapter is mounted through an opening in an oval or rectangular plate and then screwed into the panel by using some screws that first pass through clearance holes in the mounting flange of the adapter body and then screw into the panel (the opening's Both sides) in the threaded holes and fixed on the panel. The ST simplex adapters are cylindrical in shape and the required anti-rotation properties are typically achieved using a flat (or flats) located within the cylindrical mounting surface and a corresponding "D" (or " Double-D”) shaped opening to complete.

The SC is just a push connector. There is no locking mechanism other than a secure latch that engages a connector to hold the connection in place against possible disengagement. The means by which each adapter is connected to a panel also varies due to inherent intramating differences. The SC adapter has a rectangular shape, therefore, the plate opening for the SC adapter also has a corresponding rectangular shape. The SC adapter is rectangular in shape and is usually secured to an opening in a rectangular plate (the Size is larger than the opening on the plate used for oval/rectangular ST). The design of the mounting clips is such that there is a clip on each side of the adapter and the flexible portion of the retainer of each mounting clip can be moved when the adapter is passed through the opening in the plate. Bends inwards, and snaps back to its original, outwards position after the flexible portion passes through the thickness of the opening in the plate. In this position, the mounting clip can hold the adapter within the panel. Another method of mounting the SC adapter is similar to the one of the ST mounting methods, that is, using some screws that first pass through the clearance holes in the adapter mounting flange, and then screw into the corresponding threaded holes in the panel. of.

The manufacturer of such products must design the product to include both an opening in the plate for ST and an opening in the plate for SC because of the difference in mounting. Making two different types of openings in the plate increases manufacturing costs and increases inventory requirements and complexity. Therefore, it is apparent that there is a need to modify the prior art adapter so that it only requires the use of a single plate opening.

Another problem in the prior art is the use of metal mounting clips to mount the SC type adapters on the panel. These metal mounting clips add to manufacturing costs, and also require additional components and inventory for the manufacturer.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a conventional adapter body, generally designated 1 . An "adapter" consists of two "adapter bodies" connected together. The adapter body 1 comprises a generally rectangular adapter housing 2 with two separate adapter cavities 3 . The ultrasonic energy guide 4a is used to install one adapter body 1 on another adapter body. The adapter body 1 includes a spacer 6 separating each adapter cavity 3 . 1B and 1C are front and rear views of the adapter body shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the retention latch, generally indicated at 10 . Retaining latches 10 are placed inside each adapter lumen 3 to retain a connector formed on the end of an optical fiber. The retention latch includes a pair of resilient fingers 12 that retain the connector within the retention latch 10 . Finger 12 includes a tapered opening 14 to facilitate insertion of the connector into retention latch 10 . Each finger 12 includes a shoulder 16 capable of forming an interference fit with a portion of the connector. Fingers 12 grip a portion of the connector being installed and hold said connector within retention latch 10 with a pull-out resistance of typically 3 pounds. A central guide tube 18 includes a ferrule opening 20 that receives the connector tip. A retention latch opening 22 receives a pair of centering sleeves that center the ends of the optical fibers that fit into the adapter.

Prior art adapters employ simplex retention latches 10 . Thus, an adapter assembly includes two face-to-face mounted adapter bodies 1 , and four simplex retaining latches 10 . Holding the latch 10 with four simplexes has several disadvantages. First, manufacturers must additionally produce and stock parts that could be lost or damaged. Second, it takes a long time to assemble four simplex holding latches.

Another problem with the prior art use of retention latches is that the retention latches are not reliably retained within the adapter body. When the assembler must transport the adapter body including the retaining latches to a soldering area for final connection of the two adapter bodies, the retaining latches are likely to be out of alignment, or may be removed from the come out of the adapter body.

Contents of the invention

The above and other deficiencies and disadvantages of the prior art can be overcome or alleviated by the adapter for connecting optical fibers of the present invention.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an adapter for connecting optical fibers, comprising: a first adapter body, which includes a port for receiving a first optical fiber; a second adapter body, which includes a port for a port for receiving a second optical fiber; a ferrule for aligning the loop in the first optical fiber with the loop in the second optical fiber; at least one for aligning the ferrule relative to the first adapter body a bushing holder positioned with the second adapter body; and at least one mounting clip integrated with the bushing holder, the first adapter body has a first opening, and the second There is a second opening in the adapter body, and the mounting clip is located in the first opening and the second opening.

In a first embodiment, the adapter is for connecting optical fibers equipped with first interface connectors. One of the adapter bodies includes a first interface port mounted on a body. The outer dimensions of the block correspond to an opening on the plate for the second interface adapter. Mounting clips may be pre-formed within the block.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the adapter includes two duplex retaining latches, each retaining latch comprising a first retaining latch for receiving and clamping a first connector and a retaining latch for Receiving and clamping a second retention latch of a second connector. The first and second retaining latches are connected by means of a connecting piece integrally formed with the first and second retaining latches.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, the adapter comprises: two ferrules, two ferrule holders and two adapter bodies. The mounting clip may be formed on one of the ferrule holders, on one of the adapter bodies or as a separate component. Each mounting clip extends through an opening formed in one of the adapter bodies and clamps a panel to mount the adapter within the opening of a panel.

The above and other features and advantages of the present invention can be better understood and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in each of the figures, the same reference numerals represent the same components:

Figure 1A is a side sectional view of a conventional adapter;

Figure 1B is a front view of the conventional adapter;

Figure 1C is a rear view of the conventional adapter;

Figure 2A is a side sectional view of a conventional retaining latch;

Figure 2B is a front view of the conventional retaining latch;

Figure 2C is a rear view of the conventional retaining latch;

Figure 3 is a side view of the adapter in the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a front view of the adapter shown in Figure 3;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a modification of the adapter body shown in Fig. 3, with integrally formed mounting clips;

Figure 6 is a side view of the adapter with the adapter body shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a side sectional view of an SC adapter body with integral mounting clips;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a duplex retention latch;

Figure 9 is a front view of the duplex retention latch located within an adapter body;

Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of another adapter;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the adapter shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of another adapter;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the adapter shown in Figure 12;

Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of another adapter;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the adapter shown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of another adapter;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the adapter shown in Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of an adapter body having a keyway;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the partially assembled adapter;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of an SC bushing holder without mounting clips;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of an ST bushing holder without mounting clips;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of an SC bushing holder with mounting clips;

Figure 23 is a perspective view of an ST bushing holder with mounting clips;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of an adapter body with integral mounting clips;

Figure 25 is another perspective view of the adapter body shown in Figure 24; and

Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of an adapter with individual mounting clips.

Detailed ways

Figure 3 is a side view of an adapter, generally indicated at 20, for installation in a standard panel opening. The adapter includes four first interface ports 22 . In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the first interface is ST. The adapter includes two adapter bodies 20' and 20". The adapter body 20" includes two ST ports 22 connected to flanges 24. The adapter body 20' includes two ST ports 22 connected to a block 28, which is connected to a flange 26. Block 28 includes a recess 30 for receiving a metal mounting clip as described above. The two adapter bodies 20' and 20" are ultrasonically welded together to form the adapter 20 (a pair of centering sleeves are fitted inside the two bodies prior to the welding operation). The block 28 is rectangular in shape and has dimensions such that Adapt to the opening on the plate of a second interface adapter.In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the second interface is SC.Rectangular block 28 can pack ST-ST adapter 20 into a plate identical with the SC adapter In this way, the manufacturer can make a panel with the same plate opening and still be suitable for installation of SC or ST adapters.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a variant of the adapter shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . The recesses 30 for receiving metal mounting clips of the conventional type are replaced by integral mounting clips generally indicated at 40 . Mounting clips 40 are formed at one or both ends of the block 28 and are integral with the block 28 . Mounting clip 40 includes two resilient portions 42 and 42' that are angled to the surface of the adapter body, as shown in FIG. 6 . A first end of each resilient portion 42 and 42' is integral with the adapter body. The second end of each resilient portion 42 and 42' includes a retaining or gripping portion 44 and 44'. Retaining portions 44 and 44' are substantially parallel to the surface of the adapter body. Mounting clip 40 is preferably a resilient clip made of molded polymer. When the adapter is inserted into an opening in a panel, the resilient portions 42 and 42' deflect toward the block 28, and after the resilient portions 44 and 44' have cleared the thickness of the panel, they return to their original position to hold the The adapter remains within the panel. As shown in Figure 7, some mounting clips can also be molded into the body of the SC-style adapter, eliminating the need for metal clips. Of course, any other type of adapter could be molded to include integral mounting clips, thereby eliminating the need for separate mounting clips.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a duplex retention latch, generally indicated at 50 . Duplex holding latch 50 includes two simplex holding latches 52 connected by a link 54 . Simplex holding latch 52 operates in the same manner as conventional holding latch 10 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C . The width of the link 54 may be less than the width of the retention latch 52 , forming a groove 62 in the side of each duplex retention latch 50 . Each retaining latch 52 is generally rectangular and forms a bevel 56 at each corner. The part of the mold for the duplex retaining latch 50 corresponding to the connection piece 54 can be block-shaped (plugged out) to form two simplex retaining latches 52 .

Each surface holding the latch 52 includes posts 58 and holes 60 . Posts 58 and holes 60 allow duplex retention latches to be aligned. If the mold used for the duplex retention latch is changed to omit connector 54, small posts 58 and holes 60 allow alignment of the simplex retention latch. Small posts 58 are formed in the upper left and lower right regions of each retaining latch. Holes 60 are formed in the upper right and lower left regions of each holding latch. This arrangement allows duplex-duplex or simplex-simplex retention latches to cooperate when each retention latch is in multiple orientations. Of course, other small posts and holes could be used to keep the duplex or simplex latches aligned.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of duplex retention latch 50 disposed within a duplex adapter body generally indicated at 70 . The duplex adapter body has an opening 74 for receiving the duplex retention latch 50 . The opening 74 includes two raised portions 72 that extend into the opening 74 and are disposed inside the groove 62 in the duplex retention latch 50 . Alternatively, the adapter body 70 may receive two one-way retention latches within the opening 74 .

Figure 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter. The adapter is indicated generally at 100 and consists of two identical adapter bodies 102 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 can connect those fibers equipped with the first interface connector to those fibers equipped with the first interface connector. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , the first interface is ST, therefore, each adapter body includes first interface ports 110 . Each adapter body comprises a block 106 whose outer diameter corresponds to the opening of the plate of the other adapter, that is to say, the block has a suitable outer dimension to be mounted on a second interface board inside the opening (eg SC). In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, each adapter body includes a flange 108, however, it should be understood that each adapter body may also be without a flange.

The adapter 100 also includes ferrules 112 that align the loops in the first optical fiber with the loops in the second optical fiber. Each ferrule 112 is placed within ferrule holders 114 and 116 . Sleeve holder 114 is a first interface sleeve holder without mounting clips, and sleeve holder 116 is a first interface sleeve holder with mounting clips 118 . Mounting clip 118 is integral with bushing holder 116 . One end of the mounting clip 118 includes a protrusion 120 extending away from the body of the mounting clip, and the protrusion 120 extends through openings 128 (which may be referred to as first openings and second openings) respectively provided in the adapter body 102. opening) one. The protrusion 120 has a tapered surface 124 and a flat surface 126 . In another embodiment, surface 124 has a rounded, arcuate shape. Sleeve holder 116 and mounting clip 118 are made of a resilient material, such as plastic, so that mounting clip 118 can be bent and then returned to its original state. Each opening 128 is disposed in each adapter body 102 for receiving the mounting clip 118 . The mounting clips 118 are sized so that when the adapter 100 is assembled, the mounting clips can be positioned within all of the openings 128 in the adapter body.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the assembled adapter 100 . The adapter 10 is assembled by ultrasonic welding the adapter bodies 102 together. An energy director is provided on each adapter body 102, which will be described in detail below. As shown in FIG. 11, the mounting clip 118 is located within an opening 128 in both bodies of the adapter. Figure 15 shows this feature more clearly. A lip 122 formed on the mounting clip 118 seals the openings 128 to prevent contamination, such as dust, from entering the adapter 100 . When the adapter is mounted on a panel, the tapered surface 124 of the protrusion 120 contacts the edge of the panel opening. When the adapter 100 is pushed towards the panel, the mounting clips 118 are deflected towards the inside of the adapter 100 . When the tapered surface 124 passes over the edge of the panel, the mounting clip returns to its rest position. Interference between protrusion 120 and flange 108 may prevent adapter 100 from moving into or out of the panel. Flange 108 is located on the back of the panel, thus providing an aesthetically pleasing installation. To remove the adapter 100, the user pushes the protrusions 120 towards the adapter 100 so that the protrusions 120 clear the edge of the panel.

By mounting the mounting clip 118 on the clamping sleeve, the length of the mounting clip is longer compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 . In this way, due to the increased length of the mounting clips, better control can be exercised over the force required to insert the adapter into the opening in the board (when some of the mounting clips are fitted into the adapter). When some mounting clips are formed on the adapter body as shown in FIG. 6, the length of the mounting clips is significantly shorter, thus requiring a larger adapter insertion force.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of an adapter 130 for connecting optical fibers equipped with a second interface connector. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the second interface is SC. The adapter 130 includes two identical adapter bodies 132 . Sleeves 112 are provided to align the connector rings as they are inserted into each sleeve 112 . Two sleeve holders 131 and 133 are also used. Sleeve holder 131 is a second interface sleeve holder with mounting clips. Sleeve holder 133 is a second interface sleeve holder without any mounting clips. Both sleeve holders 131 and 133 include some fingers 136 which can hold the respective second interface connectors tightly. Similarly, each adapter 132 includes second interface ports 138 for receiving a second interface connector. The mounting clips 118 are similar to those described above in connection with FIGS. 10 and 11 .

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the adapter shown in Figure 12 after assembly. As previously described, each mounting clip 118 is located within each opening 128 . A lip 122 formed on each mounting clip 118 extends beyond the openings 128 (the first opening and the second opening) to prevent contamination from entering the adapter 130 . Adapter 130 fits within the plate opening in a manner identical to that described above in connection with FIG. 11 .

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an adapter 140 for connecting optical fiber equipped with a first interface connector to optical fiber equipped with a second interface connector. Adapter 140 is composed of those components described above in connection with FIGS. 10-13 . Some mounting clips 118 are provided on the second interface sleeve holder 131 . FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the assembled adapter 140 . As each mounting clip 118 is positioned on the second interface sleeve holder 131, the first interface adapter body 102 will extend through the opening of the board.

Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of an adapter 150 for connecting an optical fiber equipped with a second interface connector to an optical fiber equipped with a first interface connector. Adapter 140 is constructed from those components described above in connection with FIGS. 10-13 . Each mounting clip 118 is disposed on the first interface sleeve holder 116 . FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembled adapter 150 . Because each mounting clip 118 is positioned on the first interface ferrule holder 116, the second interface adapter body 132 will extend through the opening in the board.

As can be seen from Figures 10-17, an important aspect of the present invention is that all four combinations of adapters (first interface-first interface, second interface-second interface, first interface-second interface, second interface-first interface) can be assembled using a plurality of common components. The present invention employs a first port (ST) adapter body, a second port (SC) adapter body and four sleeve holders, thereby providing all the configurations described above. This reduces manufacturing costs and reduces the variety of parts manufacturers need to stock. Additionally, all four of these configurations may provide a flange 108 on the back of the panel, thereby providing a pleasing and aesthetically pleasing installation.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another second interface adapter 152 . Each fiber optic adapter has one or two keyways that can have a constant orientation relative to a mating connector (plug) by means of a key on the connector that engages the adapter keyway. When these adapters are mounted on a panel, it is desirable that the keyways always have the same orientation, and that the orientation is such that the keyways face the person mating a connector with each adapter ( Therefore, the person must align the connector so that the keys engage the keyways).

The manufacturer's assembler will orient the keyways of the adapter in a certain direction (based on where each adapter will face when the connector-retainer mates with the keyway of each adapter). This is an orientation by means of visual inspection, and therefore, inadvertent assembly in the wrong direction can occur.

To prevent misfitting, the adapter body 152 includes a recess 154 formed in its outer surface for receiving a corresponding protrusion formed in a panel opening to align the adapter body within a panel. This ensures that the adapter 152 is positioned within the plate opening in a proper orientation. Generally, the proper orientation of the adapter 152 is such that each keyway 156 formed in each port of the second interface adapter body 152 is visible. As a result, the adapter can only be inserted into the plate opening in one orientation. Of course, the adapter 152 could also fit into a panel without a protruding portion.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a portion of adapter assembly 160 and illustrates another important feature of the present invention. During the manufacture of the adapters, the adapters are typically first assembled at one station and then transferred to another station where the adapter bodies are ultrasonically welded together. Shipping a partially assembled adapter is cumbersome in the prior art because components may separate or become misaligned during shipping. As shown in FIG. 19 , since the protrusions 120 of the mounting clip 118 are located in the openings 128 of the first interface adapter body 102 , the second interface sleeve holder with the mounting clip 131 can clamp part of the adapter assembly 160 together. This prevents the components of the partial adapter assembly from moving or separating during transport to a welding area. Therefore, it becomes more convenient in transportation and manufacture. It is also possible to store such sub-assemblies first, which has the advantage that the assembly process is relatively advanced. Although Figure 19 shows a first port-second port adapter subassembly, it should be understood that all adapters have The advantage.

Figures 20-23 illustrate another important aspect of the invention. In order to make all adapter configurations of the present invention, four different ferrule holders are required. The various bushing holders are: second interface without mounting clips (Figure 20), first interface without mounting clips (Figure 21), second interface with mounting clips (Figure 22) and first interface with mounting clips An interface (Fig. 23). All of these bushing holders are made from the same mold using inserts in said mold. The mold without any inserts can produce the second interface sleeve holder with mounting clips as shown in FIG. 22 . If the mold is caulked with inserts at position 170, the result is a second interface sleeve holder without mounting clips as shown in FIG. If the mold is caulked with inserts at location 172, the result is a first interface sleeve holder with mounting clips as shown in FIG. 23 . If the mold is caulked at locations 170 and 172 with inserts, the result is a first interface sleeve holder without mounting clips as shown in FIG. 21 . Since only one mold is required, the manufacturing process is facilitated.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , each adapter body 102 includes energy directors 103 , 105 and openings 101 , 107 for receiving energy directors on a matching adapter body. The term "energy director" is used to describe a raised portion of a polymer member that fits into a correspondingly shaped recess inside a mating member that holds the two members together after an ultrasonic welding operation. Together. Traditional energy directors are made in the shape of a straight, thin "wall" or a cylindrical strut. A disadvantage of this conventional shape is the poor strength of the ultrasonic weld and the resistance of the two members to separation in tension, push or torsion.

Each energy director 103 and 105 consists of a first raised portion on the surface of the adapter body and a second raised portion on the adapter body substantially perpendicular to the first raised portion. The first and second raised portions contact each other. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, energy directors 103 and 105 are L-shaped, thereby can obtain additional welding strength, this is because its surface area increases, and on a plane perpendicular to the vertical leg of L-shape The force exerted in the adapter has increased resistance, and in the actual use of the adapter, the force is most likely to occur in this direction. Conventional adapters as currently manufactured are less resistant to forces from this direction. Although the energy directors are shown in an L-shape, it should be understood that different alignments, including T-shape and X-shape, may be used.

The use of L-shaped energy directors may also provide several other benefits. When the adapter bodies are welded together, the L-shaped energy directors formed on each adapter body are half-joined to form an I-shaped structure inside the assembled adapter. This is similar to an I-beam and increases the strength of the adapter.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 24 , the mounting clip 182 is integral with the adapter body 180 . Mounting clip 182 includes a first portion 184 integral with adapter body 182 and perpendicular to the central axis of port 199 . A second portion 186 extends through an opening 181 formed in flange 183 of adapter wall 180 . The second portion is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 184 . As shown in FIG. 25 , the second portion 186 includes a protrusion 120 described above in connection with FIG. 10 . Mounting clip 182 is made of a resilient material that bends toward the adapter body and returns to its original position once passed through an opening in a plate.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the adapter. Adapter 190 differs from previous embodiments in that each mounting clip 192 is a separate component, not integral with the ferrule holder or adapter body. Mounting clips 192 are located within openings in the adapter body. One end of the mounting clip 192 includes a protrusion 120 which has been described above. Although an ST-SC configuration is shown, separate mounting clips 192 may also be used with any of the configurations described above. The mounting clip 129 can be attached to the adapter body in a variety of ways. First, the non-bendable end exiting the protrusion 120 may be press fit into the adapter body. Alternatively, the mounting clips 129 can be molded together with a retaining ring and clamped between the flanges of the two adapter bodies after welding. Another variation is to use a mechanical latch or use an adhesive to attach the mounting clip 129 to the adapter body.

Although the present invention is illustrated as comprising a duplex adapter body and a duplex clamping sleeve, it should be understood that the benefits of the present invention are obtained through the use of respective simplex adapter bodies and simplex clamping sleeves . That is, each mounting clip can be integrated with a simplex clamping sleeve, a simplex adapter body, or be separate components within a simplex adapter. Accordingly, the invention should not be considered limited to duplex embodiments.

The adapter of the present invention has many advantages over the prior art. A block that mates with the opening of the second interface board is used to mount an adapter with the first interface port in the same panel. The adapter may include integral mounting clips, eliminating the need for separate mounting clips as used in the prior art. A duplex retention latch reduces the number of parts required to assemble the adapter and also reduces the time required for assembly. In another embodiment, the mounting clip passes upwardly through an opening in the adapter body and may be integral with the sleeve holder, an adapter body or separate components.

Although several preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described above, various changes and modifications can also be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and that the invention is not limited in scope to the several preferred embodiments described.

Claims (16)

1. An adapter (100) for connecting an optical fiber, characterized in that it comprises: a first adapter body (102), which includes a port (110) for receiving a first optical fiber; A second adapter body (102), which includes a port (110) for receiving a second optical fiber; a ferrule (112) for aligning the loop in the first optical fiber with the loop in the second optical fiber; at least one ferrule holder (114, 116) for positioning said ferrule (112) relative to said first adapter body and said second adapter body; and At least one mounting clip (118) integral with said sleeve holder, said first adapter body (102) having a first opening (128) therein, said second adapter body (102) having a first opening (128) therein A second opening (128), said mounting clip (118) is located within said first opening (128) and said second opening (128). 2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the sleeve holder (114) is located in the first adapter body (102), and further comprises a sleeve holder (114) located in the second adapter body (102). ) inside the second bushing holder (116). 3. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said mounting clip (118) further comprises a lip extending beyond said first opening (128) and said second opening (128) (122). 4. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said mounting clip (118) further comprises a protrusion extending through one of said first opening (128) and said second opening (128) (120). 5. The adapter of claim 4, wherein the protrusion further comprises a tapered surface (124). 6. The adapter of claim 4, wherein said protrusion (120) further comprises an arcuate surface. 7. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the second adapter body (102) comprises: A body (106) whose outer diameter corresponds to the opening of the plate for the other adapter. 8. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that, the port (110) of the first adapter is ST, and the port (110) of the second adapter body is SC. 9. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said first adapter body comprises an energy director (103, 105) having a first substantially perpendicular to a second raised portion. raised parts; and The second adapter body includes an opening for receiving the energy director. 10. The adapter of claim 9, wherein the energy director is L-shaped. 11. The adapter of claim 10, wherein, The first adapter body comprises two first L-shaped energy directors (103, 105) and two first L-shaped openings (101) located adjacent to the two first L-shaped energy directors (103, 105) , 107); The second adapter body comprises two second L-shaped energy directors (103, 105) and two second L-shaped openings (101, 107) located adjacent to the two second L-shaped energy directors; and The two first L-shaped energy directors (103, 105) engage with the two second L-shaped openings (101, 107), and the two second L-shaped energy directors (103, 105) Engages with the two first L-shaped openings (101, 107). 12. The adapter of claim 1, wherein: The port includes a keyway (156) for aligning the connector within the port; and a recess on the exterior of the adapter body for aligning the adapter body within a panel. Slot (154). 13. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising: a first retaining latch (52) for receiving and clamping a first optical fiber connector; a second retaining latch (52) for receiving and clamping a second fiber optic connector; and A connector (54) integral with and connected to said first retention latch (52) and second retention latch (52). 14. Adapter according to claim 13, characterized in that the width of the connecting piece (54) is smaller than the width of the first retaining latch (52). 15. The adapter of claim 13, further comprising: at least one stud (58) and at least one hole (60) formed on a surface of said first retaining latch (52) and at least one stud (58) and at least one hole (60) formed on a surface of said second retaining latch (52). 16. The adapter according to claim 13, further comprising: a small post (58) located at an upper left area and a lower right area of a surface of said first retaining latch (52); Holes (60) in the upper right and lower left regions of the first retaining latch (52); small posts (58) in the upper left and lower right regions of the second retaining latch (52); located in the second retaining latch Holes in the upper right and lower left areas of the lock (52).

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