HK1198393B - Fiber optic connector with polarity change - Google Patents

Description

Optical fiber connector with polarity change

Background

Fiber optic connectors are used to terminate fiber optic cables. One version of fiber optic connector is the LC version. Existing LC connectors have latches that must be depressed. In high density applications, it may be difficult for users to place their fingers in tight spaces to depress the latch. To address this problem, existing LC connectors utilize a "push-pull" mating mechanism to actuate the LC latch. These push-pull designs use a conventional LC body/latch combination, which increases the overall height of the connector and typically requires the user to grasp the duplex clip to release the latch, which is located far forward near the congested mating area.

After the fiber optic cable is terminated, it is sometimes necessary to change the polarity of the connection. Existing single barrel (uniboot) connectors do not allow for polarity changes or make changes difficult for the user to make. Polarity changes of these connectors require the connectors to be separated from the clips and rotated. Rotation of the connector simultaneously rotates the optical fiber, exerting pressure on the optical fiber. This requires the user to perform many steps and leaves sensitive optical fibers susceptible to damage, particularly in the field where conditions are variable.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the connector of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the connector of fig. 1 with the cover removed.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a closure in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a latch in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the connector of fig. 1 with the sleeve (boot) and the cap removed.

Fig. 7-10 illustrate changing the polarity of the connector in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 11 illustrates a connector body and fiber retainer in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 12 illustrates mounting of the cover to the body in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 13-16 illustrate polarity icons in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 17-19 illustrate polarity flags in alternative exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a connector in another embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the connector of fig. 21.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a closure in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the connector of fig. 21.

Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the connector body and latch in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 illustrates the interaction between the connector body and the fiber holder in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 26-28 illustrate changing connector polarity in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 29-30 illustrate fiber holder polarity flags in an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention provide push-pull LC duplex fiber optic connectors that allow the connectors to be more easily unlatched (unlatched) from their mating adapters than conventional LC connectors. The connector includes a separate latching clip that enables polarity change without turning the individual connector, thereby eliminating the need to twist the optical fiber, enabling easier field polarity change and more reliable connection.

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector 100 including a sleeve 102, a cover 104, a latch 106, a fiber retainer 108, and a connector body 110. The connector body 110 is a non-latching LC-type connector body. It should be understood that embodiments may use different connector bodies and the invention is not limited to LC-type connectors. Cable 120 extends through sleeve 102 and includes two optical fibers. A heat shrink material 122 encases at least a portion of the cable 120 and a crimp ring 124 is secured to the cable 120. Connector body 110 terminates two optical fibers in cable 120. The connector body 110 is non-latching in that the latch 106 is used to secure the connector 100 to an adapter.

The sleeve 102 includes a sleeve polarity flag 130 that includes two letters, but may include any type of symbol, color coding, etc. Likewise, the fiber holder 108 includes a fiber holder polarity flag 132 that can match the sleeve polarity flag 130. The fiber holder 108 may include fiber holder polarity flags 132 located on the top and bottom surfaces of the fiber holder 108. The sleeve polarity flag 130 and the fiber holder flag 132 indicate the polarity of the connector based on whether the sleeve polarity flag 130 is aligned with the fiber holder polarity flag 132 (e.g., whether the letters a and B match). Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled connector 100. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled connector 100 with the cover 104 removed.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cover 104. The closure 104 includes a generally rectangular closure body 140. Extending from the rear of the closure body 140 is a resilient latch 142. The latch 142 secures the cover 104 to the sleeve 102. The leading edge of the closure body 140 includes fingers 144 that extend away from the closure body 140. As shown in fig. 1, the cap 104 is received in the cutout 103 of the sleeve 102. The finger 144 is positioned under one edge of the cutout and the latch 142 engages the other edge of the cutout. To remove the closure, the latch 142 is opened with a finger or tool. A tab 143 extends under the closure body 140 and moves in a slot 155 (fig. 5) of the latch 106 to limit movement of the sleeve 102 relative to the fiber holder 108.

The closure 104 also includes a tab 146 extending downwardly from the underside of the closure body 140. The nubs 146 cooperate with ridges 150 (fig. 5) on the latch 106. The latch 106 includes a resilient arm 152 that engages a mating structure on the LC adapter. The arm 152 extends forward away from the sleeve 102 along the insertion axis of the connector 100 with the adapter. As such, the connector 100 has a lower profile than prior connectors having upwardly and rearwardly extending latches. The arms 152 are integrally formed with the spine 150 and deflect as the spine 150 deflects as described herein. The latch 106 also includes a mounting tab 154 that secures the latch 106 to the fiber retainer 108.

The latch 106 is secured to the fiber holder 108 and the sleeve 102 slides relative to the fiber holder 108 to provide push-pull activation of the latch 106. When mating the connector 100 to an adapter, the sleeve 102 is pushed forward to move the nubs 146 toward the ridges 150. This allows latch arm 152 to engage with a mounting structure on the LC adapter. To disconnect the connector 100 from the adapter, the sleeve 102 is pulled back (opposite the insertion axis) so that the tabs 146 ride over the ridges 150. This causes the arm 152 to deflect downward and release the latch 106 from the LC adapter. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the connector with the sleeve 102 and the cap 104 removed.

One aspect of embodiments of the present invention is the ability to change the polarity of the connector without applying unnecessary pressure to the fibers in cable 120. Fig. 7 shows a first step in changing the polarity of the connector, including removing the cover 104 from the sleeve 102. Fig. 8 shows a second step of changing the connector. In this second step, the sleeve 102 is pulled back along the cable 120 to expose the fiber holder 108. The latch 106 is removed from the fiber holder 108.

Fig. 9 shows a third step of changing the polarity of the connector. As shown, the sleeve 102 is rotated 180 degrees and the latch 106 is moved from a first side of the fiber holder 108 to a second side of the fiber holder 108. The fiber holder 108 does not rotate or reposition. This reduces the strain on the optical fibers terminated to the connector body 110. Rotating the connector body 110 (as occurs in prior art designs) can cause torsional stress on the optical fiber. Embodiments of the present invention avoid such stress by maintaining the position of the fiber retainer 108 and the connector body 110. Further, the terminated connector body 110 need not be removed from the fiber holder 108 when changing polarity. This avoids damage to the optical fibre. In conventional designs, when changing polarity, damage can result from pulling the connector out of the retainer prior to rotation.

Fig. 10 shows a fourth step of changing the polarity of the connector. As shown in fig. 10, the fiber holder 108 is repositioned in the sleeve 102 and the cover 104 is re-snapped into place.

FIG. 11 illustrates the interaction between the connector body 110 and the fiber holder 108. The fiber retainer 108 includes at least one tab 160 extending adjacent a surface of each connector body 110. The design in fig. 11 uses two tabs 160 adjacent each connector body 110. The interference between the wings 160 and the surface of the connector body 110 prevents the connector body 110 from rotating. This maintains the connector body 110 in alignment with the adapter that mates with the connector 100.

Fig. 12 illustrates the tool-less mounting of the closure 104 to the body 102.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the connector 100 with an alternative cover 204 and a polarity icon 206. The cover 204 is made of a clear material (e.g., transparent) and allows the polar icon 206 to be viewed through the cover 204. The polarity icon 206 includes a polarity icon designation 208 that includes two letters, but may include any type of symbol, color coding, etc. Polarity icon indicia 208 appear on both sides of polarity icon 206, where the symbols are opposite. The orientation of the polarity icon flag 208 indicates the polarity of the connector 100. Also shown in fig. 13 is flared end 103 of sleeve 102. Flared end 103 facilitates strain/bend relief and also provides a lip for a user to pull back when the connector is pulled out of the adapter. Fig. 14 is a top perspective view of the cover 204 with the polarity icon 206. Fig. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the lid 204 and the polarity icon 206.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the connector 100 with the cover 204 and polarity icon 206 after reversing polarity relative to fig. 13. To change the polarity of the connector 100, the steps of fig. 7-10 described above are followed. In addition, the polarity icon 206 is flipped over by the installer and reinstalled in the cover 204. As shown in fig. 16, the polarity icon 208 is the opposite of that in fig. 13, indicating that a polarity change has occurred from a first polarity configuration to a second polarity configuration. The orientation of the polarity icon flag 208 indicates the polarity of the plurality of connectors.

Fig. 17 shows a sleeve 302 in an alternative embodiment. The sleeve 302 is similar to the sleeve 102 in fig. 13 and includes windows 304 formed on opposite sides of the cut-out 103. The window 304 is generally rectangular and allows viewing of the fiber holder polarity indicia on the top and bottom surfaces of the fiber holder 108. Fig. 18 shows the window 304 of the sleeve 302 and the fiber holder polarity flag 132 visible through the window 304. If the polarity of the connector changes (e.g., the sleeve 302 is rotated relative to the fiber optic adapter 108 as described above), the orientation of the fiber holder polarity flag 132 changes. Fig. 19 shows the window 304 after the polarity of the connector has been changed relative to fig. 18. As shown, the orientation of the fiber holder polarity flag 132 is now reversed relative to fig. 18. This allows for an easy determination of the polarity of the connector.

Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a connector 400 in an alternative embodiment. The connector 400 allows the polarity of the connector to be changed without the need to rotate the connector body as described above. The connector 400 includes a single latch on each connector body and a single sleeve design. Connector 400 includes a sleeve 402, a cover 404, a latch 406, a fiber retainer 408, and a connector body 410. The connector body 410 is an LC-type connector body. It should be understood that embodiments may use different connector bodies and the invention is not limited to LC-type connectors. A cable 420 extends through the sleeve 402 and includes two optical fibers. A heat shrink material 422 (which is optional) encases at least a portion of the cable 420 and crimp ring 420 secures the cable 420 to the fiber holder 408. Connector body 410 terminates two optical fibers in cable 420. As described in further detail herein, each connector body 410 receives a latch 406 for securing the connector 400 to a duplex adapter.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the interaction between the latch 406 and the sleeve 402. Each latch 406 includes a latch arm 430 extending in a direction from the front mating end of the connector body 400 toward the sleeve 402. A latch bushing (collar) 432 (fig. 20) is used to secure the latch 406 to the connector body 410 and is described in further detail herein. Sleeve 402 includes hooks (hook) 434, each of which is received in an opening 436 in the free distal end of latch arm 430. A cam surface 438 is formed on the inner surface of opening 436 near the free distal end of latch arm 430.

As with the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sleeve 402 moves relative to the fiber holder 408. The hook 434 does not interfere with the movement of the latch arm 430 as the sleeve 402 is advanced. Latch arms 430 are resilient and snap into the adapter for mating with connector body 410. A shoulder 431 is formed on latch arm 430 to engage a wall in the adapter, as is conventional for LC-type connectors.

To extract the connector 400, the sleeve 402 is moved rearward away from the mating end of the connector body 410, the hooks 434 ride over the cam surfaces 438 to deflect the latch arms 430 downward toward the connector body 410. This causes latch arm 430 to disengage from the adapter to release connector 400 from the adapter.

The downward hook design of fig. 21 provides barrier protection. When fiber optic connectors are used in the field as part of a cable assembly, they are meandered and routed through areas that typically contain high volume cables or other obstructions. When the connector has exposed edges or protrusions, these edges or protrusions can become an obstacle during installation, possibly damaging the connector or other material in this area. Such an obstruction may occur when another object is swept across the connector in any direction, but is most common when squeezed from behind or in front (impact). The downward hooks 434 of fig. 21 allow the surface on the connector 400 and sleeve 402 to be smoother to eliminate multiple potential points of obstruction. The design of hook 434 allows latch arm 430 to have a lower profile and be contained within the area defined by the outer surface of sleeve 402. Since the latch arms 430 do not extend beyond the outer surface of the sleeve 402, the barrier protection is enhanced.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the cover 404. The lid 404 includes a generally rectangular lid body 440. Extending from the rear of the closure body 440 is a resilient latch 442. Latches 442 secure the cover 404 to the sleeve 402. The leading edge of the body 440 includes fingers 444 extending away from the closure body 440. As shown in fig. 1, the cap 404 is received in the cutout 403 of the sleeve 402. The finger 444 is positioned under one edge of the incision and the latch 442 engages the other edge of the incision. To remove the closure, the latch 442 is opened with a finger or tool. The wings 443 extend under the cover body 440 and move in the slots 455 (FIG. 5) of the fiber holder 408 to limit movement of the sleeve 402 relative to the fiber holder 408 in the forward and rearward directions.

The latch 406 is secured to the connector body 410. The sleeve 402 slides relative to the fiber retainer 408 to provide push-pull activation of the latch 406. When mating the connector 400 to an adapter, the sleeve 402 is pushed forward so that the hooks 434 do not contact the cam surface 438. This allows latch arm 430 to engage with mounting structure on the LC adapter. To disconnect the connector 400 from the adapter, the sleeve 402 is pulled back opposite the insertion axis so that the hooks 434 ride over the cam surface 438. This causes the arm 430 to deflect downward and release the latch 406 from the LC adapter.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the tab 443 positioned in the slot 445. The slots 445 are sized to limit movement of the cover 404, and thus the sleeve 402, relative to the fiber holder 408. This controls the position of hook 434 relative to latch arm 434 to achieve the desired interaction between hook 434 and cam surface 438.

The embodiment of fig. 20 also provides the ability to change the polarity of the connector without applying unnecessary pressure to the fibers in the cable 420. Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the connector body 410 and latch 406. The connector 410 includes a main section 450 that is generally rectangular (e.g., square). The front section 452 includes a cylindrical portion 454 that receives the bushing 432 of the latch 406. The front section 452 mates with the main section 450 to enclose a spring loaded ferrule (ferule).

The bushing 432 has a generally rectangular outer surface with an inner cylindrical opening 456. The bushing 432 is positioned on the cylindrical portion 454 such that the latch 406 can rotate relative to the connector body 410. Two tabs 458 on the cylindrical portion 454 engage openings 460 in the bushing 432 to fix the orientation of the bushing 432 relative to the connector body 410. The tabs 458 secure the bushing 432 in two positions corresponding to opposite connector polarities (e.g., 0 degrees and 180 degrees), as described in further detail herein. Interference between the projection 458 and the opening 460 may be eliminated by rotating the bushing 432 to disengage the projection 458 from the opening 460.

Fig. 25 illustrates the interaction between the connector body 410 and the fiber holder 408. The main section 450 includes a rectangular (e.g., square) anti-rotation (anti-rotation) block 460 that is received in a similarly shaped channel 462 of the fiber holder 408. It should be understood that geometries other than square may be used to prevent rotation. The cylindrical neck 461 adjacent the anti-rotation block 460 allows the connector body 410 to be easily inserted into the fiber holder 408. Geometries other than cylindrical may be used for the connector body neck 461 inserted into the fiber holder 408. The fiber retainer 408 also includes at least one tab 464 extending adjacent a surface of each connector body 410. The design in fig. 25 uses two tabs 464 adjacent each connector body 410. The interference between the wings 464 and the surface of the connector body 410 prevents the connector body 410 from rotating when installed in the fiber holder 408. This maintains the connector body 410 in alignment with the adapter that mates with the connector 400.

Fig. 26 shows a first step in changing the polarity of the connector, including removing the cap 404 from the sleeve 402. The sleeve 402 is pushed back from the fiber holder 408 and the connector body 410. Hook 434 rides on cam surface 438 and clears the latch arm.

Fig. 27 shows a second step of changing the connector. In this second step, the latch 406 is rotated 180 degrees. As the bushing 432 rotates about the cylindrical portion 454, an initial force applied to the latch 406 disengages the nubs 458 from the openings 460. When the bushing 432 reaches 180 degrees from its initial position, the tabs 458 re-engage with the openings 460 to secure the latches 460 in the opposite polarity position.

Fig. 28 shows a third step of changing the polarity of the connector. As shown, the sleeve 402 is rotated 180 degrees. The fiber holder 408 does not rotate or reposition. This reduces the strain on the optical fibers terminated to the connector body 410. Rotating the connector body 410 (as occurs in prior art designs) can cause torsional stress on the optical fiber. Embodiments of the present invention avoid such stress by maintaining the position of the fiber retainer 408 and the connector body 410. Further, the terminated connector body 410 need not be removed from the fiber holder 408 when changing polarity. This avoids damage to the optical fibre. In conventional designs, merely pulling the connector out of the retainer prior to rotation can cause damage when changing polarity.

The final step includes replacing the fiber holder 408 back into the sleeve 402 and reinstalling the cover 404.

Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the fiber holder 408. The fiber holder 408 is located on a fiber holder polarity flag 470 on one side of the fiber holder. As shown at 30 in the figure, the sleeve 402 includes a window 472 for viewing the fiber holder polarity flag 470. Since the fiber holder polarity flag 470 is formed on only one side of the fiber holder 408, the polarity of the connector 400 can be determined based on the presence or absence of the fiber holder polarity flag 470 in the window 472. In an alternative embodiment, different fiber holder polarity flags 470 are formed on each side of the fiber holder 408 (e.g., a on one side and B on the opposite side) such that one of the fiber holder flags 470 appears in the window 472 in either polarity orientation.

Embodiments of the present invention provide high density fiber optic connectors to more easily access and unlatch fiber optic LC connectors without disturbing nearby connections. Embodiments enable a higher density arrangement of adapters. Embodiments allow a user to grasp the connector sleeve at a location well behind the mating area (where there is less interference from nearby connectors) and pull the sleeve to disengage the latch. Embodiments also provide atraumatic (damage-free) polarity changes and flags to reflect polarity changes.

Embodiments also provide a rotary latch that allows polarity changes without the need to rotate a single connector, eliminating the need to twist the fiber, enabling easier field polarity changes and more reliable connections. This creates an easier and more reliable way for users to change the polarity of duplex fiber optic connectors in the field. While the rotary latch is most beneficial for single barrel type connectors, it is also applicable to conventional connectors that use duplex clips.

The rotary latch 406 may be used with an LC type connector, such as an LC product from simon Company. It should be understood that the rotary latch may also be used with other types of connectors to provide polarity changes. Likewise, the rotary latch may also be used with other types of connectors (e.g., copper) to provide for repositioning of the latch position without disturbing the signal connection. The rotary latch 406 keeps the connector body positioned in the fiber holder and does not apply pressure to the fiber, providing a simple and atraumatic change in polarity.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the basic scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (24)

1. An optical fiber connector comprising:

a ferrule receiving the optical fiber;

a connector body for receiving and terminating the optical fiber; and

a latch coupled to the connector body, the latch engaging an adapter for receiving the connector body, the latch being repositionable relative to the connector body to effect a change in polarity of the fiber optic connector without changing a relative position of the connector body and the optical fiber.

2. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein:

the latch includes a latch arm that engages the adapter.

3. The fiber optic connector of claim 2, wherein:

the latch arm extends toward the sleeve.

4. The fiber optic connector of claim 2, wherein:

the latch arm includes a bushing for engaging the connector body, the bushing being rotatable relative to the connector body.

5. The fiber optic connector of claim 4, wherein:

the connector body includes a cylindrical portion and the bushing includes a cylindrical opening positioned around the cylindrical portion.

6. The fiber optic connector of claim 5, wherein:

the cylindrical portion includes a tab and the cylindrical opening includes an opening for receiving the tab to fix the orientation of the bushing relative to the connector body.

7. The fiber optic connector of claim 2, wherein:

the latch arm includes an opening at a distal end of the latch arm; and is

The sleeve includes hooks positioned in the openings.

8. The fiber optic connector of claim 7, wherein:

the opening in the latch arm includes a cam surface;

the hook moves over the cam surface to deflect the latch toward the connector body.

9. The fiber optic connector of claim 7, wherein:

the hook is directed toward the connector body.

10. The fiber optic connector of claim 2, wherein:

the latch arm extends away from the sleeve toward the mating end of the connector body.

11. The fiber optic connector of claim 10, further comprising:

a second connector body for receiving a second optical fiber and terminating the second optical fiber,

wherein the latch includes two arms, each arm positioned proximate to one of the connector body and the second connector body.

12. The fiber optic connector of claim 11, further comprising:

a ridge positioned between the two arms;

the sleeve includes a tab that cooperates with the ridge to deflect the arm toward the connector body and the second connector body.

13. The fiber optic connector of claim 12, wherein:

the lug is mounted on a cover secured to the sleeve.

14. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein:

the sleeve includes a window through which a polarity indicator is visible to indicate the polarity of the fiber optic connector.

15. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, further comprising:

a fiber holder for receiving the connector body, the fiber holder positioned at least partially in the sleeve.

16. The fiber optic connector of claim 15, wherein:

the sleeve includes a window;

a polarity indicator on the fiber holder visible through the window to indicate polarity of the fiber optic connector.

17. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, further comprising:

a polarity icon comprising a polarity icon designation that indicates a polarity of the fiber optic connector by a location of the polarity icon designation.

18. The fiber optic connector of claim 17, wherein:

the polarity icon includes polarity icon indicia located on both sides of the polarity icon.

19. The fiber optic connector of claim 17, wherein:

a portion of the sleeve is transparent, and the polarity icon is visible through the transparent portion.

20. The fiber optic connector of claim 19, wherein:

the transparent part is a cover of the sleeve.

21. The fiber optic connector of claim 15, wherein:

the fiber retainer includes at least one tab that contacts the connector body to prevent rotation of the connector body.

22. The fiber optic connector of claim 15, wherein:

the fiber holder includes a channel for receiving the connector body, the channel and the connector body being shaped to prevent rotation of the connector.

23. An optical fiber connector comprising:

a ferrule receiving the optical fiber;

a connector body having a ferrule for receiving the optical fiber; and

a latch coupled to the connector body, the latch engaging an adapter for receiving the connector body, the latch being repositionable relative to the ferrule to effect a change in polarity of the fiber optic connector without changing the relative position of the ferrule and the optical fiber.

24. An optical fiber connector comprising:

a ferrule receiving two optical fibers;

a first connector body receiving a first one of the optical fibers;

a second connector body receiving a second one of the optical fibers;

a latch;

an optical fiber holder; and

a cover secured to the sleeve, the cover securing the first and second connector bodies to the sleeve, the cover being removed from the sleeve, the sleeve being pulled back along a cable to expose the fiber holder, the latch being removed from the fiber holder, the sleeve being rotated 180 degrees and the latch moving from a first side of the fiber holder to a second side of the fiber holder, the fiber holder being repositioned in the sleeve and the cover being re-snapped into the sleeve, thereby enabling changing the polarity of the fiber optic connector.