JP2013055050A - Hybrid 8 p8c/rj-45 modular plug and assembly method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hybrid RJ-45 plug having both electric connection configuration and optical connection configuration.SOLUTION: The electric connection configuration is an 8 P8C electric wiring configuration which is based on RJ-45 electrical wiring standard. The optical connection configuration includes an optical component system, and the optical component system provides a plug with an optical communication function. The hybrid RJ-45 plug has downward compatibility with an existing RJ-45 jack which satisfies the RJ-45 electrical wiring standard. Further, the hybrid RJ-45 plug has a configuration to be engaged with an optical jack which has only an optical communication function, and has a configuration to be engaged with the hybrid RJ-45 jack having both the optical communication function and an electrical communication function. There are also provided a plug body 2, a carrier arranged inside, an organizer connected mechanically to the carrier, and first and second optical ports 40a and 40b.

Description

  The present invention relates to a hybrid 8-position 8-contact (8-pole 8-core; 8P8C) modular RJ-45 plug having an electrically coupled configuration, the plug being a T-568A and / or T-568B wiring standard. It has an optical coupling configuration that conforms to the standard and provides the plug with an optical communication function.

Cross-reference of related patent applications Application Serial No. 12 / 754,545, entitled “INCORPORATES THE ASSEMBLY”, the entire application Serial No. 12 / 754,545 is incorporated herein by reference.

Background of the Invention In order to electrically couple electrical signals between the ends of conductors included in an electrical cable and electrical contacts (electrical contacts) of an electrical circuit configuration of a terminal device connected to the ends of the cable, A variety of modular connector assemblies are used. The modular connector assembly has a plug that terminates the end of the electrical cable and a jack that fits into the plug. The outer surface of the plug and the inner surface of the jack have a mating mechanism disposed on them, and the mating mechanism to connect the plug to the jack in a removable manner (interlock). But fit each other. When the plug is connected (interlocked) to the jack, each electrical contact of the plug is in contact with each electrical contact of the jack. The electrical contacts of the plug are electrically coupled to the end of each conductor of the cable. Similarly, the electrical contact of the jack is electrically coupled to each electrical contact of the electrical circuit configuration of the terminal device. Throughout these electrical connections, the electrical signals carried on the conductors of the cable are electrically coupled to the electrical circuitry of the terminal device and vice versa.

  One type of modular connector assembly is well known in the communications industry and is an 8P8C modular connector assembly. 8P8C modular connector assemblies are frequently used with twisted-pair copper wires to carry electrical data signals over Ethernet-based communication networks. In an Ethernet-based communication network, the electrical contacts and other circuit configurations of the 8P8C connector assembly are configured to comply with the RJ-45 wiring standard, which also includes T-568A and T-568A. This is known as the 568B wiring standard. Because these types of modular connector assemblies are made to comply with the RJ-45 wiring standard when the modular connector assembly is manufactured for use within an Ethernet-based communication network, they are frequently , Called RJ-45 connector.

  Ethernet based communication networks currently have the ability to carry electrical data signals at data rates in excess of 1 gigabit per second (Gb / s). Optical communication links can currently be operated at data rates of 10 Gb / s over distances of up to about 100 meters (m), and the use of such optical links is typically used for high speed Ethernet-based networks. Does not spread within the area occupied by One reason that the use of optical links is not widespread in this space is that the cost of manufacturing pluggable optical modular connector assemblies that can operate at these data rates is the 8P8C that operates at these data rates. This is because it is much higher than the cost of manufacturing a modular connector assembly. Another reason why the use of optical links is not widespread in this space is that there are currently only a few optical solutions that are backward compatible with existing electrical Ethernet solutions. One such solution is disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 754,545, which is the parent application of this application.

US Application Serial No. 12 / 754,545

  Although it is possible to design an electrical connection that operates at a data rate higher than 1 Gb / s using an 8P8C modular connector that meets the RJ-45 wiring standard, such a connection may have the same data rate. Will consume much more power than an optical connection that operates at. Additionally, the design complexity for such high data rate electrical connections results in connections that are significantly more expensive than connections operating at 1 Gb / s. Furthermore, new cable laying plans (plans) at higher costs are required to propagate data signals at data rates higher than 1 Gb / s over a distance of about 100 meters (m). It becomes.

  The present invention is directed to a hybrid RJ-45 plug, a method for assembling a hybrid RJ-45 plug, and a modular connector assembly with the plug mated to a jack. The plug is disposed on a plug body, a carrier disposed in the plug body, an organizer (or storage device or formed body) mechanically coupled to the carrier, and an inner lower surface of the carrier. First and second optical ports. The plug body has a front end (front end), a rear end (back end), a left side, a right side, a bottom surface, a top surface, and a latch mechanism. The front end has first and second generally cylindrically shaped openings in which the generally cylindrically shaped first and second optical ports of the jack are located. Are each formed to accept. The carrier has a front end (front end), a rear end (back end), a right side, a left side, and an inner lower surface. The front end portion and the rear end portion of the carrier face the front end portion and the rear end portion of the plug body, respectively. The carrier has a plurality of insulation displacement contacts (IDCs) disposed on the inner bottom surface at a position between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the carrier. The IDCs extend partially through the inner bottom surface. The carrier has a plurality of electrical contacts arranged at the front end thereof and connected to each IDCs by a plurality of conductors. When the carrier is fixed in the plug body, the plurality of electrical contacts of the carrier are positioned near the front end of the plug body.

  The organizer has a front end facing the front end of the carrier and a rear end facing the rear end of the carrier. The organizer has a plurality of blind holes (or through holes) extending into the organizer at a distance from the rear end of the organizer to receive each end of each conductor. The blind hole (or through hole) is interrupted before reaching the front end of the organizer. The organizer has at least first and second longitudinal slots extending from the rear end of the organizer to the front end of the organizer for receiving each end of each optical fiber. Each IDCs extends partially through the organizer into each blind hole. First and second optical ports disposed on the inner lower surface of the carrier have front ends extending into first and second generally cylindrically shaped openings formed in the front end of the plug body. A rear end portion that fits into each front opening of the first and second longitudinal slots of the organizer.

  The method provides a plug body, a carrier having a plurality of IDCs disposed on an inner lower surface thereof at a position between the front end and the rear end of the carrier, the carrier being disposed at the front end. A plurality of holes providing a carrier having a plurality of electrical contacts connected to each IDCs by a plurality of conductors and extending at least partially in a direction from the rear end of the organizer toward the front end of the organizer An organizer having at least first and second longitudinal slots extending from a rear end of the organizer to a front end of the organizer, wherein each end of a plurality of conductors is provided. A portion is placed in each of the holes, and an organizer is mechanically coupled to the carrier, thereby causing each conductor disposed in each of the holes. A first and second optical port having first and second optical fibers, respectively, wherein the IDCs pass through the insulation jacket of the first and second optical fibers, wherein the first and second optical ports are within the first and second optical ports, First and second optical fibers are secured on the inner lower surface of the carrier, thereby the first and second generally cylindrically shaped openings formed in the front end of the plug body. And the front end of the second optical port will extend, and the rear end of the first and second optical ports will fit into the front openings of the first and second longitudinal slots of the organizer. And mechanically coupling the carrier to the plug body such that the carrier and organizer are disposed within an opening formed in the plug body. Including. A portion of the first and second optical fibers are disposed in the first and second longitudinal slots, respectively.

  The modular connector assembly includes a hybrid RJ-45 plug mated to an RJ-45 jack. The RJ-45 jack can be a standard RJ-45 jack that has only an electrical communication function, or a hybrid that has both an electrical communication function and an optical communication function. RJ-45 jack.

  These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and claims.

  A hybrid RJ-45 plug / jack that is backward compatible with existing telecommunications environments and also includes optical communication capabilities can be realized.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a hybrid RJ-45 plug, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4A shows a top perspective view of a hybrid RJ-45 plug, according to one exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the carrier of the hybrid RJ-45 plug shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The carrier has an organizer and a movable optics system disposed therein. FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the carrier of the hybrid RJ-45 plug shown in FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment. The carrier has an organizer and a movable optics system disposed therein. 2C shows a top perspective view of the carrier shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B with the organizer and moveable optics system removed to allow viewing of carrier pressure contacts (IDCs). FIG. is there. FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of the organizer shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 3 is a top rear perspective view of the organizer shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a modular connector assembly including the hybrid RJ-45 plug shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B mated to a hybrid RJ-45 jack. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the hybrid RJ-45 jack shown in FIG. 5 with the hybrid RJ-45 plug removed. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the hybrid RJ-45 jack shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the modular connector assembly shown in FIG. 5. An example of how the plug fits into the jack is shown.

Detailed Description of an Exemplary Embodiment The present invention is directed to a hybrid RJ-45 plug having both an electrical coupling configuration and an optical coupling configuration. The electrical coupling configuration is an 8P8C electrical wiring configuration conforming to the RJ-45 electrical wiring standard. The optical coupling arrangement includes an optical component system that provides an optical communication function to the plug. The hybrid RJ-45 plug is backward compatible with existing RJ-45 jacks that meet the RJ-45 electrical wiring standard. However, the hybrid RJ-45 plug is also configured to mate with an optical jack having only an optical communication function, and a hybrid RJ-45 jack having both an optical communication function and a telecommunication function. Configured to mate with. Accordingly, a hybrid RJ-45 plug can be used to transmit optical data signals and / or to transmit electrical data signals.

  The term “backward compatible” means that when this term is used herein in connection with a hybrid RJ-45 plug, the hybrid RJ-45 plug has an existing RJ-45 wiring configuration. It is intended to mean that it can be mated to an RJ-45 jack. Thus, when a hybrid RJ-45 plug is mated to an existing RJ-45 jack, the resulting modular connector assembly operates as a typical RJ-45 modular connector assembly, and plug electrical The electrical data signal is transferred between the general circuit configuration and the electrical circuit configuration of the jack.

  The term “RJ-45 plug”, when the term is used herein, has an electrical wiring configuration that conforms to the T-568A or T-568B electrical wiring standard, and It is intended to show an 8P8C modular plug having generally the same shape and dimensions as defined for an 8P8C modular plug within the ANSI / TIA-1096-A standard. The term “RJ-45 jack”, when the term is used herein, has an electrical wiring configuration that conforms to the T-568A or T-568B electrical wiring standard and is ANSI / It is intended to show an 8P8C modular jack having generally the same shape and dimensions as defined for an 8P8C modular jack within the TIA-1096-A standard.

  1A and 1B show a bottom perspective view and a top perspective view, respectively, of a hybrid RJ-45 plug 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The plug 1 had an outer shape and dimensions in accordance with the ANSI / TIA-1096-A standard to allow the plug 1 to be mated with a jack (not shown for purposes of clarity). It has a plug body 2 and the jack is shaped and dimensioned to comply with ANSI / TIA-1096-A standards. The plug body 2 includes a front end portion (front end) 2a, a rear end portion (back end) 2b, a right side portion 2c, a left side portion 2d, a bottom surface portion 2e, an upper surface portion 2f, a latch mechanism 2g, Locking tabs 2k disposed on the portions 2c and 2d. The first and second openings 3a and 3b are connected to respective optical ports (for purposes of clarity) located inside a hybrid RJ-45 jack (not shown for clarity purposes) that mates with the plug 1. For this reason, it is formed in the front end 2a. Plug body 2 for electrical contact with eight respective electrical contacts (not shown for purposes of clarity) disposed within an RJ-45 jack (not shown for purposes of clarity). 8 electrical contacts 11 are disposed along the front end 2a and a part of the bottom 2e, and the RJ-45 jack is either a standard RJ-45 jack or a hybrid RJ-45 jack. can do.

  2A and 2B show a top perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, of the carrier 20 of the hybrid RJ-45 plug 1 shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The carrier 20 has an organizer (or container or forming body) 30 and a movable optical component system 40 disposed therein. FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of the carrier 20 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B with the organizer 30 and the movable optics system 40 removed. 4A and 4B show an upper front perspective view and an upper rear perspective view of the organizer 30 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively. The features of the carrier 20, the organizer 30, and the movable optics system 40 will be described next in connection with FIGS. 1A-4B.

  Organizer 30 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) is used to house (or bundle) the ends of optical fibers and conductors (both not shown for purposes of clarity). The optical fiber and conductor can be part of a hybrid cable, or the optical fiber can be part of a fiber optic cable, and the conductor is part of an electrical cable (eg, Ethernet cable). can do. Organizer 30 has longitudinal slots 30a and 30b formed therein for receiving the end of each optical fiber (not shown for purposes of clarity). The organizer 30 has eight blind holes (or through holes) 30c formed therein. The ends of each of the eight conductors (not shown for purposes of clarity) pass through the eight blind holes 30c. The organizer 30 has slots 30d and 30e formed on opposite sides thereof. Longitudinal slots 30a and 30b have cylindrical forward portions 30a ′ and 30b ′, respectively, which are larger in size than the diameter of longitudinal slots 30a and 30b, respectively. , Each has a diameter. The longitudinal slots 30 a and 30 b extend from the front end 30 f of the organizer 30 to the rear end 30 g of the organizer 30. The blind hole 30c extends in parallel to the slots 30a and 30b in a direction from the rear end 30g of the organizer 30 toward the front end 30f of the organizer 30, and is interrupted before reaching the front end 30f of the organizer 30.

  The carrier 20 (FIG. 3) has a front end portion 20a, a rear end portion 20b, a right side portion 20c, a left side portion 20d, and an inner lower surface 20e. The first and second cradle 20f and 20g are used to mount (or pinch) the first and second movable optical ports 40a and 40b (FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the movable optical component system. It is integrally formed in 20e. The first and second cradle 20f and 20g have front end portions 20f 'and 20g' and rear end portions 20f "and 20g" (FIG. 3). The carrier 20 has IDCs 20h (on the inner lower surface 20e of the carrier 20 at a position between the rear end portions 20f '' and 20g '' of the cradle 20f and 20g and the rear end portion 20b of the carrier 20). 3). The position of the IDCs 20h is typically closer to the rear end 20b of the carrier 20 than to the front end 20a of the carrier 20. The IDCs 20h extend partially through the inner lower surface 20e and are connected by electrical conductors (not shown for purposes of clarity) to the electrical contacts 11 located at the front end 20a of the carrier 20. . The carrier 20 is integrally formed with guides 20i on the inner surfaces of the side portions 20c and 20d of the carrier 20 for fitting the slots 30d and 30e formed on the opposing side walls of the organizer 30, respectively. And 20j.

  In a standard RJ-45 plug, IDCs are arranged at the front end of the plug. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the IDCs 20h are not arranged at the front end of the plug 1, but rather are positioned between the front end 20a and the rear end 20b of the carrier 20, Is positioned closer to the rear end 20b than the front end 20a, or, in some cases, is located midway between the front end 20a and the rear end 20b of the carrier 20. By positioning the IDCs 20h at a position that is not the front end 2a of the plug body 2, more space becomes available at the front end 2a of the plug body 2 for other purposes. One advantage of this is that it allows the openings 3a and 3b in the front end 2a to be made larger and is thus received in the respective openings 3a and 3b. This means that each optical port of the RJ-45 jack (not shown for clarity purposes) can be made larger. Similarly, the larger openings 3a and 3b are located at the front ends 40a ′ and the respective optical ports 40a and 40b (which are arranged inside but placed behind the respective openings 3a and 3b). 40b ′ (FIG. 2A) also means that it can be made larger. In addition, the lens present in the optical port (not shown for purposes of clarity) can also be made larger. By using larger optical ports 40a and 40b in the plug 1 and jack (not shown for clarity purposes), a greater tolerance is provided when creating these parts. (Or more widely). The wider tolerance range increases production and allows parts to be created more easily at lower cost. In addition, the wider tolerance range and the larger part size allow the plug 1 to be more easily assembled as will be described in more detail below.

  Optical ports 40a and 40b are received within respective cylindrical forward openings 30a 'and 30b' (FIG. 4A) of respective longitudinal slots 30a and 30b in organizer 30, as shown in FIG. 2A. And rear end portions 40a '' and 40b '' (FIG. 2A). The diameters of the rear ends 40a '' and 40b '' of the optical ports 40a and 40b are substantially the same, but the respective cylindrical front openings 30a 'and 30b' of the longitudinal slots 30a and 30b respectively. Slightly smaller than the size of the diameter. The difference between these diameter sizes is that the rear ends 40a '' and 40b '' of the optical ports 40a and 40b are seated in the respective cylindrical front portions 30a 'and 30b' in the longitudinal slots 30a and 30b, This ensures that the optical axes of the optical ports 40a and 40b will be aligned with the optical axes of the longitudinal slots 30a and 30b. This alignment is such that each optical port 40a and 40b's respective lens (not shown for clarity purposes) is held in a respective longitudinal slot 30a and 30b in the organizer 30 (for clarity). For purposes, it is guaranteed to be optically aligned with each optical axis (not shown).

  Optical ports 40a and 40b (FIGS. 2A and 2B) are generally cylindrical in shape and are at least partially surrounded by compression springs 51 and 52, respectively. The compression springs 51 and 52 have front end portions 51a and 52a, respectively, and have rear end portions 51b and 52b, respectively. The front ends 51a and 52b of the springs 51 and 52 are moved in the axial direction of the ports 40a and 40b toward the front end 20a of the carrier 20 by the flanges 40c and 40d formed in the ports 40a and 4b, respectively. It is prevented. The compression springs 51 and 52 have diameters smaller than the diameters of the flanges 40c and 40d, respectively. The diameters of the compression springs 51 and 52 are larger than the diameters of the respective cylindrical front openings 30a ′ and 30b ′ (FIG. 4A) in the organizer 30, so that the rear ends 51b and the springs 51 and 52 respectively. 52b is prevented from entering the openings 30a 'and 30b', respectively. Therefore, the compression springs 51 and 52 are maintained between the respective flanges 40 c and 40 d and the organizer 30.

  As will be described in detail later, compression springs 51 and 52 allow some movement of optical ports 40a and 40b in the axial direction of ports 40a and 40b, but the front ends of respective ports 40a and 40b. Portions 40a 'and 40b' remain in exact alignment with the respective optical ports (not shown for clarity purposes) of the jack (not shown for clarity purposes). And that the ports 40a and 40b are also directed toward the front end 20a of the carrier 20 to ensure that they are in continuous contact with the respective optical ports of the jack.

  An exemplary embodiment of the process of assembling the plug 1 is shown below. The ends of the first and second optical fibers (not shown for clarity) are inserted into the rear ends 40a '' and 40b '' of the optical ports 40a and 40b, respectively, Fixed there by epoxy resin. The epoxy resin is transparent to the operating wavelength of the optoelectronic devices (ie, lasers and photodiodes) contained within the jack (not shown for purposes of clarity). The end portions of the eight conductors are inserted into the eight blind holes (or through holes) 30c of the organizer 30. The organizer 30 then aligns the slots 30d and 30e (FIGS. 4A and 4B) formed on the sides of the organizer 30 with the guides 20i and 20j formed on the inner surfaces of the opposite sides 20c and 20d of the carrier 20. And mechanically coupled to the carrier 20 by pressing the organizer 30 down onto the carrier 20 until the organizer 30 is seated on the inner lower surface 20e of the carrier 20.

  In this approach, when the organizer 30 is seated in the carrier 20, the IDCs 20 h pass through a passage formed in the organizer 30 (not shown for purposes of clarity) and each hole in the carrier 30. Pass into 30c. As each IDC s 20h passes into the respective hole 30c, each IDC s 20h passes through the insulating jacket surrounding each conductor, thereby contacting the respective conductor. Each IDCs 20h is connected to a respective conductor 11 arranged along the front end portion 2a and the back surface 2e of the plug body 2 (FIG. 1B) by a conductor (not shown for the purpose of clarity). In this way, electrically conductive paths are formed between the conductors 11 and the respective conductors disposed in the holes 30 c of the organizer 30.

  In this manner, when the organizer 30 is fitted to the carrier 20, the optical ports 40a and 40b are mechanically coupled to the organizer 30 and the carrier 20 in the following manner. That is, each optical fiber (not shown for purposes of clarity) is inserted into a respective longitudinal slot 30a and 30b and the respective rear ends 40a '' and 40b 'of the optical ports 40a and 40b. 'Is inserted into the respective cylindrical forward portions 30a' and 30b 'of the longitudinal slots 30a and 30b of the organizer 30 and compressed by springs 51 and 52, respectively, at the front ends 40a of the optical ports 40a and 40b. 'And 40b' are laid in the respective front ends 20f 'and 20g' of the cradle 20f and 20g, respectively, and the springs 51 and 52, which are still compressed, cause the force to be applied to the front ends of the cradle 20f and 20g, respectively. Spanning the optical ports 40a and 40b in a direction generally directed to the portions 20f 'and 20g'. This assembly is then fitted with respective locking tabs 20k positioned on the outer surfaces of the sides 20c and 20d of the carrier 20 in respective openings 2k formed in the sides 2c and 2d of the plug body 2, respectively. Until it is inserted into the plug body 2. As a result, the carrier 30 is coupled (interlocked) to the plug body 2.

  It should be noted that the order of steps performed during the assembly process may be different from the order described above, according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the optical fiber can be secured to the optical port at any time during the process before the assembly is inserted into the plug body 2. As another example, the optical ports 40a and 40b may be coupled to the organizer 30 before or after the organizer 30 is mounted on the carrier 20. Again, the optical fiber may be inserted into each slot 30a and 30b at any time during the assembly process before the assembly is inserted into the plug body 2.

  FIG. 5 shows a side perspective view of a modular connector assembly 100 that includes the hybrid RJ-45 plug 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B mated to a hybrid RJ-45 jack 110. 6 shows a front perspective view of the hybrid RJ-45 jack 110 shown in FIG. 5 with the hybrid RJ-45 plug 1 removed. FIG. 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of the hybrid RJ-45 jack shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the modular connector assembly 100 shown in FIG. 5 and demonstrates the actual manner in which the plug 1 fits into the hybrid RJ-45 jack 110.

  When the plug 1 is inserted into the front opening 111 of the jack 110, depending on how far the plug 1 is inserted into the front opening of the jack 110, the latch of the plug body 2 is latched. The mechanism 2g fits either the first latching mechanism 112 or the second latching mechanism 113 formed in the upper inner surface 114 of the jack 110. The latch mechanism 2g of the plug body 2 has a ridge mechanism 2g ', and the ridge mechanism 2g' fits either the first latching mechanism 112 or the second latching mechanism 113. When the plug 1 is only inserted to a sufficient distance into the front opening 111 of the jack 100 in order to fit the first latching mechanism 112 to the ridge mechanism 2g ′, the plug 1 and the jack 110 are inserted. Will be in a state of being in electrical communication with each other. In this position of the fit between the plug 1 and the jack 110, the eight electrical contact fingers 115 in the jack 110 are in contact with each electrical contact 11 of the plug 1. This contact between each electrical contact finger 115 of the jack 110 and each electrical contact 11 of the plug 1 causes the contact finger 115 to distort downward into a pocket 116 formed in the lower surface 117 of the jack 110. . The contact fingers 115 have a spring characteristic, which ensures that they maintain continuous contact with each contact 11 of the plug 1.

  When the plug 1 is inserted to a sufficient distance into the front opening 111 of the jack 100 in order to fit the second latching mechanism 113 of the jack 110 into the ridge mechanism 2g ′, the plug 1 and the jack 110 are inserted. Are transmitted to each other both electrically and optically. In this position of the mating between the plug 1 and the jack 110, the eight electrical contact fingers 115 in the jack 110 are in contact with each electrical contact 11 of the plug 1 and are required for electrical communication. A connection is established. Further, in this position, the first and second optical ports 121 a and 121 b of the optoelectronic (OE) module 122 of the jack 110 are formed in the front end 2 a of the plug body 2. Arranged in 3a and 3b, respectively.

  Inside the openings 3a and 3b, the front ends 121a 'and 121b' of the ports 121a and 121b of the jack 110 are adjacent to the front ends 40a 'and 40b' of the optical ports 40a and 40b of the plug 1, respectively. This adjacency pushes the front ends 40a 'and 40b' of each port 40a and 40b generally in the direction indicated by arrow 125 (Fig. 8). This causes the spring 52 to be compressed by the respective flanges 40c and 40d of the optical ports 40a and 40b and by the organizer 30, thereby generally in the direction indicated by the arrow 126 (FIG. 8). 51 is exerted on the optical ports 40a and 40b. This opposing force causes continuous contact between the respective ends 121a 'and 121b' of the optical ports 121a and 121b and the respective ends 40a 'and 40b' of the optical ports 40a and 40b. Assures that the optical ports 40a and 40b can also have a release movement in the axial direction of the port towards and away from the front end 2a of the plug body 2.

  Cradles 20f and 20g generally have a half-cylinder shape, but have a larger diameter than that of optical ports 40a and 40b, thereby in a direction transverse to the axial direction of optical ports 40a and 40b. A certain release movement in the optical ports 40a and 40b is possible. These release movements facilitate the respective alignment between the ports 40a and 40b and the ports 121a and 121b, and between their front ends 121a ′ and 121b ′ and 40a ′ and 40b ′, respectively. Facilitates continuous contact. Additionally, the front ends 40a 'and 40b' of the optical ports 40a and 40b can have outwardly directed grooves thereon, and the front ends 121a 'and 121b' of the optical ports 121a and 121b are , Can have inwardly directed grooves on them. These grooves ensure that there is a very accurate mechanical coupling between the ends 40a 'and 40b' and the ends 121a 'and 121b', respectively. Specifically, the groove leads the optical ports 40a / 121a and 40b / 121b from a rough initial alignment position to an accurate final alignment position.

  The present invention is not limited with respect to the configuration of the jack 110. According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5-7, the jack 110 is a hybrid RJ-45 jack having both electrical and optical communication functions. However, the jack 110 can be a standard RJ-45 jack having only an electrical communication function. In the latter case, the jack does not include the OE module 122 and the optical ports 121a and 121b.

  It should be noted that for purposes of actually illustrating the principles and concepts of the present invention, the invention has been described in connection with a few illustrative, illustrative or exemplary embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the principles of the present invention in light of the description provided herein. It will be understood. For example, the hybrid RJ-45 plug 1 can have a configuration different from the configurations shown in FIGS. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, all such variations are within the scope of the present invention.

2 Plug body 20 Carrier
30 Organizer 40a First optical port 40b in carrier Second optical port in carrier

Claims (20)

A plug body having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a left side portion, a right side portion, a bottom surface portion, a top surface portion, and a latch mechanism, each of the first and second optical ports having a generally cylindrical shape in the jack For receiving, the front end comprises a plug body comprising first and second generally cylindrically shaped openings formed in the front end;
A carrier disposed in the plug body, the carrier having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a right side portion, a left side portion, and an inner lower surface; and the front end portion and the rear end portion of the carrier are: The carrier faces the front end and the rear end of the plug body, and the carrier has a plurality of pressure contacts disposed on the inner lower surface at a position between the front end and the rear end of the carrier. Part (IDCs), the IDCs partially extend through the inner lower surface, and the carrier has a plurality of electrical contacts arranged at the front end thereof, The contacts are connected to each IDCs by a plurality of conductors, and when the carrier is fixed in the plug body, the plurality of electrical contacts of the carrier are near the front end of the plug body That consists of being positioned in And rear,
An organizer mechanically coupled to the carrier, the organizer having a front end facing the front end of the carrier and a rear end facing the rear end of the carrier; The organizer has a plurality of through holes extending from the rear end of the organizer to the front end of the organizer for receiving each end of each conductor, the organizer comprising a plurality of through holes. Having at least first and second longitudinal slots extending from the rear end of the organizer to the front end of the organizer for receiving an end, and each IDCs through the organizer through the organizer An organizer consisting of a partial extension into each of the through holes;
First and second optical ports disposed on an inner lower surface of the carrier and extending into the first and second generally cylindrically shaped openings formed at the front end of the plug body. A hybrid RJ-45 having a first end and a second optical port having a front end present and a rear end that fits into each front opening of the first and second longitudinal slots of the organizer. plug. First and second compression springs, wherein the first and second optical ports are disposed in the first and second compression springs, respectively, and the first and second compression springs are provided. Each has a front end adjacent to each flange disposed on the outer surface of the first and second optical ports, and the first and second compression springs are the first of the organizer. The hybrid RJ-45 plug of claim 1, further comprising first and second compression springs comprising a rear end adjacent to the front opening of the second longitudinal slot. First and second guides respectively formed on the inner surfaces of the right and left sides of the carrier;
First and second slots respectively formed on inner surfaces of the right side and left side of the organizer, wherein the first and second slots fit into the first and second guides, respectively. The hybrid RJ-45 plug of claim 1, further comprising: a first slot and a second slot that are combined to thereby cause the organizer to be mechanically coupled to the carrier. First and second slots respectively formed in the right and left sides of the plug body;
First and second locking tabs respectively formed on the outer side surfaces of the right and left sides of the carrier,
The first and second slots formed in the right side portion and the left side portion of the plug body are respectively fitted into the first and second guides, whereby the carrier is fixed to the plug body. The hybrid RJ-45 plug of claim 1, comprising: When the plug body is mated to a hybrid RJ-45 jack, the jack's first and second generally cylindrically shaped optical ports are formed in the front end of the plug body. First and second generally cylindrically shaped openings, so that each front end of the first and second generally cylindrically shaped optical ports of the jack is connected to a hybrid RJ-45 plug. Adjacent to each front end of the first and second optical ports, respectively, so that the first and second optical ports of the plug are generally of the first and second optical ports of the plug. To be moved axially away from the front end of the plug body and toward the rear end of the plug body; and
Due to the movement of the first and second optical ports of the plug, the first and second compression springs are compressed, and a force is applied to the flanges of the first and second optical ports of the plug, The hybrid RJ-45 plug of claim 2, wherein the movement of the first and second optical ports of the plug is exerted in a direction generally opposite to the generally axial direction. First and second cradles formed in the inner lower surface of the carrier, wherein the first and second optical ports of the plug are at least partially in the first and second cradle. The hybrid RJ-45 plug according to claim 1, further comprising first and second cradle, each of which is arranged.   2. The hybrid RJ-45 plug according to claim 1, wherein the IDCs are arranged on the inner lower surface of the carrier at a position closer to the rear end of the carrier than to the front end of the carrier.   The hybrid RJ-45 plug of claim 1, wherein the plug is backward compatible with an existing standard RJ-45 jack that has an electrical communication function but no optical communication function.   The hybrid RJ-45 plug of claim 8, wherein the plug is compatible with a hybrid RJ-45 jack having electrical and optical communication functions. A modular connector assembly,
A jack having an opening formed in the jack for receiving a plug, the first and second optical ports having generally cylindrical shapes disposed in the opening; and ,
A hybrid RJ-45 plug disposed within the opening of the jack, the hybrid RJ-45 plug mated with the jack;
The hybrid RJ-45 plug is
A plug body having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a left side portion, a right side portion, a bottom surface portion, a top surface portion, and a latch mechanism, each of the first and second optical ports having a generally cylindrical shape in the jack For receiving, the front end comprises a plug body comprising first and second generally cylindrically shaped openings formed in the front end;
A carrier disposed in the plug body, the carrier having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a right side portion, a left side portion, and an inner lower surface; and the front end portion and the rear end portion of the carrier are: The carrier faces the front end and the rear end of the plug body, and the carrier has a plurality of pressure contacts disposed on the inner lower surface at a position between the front end and the rear end of the carrier. Part (IDCs), the IDCs partially extend through the inner lower surface, and the carrier has a plurality of electrical contacts arranged at the front end thereof, The contacts are connected to each IDCs by a plurality of conductors, and when the carrier is fixed in the plug body, the plurality of electrical contacts of the carrier are near the front end of the plug body That consists of being positioned in And rear,
An organizer mechanically coupled to the carrier, the organizer having a front end facing the front end of the carrier and a rear end facing the rear end of the carrier; The organizer has a plurality of through-holes extending from the rear end of the organizer to the front end of the organizer to receive each end of each conductor, the organizer comprising a plurality of through holes. Having at least first and second longitudinal slots extending from the rear end of the organizer to the front end of the organizer for receiving an end, and each IDCs through the organizer through the organizer An organizer consisting of a partial extension into each of the through holes;
First and second optical ports disposed on an inner lower surface of the carrier and extending into the first and second generally cylindrically shaped openings formed at the front end of the plug body. A first and second optical port having a front end present and a rear end fitted to each front opening of the first and second longitudinal slots of the organizer. Connector assembly. The hybrid RJ-45 plug is
First and second compression springs, wherein the first and second optical ports are disposed in the first and second compression springs, respectively, and the first and second compression springs are provided. Each has a front end adjacent to each flange disposed on the outer surface of the first and second optical ports, and the first and second compression springs are the first of the organizer. 11. The modular connector assembly of claim 10, further comprising first and second compression springs, comprising a rear end adjacent to the front opening of the second longitudinal slot. . The hybrid RJ-45 plug is
First and second guides respectively formed on the inner surfaces of the right and left sides of the carrier;
First and second slots respectively formed on inner surfaces of the right side and left side of the organizer, wherein the first and second slots fit into the first and second guides, respectively. 11. The modular connector assembly of claim 10, further comprising first and second slots that are combined to thereby cause the organizer to be mechanically coupled to the carrier. The hybrid RJ-45 plug is
First and second slots respectively formed in the right and left sides of the plug body;
First and second locking tabs respectively formed on the outer side surfaces of the right and left sides of the carrier,
The first and second slots formed in the right side portion and the left side portion of the plug body are respectively fitted into the first and second guides, whereby the carrier is fixed to the plug body. The modular connector assembly of claim 10, comprising: The front ends of the first and second generally cylindrically shaped optical ports of the jack will be adjacent to the front ends of the first and second optical ports of the hybrid RJ-45 plug, respectively; The first and second optical ports of the plug generally away from the front end of the plug body and in the axial direction of the first and second optical ports of the plug Will be moved towards the part, and
Due to the movement of the first and second optical ports of the plug, the first and second compression springs are compressed, and a force is applied to the flanges of the first and second optical ports of the plug, The modular connector assembly of claim 11, comprising extending in a direction generally opposite to the generally axial direction of movement of the first and second optical ports of the plug. The hybrid RJ-45 plug is
First and second cradles formed in the inner lower surface of the carrier, wherein the first and second optical ports of the plug are at least partially in the first and second cradle. The modular connector assembly according to claim 10, further comprising first and second cradle, each of which is disposed.   11. The modular connector assembly according to claim 10, wherein the IDCs are disposed on the inner lower surface of the carrier at a position closer to the rear end of the carrier than to the front end of the carrier. The jack has a latching mechanism on the jack for mating the latch mechanism of the plug in either the first position or the second position;
In the first position of mating, the jack and the plug have an electrical communication function rather than an optical communication function; and
11. The modular connector assembly according to claim 10, wherein in the second position of mating, the jack and the plug have electrical and optical communication functions. A method for assembling a hybrid RJ-45 plug, comprising:
Provided is a plug body having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a left side portion, a right side portion, a bottom surface portion, a top surface portion, and a latch mechanism, wherein the front end portions are first and first formed in the front end portion. Two generally cylindrically shaped openings,
Provided is a carrier having a front end, a rear end, a right side, a left side, and an inner bottom surface, wherein the carrier is located at a position between the front end and the rear end of the carrier. A plurality of press contact portions (IDCs) disposed on a lower surface, the IDCs partially extending through the inner lower surface, and the carrier has a plurality of electrical contacts disposed at a front end thereof; The plurality of electrical contacts are connected to each IDCs by a plurality of conductors;
An organizer is provided having a plurality of through-holes extending in a direction from the rear end of the organizer at least partially through the organizer toward the front end of the organizer, wherein the organizer includes a rear end of the organizer. At least first and second longitudinal slots extending from one end to the front end of the organizer, each IDCs extending partially through the organizer and into each of the through holes. Exist,
Each end portion of the plurality of conductors is disposed in the through hole;
By mechanically coupling the organizer to the carrier, wherein the organizer is mechanically coupled to the carrier, the IDCs are insulated from each of the conductors disposed in each of the through holes. Let them penetrate the jacket,
The first and second optical ports are disposed on the inner lower surface of the carrier, whereby the first and second optical ports have front ends formed at the front end of the plug body. Extending into a second generally cylindrically shaped opening, and the rear ends of the first and second optical ports are each in the first and second longitudinal slots of the organizer. Engaging the front opening, wherein the first and second optical ports have respective ends of first and second optical fibers secured therein; and A respective portion of the first and second optical fibers are respectively disposed in the first and second longitudinal slots; and
Mechanically coupling the carrier to the plug body such that the carrier and the organizer are disposed within an opening formed in the plug body. Hybrid RJ-45 plug
First and second guides respectively formed on the inner surfaces of the right and left sides of the carrier;
First and second slots respectively formed on the inner surfaces of the right and left sides of the organizer;
The method of claim 18, wherein the organizer is mechanically coupled to the carrier by fitting the first and second slots to the first and second guides, respectively. . Hybrid RJ-45 plug
First and second slots respectively formed in the right and left sides of the plug body;
First and second locking tabs respectively formed on the outer side surfaces of the right and left sides of the carrier,
The carrier is mechanically coupled to the plug body by engaging the first and second locking tabs with the first and second slots respectively formed in the plug body. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein

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