Ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly

DESCRIPTION REINFORCED FIBER OPTICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of invention

The present invention is generally intended for a reinforced fiber optic connector assembly, also referred to as a fiber optic plug. More specifically, the present invention is intended for a reinforced fiber optic connector assembly incorporating a retaining body, or fixing body, which is configured both to retain an optical fiber cable, preferably having a or more resistance members, such as to fit a fiber optic receptacle or, alternatively, another fiber optic connector assembly.

Technical background of the invention

Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of bandwidth applications, including voice, video, and data transmission. As a result, fiber optic communications networks include a number of points of the interconnection at which multiple optical fibers are interconnected. Fiber optic communications networks also include a number of connection terminals, examples of which include, but are not limited to, network access point (NAP) circuits, overhead closures, subclass closures, pedestals, optical networks (ONTs), network interface devices (NIDs), and multi-port devices. In some cases, the connection terminals include connector ports, which typically open through an external wall of the connection terminals, which are used to establish the optical connections between the optical fibers that are terminated from a distribution cable and the respective optical fibers of one or more pre-connected descent cables, extended distribution cables, connection cables, or division cables, collectively referred to as descent cables. Connection terminals are used in order to quickly extend fiber optic communications services to a subscriber. In this regard, fiber optic communications networks are being developed that provide fiber to the sidewalk (FTTC), fiber to the business (FTTB), fiber to the home (FTTH), and fiber to the building (FTTP) ), referred to generically as FTTx.

A conventional connector door opening through an external wall of a connection terminal typically includes a receptacle that is configured to receive a connected fiber optic inside the terminal, and a connectorized descent cable on the outside of the terminal. One of the plug-in bushings is mounted on the end of an optical fiber that is optically interconnected to at least one optical fiber of the distribution cable inside the connection terminal. 0 another plug-in bushing is mounted on the end of an optical fiber of a drop cable which is inserted into the receptacle from the outside of the connection terminal. A receptacle alignment sleeve typically assists in bushing alignment, and bushing guide pins or other alignment means can also further assist in the precise alignment of multiple fiber bushes.

In particular, a plug mounted on the end of the descending cable fits one side of a corresponding receptacle. Typically, the plug includes an essentially cylindrical plug body, and a fiber optic connector including a plug socket disposed within the plug body. The end of the plug body is open, or is provided with one or more openings, such that the socket is accessible within the plug body, for example in order to be cleaned. 0 bushing is mounted on the end of one or more optical fibers of the descending cable so that the fitting of the plug with the receptacle aligns the optical fibers of the descending cable with the respective terminated optical fibers of the distribution cable inside the connection terminal. In the process of coupling the plug with the receptacle, the socket is inserted at one end of the alignment sleeve housed inside the receptacle. As a result of the construction of a conventional plug, the alignment sleeve is minimally received within the open end of the plug body when the sleeve is inserted into the alignment sleeve. As an alternative to the aforementioned, the plug mounted on the end of the descending cable fits into a plug mounted on the end of another descending cable or another receptacle not associated with a connection terminal, such as that associated with a business, a house , a building, etc.

Several different types of conventional connectors have been developed, examples of which include, but are not limited to, SC, ST, LC, MTP, MT-RJ, and SC-DC. The size and shape of the socket of each of these connectors is somewhat different. Correspondingly, the size and shape of the plug body and the alignment sleeve are somewhat different. As a result of this, in conventional practice, different plugs and receptacles are used in conjunction with different bushings. In this regard, the receptacles generally define cavities of different internal sizes and characteristics corresponding to the alignment sleeves and plug bodies of different sizes, and in turn different bushings disposed within the plug bodies and the alignment sleeves. .

Referring to the state of the art in FIG. 1, a conventional connector 10 includes a structure for housing the plug 12, in which a crimped body 14 including two halves 14a, 14b and a crimped strip 16 are arranged axially during assembly. A heat shrink 18 is also used, as described in more detail below. Collectively, the crimped body 14 and the crimped strip 16 retain both a drop cable 20 and a subset of the connector 22 (i.e., a premount module of the bushing support), wherein the subset of the connector 22 supports a bushing 24. Specifically, an axis 25 of the connector subset 22 is secured between the two halves 14a, 14b of the crimped body 14. As a result, an optical fiber of the drop cable 20 and the bushing 24 are optically connected. The heat shrink 18 is arranged around an end zone of the housing structure of the plug 12 and an end zone of the drop cable 20, thereby providing some retention force and stress relief, and flexible environmental insulation. As shown, the drop cable 20 is a single fiber drop cable and bushing 24 is a single terminal bushing, although other types of drop cables, optical fibers, and bushes with other types of connectors can be used. . This internal assembly is partially housed within a fitting nut 26 which is threaded on the external side, so that the connector 10 is configured so as to fit the internal thread of an alignment sleeve of a receptacle (not shown), aligning from that and optically coupling the bushing 24 of the connector 10 and a bushing of the receptacle. As described above, guide pins or other alignment means can assist in more accurate alignment of the multi-fiber bushings. For example, the end of the housing structure of the plug 12 and the alignment sleeve and / or the receptacle can be locked. 0 connector 10 also includes one or more O-shaped silicone rings 28 that insulate connector 10 and the enclosure from the environment when joined together, and a housing 30 that also relieves stress on the down cable 20. Finally, connector 10 incorporates one or more powder plugs 32, 34 which are used to selectively protect the bush 24 and the exposed end of the housing structure of the plug 12. Preferably, the largest of the dust caps 34, also referred to as the drag cap, is threaded from the inside, such that it is configured to fit the outer thread of the lock nut 26. Finally, the cap drag 34 is attached to the housing 20 by means of a plastic pull cable 36 or other retaining means, such that the drag plug 34 is not easily lost. Connector 10 provides a hardened connector for outdoor distribution and incorporates an integral drag eye 38 designed for tensile stress.

To date, however, there is an unmet need for an alternative (or additional) retention method of approaching the otherwise incompatible drop cable resistance members, such as glass-reinforced plastic resistance members (GRP) ) and the like. The handling and fitting of the two halves 14a, 14b of the crimped body 14 described above often applies excessive tension and compromises the optical fiber (which typically has a diameter of about 250 pm) during termination. In addition, this crimped design alone is not typically strong enough to meet tensile stress requirements, requiring the use of an adhesive agent. This adhesive agent rigidly fixes the connector subset, eliminating the ability to compensate for radial slip due to manufacturing tolerances. This radial slip can be compensated by floating the adapter, however, in a plug-and-stick arrangement, there is no such type of floating element. In this way, manufacturing tolerances become much more stringent. In addition, this crimped design, incorporating the heat shrink 18, rests on a rigid stop of the housing structure of the plug 12 against the lock nut 26 and, in the last case, on the heat shrink 18 itself in order to keep the cable down 20 and the connector subset 22 in the same position during processing and use. In a high temperature environment, and due to improper fixation during the application of the heat shrink 18, the housing structure of the plug 12 is allowed to move in the axial direction and move like a piston, in and out of its position. To date, there is also an unmet need for an alternative retention method that does not allow multiple ways (that is, two opposite 180 degree shapes) to assemble the connector components, thus requiring fixation and verification by an operator to make sure that the connector subset 22 is correctly oriented. From time to time, this requires cutting a good connector, since the angle orientation of the end face is incompatible, which results in waste.

US-A1-5129023 discloses a connector with the characteristics of the preamble of claim US-B1-6224270 discloses a fiber optic connector that has a bushing attached to a tubular member, that is, to a bushing support. The assembly, that is, a plug, the bush and the tubular member are movable in relation to the cylindrical tube through a spiral spring. The cylindrical tube does not fit or retain an optical cable.

Another state of the art is known from US-A1-2005 / 0069264.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforced fiber optic connector assembly includes an essentially hollow plug housing structure; and a retaining body disposed within the housing structure of the essentially hollow plug; wherein the retaining body includes a first zone that is configured to fit and retain an optical cable comprising an optical fiber and one or more resistance members; wherein the retaining body includes a second zone that is configured to fit and retain a subset of the connector, comprising an optical sleeve; wherein the second area of ​​the retaining body includes a pair of opposing carabiners that are configured to fit a corresponding pair of opposing recesses in the connector subset; and in which the optical fiber and the optical sleeve are optically coupled.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a reinforced fiber optic connector assembly includes an essentially hollow plug housing structure; and a fastening body disposed within the housing structure of the essentially hollow plug; wherein the fixing body includes a first is a zone which is configured to fit and retain an optical cable comprising an optical fiber and one or more resistance members; wherein the fixing body includes a second zone which is configured to fit and retain a subset of the connector comprising an optical sleeve; wherein the second area of ​​the fastening body includes a pair of opposing carabiners that are configured to fit a corresponding pair of opposing recesses in the connector subset; and in which the optical fiber and the optical sleeve are optically coupled.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention, according to claim 1, will be established in the following detailed description, which explains the principles and operations of the same, and which will also become immediately obvious to those skilled in the art from the description and / or will be recognized when applying the invention in practice as described. It is to be understood that the general description above and the detailed description that follows present exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are intended to provide an overview and a structure for understanding the nature and character of the invention, as it is. claimed. The attached drawings are incorporated and form part of the present description, further illustrating and highlighting the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective and exploded view of a conventional connector.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the connector assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 2, highlighting the use of a fastening body that is configured to retain a drop cable having one or more resistance members and a subset of the connector.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 2, highlighting the use of a fastening body that is configured to retain, both a drop cable having one or more resistance members, and a subset of the connector.

FIG. 5 is an isolated perspective view of the fixing body and the connector subset, in assembled state, of FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 is an isolated perspective view of the fixing body of FIGS. 3-5.

FIG. 7 is another isolated perspective view of the fixing body of FIGS. 3-5, highlighting the union of an essentially smooth descent cable, which incorporates an optical fiber and a pair of GRP resistance members with the fixing body.

FIG. 8 is an isolated perspective view of an end cap used in conjunction with the connector assembly of FIG. two.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, equal reference numbers will be used to refer to similar components or parts.

Referring to FIG. 2, the connector assembly 40, also referred to in this document as a plug, of the present invention includes a plug housing structure 42 which contains a subset of connector 44 (that is, a pre-assembled module of the bushing support), the a subset of connector 44 holding a bushing 46. The connector subset 44 and the bushing 46 are accessible through an open end of the housing structure of the plug 42, such that the bushing can be optically connected to the socket of a receptacle or to another connector assembly, or token. The wrapping fingers 48 of the connector assembly 40 are reduced in length when compared to the conventional connector 10 (FIG. 1) in order to allow two connector assemblies to fit together better, among other things. Any reduced protection that results is compensated by the increased flexibility in situations that require a more projectable bush 46. The more projectable bush 46 also allows for more efficient pre-assembly and termination, including buffing, etc. Keyed configurations of the internal packaging structure of the assembly and connector 42 of the connector assembly 40 require that the connector assembly 40 be mounted in a specific orientation, as described in greater detail below. This addresses the unresolved need for an alternative retention method that does not allow multiple forms (that is, two opposing 180-degree forms) for mounting the connector components, thereby eliminating the requirement for fixing and checking by a mode operator. to make sure that the subset of connector 44 is correctly oriented. The other end of the housing structure of the plug 42 is more open when compared to the conventional connector 10. This fact, and the configuration of the end cap 50 used, described in more detail below, allows for relatively free flexural movement of the housing structure of the plug 42 relative to an essentially smooth descent cable 52 that incorporates one or more resistance member GRP 54 (FIGS. 3, 4, and 7) or the like, for example. The one or more silicone rings in O 28 (FIG. 1) the conventional Optitap 10 connector can be replaced with a single O-shaped ring 56 formed in an integral and overmolded manner that is arranged within a grooved channel 58 which is manufactured on the outer surface of the housing structure of plug 42. optional, the outer surface of the housing structure of the plug 42 includes a number of convenient engaging surfaces.

Referring to FIG. 3, internally, the connector assembly 40 includes a retaining body 60, or fixing body, having a pair of carabiners 62 configured to fit a pair of recesses of the carabiners 64 manufactured on opposite sides of the connector subset 44, in that the carabiners 62 retain the subset of the connector 44 against the fastening body 60 once it is held in place. Each of these carabiners 62 comprises a projectable finger member that has a hooked end. Since the finger members have a degree of flexibility, they are deformed out of place or bent when the subset of connector 44 is pressed between them and snapped back in place when the hooked ends of the finger members engage the recesses of the fingers. carabiners 64. Since the housing structure of the plug 42 is attached to the retaining body and the carabiners, an inner surface of the housing structure of the plug 42 can contact the outer surface of the carabiners 62, keeping the carabiners 62 within the recesses of the carabiners 64. Advantageously, carabiners 62 or any other subset retention feature allow the subset of connector 44 to rotate slightly (+ / - about 5 degrees maximum) on the axis of the fixing body 60 and the connector assembly 40, since the recesses of carabiners 64 are somewhat oversized in relation to carabiners 62. The connector parts will align themselves autonomously below about 45 degrees if there is the proper detail of the chamfer and inlet, so the retaining feature of the subset allows the subset of the connector 44 to rotate less than about 45 degrees. This inherent radial fluctuation reduces the stiffness of the manufacturing tolerances involved. This is especially important in an in-line application, where two connector assemblies are relatively rigidly aligned in relation to each other in order to meet the mechanical performance requirements. In such applications, an alignment sleeve arranged between the connector assemblies is often not able to fit properly to both connector assemblies, which may have opposite directions. Axis 25 (FIG. 1) the connector subset 44 is preferably arranged and secured within a hole 66 (FIG. 6) manufactured at the end of the fixing body 60 having the carabiners 62. This end also includes a pair of alignment blocks 68 which are designed so as to ensure the proper positioning of the connector subset 44 on the face of the fixing body 60.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the fastening body 60 engages the housing structure of the plug 42 (FIG. 4) by means of one or more recesses 70 manufactured on the outer surface of the fastening body 60 and one or more corresponding protrusions 72 (FIG. 4 ) manufactured on the inner surface of the housing structure of the plug 42. Accordingly, the fastening body 60 is gripped in place within the interior of the housing structure of the plug 42. Again, the chosen materials facilitate this and either or both of the recesses 70 or the projections 72 may have complementary angular surfaces. Advantageously, this mechanical retention of the fastening body 60 inside the housing structure of the plug 42 alleviates the problem of the variation of the position of the end face due to the piston-like movement of the heat shrink. As an important aspect, the outer surface of the fastening body 60 and the inner surface of the housing structure of the plug 42 also includes corresponding planed and raised surfaces. Thus, the key configurations of the fixing body 60 and the housing structure of the plug 42 of the connector assembly 40 (FIG. 4) require that the connector assembly 40 be mounted in a specific orientation. Again, this is intended for the unresolved need for an alternative retention method that does not allow multiple ways (ie, two 180 degree opposite shapes) for mounting the connector components, thereby eliminating the requirement for fixing and checking by an operator to make sure that the subset of connector 44 is correctly oriented. The geometries involved are based on material flexibility and use minor localized interferences between the semi-rigid bodies involved in order to determine molding tolerances, while maintaining mechanical integrity.

Referring to FIG. 6, the fastening body 60 includes a relatively larger diameter zone 74 and a relatively smaller diameter zone 76, the larger diameter zone 74 located proximally to the end of the fastening body 60 which has the carabiners 62 and the smaller diameter 76 located distally to the end of the fixing body 60, which has the carabiners 62. When the fixing body 60 is inserted into the housing structure of the plug 42, this larger diameter zone 74 acts as a natural stop as it contacts a shelf 78 made manually on the inner surface of the housing structure of the plug 42 (see FIG. 4). As described above, axis 25 (FIG. 1) of the connector subset 44 (FIGS. 2-5) is preferably arranged and sequenced within the hole 66 made manually at the end of the fixing body 60 that has the carabiners 62. This end also includes the pair of alignment blocks 68 that are designed to ensure the proper positioning of the connector subset 44 on the face of the fixing body 60 in conjunction with the carabiners 62.

In an alternative embodiment, the axis 25 of the connector subset 44 is arranged and sequentially between the two halves 14a, 14b (FIG. 1) of the anterior crimped body 14 (FIG. 1), which is now eliminated. These are, in turn, arranged inside the hole 66 made manually at the end of the fastening body 60 that has the carabiners 62. As above, this keeps the connector subset 44 centered in relation to the fastening body 60 and the structure for storing the plug 42. In another alternative embodiment, the two halves 14a, 14b of the front crimped body 14 are combined into a single crimped retainer (not shown) which is arranged inside the hole made manually at the end of the fixing body 60 that has the carabiners 62. Again, this keeps the connector subset 44 centered in relation to the fastening body 60 and the housing structure of the plug 42.

Referring to FIG. 7, the fixing body 60 also includes a central channel 80 positioned to receive at least one optical fiber 82 from the descent cable 52 and a pair of end channels 84 positioned to receive the GRP 54 or other resistance members resistance members of the descending cable 52. The optical fiber 82 (which typically has a diameter of about 250 pm) and the pair of GRP resistance members 54 are enclosed within a sheath of the drop cable 86, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although the GRP 54 resistance members are illustrated and described in this document, the drop cable 52 can also include other types of resistance members, or as an alternative. Any of these resistance members can be accommodated by one or more channels manually made in the fixing body 60. Preferably, the pair of resistance members GRP 54 protrudes between about 10 mm and about 20 mm (and with most preferably, about 17 mm) in the pair of the end channels 84 and the end channels 84 are filled with an adhesive agent that serves to connect the lowering cable 52 to the fixing body 60. The adhesive agent can be a visible light curable epoxy, or an ultraviolet (UV) light, or heat curable fixation. All material choices depend on the tensile strength, the range of the exposure temperature, and the desired chemical resistance. If a visible light curable epoxy is being used, the fixing body 60 is preferably essentially transparent in such a way that the visible light can reach and cure the epoxy. For example, a natural polyether imide can be used, also providing relatively high temperature resistance. This essentially transparent material allows visual feedback during the process of filling the adhesive agent and routing the optical fiber. Advantageously, the pair of channels at the end 84 separate the adhesive agent from the central channel 80 and the optical fiber 82. Once the channels at the end 84 are sealed, material is prevented from flowing into the connector assembly 40 (FIGS. 2-4) internally during assembly. The assembly of the connector 40 of the present invention quickly meets the desired tensile strength requirements of about 100 Ibf, due to the use of the fixing body 60 and the adhesive agent. Preferably, during assembly, the drop cable 52 is first connected to the fastening body 60, and then the subset of connector 44 (FIGS. 2 - 5) is connected to the fastening body 60.

In an alternative embodiment, the pair of channels at the end 84 is configured to accept a pair of wedge-shaped clips that are held in place by a pair of non-crimped strips. These wedge-shaped clips and non-crimped strips are subsequently attached to the GRP 54 resistance members via crimping, thereby securing the lowering cable 52 to the fixing body 60. This represents a non-adhesive solution.

Referring to FIG. 8, the end cap 50 described above includes an insertion end 88 which is configured to be comfortably inserted into the rear end of the housing structure of the plug 42 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The end cap 50 also includes a narrowing end 90 which is manufactured with a slit opening 92 which is configured to receive the essentially smooth drop cable 52 (FIG. 7), which passes through the end cap 50 and into the housing structure of the plug 42.

As described above, the retaining body 60 of the present invention is coupled to the subset of the connector 44 by the retaining carabiners 62. In conventional connector assemblies, the optical fibers and / or the excess time of movement of the resistance member can cause the connector assembly, including the bushing, to protrude or protrude forward in relation to the outer skirt of the packaging structure or the connector plug, resulting in a defective drop cable incapable of proper interconnection. Stops positioned on the projection 72 can prevent the retaining body 60, once held in place, from being removed through the front, or when attached, of the end of the plug assembly. In this way, when the fibers or the resistance members are pushed forward towards the retaining body 60, the retaining body can be stopped from moving internally within the housing structure of the plug 42 beyond a predetermined point. By coupling the connector subset 44 to the retaining body 60, the connector subset is then also prevented from projecting beyond a predetermined point, giving a descent cable capable of the appropriate interconnection over time. In one embodiment, the housing structure of the plug 42, the retaining body 60 and its contact points are capable of withstanding forces up to about 50 Ibs.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in this document with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and / or achieve identical results . For example, fitting two connector assemblies could be achieved by providing a female version of the connector assembly (ie, a socket). The fitting order would be plug - socket - plug.

Lisbon, 25 January 2012