Adjustable polarity fiber optic connector assembly with shortened rotatable boot assembly

A fiber optic connector with a rotatable housing integrated with a connection member for converting the connector from a first polarity to a second polarity, and a manipulator assembly comprising the rotatable housing and a locking member movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the manipulator assembly being coupled to the connection member such that the manipulator assembly and the connection member rotate conjointly about the axis of rotation, and when in locked position connector polarity cannot be changed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connectors. The prevalence of the Internet has led to unprecedented growth in communication networks. Consumer demands for service and increased competition has caused network providers to continuously find ways to improve quality of service while reducing cost. Certain solutions have included deployment of high-density interconnect panels. High-density interconnect panels may be designed to consolidate the increasing volume of interconnections necessary to support the fast-growing networks into a compacted form factor, thereby increasing quality of service and decreasing costs such as floor space and support overhead.

In communication networks, such as data centers and switching networks, numerous interconnections between mating connectors may be compacted into high-density panels. Panel and connector producers may optimize for such high densities by shrinking the connector size and/or the spacing between adjacent connectors on the panel. While both approaches may be effective to increase the panel connector density, shrinking the connector size and/or spacing may also increase the support cost and diminish the quality of service.

In a high-density panel configuration, adjacent connectors and cable assemblies may obstruct access to the individual release mechanisms. A cable assembly is formed from a cable boot and fiber optic cable or cable. Such physical obstructions may impede the ability of an operator to minimize the stresses applied to the cables and the connectors. For example, these stresses may be applied when the user reaches into a dense group of connectors and pushes aside surrounding optical fibers and connectors to access an individual connector release mechanism with his/her thumb and forefinger. Overstressing the cables and connectors may produce latent defects, compromise the integrity and/or reliability of the terminations, and potentially cause serious disruptions to network performance.

Accordingly, there is a need for fiber optic connectors that will meet the needs of future developments allowing for smaller footprints, easier implementation, and easy field modification.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a fiber optic connector having one or more ferrules. The connector housing has a front end and a back end, and the housing is configured to accept and secure the one or more ferrule within the housing. The one or more ferrule is partially exposed through the front end. The ferrule makes an optical connection to an opposing fiber optic connector inserted into a second side of the receiver.

The connector has a connection member that is configured to interlock with a locking feature formed as part of the receiver, which locks the optical fiber connector into the receiver. The non-limiting improvement is the connection member can be rotated about the connector body. The connection member is coupled to a manipulator assembly, which aids in the removal of the connector from the transceiver. The connection member and manipulator assembly are also coupled together, so both rotate about the connector axis of rotation AR-AR′. The connector axis extends from the exposed ferrule to a cable boot. The rotation is respect to the connector housing about an axis of rotation from a first polarity orientation to a second polarity orientation.

The manipulator assembly has a pull tab which is integrated with a rotatable housing. The rotatable housing has a first locking member and the first locking member is movable relative to the rotatable housing between a locked position and an unlocked position, with a second locking member. The second locking member and first locking member are hinged together with a locking tab and opening to lock the members together, which prevents rotation of the rotatable housing. The manipulator assembly is coupled to the connection member via connection arms, such that the manipulator assembly and the connection member rotate conjointly about the axis of rotation.

The manipulator assembly is further configured to prevent rotation of the manipulator assembly with respect to the connector housing when the first locking member is in the locked position, and the manipulator assembly can rotate relative to the housing about the axis of rotation when the first locking member is in the unlocked position with the second locking member. The rotatable housing does not extend beyond an upper body portion of a cable boot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The reliability of communication infrastructure depends on secure and accurate connections between components, such as cable segments, cable assemblies, network equipment, and communication devices. Large-scale data communication systems use fiber optic cables for data transmission between components. The fiber optic cables may be terminated by connector assemblies. Duplex connector assemblies, such as an LC connector assembly, may include a receiving optical fiber and a transmitting optical fiber. Such duplex connector assemblies may connect with an adapter having corresponding receiving and transmitting ports. A duplex connector assembly is generally configured such that the receiving optical fiber connects with the transmitting port of the adapter and the transmitting optical fiber connects with the receiving port of the adapter.

A duplex connector assembly has a polarity based on the relative orientation of the receiving optical fiber and the transmitting optical fiber. Similarly, a corresponding adapter may have a polarity based on the relative orientation of the receiving port and the transmitting port. If the polarity of the connector assembly corresponds to the polarity of the adapter, the connection between the connector assembly and the adapter may successfully communicate data over the fiber optic cables joined by these two components. However, particularly in large installations, the polarity of the connector often does not correspond with the polarity of the adapter, leading to cross over and other communication issues. The connector assembly cannot simply be rotated to a correct polarity, as the connector assembly includes elements configured to secure the connector assembly to the adapter which prevent rotation.

Conventional techniques for changing an incorrect polarity of a connector assembly involve difficult and time consuming methods. For example, an installer may be required to remove the existing, incorrect connector assembly and prepare a new connector assembly on site. Other methods involve the use of special tools or high-cost connector components that may also require twisting or rotating the fiber, which may lead to damaged connections. Accordingly, telecommunication network providers would benefit from a connector assembly configured to allow for the efficient and effective changing of the polarity of the connector assembly on-site.

The described technology generally relates to connector assemblies (for example, a plug, male connector, connector, or the like) having an adjustable polarity. In general, the connector assemblies have a plurality of orientations, alignments, or other physical attributes that cause the connector assemblies to have a plurality of polarities. In some embodiments, the connector assembly may only fit into and/or correctly connect with an adapter (for instance, a receptacle, female connector, adapter, or the like) in one or more of the polarities. The polarity of the connector assembly may be based on the relative orientation of components of the connector assembly, such as ferrules, a housing, a latch, a frame, or the like. For example, a connector assembly configured according to some embodiments may include two ferrules, a transmission ferrule and a receiving ferrule that may be arranged in one of a first polarity and a second polarity in order to form a successful connection with a corresponding adapter.

The connector assemblies and other data transmission elements described according to some embodiments herein may be connected within a network, which may include any type of network capable of transmitting signals, electricity, or any other type of transmission medium. For instance, the network may include, without limitation, a communication network, a telecommunication network, an electrical network, a data network, a computer network, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the network may include a communication network using various signal transmission mediums, including, without limitation, fiber optic networks, Ethernet networks, cable and/or satellite television networks, and any other type of communication network now known or developed in the future. In some embodiments, the sealable connector assemblies may be configured to connect cable segments and/or devices within a fiber optic network using various standard connector types and/or adaptors, including, but not limited to, LC, ST, SC, FC, DIN, D4, SMA, E2000, Biconic, FullAXS, OCD, small form-factor pluggable (SFP), MPO and/or copper-type network connections, such as RJ-45 type connectors. In some embodiments, the connector assembly may include a duplex LC-type connector and the connector assembly adaptor may include an SFP adaptor. In some embodiments the connector assembly may include a LC-type uniboot connector. In some embodiments, the connector assembly may include a unibody connector, for instance, that includes a round fiber optic cable.

FIG. 1depicts a perspective view of a connector assembly with a push-pull tab134. As shown inFIG. 1, connector assembly100may include plug frame125a that houses a ferrule assembly and positioned on top of the plug frame is connection member (130a,130b). Pull-push tab134includes second locking member176and narrowed neck134a, the latter for reducing the profile of push-pull tab134to be similar to the outer dimensions of flexible cable boot180. Push-pull tab134includes a window or opening135(FIG. 3) that protrusion145extends through. Protrusion145can be pressed down to release connector assembly from a receiver as described below. Push-pull tab134has an extended arm134b, as is known in the art. Extended arm134bmay become tangled up or with fiber optic cable or cable190extending from cable boot180. When connectors are inserted side by side or top and bottom or similar configurations, cable190(FIG. 3) become crossed with each other as each cable may come from a different place. Extended arm134bmay get in the way when rotating manipulator assembly120. Manipulator assembly includes rotatable housing115(improvement in the present invention) or push/pull tab134used to activate connector members (130a,130b) that are interconnected by connection member arms (147a,147b) as described below. Assembly120is further configured to rotate about a fiber optic connector housing110, as described below. Assembly120further includes a protrusion145to release the optical connector from a receiver (not shown). The receiver is well known in the prior art as an adapter port.

FIG. 2depictsFIG. 1without push/pull tab134. Connection members (130a,130b) are interconnected with protrusion145along connection member arms (147a,147b) respectively. Distal end or opposite end from connection members, collar111is integrated with connection member arms (147a,147b). In operation, user can rotate locking members in direction of arrow (FIG. 9) as described herein to change polarity of connector assembly (100,200), as arms are integrated via collar111. Also a user can depress protrusion145downward in direction of arrow “PD” to release connection members (130a,130b) from a receiver not shown thereby releasing the connector assembly from receiver. This rotates down in direction of arrow “RD”, connector members thereby releasing from the receiver.

FIG. 3depicts a second embodiment of connector assembly200without pull-push tab134. In this second embodiment, connector assembly200includes rotatable housing140which is integrated as part of second locking member176(FIG. 4), and first locking member175is hinged to second locking member176, as described below. Protrusion145is either depressed in direction of arrow “PD” as described herein (FIG. 2), or rotatable housing140is pulled in a distal direction or toward cable190to rotate down adapter latches (131a,131b) formed as part of connection members (130a,130b). In operation, pulling on rotatable housing140or pushing down protrusion145will release connector assembly200from a receiver. Protrusion145is located within window135. Ferrule assembly (150a,150b) are housed within plug frame (125a,125b) respectively.

FIG. 4depicts connector assembly200being removed from a receiver (not shown) by pulling rotatable housing140, in direction of arrow “A”. Leading edge135aof opening135(FIG. 3) engages ramp or inclined surface of146of protrusion145. Leading edge135aforces down protrusion145as a user pushes down, in direction of arrow “PD” (refer toFIG. 5). After leading edge135adepresses protrusion145, connection members (130a,130b) rotate down. Thereby releasing the connector from a receiver not shown. User may grip or pull using gripper body portion115. Gripper body portion115rotates about connector housing110(FIG. 6) after user unlocks first locking member175from second locking member176via locking tab155.

FIG. 5depicts connector assembly200without gripper body portion115or second locking member secured about housing110. As depicted collar portion111is attached to connection member arms (147a,147b), and when second locking member176and first locking member175are unhinged (as depicted inFIG. 8), the user may rotate about housing110via collar111to change the polarity of connector assembly200. Also to release connector200from the receiver, user may pull gripper body portion (not shown) and this moves collar111in a distal direction of in direction of arrow “D”. Likewise, user may depress protrusion145in direction of arrow PD to release connector200from the receiver. Upon releasing connector200, connection members rotate downward as described inFIG. 2.

FIG. 6depicts rotatable housing140that rotates about connector housing110as described above. Rotatable housing115has a plural of raised surfaces115aproviding gripping area of the user when rotating the housing115. Rotatable housing115has an inner recess115a. Inner recess115ais formed of two side portions (115d,115e). Second side portion115e, (FIG. 9), together with first side portion forms inner recess115c, the inner recess is undersized and when the rotatable housing115is placed about the collar portion111, the side portions (115e,115d) flex outward (as shown by arrow “FO”), then upon the completion of placement, the side portions (115d,115e) return to their original shape and rotatable housing115is secured with collar portion111under a press fit of side portions (115e,115d) against collar portion.

Continuing withFIG. 6, rotating the rotatable housing115changes connector (100,200) from a first polarity to a second polarity, the first polarity is different than the second polarity. Polarity means connector signal Tx for transmit or Rx for read oriented in a first signal path direction that is different from a second signal path direction. This allows connector (100,200) to be used in a receiver that has the first polarity, and to affect signal communication either the connector or receiver polarity needs to change. In the present invention, this problem is solved when the connector polarity is changed. In most data centers, the adapter is fixed and cannot be changed with substantial cost. Pin retention recess166accepts hinge165(FIG. 7B) formed as part of second locking member.

FIG. 7Adepicts hinge165that pivotably connects second locking member176of rotatable housing140(FIG. 6) to first locking member175such that the first locking member pivots relative to the rotatable body about a hinge axis HA′ between the locked and unlocked positions, via locking tab155(FIG. 4). Hinge165is configured so that the hinge axis HA′ is oriented generally parallel to the axis of rotation “R” (FIG. 9) (e.g., the hinge axis HA′ extends generally lengthwise of the connector200, in a front-to-rear direction of the connector assembly, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, hinge165is formed along a hinge side of rotatable housing140can also be used as the manipulator assembly. In this embodiment, rotatable housing140is a manipulator assembly as it can be used to release connector200from a receiver as described above inFIG. 2andFIG. 5.

FIG. 7Bdepicts first locking member175with hinge165and latch hook170. Hinge165is received in recess along hinge access HA′ with hinge165resides in pin recess166. Latch Hook170is configured to be secured with locking tab155(FIG. 9) to secured first locking member175with second locking member176. This prevents unintentional rotation of rotatable housing140.

FIG. 8depicts connector200with first locking member175hinged to rotatable housing140connecting or attaching first locking member175to second locking member176. First locking member175is in an open position. Connector200is in a first polarity position.FIG. 9depicts connector200in an opposite position toFIG. 8both in figures in a first polarity position.FIG. 9further depicts first locking member175unhinged from locking tab155. Locking tab155is accepted in opening160to secured first locking member175with second locking member176. Side wall150is cut into rotatable housing140to further secure first locking member with second locking member, and to reduce connector200overall width. InFIG. 9, rotatable housing140can be rotated in direction of arrow “R” to a second polarity position, as depicted inFIG. 10B.FIG. 9further depicts flexible cable boot180with upper body portion182configured to accept and allow rotatable housing140to rotate conjointly about an axis of rotation, AR-AR′ as show inFIG. 9. Rotatable housing140does not extend beyond upper body portion182. Upper body portion182is integrated or formed with flexible cable boot180.

FIG. 10Adepicts connector200with first locking member175after rotating rotatable housing140to second polarity position. First locking member175is closed in direction of arrow “S2” into a locked position as depicted inFIG. 10B.FIG. 10Bdepicts locking tab155securing first locking member175.FIG. 10Bfurther depicts connector200in the second polarity position.

FIG. 11depicts in any of the connector assemblies discussed above, the connector can comprise rotatable housing140having a narrow width. The narrow width and length of rotatable housing140allows cable190extending from flexible cable boot180to be manipulated without interfering with push-pull tab134as depicted inFIG. 12.

Although a fiber optic connector has been used as an illustrative embodiment, this detailed description is not so limited, as any type of electrical and/or communication connector may be used according to some embodiments. The connectors, adapters, and connection assemblies formed therefrom may be used in combination with other connection elements and/or materials, such as crimpers, bands, straps, ferrules, locking materials, fluids, gels, or the like.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (for example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to”).