Abstract:
An optical connector assembly including an adapter. Each piece of the connector includes a ferrule carrier that is mounted in a housing. An adapter is used to align the connector housings. The adapter has a latching member that includes an exposed surface. The surface is accessible such that it can be pressed by a human operator to unlatch a connector inserted into the adapter. When pressed, the latching member slides so that latching features on the member slide clear of complementary features on the connector housing, thereby allowing the connector to release from the adapter. The connector also includes visually distinctive chips that can be inserted in the ferrule carriers or the adapter. By matching the chips in the different components, an assembler can easily recognize the appropriate ferrule carrier to be inserted the appropriate adapter position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates generally to electronic systems and more specifically to electronic systems using optical fibers to carry data between components of the system.  
         [0003]     2. Discussion of Related Art  
         [0004]     Many types of electronic systems are known. Common examples of electronic systems are computers, routers and telecommunications switches. Complex electronic systems have long been built as subassemblies that are then integrated into an overall system. Integration requires that data be passed between subassemblies.  
         [0005]     Traditionally, integration of subassemblies has included making connections for electrical signals to carry data between the subassemblies. In some systems, printed circuit boards, sometimes called backplanes, are used to carry electrical signals between subassemblies. Backplanes are usually built as printed circuit boards. Conductive traces within the board carry electrical signals and electrical connectors attached to the board allow subassemblies to be connected to those traces.  
         [0006]     In some instances, subassemblies are also built on printed circuit boards, called daughter cards. The conductive traces on the daughter cards interconnect electronic components mounted on the board. The traces also connect those components to connectors on the daughter card. The daughter card connectors mate with backplane connectors to allow the electronic circuitry on the daughter card to pass information in the form of electrical signals through the backplane to other subassemblies connected to the backplane. Where interconnections are made through a backplane, all of the subassemblies to be connected together are usually mounted in one housing.  
         [0007]     In other instances, electronic systems are made up of subassemblies that are contained in separate housings. The system might be too big to fit in a single enclosure or might require subassemblies located in physically separate locations. For example, data storage farms are made of interconnected storage units because it is likely that one unit containing all the necessary circuitry would be too large to easily make in a single housing. Routers and switches in networks are made as separate pieces to allow the network to span a wide geographic range. A system also might be made in separate components as a matter of convenience. For example, a system might be made in modules to allow systems of many different sizes to be constructed by integrating different numbers of modules.  
         [0008]     Where systems are assembled from separate components, cables are often used to interconnect the components. Electronic components that are intended to be integrated into a much larger system often have “panels” or “bulkheads” to which cables interconnecting systems can be connected.  
         [0009]     Often, the panel on a subassembly contains electrical connectors. Inside the subassembly, these connectors might be connected to backplanes or daughter cards or otherwise tied into the system. On the outside of the subassembly, the connectors are shaped to receive connectors on the ends of cables. In this way, cables can be plugged into panels to interconnect the subassemblies.  
         [0010]     As electronic systems became more powerful, the data rate between subassemblies increased. To carry more data, optical interconnections were often used. Rather than transmit data as electrical signals on conductors, optical interconnections transmit data as modulated light in a structure that acts as an optical waveguide—often an optical fiber. To facilitate the interconnection of subassemblies using optical fibers, optical connectors have been developed. Both backplane/daughtercard and panel type optical connectors are known.  
         [0011]     Several problems exist with optical interconnections that do not exist with corresponding electrical connectors. One particular problem is that the optical fibers must be aligned with much higher precision than electrical conductors for optical connectors to reliably transmit signals.  
         [0012]     Alignment in optical connectors is often achieved through the use of several levels of alignment mechanisms. At the most precise level, the fiber in both halves of the connector is held in ferrules. The ferrules are precision manufactured components that contain alignment features—often posts and holes that are made with very tight tolerance that ensures the fibers are properly aligned when the posts are in the holes.  
         [0013]     However, for the ferrules to align the fibers, the ferrules must first be aligned such that the posts engage with the holes. This level of alignment is often provided through a connector housing. The connector housings also have features that, when interlocked, ensure that the ferrules will be aligned with sufficient precision.  
         [0014]     Another level of alignment is often used to ensure the housings line up and also to hold the connectors together when mated. This level of alignment is sometimes called an adapter. In a simple form, an adapter can be a sleeve into which two connectors can be inserted from opposite directions. The sleeve forces the connector housings into alignment when they come together in the center of the sleeve. Latching features can be incorporated into the sleeve to hold the connector housings together.  
         [0015]     Examples of optical connector systems can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/243,458, filed Sep. 13, 2002, entitled  Techniques for Forming Fiber Optic Connections in an Modularized Manner ; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2003/0044127 filed Jul. 16, 2002 entitled  Modular Fiber Optic Connection System ; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/326,480 entitled  Latch and Release System for a Connector , filed on Dec. 20, 2002, by Roth, et al. all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.  
         [0016]     The above referenced applications describe optical interconnection systems that use ferrules, housings and adapters for alignment. The adapters used for the backplane/daughter card interconnection in some of the examples have several sleeves tied together in a row. In this way, connections between many fibers can be made at one time.  
         [0017]     Herein, an improved adapter will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment that would most likely be applied in a commercial setting to create a panel type connector assembly. However, it should be appreciated that the term adapter is used to broadly refer to an adapter as might be used in a panel connector or a backplane style connector.  
         [0018]     It would be highly desirable for an optical interconnection system to be easy to make and use. For example, it would also be desirable to provide an optical interconnection system in which the connector housings can be easily inserted and removed from an adapter. It would also be desirable if the connector system reduced the possibility of an assembly error in the interconnection of the electronic system.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0019]     It is an object of the invention to provide an optical interconnection system that is easy to make and use.  
         [0020]     The foregoing and other objects are achieved in an optical interconnection system with an adapter. In one aspect, the adapter includes a latch release mechanism that is easy to operate. In a preferred embodiment, the latch comprises a movable member with interconnected segments. One of the segments includes a tab that allows a force to be generated by one or more human fingers either pushing on the tab or squeezing the connector. Motion of the segment containing the tab causes the interconnected segment to move in unison. Sufficient motion of one segment causes the interconnected segment to move clear of an interlocking feature on a connector housing that  
         [0021]     In another aspect, the optical interconnection system has modular identification members. In a preferred embodiment, the identification members are made in different colors. Corresponding identification members are used on components of the interconnection system that should be plugged together when the system is assembled. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     The accompanying drawings, are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a sketch of a fiber optic connector;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of a fiber optic connector;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a sketch of an adapter for use with a fiber optic connector;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the adapter of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a sketch of a latching ring used in the adapter of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0028]      FIGS. 6A, 6B  and  6 C are sketches of alternative flange inserts that might be used in the adapter of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7A  is a sketch of a ferrule carrier adapted to receive a color chip;  
         [0030]      FIG. 7B  is a sketch of a color chip;  
         [0031]      FIG. 8  is sketch of an alternative embodiment of the adapter of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 9A  is a sketch of a clip for use in the adapter of  FIG. 8  and  
         [0033]      FIG. 9B  is a sketch of a side of the adapter of  FIG. 9A . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0034]     This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing”, “involving”, and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.  
         [0035]      FIG. 1  shows optical connector  110 . Opitcal connector  110  includes body  112 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  connector  110  is a duplex connector. It receives two ferrule carriers  120   a  and  120   b . Ferrules mounted on ferrule carriers  120   a  and  120   b  are held within body  112 .  
         [0036]     Connector  110  also includes a door assembly  130 . Door assembly  130  slides relative to body  112 . Spring  136  biases door assembly  130  forwards. When door assembly  130  is in the forward position, doors  134  are closed. When door assembly  130  is pushed towards body  112 , doors  134  swing open. When doors  134  open, ferrules within connector  110  are exposed through matting face  132 .  
         [0037]     Connector  110  is made to be mated to another connector of similar design. When the matting faces  132  of the connectors are pressed together, the door assemblies  130  of each of the connectors is pressed towards its respective body  112 . The action of pressing the connectors together opens the doors  134  and allows the ferrules inside each of the connectors  110  to engage.  
         [0038]     For the connectors to mate, the matting faces  132  of the two connectors must be aligned. Also, the connectors must be held together to ensure the doors  134  stay open and the ferrules in the respective connectors remained pressed together. To provide alignment of connectors and to ensure the connectors stay pressed together, a sleeve or adapter is normally used. Each of the connectors such as  110  is pressed in to the adapter and latched to hold it in position when the connectors  110  mate.  
         [0039]     In the description that follows, a panel adapter will be described. A panel adapter might be used, for example, to allow an optical connector to complete an optical connection from one electronic system to another. However, the concepts that will be described might also be used in connection with sleeves or adapters used to make back plane connectors or connections in other applications.  
         [0040]     To facilitate latching of connector  110  to an adapter, body  112  includes latch portions  114 . To facilitate removal of connector  110  from an adapter, body  112  includes a release portion  116 . Release portion  116  is captured within a channel in body  112 . Connector  110  includes a spring that presses releases portion  116  forward and channel  114  to the position shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0041]     When connector  110  is pressed into an adapter, release portion  116  engages an abutment within the adapter. As connector  110  is pressed further into the housing, release portion  116  will be forced by the abutment rearward in the channel formed in housing  110 . When connector  110  is latched within the adapter, release portion  116  will be held in its rearward position. In this position, the spring (not shown) will be compressed. When the latch holding connector  110  within the adapter is released, the spring force created between release portion  116  and the abutment inside the adapter ejects connector  110  from the adapter. Release portion  116  is included in the preferred embodiment. However, it is not critical to the invention.  
         [0042]     Connector  110  is shown with fiber optic cables  140   a  and  140   b  extending from it. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  two flat cables  140   a  and  140   b  are shown.  FIG. 1  illustrates a duplex connector containing two ferrules, each aligning multiple fibers. Such multifiber ferrules are commercially available and are sometimes referred to as MT ferrules. The invention is not limited to use in connection with MT ferrules.  
         [0043]      FIG. 2  shows a connector  210  adapted for use with single fiber ferrules. Single fibers, encased in a protective boot, are shown extending from the rear surface of ferrule carrier  220 . In the illustrated embodiment, fibers  240   a  and  240   b  are shown. Fibers  240   a  and  240   b  connect with ferrules  260   a  and  260   b  respectively. In this embodiment, single fiber ferrules, such as industry standard cylindrical ferrules are used. Ferrule carrier  220  includes a cap  270  that includes alignment features for the ferrules. Further details of a single fiber connector may be found in our copending U.S. patent application entitled “Modular Fiber Optic Connector System” filed on the same date as this application, which is incorporated by reference herein.  
         [0044]     To make optical connector  210 , ferrule carrier  220  is inserted within body  212 . Latch  222  engages a complimentary latching feature inside body  212  to hold the ferrule carrier  220  in body  212 . Ferrule carrier  220  includes a color chip  280  that aids in assembly of electronic systems using optical fiber interconnects. Color chips will be explained in greater detail below in connection with  FIG. 7   b.    
         [0045]      FIG. 3  shows an adapter  310  that can be inserted in a panel or bulkhead of an electronic system. Adapter  310  is made of a shell  312 . Shell  312  has openings  320   a  and  320   b  that are sized to receive optical connectors. Adapter  310  is sized to receive a duplex connector such as shown in  FIG. 1 . However, it should be appreciated that a similar adapter could be constructed to receive a connector such as  210  that contains only a single ferrule carrier.  
         [0046]     Shell  312  includes flange inserts such as  314   a  and  314   b . Flange inserts  314   a  and  314   b  allow adapter  310  to be attached to a bulkhead or panel in an electronic assembly. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , flange inserts  314   a  and  314   b  are sized to receive a screw that may be screwed into the panel.  
         [0047]     Adapter  310  also includes gaskets  316   a  and  316   b . Gaskets  31   6   a  and  316   b  are made of a compliant conductive material. Gaskets such as  316   a  and  316   b  seal openings in the panel into which adapter  310  is inserted to prevent electromagnetic interference from either entering the electronic assembly through the opening made for adapter  310  or from exiting the electronic assembly through that opening. In the embodiment shown, two gaskets are incorporated into the adapter. Regardless of which end of the adapter is pressed into an opening in a panel, one of the gaskets will press against the panel.  
         [0048]     Adapter  310  includes release members  330   a  and  330   b . Release member  330   a  allows a connector latched with an opening  320   a  to be released. Release member  330   b  allows a connector latched with an opening  320   b  to be released.  
         [0049]     Adapter  310  also includes color chips. In  FIG. 3 , color chips  380   a  and  380   b  are visible. Color chips  380   a  and  380   b  are associated with opening  320   a . Corresponding color chips (not visible) may also be associated with opening  320   b.    
         [0050]      FIG. 4  shows adapter  310  in an exploded view. Adapter  310  is made up of two shell portions  412   a  and  412   b . In the preferred embodiment, shell portions  412   a  and  412   b  are identical. Shell portions  412   a  and  412   b  are held together by clips  420   a  ,  420   b  ,  420   c  and  420   d . Alignment features such as posts  442  and holes  444  aid in proper positioning of shell portions  412   a  and  412   b.    
         [0051]     When shells  412   a  and  412   b  are properly positioned, bosses such as  424   a  and  424   b  will align. Openings  422  in clips such as  420   a  ,  420   b  ,  420   c  and  420   d  fit over bosses such as  424   a  and  424   b . When a clip such as  420   c  is pressed against shell portions  412   a  and  412   b  , wings  428  slip under tabs such as  426 . In this way, bosses  424   a  and  424   b  will be held together within the opening  422  of the clip  420   c.    
         [0052]     The interior surfaces of shells  412   a  and  412   b  are shaped to provide a channel  446 . Latch rings  510   a  and  510   b  fit within the channel such as  446 . Channel  446  is shaped to allow latch rings  510   a  and  510   b  to slide up and down.  
         [0053]     Springs  430  are attached to each of the latch rings  510   a  and  510   b . For example, springs  430  fit within a channel such as  432 . Springs  430  bias latch rings  510   a  and  510   b  into a normally upwards state. However, latch rings  510  may still be pressed downwards within channels such as  446 . The operation of latch rings  510   a  and  510   b  are described in connection with  FIG. 5  below.  
         [0054]     Flange inserts  314   a  and  314   b  are also shown. Flange inserts have T-shaped portions that fit within openings such as  450   a . When shell portions  412   a  and  412   b  are locked together, flange inserts  314   a  and  314   b  are held in place within openings  450   a.    
         [0055]     Color chips such as  380   a ,  380   b ,  380   c  and  380   d  are also shown. These color chips lock within openings in latch rings  510   a  and  510   b.    
         [0056]     Catches  340  are formed by extensions on clips  420 . In a preferred embodinent clips such as  420   a ,  420   b ,  420   c  and  420   d  are stamped and formed from a springy metal. Catches  340  can be compressed as the adapter is pressed into an opening of a panel. But, once the adapter is pressed into the panel far enough so that catch  340  clears the wall, it will spring back to an extended state, preventing removal of the adapter. Upper and lower catches are included on both sides of the adapter. This configuration allows either end of the adapter to be inserted in a panel.  
         [0057]     As was described above, connectors to be inserted into adapter  310  include release portions such as  116 . When a connector such as  110  is inserted into adapter  310  release portion  116  engages an abutment.  FIG. 4  shows an abutment made of pieces  440   a  and  440   b  to engage a connector inserted into opening  320 A. A similar abutment is formed within opening  320 B, from abutment  440 C and a complementary potion inside shell  412 A.  
         [0058]      FIG. 5  shows latch ring  510  in greater detail. Latch ring  510  includes tab  520 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , tab  520  is accessible from the exterior of adapter  310 . In use, downward pressure on tab  520  releases a connector held within adapter  310 .  
         [0059]     Latch ring  510  includes sides  540   a  and  540   b . Sides  540   a  and  540   b  fit within channels such as  446  ( FIG. 4 ). Sides  540   a  and  540   b  also couple tab  520  to latch member  542 . Downward motion of tab  520  also causes downward motion of latch member  542 .  
         [0060]     Latch member  542  includes tapered surfaces  530 . As a connector such as  110  ( FIG. 1 ) is inserted through opening  550 , latch portions  114  will engage tapered surfaces  530 . Pressure against tapered surfaces  530  causes downward pressure on the entire latch ring  510 . When connector  110  is fully inserted into adapter  310 , latch portions  114  will slide past tapered surfaces  530 . Without latch portions  114  providing a force on tapered surfaces  530 , spring force generated by springs  430  will cause latch ring  510  to move upwards. As latch ring  510  moves upwards, latch surfaces  532  engage rear surfaces  150  ( FIG. 1 ) of connector  110 . In this position, connector  110  is locked within adapter  310 .  
         [0061]     To release connector  110  from adapter  310 , downward pressure can be exerted on tab  520 . This pressure will cause latch ring  510  to move in a downward direction until latch surfaces  532  are clear of rear surface  150  ( FIG. 1 ). With latch surfaces  532  clear of rear surface  150 , the force of release portion  116  ( FIG. 1 ) pressing against abutment  440  will cause the connector to eject from adapter  310 .  
         [0062]     Latch portion  114  ( FIG. 1 ) is designed to allow two levels of latching. Connector  110  is partially inserted into adapter  310 , latch member  114  will slide past latch surface  532  only to the point that latch surface  532  engages intermediate surface  152  ( FIG. 1 ). Two levels of latching is an optional feature.  
         [0063]      FIG. 6A, 6B  and  6 C show alternative embodiments of flange inserts  314 .  FIG. 6   b  shows a flange insert such as flange insert  314   a  or  314   b . When used in an adapter such as  310 , flange insert  314  allows the adapter to be mounted to a panel with a screw. The mounting hole is positioned generally in the center of the adapter.  
         [0064]      FIG. 6C  shows an alternative configuration of a flange insert. Flange insert  650  has the same T-shaped base as flange insert  314 . However, flange insert  650  includes a screw hole  652  offset from the center.  
         [0065]      FIG. 6A  shows a flange insert  610 . Flange insert  610  has the same T-shaped base as flange insert  314 . Rather than providing a screw hole, flange insert  610  includes a hub  612  that can be pressed into a hole within a bulkhead to which adapter  310  might be mounted. Hub  612  is offset from the center. By providing multiple alternative configuration of flange inserts, multiple mounting configurations for adapters can be used.  
         [0066]     For example, when adapters are to be mounted side by side, flange inserts such as  314  in  FIG. 6B  might be used. However, when adapters are to be mounted to a bulkhead one above the other, flange inserts such as  610  or  650  might be used. By offsetting the flange insert on the top of one connector in the opposite direction from the flange insert of the bottom of the connector above it, screws holding the two adapters to the bulkhead will be aligned side by side. In this way, the adapters may be mounted closer together on the bulkhead.  
         [0067]      FIG. 7   a  shows a portion of a ferrule carrier such as ferrule carrier  220  ( FIG. 2 ). Support member  710  includes an opening  720  into which a color chip such as color chip  280  ( FIG. 7B ) can be inserted. Here, the opening  720  is in the rearward surface of support  710 . This rearward surface is visible from the rear of a connector such as connector  210  when assembled. This rearward surface is also visible when connector  210  is inserted in an adapter.  
         [0068]     Opening  720  includes a window  722 . Window  722  allows a color chip, once inserted, to be removed.  
         [0069]      FIG. 7B  shows color chip  280  in greater detail. Color chip  280  includes an interior portion  782 . Interior portion is inserted within opening  720 . Color chip  280  also includes an exterior portion  784 . When color chip  280  is inserted with an opening  720 , exterior portion  784  remains outside of opening  720  and is therefore visible. Interior portion  782  includes a latch  786 . Latch  786  is formed on a cantilever portion of interior portion  782 . When color chip  280  is inserted into opening  720 , latch  786  is visible in window  722 . Latch  786  latches to a side of window  722 .  
         [0070]     When color chip  280  is inserted in window  720 , latch  786  holds it in place. By inserting a tool into window  722 , latch  786  can be released. In this way color chip  280  may be removed from support  710 . The ability to insert and remove color chips such as  280 , allows components of a connector assembly to be color coded for easy assembly. For example,  FIG. 3  shows color chips such as  380   a  and  380   b  attached in an adapter  310 . Similar mounting arrangements can be used within adapter  310  to insert or remove color chips. It is intended that color chips will be inserted in connectors and adapters to indicate which connectors should be inserted into which adapters. For example, connector  110  in  FIG. 1  includes two ferrule carriers  120   a  and  120   b . A red color chip might be mounted to ferrule carrier  120   a  and a blue color chip might be mounted to ferrule carrier  120   b . Likewise, color chip  380   a  might be a red color chip and color chip  380   b  might be a blue color chip. In this way, when connector  110  is mounted in adapter  310 , the red color chip of ferrule carrier  120   a  would be adjacent red color chip  380   a  of adapter  310 . Likewise the blue color chip of ferrule carrier  120   b  would be adjacent the blue color chip  380   b.    
         [0071]     Because color chips can be inserted and removed in both the ferrule carriers and the adapters, great flexibility is provided in color coding the components the optical connector assembly. Also, the number and complexity of unique components in the optical interconnection system is reduced. Multiple combinations of color coded connectors can be created with the only unique pieces being the color chips.  
         [0072]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of an adapter. Adapter  810  is sized to receive a connector with a single ferrule carrier such as connector  210 . Adapter  810  is made from shell portions  812   a  and  812   b . Flange inserts  314   a  and  314   b  are used for mounting adapter  810  to a panel. The adapter  810  also includes two latch rings  510  to latch connectors inserted from opposite ends of adapter  810 . Shell portions  812   a  and  812   b  are held together with clips  910   a  and  910   b  as described in more detail in connection with  FIG. 9  below. Because adapter  810  is intended for use with a connector having a single ferrule carrier, a single color chip  880  is shown adjacent the openings  820  in which the connector is inserted.  
         [0073]     Clip  910  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 9A . Clip  910  is generally c-shaped. It has an upper surface  920 , a lower surface  930  and side surface  940 . Preferably clip  910  is stamped and formed from a single sheet of springy metal. Upper surface  920  includes engagement features  926  and  928 . Engagement features  926  and  928  engage corresponding features on the shell portions  812 . Engagement features  936  and  938  on lower surface  930  similarly engage features on shell portions  812 . For example, features  936  engage slots  960 , which are visible in  FIG. 9   b.    
         [0074]     As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , side surface  940  presses against the outer surface of shell portion  812 . In this way, shell portions  812   a  and  812   b  are held together.  
         [0075]     Upper surface  920  includes a catch  922 . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , catch  922  forms a compliant beam that can be compressed to allow adapter  810  to be inserted into an opening in a bulkhead. When adapter  810  is inserted sufficiently far into the opening in the bulkhead, catch  922  will clear the bulkhead and spring back to its uncompressed position. In it uncompressed position catch  922  will engage the interior side of the bulkhead, preventing adapter  810  from being removed. As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , adapter  810  includes catches that allow either end of adapter  810  to be inserted and latched in that bulkhead. A similar catch is included on lower surface  930  of clip  910 .  
         [0076]     Upper surface  920  also includes a spring  924 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , spring  924  fits under latch ring  510 . Spring  924  takes the place of springs  430   a . In contrast to the coiled springs  430 , spring  924  is formed from a springy beam.  
         [0077]      FIG. 9B  shows in greater detail the interior side of shell portion  812 . Channels  970   a  and  970   b  are provided for receiving latch rings  510 . Alignment features such as post and holes are also shown. And, as with shell portions  412   a  or  412   b , channels for receiving flange inserts are also provided.  
         [0078]     The specific materials used to make the components of the optical interconnection system are not critical to the invention. It is preferred that the housing members be made from a conductive material to reduce EMI associated with openings in the electronic assembly in which optical connectors are used. For example, adapter shell  312  and connector body  112  or  212  might be die cast.  
         [0079]     The features described above result in an optical connector assembly that is easy to construct and operate. One aspect is that a connector can be unlatched from the adapter easily. A technician can press on the tab portion of latch ring  510  with one finger or with a simple tool. Alternatively, the technician can squeeze the top and bottom of the adapter with a two-finger pinching action to remove the connector from the adapter. As connector assemblies become smaller and move highly integrated, easy insertion and removal of components provides a significant benefit.  
         [0080]     Further, the use of easily removable and insertable identifying members, such as color chips, reduces assembly errors. As connector assemblies are constructed, color chips can be easily added. Or, as systems are reconfigured or connectors or cables are used for other applications, the color coding can be easily changed.  
         [0081]     Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0082]     As one example, the locking member of the preferred embodiment is illustrated as a ring. Such a shape is not required. The locking member might be U-shaped, with a tab mounted at the base of the U. Features on the sides of the U could engage complementary features in a connector housing when the U is biased upwards by the spring. By pressing down on the tab, the sides of the U would slide free of the complementary features, thereby releasing the connector from the latch.  
         [0083]     Such a structure would also be operative if only one side of the U were present, resulting in an L-shaped locking member.  
         [0084]     Moreover, it would be possible to place the tab on the same member that contained the latch. It should also be appreciated that the “tab” need not be created by a projection as shown in the pictures. A “tab” could be created by providing an opening in the housing through which a portion of the locking member is exposed.  
         [0085]     It should be appreciated that color chips might be inserted at the factory or by the user of an optical connector. Further, the latch described above for color chips allows them to be removed by the customer and, if desired, changed to other colors.  
         [0086]     The color chips in the presently preferred embodiment are solid color chips. However, patterns of color could be used. For example, a chip with red stripes would be considered a different color than a solid red chip or a chip with blue stripes.  
         [0087]     Also, it is described that color chips are used to provide a visible indicator of the components that are to be connected. Other visible indicators could be used. For example, chips might be made with differently shaped exterior portions. Also, the indicators, could be in the texture of the chip rather than its color. As a further variation, markings on the chips might also visually distinguish connectors and mounting locations  
         [0088]     As yet a further example, a locking ring with a tab extending from the adapter housing is shown. It is not necessary that the tab extend from the housing to be accessible.  
         [0089]     Further, an adapter is described in which the walls of the adapter guide the connector into alignment and the locking member simply holds the connector in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the locking member are smooth and do not latch to the connector body. It is possible that the sides of the locking member could guide the connector into alignment. In this scenario, the sides of the locking member would partially define the opening into which the connector is inserted.  
         [0090]     As another example, identifying chips made of colored plastic were described. Other means for identification could be used. Chips with different shape or texture could be used. Also, the identification means need not be limited to visual identifying means.  
         [0091]     Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.