Patent Publication Number: US-11385428-B2

Title: Cassette assembly for a plural of fiber optic receptacles

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/387,427 filed on Apr. 17, 2019 which claims priority to provisional application 62/675,643 filed on May 23, 2018 and as a continuation-in-part to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/387,373 filed on Apr. 17, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,725,248 entitled “FIBER OPTIC RECEPTACLE WITH INTEGRATED DEVICE THEREIN INCORPORATING A BEHIND-THE-WALL FIBER OPTIC RECEPTACLE”, and further claims priority as a continuation-in-part application to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/979,596, filed on May 15, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,416,394 entitled “Fiber Optic Receptacle With Integrated Device Therein”, which further claims priority to provisional 62/658,806 filed on Apr. 17, 2018, and as a continuation-in-part to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/881,309 filed on Jan. 26, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,185,100 entitled “Modular Connector and Adapter Assembly Using a Removable Anchor Device,” issued Jan. 22, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/147,150, filed on Feb. 9, 2017, entitled “Optical Fiber Connector,”, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/546,920 filed Aug. 17, 2017, entitled “Narrow Width Adapters and Connectors with Modular Latching Arm,”, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/452,147, filed Jan. 30, 2017, entitled “Narrow Width Adapters and Connectors with Modular Latching Arm,” and to U.S. Provisional No. 62/581,961 filed Nov. 6, 2017, entitled “Narrow Width Adapters and Connectors with Modular Latching Arm,” each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to fiber optic connectors and receptacles, and more particularly, to a cassette capable of holding a plural of fiber optic receptacles for accepting a plural of the same or different fiber optic connectors. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Modern high capacity optical systems often utilize fiber optic ribbons for inter-system connection. As there are multiple connection points in an optical path, there are needs for mating two fiber optic ferrules or a ferrule to another connector. In the mating of two fiber optic ferrules or a ferrule and a connector, the mechanical and optical alignment is paramount. Slight misalignment can result in significant signal loss, especially in the case of ferrules and connectors for multi-fiber optic ribbons and cables. Therefore, there is a need for an adapter that can hold and secure two fiber optic ferrules or a ferrule and a connector in alignment with precision. The adapter design should also allow that installation of the ferrules and connectors that is easy enough for in-field assembly. Further, the adapter should be durable in design and/or material for repeated installations and uninstallations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the present invention, a cassette a first end having a plural of receptacles capable of accepting fiber optic connectors of more than one type, such as CS® push/pull; LC or SC or MPO (multi-push on/off). A second end is configured with a pull-tab handle that accepts a plural of fiber optic strands or cables with optical fibers (e.g. strands) therein, or a plural of corresponding receptacles that are aligned with the first end of the cassette. 
     A receptacle is configured to accept a fiber optic connector, and secure said connector therein. An auxiliary device such as a hook or latch may be within a receptacle for securing said connector therein. Corresponding structure on a connector may be provided to assist in securing and locking said connector within a receptacle. The cassette may have a top hinged cover with outer latches to be received in a patch panel. A patch panel has a one or more cassettes that accept fiber optic connectors to interconnect opposing groups of fiber optic cabling that may between rooms. A bottom housing accepts a top housing or cover, and the bottom housing may also contain one or more single or duplex fiber optic adapters or receptacles. The other latches may be clips, hooks or a similar fastener to secure the cassette opposite corresponding fiber optic connectors. In another embodiment, a cassette can have one latch with a flange to secure the cassette with a patch panel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a fiber optic adapter with a plural of receptacles on either side each have a single, releasable and replaceable engagement device therein; 
         FIG. 1A . 1  is a zoomed view of the engagement device inserted into a receptacle of  FIG. 1A  without a Multi-fiber optic ferrule connector secured therein; 
         FIG. 1A . 2  is a zoomed view of the device of  FIG. 1A . 1  illustrating engagement device secured in a receptacle where the engagement device makes contact and is supported within the adapter structure; 
         FIG. 1B . 1  depicts a side perspective view of a unitary engagement device, that can be secured within adapter receptacle of  FIG. 1A . 1 ; 
         FIG. 1B . 2  depicts a bottom, side perspective view of the unitary engagement device that can be secured within adapter receptacle of  FIG. 1A . 1 ; 
         FIG. 1C . 1  depicts a side perspective view of another embodiment of a unitary engagement device that can be secured within adapter receptacle of  FIG. 1A . 1 ; 
         FIG. 1C . 2  depicts a bottom, side perspective view of the second embodiment of a unitary engagement device that can be secured within adapter receptacle of  FIG. 1A . 1 ; 
         FIG. 1D  is an exploded view of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1E . 1  is a perspective of a CS® multi-fiber optic connector, having a push-pull tab, inserted into an adapter of  FIG. 1A  using an engagement device; 
         FIG. 1E . 2  is a zoomed view of a proximal end of the multi-fiber optic connector of  FIG. 1E . 1 ; 
         FIG. 1F  is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optic ferrule connector that can be secured in an end of the adapter of  FIG. 1A  without an engagement device; 
         FIG. 1G  is a perspective view of a plural of fiber optic MPO connectors individually integrated within a patch panel; 
         FIG. 1H . 1  depicts cross section of an adapter with an integrated engagement device; 
         FIG. 1H . 2  depicts front view of fiber optic connectors latched within an adapter having an integrated engagement device therein; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a cassette, according to the present invention, with a plural of fiber optic receptacles similar to  FIG. 1A  at a first end; 
         FIG. 3  depicts  FIG. 2  exploded with a top portion of cassette housing and bottom portion of cassette housing; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a front perspective view of cassette according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  depicts an interior of the cassette of  FIG. 2  or  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a dust cap covering a fiber optic receptacle a second end of a cassette; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of a plural of receptacles a first end of a cassette; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a third embodiment of a cassette with a plural of receptacles at a first end. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a second embodiment of an integrated engagement device used in an adapter or cassette. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, apparatuses for mating two multi-fiber optic ferrules and a multi-fiber optic ferrule with a multi-fiber optic connector and the likes are set forth as preferred examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications, including additions and/or substitutions may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Specific details may be omitted so as not to obscure the invention; however, the disclosure is written to enable one skilled in the art to practice the teachings herein without undue experimentation. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts an embodiment of fiber optic adapter  100  with unitary engagement device  120  inserted into a receptacle  101  of adapter  100 . Referring to  FIG. 1A . 1 , the unitary engagement device has openings  122 . The openings provide stress relief as the engagement device radius  129  reverses a plural of legs ( 128   a ,  128   b ), as shown in  FIG. 1B . 1  and  FIG. 1B . 2 . The proximal end of connector  130  has widthwise recess  132 , that accepts device legs ( 128   a ,  12   b ). Once the legs are in the recess, an attempt to pull the connector out of the adapter receptacle, the legs are captured in the recess. This prevents unintended removal of connector unless operator pulls on push-pull tab  139  (refer to  FIG. 1E . 1 ) as described herein. The recess is formed is shaped as a groove with a width to accept arm thickness. Upon pulling on the connector, not the push-pull tab, the legs resist removal of the connector. The legs retained the connector by providing an opposing force while contained in the recess. As explained more fully in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/881,309, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,185,100, which has been incorporated by reference, this disclosure contemplates narrow pitch LC duplex connectors and corresponding adapters. Exemplary connectors have a pitch of less than 5.25 mm. In some embodiments the pitch may be about 4.8 mm or less. The ferrule pitch can be approximately 3.80 mm. The adapter is configured to receive a duplex LC connector, with a pitch of the adapter corresponding to the axis-to-axis distance between the LC ferrules of the duplex connector. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A . 2 , a zoomed portion of adapter outer housing  110  cutouts illustrated contact or securing points  126  holding device  120  within receptacle. Cutout  116  on device  120  upper surface receives corresponding adapter housing structure. 
       FIGS. 1B . 1  and  1 C. 1  depict embodiment of the unitary engagement device. Legs ( 128   a ,  128   b ) engage a corresponding widthwise recess  132  on a surface of a proximal end  146   a  of a push/pull connector  130 , as shown as  FIG. 1E . 2 ,  FIG. 1B . 1  depicts one embodiment,  102   a , of removable, replaceable engagement device  120 .  FIG. 1C . 1  depicts another embodiment,  102   b , of a removable, replaceable engagement device  120 . The aforementioned engagement devices ( 102   a ,  102   b ) are formed as part of an inner receptacle port  110   a  of an adapter in the present invention.  FIG. 1D  is an exploded view of adapter  100  with housing  110 , rails  114   a ,  114   b  that guides and aligns fiber optic connectors ( 130 ,  140 ) within receptacle port of adapter  100 . Engagement devices ( 102   b ,  102   a ) can be inserted in a receptacle port of adapter on either side. 
       FIG. 1E . 1  depicts proximal end  146   a  is nearer a ferrule  148 , while distal end  146   b  is nearer a boot/push-pull ab  146   b .  FIG. 1A . 2  depicts adapter housing  110  with engagement device  120  inserted into a receptacle port.  FIG. 1A . 2  cross-section depicts engagement device contact points  126  that engage the adapter housing to prevent movement of engagement device upon inserting and removing a connector (not shown).  FIGS. 1B . 1 - 1 C. 1  depict engagement device contact points  126  engage opposing surfaces in the adapter inner housing to secure the engagement device within the adapter receptacle.  FIG. 1B . 2  and  FIG. 1C . 2  depict rails  129  that are supported on an inner rail support  112  (refer to  FIG. 1A . 2 ) within adapter receptacle  124 . 
       FIG. 1E . 1  depicts push-pull multi-fiber optic connector  130 , with tab  139 , that allows a user to release connector from receptacle by pulling on tab  139  in direction “P”. To secure connector in a receptacle, engagement device ( 102   a ,  102   b ) is activated upon insertion of a proximal end of the connector into the receptacle. Referring to  FIG. 1B . 1 , middle arm  124  contacts ramp  134  (refer to  FIG. 1E . 2 ), as the middle arm is raised a pair of outer arms or legs ( 128   a ,  128   b ) are raised. As the connector is further inserted into the receptacle, outer arm tension is released and the outer arms are retained within widthwise recess  132  of at the proximal end of the connector. This secures or latches the connector into the adapter receptacle. Once secured, the engagement device prevents longitudinal movement of the multi-fiber optic connector along longitudinal axis, from a first end to a second end of fiber optic adapter  100  inside the receptacle. This same operation for engagement device  102   a ,  FIG. 1B . 1  occurs for device  120   b ,  FIG. 1C . 1 . 
       FIG. 1F  depicts a perspective view of an alternative fiber optic connector  140 . Connector  140  is inserted in a second end of adapter  100  without engagement device  120 . Referring to  FIGS. 1F and 4 , latch  142  is depressed and seats within adapter housing opening  415  to secure connector  140  in an adapter receptacle. Referring to  FIG. 1F , connector housing  144  mates with upper rail  712   b  and inner rail  713   b  to align connector  140  into adapter receptacle that allows latch  142  to be secured within opening  774 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1D , the adapter  100  is assembled in the direction of arrow “A”. Alignment sleeves  114   c  are inserted into adapter housing between a first and a second end. Alignment sleeve holder  114  accepts one end of the alignment sleeve, and alignment sleeve holder  114  is secured within corresponding adapter structure in housing  110  within a receptacle port  110   a . Referring to  FIG. 1H . 1 , integrated engagement devices ( 102   a ,  102   b ) are molded as one integrated piece into an adapter receptacle inner housing structure as disclosed in U.S. Patent US20180259717A1 Takano owned by the assignee of the present invention. The replaceable engagement devices ( 102   a ,  102   b ) are secured with corresponding inner adapter housing structure. 
       FIG. 1G  depicts patch panel  150  found in the prior art with a plural of single receptacles  157  holding fiber optic connector  155 , in this view a MPO connector. Each receptacle and connector assembly is secured to structure  159  or panel. The MPO connector is in communication with another connector  152  or cable on an opposing side of the panel. 
       FIG. 1H . 2  is a front view of adapter  100  with a cross-section along A-A along a longitudinal axis, L-L, from a first end to a second end of the adapter.  FIG. 1H . 1  is a cross-section along A-A shows engagement device  102   a  molded as part of inner housing  110   a  of the adapter  100  at the first end, as shown in cross-section. 
       FIG. 2  depicts cassette  200  with a plural of dual port receptacles ( 202   a ,  202   b ) at first end  212 . A second end  214  may have a plural of receptacles (not shown) to accept fiber optic connectors of the same or different type than at first end  212 . Receptacle port ( 202   a ,  202   b ) may be of similar structure as shown in  FIG. 1D . As described above in  FIG. 1F , connector  140  may be accepted in a port of receptacle port ( 202   a ,  202   b ), or if securing/engagement device ( 102   a ,  102   b ) is inserted into receptacle port ( 202   a ,  202   b ), connector  130  may be secured in said receptacle assembly besides side connector  140  in a second receptacle, where second receptacle does not have a securing engagement device within said port of the receptacle. As described above connectors ( 130 ,  140 ) are secured within the receptacle. One or more latches  210  are used to secure cassette within a panel wall or supporting structure  159 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts cassette  200  with top portion  302  detachable from bottom portion  304 . Top portion  302  may contain a pair of opposing clip latches ( 306   a ,  306   b ) that are used to secure cassette  100  within a patch panel wall. First end  212  (refer to  FIG. 2 ) shows a pair of dual port receptacles  308  ganged together to form a four port receiving assembly  202   a  for a plural of the same or different fiber optic connectors. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of a cassette with flat latch  410  and flange  404  to secure cassette  400  to a patch panel. Flat latch  410  further comprises recess  406  and vertical cut-outs ( 408   a ,  408   b ). Upon inserting into an opening size slightly smaller than an outer horizontal dimension, as shown by arrow “H-H′”, flat latch  410  is depressed into recess  406  opening and with cut-outs ( 408   a ,  408   b ) configured to engage wall thickness (not shown) and within said cut-out  408   a , upon full insertion latch  410  relaxes and under its spring force pushes back onto wall thickness, along securing surface  416 , thereby latching cassette  400  within said panel. Flange  404  with its corresponding cut-out  408   b  to accept panel wall thickness, thus flange  404  helps prevent cassette  400  from being pushed through panel opening. 
       FIG. 5  depicts interior of cassette ( 200 ,  400 ) with top portion not shown. Base plate  506  holds a plural of receptacles ( 202   a ,  202   b ) at first end  212  and at second end  214  is second receptacle  504  type with dust cap  502  at either port of said receptacle  504 . In this view receptacle  504  can accept MPO connector  155 , but connector  140  or connector  130  can be secured therein without departing from the scope of the invention. First end  212  secures a pair of dual port receptacles  308  to base plate  506 .  FIG. 6  depicts MPO adaptor or receptacle  504  with dust cap  502  insert at opposing ports of receptacle  504 .  FIG. 7  depicts a pair of dual port receptacles  308 . Engagement device ( 102   a ,  102   b ) may be inserted into one or more ports using rail support ( 712   a - 712   b ) respectively, and as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1A . 2 .  FIG. 8  depicts another embodiment of cassette  800  that secures receptacle  308  at a first end using a press fit within opening of cassette  800 . Cassette  800  has a pair of latches  810  with corresponding securing surfaces  816  that secure cassette within panel wall or supporting structure as described above. Top portion and bottom of the cassette are secured together  825 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts another embodiment of an integrated engagement device. A front body portion  250   a  and back body portion  250   b  form adapter  200 . Adapter ports ( 124   a - 124   d ) further comprise an integrated engagement device ( 220   c - 220   f ) for accepting an alignment key on an outer housing of fiber optic connector  130  for ensuring alignment and correct polarity when the connector is inserted into the port.