Source: https://russianpatents.com/patent/248/2487376.html
Timestamp: 2019-02-20 02:12:28
Document Index: 282851644

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 116', 'art 116', 'art 116', 'art 116', 'art 116', 'art 123', 'art 123', 'art 135', 'art 123', 'art 123', 'art 127', 'art 116', 'art 216', 'art 216', 'art 216', 'art 216', 'art 216', 'art 216', 'art 216', 'art 223', 'art 223', 'art 116', 'art 323', 'art.\n8']

Optical connector for optical fiber end sealing
There are various optical connectors used in telecommunications. For example, are widely used and sold a large number of sellers of industrial manufactured type connectors LC, ST, FC, SC and other standard types. Recently, for Assembly in the field appeared optical connectors with a ferule. For example, the known connectors SC, described in patents US 7280733 and US 7369738. Sold small connectors, factory fabricated, including Pretium LC (produced by Corning), Fast LC (production company Fujikura), LC Opticam (manufactured by Panduit) and LC Lightcrimp (produced by Kompaneets).
Such optical connectors for end fitting fiber must meet stringent standards, such as international requirements to the quality of the optical connectors Telcordia GR-326.
The invention relates to an optical connector end fitting fiber. The optical connector includes a housing made with the possibility of connection with the socket. The connector also includes a sleeve located in the housing and fixed between the housing and the bearing part. The clutch includes a rotatable head mounted on its front end while turning the head is made with the possibility of installing it ferule. Swivel head is made to rotate relative to the front end of the clutch under the action attached to the connector and/or the fiber side of the pulling effort of the given value.
In particular, the front end of the main part of the coupling has a front connecting end, and the connection of the rotary head is made by planting with tightness in the front connecting end.
Swivel head may include a cylindrical protrusion having one or more done in it slots, and a centrally located spherical portion surrounding the Central hole for the passage of the fiber to the ferule or ferule.
In particular, the inner surface of the aforementioned cylindrical protrusion is engaged with the outer surface of the front connecting end, and the spherical part of the swivel head is in the slot of a corresponding form, is made in the anterior connecting end.
In particular, the front connecting end face of the main part of the coupling has one or more guide protrusions that surround and Orient the slot with at least one guide is different from other tabs width.
In another exemplary embodiment of the swivel head is designed to be installed inside the outer annular flange of the front connecting t is RCA the main part of the coupling with locking mechanism includes one or more locking protrusions made on the rotary head, which can be included in the corresponding receiving holes made in the outer annular flange of the front connecting end face of the main part of the coupling.
The coupling may optionally include its mechanical clamp is configured to clamp at least one fiber.
As a mechanical clamp can be used splice for splicing fiber with a fiber cut, installed in the ferule.
The optical connector may further include a protective cap attached to the end of the housing and providing a limit lateral movement of the second fiber.
In addition, the optical connector may further include a buffer latch located inside the rear part of the coupling and fixing of the at least part of the buffer sheath fiber after Assembly of the connector.
The housing of the optical connector may be configured in accordance with one of the types of connectors: LC, SC, FC, ST or MT.
The above disclosure of the invention does not involve the description of each embodiment of the invention. A brief description of the drawings and the subsequent description of the invention in more detail and clearly explained examples e is about implementation.
The present invention is additionally described with reference to the following drawings.
On Figa depicts a perspective view of an optical connector according to exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
On FIGU shown in a disassembled view of an optical connector according to exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
On Figa shown in a disassembled view of the coupling according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
On FIGU shown in the perspective view depicted in FIGU clutch according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
On Figa pattern mounting surface shown on Figa clutch according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
On FIGU depicts a perspective view end view, and Figs - section of the rotary head is depicted on Figa clutch according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
On Figa depicts a side view, and Figv depicts a cross-section of a rotary head mounted on a mounting surface shown on Figa clutch according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
On Figa shown disassembled and In figure 5 depicts a perspective view of the coupling according to another variant embodiment of the invention.
On Figs shown in a disassembled view of an optical connector according to alternativemedicine embodiment of the invention.
On Figa shows a perspective view of an example of the main part of the coupling depicted in Figa and FIGU, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
On FIGU depicts a front view and Figs depicts a front view of the rotary head is depicted on Figa and figure 5 In the coupling according to the example embodiment of the invention.
On Figa depicts a top view and Figv depicts a cross-section of a rotary head mounted on a mounting surface of the coupling depicted in Figa and FIGU, according to the example embodiment of the invention.
On Fig depicts a side view of the optical connector in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Although the invention is suitable for various modifications and alternative embodiments, some of them will be shown as examples in the drawings and described in detail. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the description of certain examples of its implementation. The present invention covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives within the framework of the invention and is limited only by the formula.
The following detailed description with references to accompanying this description of the drawings, which are part of the description and showing of the good examples of practical embodiment of the invention. When this terminology is used to describe the orientation of an object in space, such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "leading", "moving forward", "rear", etc. are used with reference to the direction in description of the drawings. Terms to describe different placement of elements in the embodiments of the present invention are used for illustration only and are not restrictive. It should be understood that within the essence of the present invention can be structural or logical changes and other examples of practical implementation.
The present invention relates to an optical connector. In particular, the optical connector according to the examples of its implementation includes made with the possibility of end fitting in the field any standard or non-standard optical connector with design elements creating an elastic suspension to install ferule and which provide adjustable, a slight rotation or bending under the action applied to the fiber or the main part of the connector side of the pulling effort. Described exemplary connector can be easily installed and used with the installation of networks using FTTH or FTTX.
Figure 1 is a perspective view and figure 2 in disassembled form shown optically the connector 100 as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 - Figure 4 depicted In other elements of the connector. The optical connector 100 is configured to dock with a standard optical connector, in this example with the socket, LC-connector. In other examples of the invention, the optical connector 100 may be configured to dock with the jacks, other types such as SC, FC, ST, MT, and nests of non-standard connectors known to the person skilled in the technical field.
The optical connector 100 may include a main body, having a housing 110 and the protective cap 180. In this embodiment of the invention, the housing 110 includes a housing 112 having a front connecting end configured to insert into the slot LC connector (for example, LC connector, LC adapter, LC socket), and the carrier portion 116 (also named as "fastening element"), which provides the structural strength of the connector containing the ferule 132, the clutch 120 and the spring 155, and closes its end.
The housing 112 has a shape in accordance with LC-type connectors. Additionally, the housing 110 may include a latch 115 placed on the outer surface of the casing 112 and is arranged to engage with the socket, LC-connector and retention therein of the connector 100. Latch 115 pressure type made elastic so that the connector can be unplugged from the socket or closed, if C is chink to make a little effort.
The housing 100 also includes executed on the side of the casing 112 and the aperture 113 of sufficient size to accommodate a mechanical clamp 140, such as a mechanical splice (optional see below). Also in one of the examples run in the casing 112 on the opposite side opposite holes 113 can be performed one or more slits for access to mechanical clamp.
Supporting part 116 is executed so that is engaged with the casing 112 by it slipped on easily or place on the outer surface of the rear part of the casing 112. The emphasis is made on the inner surface of the fastening element 116, provides a support surface for placing against her spring 155. Fastening element or supporting part 116 may optionally be placed in its end part of the mounting element 118, which provides the connection with crimp ring, the fastening element and/or a protective cap 180 that can serve as a protection fiber from excessive bending. To protect the optical connector 100 to install or splicing fiber 184 on the protective cap 180 can be installed anther or shank 195.
According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the casing 112 and the supporting part 116 can be fabricated or molded from a polymeric material, but can be used metal and the other is rather rigid (inelastic) materials. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing 112 is made of a more elastic or flexible material than the supporting part 116.
In the described exemplary embodiment the connector 100 includes a coupler 120 (this item can also be called a "cylinder"), located inside the housing of the connector 100 and held in it. According to examples of the present invention, the clutch 120 is a multifunctional element that can, among other functions, to hold a ferule 132. Alternatively, inside sleeve 120 may be additionally mounted mechanical clamp 140 and the fiber buffer latch 126. The coupling is made with the possibility of a limited axial movement within a supporting part 116. For example, the sleeve 120 may have a focus that can be used as a flange, on which rests a spring 155 is disposed between the sleeve 120 and the fastening element 116, when the plug is inserted into the slot.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the coupling 120 provides an elastic suspension to install Ferula 132. The degree of bending (or rotation) can be adjustable, at the same time maintained accommodation with the possibility of rotation. Thus, the described optical connectors can withstand minor lateral pulling force magnitude up to 4.5 pounds or more without adversely affecting the optical character of the sticks.
On Figa-4B depicts described below, the coupling 120 according to one of embodiments. On Figa-7B depicts described below, the clutch 220 according to another variant execution. Each of these two couplings can be used in the connector 100 depicted in Figa and Figv. Alternatively, the described couplers can be used in optical connectors of other types, as known to a person skilled in the technical field.
On Figa depicted coupler 120 includes two main structural element, the rotary head 121 and the main part 123. Swivel head 121 is configured to attach to the front end of the main part 123, namely, the front mating end 124, and has an enlarged Central opening 133 that it was possible to place the ferule 132. Ferule 132 may be fixed in said Central bore 133 with an adhesive, for example epoxy resin, cured at a certain temperature. In this example, execution swivel head 121 includes a cylindrical protrusion 134 having one or more done in it slots (in this case four slots a-133d depicted on Figv). Swivel head 121 also includes a centrally located spherical part 135 surrounding the Central hole a, which serves for the passage of the fiber to the ferule or from f rule 132. Attach swivel head 121 is executed by planting with tightness in the front connecting end 124 of the coupling, the inner surface of the cylindrical protrusion 134 is engaged with the outer surface of the mating end 124, and the spherical portion 135 of the rotary head is in the slot 124A beaches corresponding form, is made in the anterior connecting end 124.
In addition, one or more slots a, 133b, etc. includes the appropriate number of guides, such as guides 125, 125b, which surround and are oriented in the shape of the socket connecting end 124. One or more slits allow to combine the rotary head 121 with guides 125, 125b, which prevent the rotation of the rotary head 121 relative to the axis of the Central hole 133. In another example, at least one of the guides may have a width different from the width of the other guides, and to serve as a key for orientation, if necessary. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGU-3C, the width of the guide 125b and the corresponding slots 133b greater than the width of the other guides and slots. In this example, the rotary head 121 and the connecting end 124 can always be set relative to each other only in one position.
As mentioned above, the installation surface, creating an elastic suspension for feroli, provides compensation to the minor side of the pulling effort given value is applied to the fiber at its end terminated in the connector. In a preferred variant of the invention, the rotary cylinder under the action attached to the connector and/or the fiber side of the pulling effort can be rotated relative to the main part of the coupling at a relatively small angle, for example at an angle of up to approximately 2° and approximately 3°). Such lateral pulling force applied to the fiber, can be transmitted to the clutch, when the exposed section of fiber inside it is firmly clamped and/or spliced. On Figa (side view) and Figv (in cross section) showing the main part 123 of the coupling 120, which is rejected (relative to the rotary head 121) from the Central optical axis 109 at an angle α of about 2°. The turn angle of 2° corresponds to a lateral pulling force of approximately 5 pounds, applied to the fiber, such as fiber 184, the cap 180 or a little further in the direction of travel. In this example, the rotary head 121 and the main part 123 are made of a polymeric material that allows for such bending. Also the spherical portion 135 can smoothly move in the slot 124A beaches, performed in front connecting end 124. However, towards the shining protrusions 125, 125b, etc. interfere to a greater rotation and the rotation of the rotary head 121.
Coupler 120 may additionally include a part having on the surface of the key, or part having a flat surface, or part 127, ensuring alignment of the coupling inside the housing when it is installed in the housing during use.
Thus, in the dock or the United state (i.e. when the optical connector 100 is docked with the second connector or connector) of the elastic mounting section of the coupling 120 provides front (face to face) with respect to each other Ferula 132 with the ferule of the second connector. Therefore, the fibers in both the stacked connectors do not have axial displacement relative to each other, which can be generated on the site mate Ferula under the influence of effort applied to one or both connectors. It is clear that the axial displacement between the joined fibers can significantly reduce light output between them. Also described is a plot of coupling 120, creating elastic suspension of Ferula, reduces the likelihood that under the influence of effort applied to the connector ferule hacked transitional part of the standard connector.
On Figa-7B, according to other variant execution shows an alternative coupling 220, which can be used in the connector 100. Alternatively, is ufta 220 can be used in another optical connector, for example, in the optical connector 200 SC-type, depicted in Figs. Also note that in an alternative embodiment, the optical connector 200 can be used clutch 120.
According to examples of the present invention, the clutch 220 is a versatile element that can, among other functions, to hold a ferule 232. Alternatively, inside sleeve 220 may be additionally mounted in the clamp 240. Inside sleeve 220 can also be placed fiber buffer latch 226. Clutch 220 is made with the possibility of a limited axial movement within the bearing parts of the connector, for example a supporting part 116 (shown on Figs). For example, the coupler 220 may have a shoulder or stop, which can be used as a flange, to provide a support spring 155 is disposed between the sleeve 220 and the carrier part 216, when the plug is inserted into the slot.
The optical connector 200 may include a housing having a housing 212, a carrier part 216 and the protective cap 280. In this embodiment of the invention, the casing 212 has a connecting end, is made with possibility of installation in the socket SC-connector (for example, in the SC-connector, SC adapter, SC-socket). Carrier part 216 (also referred to as "fastening element") provides the structural strength of the connector containing the ferule 232, the sleeve 220 and the spring 255 and rivet its end.
On Figs depicted casing 212, which is performed on one side of the hole 213, the size of which is sufficient to accommodate the clamp 240, for example mechanical splice. Carrier part 216 is executed so that is in connection with a casing 212 by slipped on easily or place on the outer surface of the rear part of the casing 212. The emphasis is made on the inner surface of the carrier part 216, provides a support surface for placing against her spring 255. Carrier part 216 can optionally be placed in its end part of the mounting element, which provides the connection with crimp ring, the fastening element and/or a protective cap 280, which may serve as a protection fiber 284 from excessive bending. The casing 212 and the carrier part 216 can be fabricated or molded from a polymeric material, although metal and other fairly inelastic materials may also be used.
Coupler 220 also provides a resilient suspension for installation feroli, in this example - Ferula 232. The degree of bending (or rotation) can be adjustable, at the same time maintained accommodation with the possibility of rotation. Thus, the optical connector comprising a coupling 220, can withstand the attached minor lateral pulling force value of at least 4.5 pounds, which does not have neg is the emotional impact on optical performance.
On Figa-5B shows an alternative coupling 220, which includes two main structural element, the rotary head 221 and the main part 223. Swivel head 221 is configured to attach to the front connecting end face 224 of the main part 223 and has a Central hole 233 (shown on Figv and Figs), sufficient to accommodate Ferula 232. In this embodiment, the swivel head 221 is arranged to be installed inside an external annular shoulder 224b front connecting end couplings with locking mechanism that includes one or more locking protrusions a, 233b, performed on a rotary cylinder 221, which can be included in the corresponding receiving apertures a, 225b, performed on the external annular shoulder 224b clutch. Swivel head 221 also has one or more ledges or stops 234a, which serve as limiting stops for the installed Ferula 232. Swivel head 221 is pushed to the outer annular shoulder 224b front connecting end face 224 of the coupling, which allows the rear surface a ferule be rotated round the ledge a performed on the surface of the connecting end face 224 (shown on Figa-7V, which for simplicity shows only one of the sections of Ferula 232).
In another example, the rotary head 221 EXT is niteline has one or more key elements, for example, the protrusion 237 (shown In figure 6), which can be inserted into the corresponding the shape of the cut made on the external annular shoulder 224b front connecting end face of the coupling. These key elements can ensure the alignment of the rotary head and prevent its rotation under the influence of lateral pulling effort.
On Figa-7B shows that the distance between outer edges of the rotary head 221 and the external annular shoulder 224b clutch (when the ferule 232 mounted close) can prevent greater turning heads than at an angle, for example, 2°, under the influence applied to the fiber or connector on the side of the pulling effort. In this case, when the connector is bent, the length of the fibers can remain unchanged (which further minimizes the maximum load tensile and compressive strain on the fiber). Thus, as in the case of using the coupler 120, using an alternative coupling 220 also you can easily attach the ferule to the connector, in this case, the ferule 232.
In the conventional design of the optical connector 100, 200 of exemplary coupler 120, 220 can optionally have a clamp comprising compressing element 142, 242 and leading him into action the cover 144, 244. Compressing element 142, 242 is made with the possibility of placing on the mounting device or tray support installed in the hole 122, 222 is ufty 120, 220. The clamp may be performed as described in the application US 2008/0226236 included in the description of the present invention by reference. Alternatively, as the clamp can be used a mechanical splice, and the ferule 132, 232 further comprises a set in her fiber segment. This option is practical implementation is described in the patent US 7369738 and published application US 2009/0269014, which are included in the description of the present invention by reference. Also in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the coupler 120, 220 may be fabricated or molded from a polymeric material, although metal and other suitable materials may also be used.
Ferule 132, 232 may be made of ceramics, glass, plastic or metal and are used for holding the set in her fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the ferule 132, 232 is made of ceramics. Ferule has a Central opening through which the wound fiber. At least one of the parts of Ferula the Central hole can be reamed to use epoxy resin (for example, in the case of short fiber length). For example, on Figa and Figv shows that the ferule 232 may be reamed area that provides greater bending of the fibers than in the case is e, when it is fixed on the rear end of Ferula. The end of the optical fiber wound through the ferule 132, 232 may be slightly protrude out of the end of Ferula 132, 232, fiber end can be combined with him or lie to him in the same plane, depending on the use case. The end face of the fiber can be polished at the factory or in the field (for example, polished flat or angled, chamfered or without it). In embodiments of the invention using a fiber cut, the second end of the fiber is partially into the connector 100, 200 and is used for jointing with the second optical fiber, for example, designed for splicing in the field.
As a fiber cut and/or fibers (fibres) for splicing in the field can be used single-mode or multimode fiber, such as SMF 28 (produced by Corning Inc.). In addition, the fiber may be part of a cable with a protective shell or without it. For example, in the case of cables with protective sheath to the housing can be attached to a Kevlar fiber (supporting member).
Additionally, in some embodiments, the practical implementation of the invention, the coupler 120, 220, alternatively, may include a buffer latch 126, 226, performed with the fixing part of the buffer sheath clamp or bonded wholesale the fibre 184, 284. In an exemplary embodiment, the buffer retainer 126, 226 is placed inside a supporting part 116, 216 of the fully assembled connector. In one embodiment, the buffer retainer 126, 226 and connector are made entirely as a single design, which gears the outer surface of the fiber in the shell buffer, when the sleeve 160, 260 is coming on the buffer retainer 126, moving in the axial direction of the connector housing. Other alternative constructions of the buffer retainer can also be used, as known to a person skilled in the technical field.
For use with the connector end fitting fiber in the field for sample preparation operation and installation is described in the application US 2008/0226236 patent US 7369738 included in the description of the present invention by reference.
On Fig depicts an additional alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention, according to which alternative coupler 320 may be implemented as a single design, including the rotary head 321, having made it enlarged Central hole, in which you can set the ferule (not shown), and the main part 323. The neck 322, also having a Central hole, which connects the rotary head with the main part, and the diameter of the outer part of the cervix is much smaller than the diameter of the outer part of the surface is the company head 321. The coupler 320 may be fabricated or molded from a polymeric material. The coupler 320 may be made with the possibility of its publication in the optical connector, for example similar to the one described. Thus, in the dock or the United state (i.e. when the optical connector is connected with the second connector or connector) is the running coupling 320 provides the frontal position relative to each other ferule with the ferule of the second connector.
As follows from the above description, the coupling having a support section for flexible/swivel connection with the ferule, may enforce strong optical connector end fitting fiber in the field (and make a connector for splicing fibers in the factory), which can function under the action of the attached side of the pulling effort, for example, as determined by the standard Telcordia GR-326. In particular, according to embodiments of the invention, an optical connector for splicing fibers in the field made in the form of the optical connector of any standard or non-standard type having a support section for flexible connection with the ferule, which allows you to adjust a slight bending of the fiber under the action of the attached side of the pulling effort. Such connectors can easily ustanavli the TB and use for the installation of networks for FTTH and/or FTTX, for example, as part of the fiber distribution device. Single LC connector can optionally provide a more compact configuration in other use cases, such as in bearings, locking elements, terminal devices and optical devices network interface.
Specialist in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in various modifications, the same methods, as well as with numerous designs.
1. Optical connector end fitting of the optical fiber including a housing, made with the possibility of connection with the socket, and a coupling located and held in the housing, and the clutch includes a rotatable head and the main part, while the rotary head is made with the possibility of installing it ferule and attach to the front end of the main part of the coupling can be rotated relative to the front end of the main part of the clutch under the action attached to the connector and/or the fiber side of the pulling effort of the given value.
2. The connector according to claim 1, in which the front end of the main part of the coupling has a front connecting end, and the connection of the rotary head is made by planting with tightness in the front connecting end.
3. The connector according to claim 1, in which the rotary head includes zylindrische ledge, having one or more done in it slots, and a centrally located spherical portion surrounding the Central hole for the passage of the fiber to the ferule or ferule.
4. The connector according to claim 3, in which the front end of the main part of the coupling has a front connecting end face, with the inner surface of the aforementioned cylindrical protrusion is engaged with the outer surface of the front connecting end, and the spherical part of the swivel head is in the slot of a corresponding form, is made in the anterior connecting end.
5. The connector according to claim 4, in which the front connecting end face of the main part of the coupling has one or more guide protrusions that surround and Orient the slot with at least one guide is different from other tabs width.
6. The connector according to claim 1, in which the rotary head is designed to be installed inside the outer annular flange of the front connecting end face of the main part of the coupling with locking mechanism that includes one or more locking protrusions made on the rotary head, and the corresponding receiving holes formed on the outer annular flange of the front connecting end face of the main part of the coupling, which may include the aforementioned locking tabs.
7. The connector on the .1, in which the coupler is located in the housing and fixed between the outer shell and the bearing part.
8. The connector according to claim 1, in which the sleeve has a hole to accommodate the clamp comprising compressing element and leading him into action the lid.
9. Connector of claim 8, in which the coupling includes a fiber optic segment located in the first part of the coupling, while the fiber segment includes a first optical fiber mounted in the ferule and having a first end closest to the end of Ferula, and a second end, the clamp using a mechanical splice that is located in the second part of the coupling, while the mechanical splice is configured to splice the second end of the fiber segment with fiber.
10. Connector of claim 1, wherein the clutch further includes a part having on the surface of the key, ensuring alignment of the coupling inside the housing when it is installed in the housing during use.
11. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a protective cap attached to the end of the housing, allowing a limit lateral movement of the fiber.
12. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer latch located inside the rear part of the coupling and fixing of the at least part of the buffer sheath fiber after Assembly of the connector.
13. The connector according to claim 2, additionally including drive the buffer retainer sleeve, is arranged to actuate the buffer retainer by slipped on easily to him.
14. The connector according to claim 1, made with the possibility of connection with the second optical connector in the form of a connecting device, with the optical connector provides optical contact with the second optical connector when the optical fiber perceives lateral pulling force value of at least 4.5 pounds.
15. The connector according to claim 1, in which the rotary head and the main part of the clutch made entirely as a single design.