U.S. patent application number 09/852163 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-14 for high density multiple fiber optic connector.
Invention is credited to Bardouniotis, Anastasia, Gilliland, Patrick B., Jines, Carlos.
Application Number | 20020168148 09/852163 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25312624 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020168148 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gilliland, Patrick B. ; et
al. |
November 14, 2002 |
HIGH DENSITY MULTIPLE FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR
Abstract
A fiber optic plug for connecting to a receptacle of a small
format optoelectronic package or device. The fiber optic plug
includes a body and ferrules attached to the body. Each ferrule has
an aperture for receiving and holding an optical fiber and each
ferrule has a diameter substantially equal to 1.25 mm. The aperture
of each adjacent ferrule is separated by a distance of
approximately 3.125 mm. The ferrules exist in a plane.
Inventors: |
Gilliland, Patrick B.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Jines, Carlos; (Forest Park,
IL) ; Bardouniotis, Anastasia; (Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David L. Newman, Esq.
Stratos Lightwave, Inc.
7444 West Wilson Avenue
Chicago
IL
60706
US
|
Family ID: |
25312624 |
Appl. No.: |
09/852163 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
385/59 ; 385/78;
385/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/4246 20130101;
G02B 6/3878 20130101; G02B 6/4292 20130101; G02B 6/3893
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
385/59 ; 385/78;
385/89 |
International
Class: |
G02B 006/36 |
Claims
1. A fiber optic plug comprising: a body; and ferrules attached to
the body, and wherein each ferrule of the ferrules has a respective
aperture, and wherein the ferrules exist substantially in a plane,
and wherein each ferrule of the ferrules has a diameter
substantially equal to 1.25 mm, and wherein the aperture of the
ferrule of the ferrules is separated from the aperture of an
adjacent ferrule of the ferrules by a distance, and wherein the
distance is substantially equal to 3.125 mm.
2. The fiber optic plug according to claim 1 wherein the ferrules
includes four ferrules.
3. The fiber optic plug according to claim 1 wherein the ferrules
includes eight ferrules.
4. The fiber optic plug according to claim 1 wherein the ferrules
includes twelve ferrules.
5. A fiber optic plug comprising: a body; a first ferrule attached
to the body, the first ferrule having a first aperture; and a
second ferrule attached to the body, the second ferrule having a
second aperture, and wherein the first aperture of the first
ferrule is separated from the second aperture of the second ferrule
by a first distance, and wherein the first distance is
substantially equal to 3.125 mm.
6. The fiber optic plug according to claim 5 wherein the first
ferrule is substantially parallel to the second ferrule.
7. The fiber optic plug according to claim 6, further comprising a
first optical fiber mounted in the first aperture of the first
ferrule.
8. The fiber optic plug according to claim 7, further comprising a
second optical fiber mounted in the second aperture of the second
ferrule.
9. The fiber optic plug according to claim 5, further comprising a
shroud attached to the body.
10. The fiber optic plug according to claim 9 wherein the body
includes a cavity, and wherein the shroud substantially encloses
the cavity.
11. The fiber optic plug according to claim 10 wherein the first
ferrule includes a first collar, and wherein the first collar of
the first ferrule is mounted within the cavity
12. The fiber optic plug according to claim 11 wherein the second
ferrule includes a second collar, and wherein the second collar of
the second ferrule is mounted within the cavity.
13. The fiber optic plug according to claim 12, further comprising
a first spring interposed between the first ferrule and the body,
and wherein the first spring contacts the first collar, and wherein
the first spring urges the first ferrule away from the body.
14. The fiber optic plug according to claim 13, further comprising
a second spring interposed between the second ferrule and the body,
and wherein the second spring contacts the second collar, and
wherein the second spring urges the second ferrule away from the
body.
15. The fiber optic plug according to claim 14 wherein, in a
disengaged position, the first collar of the first ferrule contacts
the body and the second collar of the second ferrule contacts the
body, and wherein, in an inserted position, the first collar of the
first ferrule does not contact the body and the second collar of
the second ferrule does not contact the body.
16. The fiber optic plug according to claim 15, further comprising
a third ferrule attached to the body.
17. The fiber optic plug according to claim 16, further comprising
a fourth ferrule attached to the body.
18. The fiber optic plug according to claim 17 wherein the body is
made of a polymer material.
19. The fiber optic plug according to claim 18 wherein the cover is
made of a polymer material.
20. The fiber optic plug according to claim 19 wherein the first
ferrule, the second ferrule, the third ferrule, and the fourth
ferrule are made of a glass material.
21. The fiber optic plug according to claim 20 wherein the first
spring and the second spring are compression springs.
22. The fiber optic plug according to claim 21 wherein the first
spring and the second spring are made of a metallic material.
23. The fiber optic plug according to claim 22 wherein the first
ferrule, the second ferrule, the third ferrule, and the fourth
ferrule exist substantially in a plane.
24. The fiber optic plug according to claim 23 wherein the third
ferrule has a third aperture, and wherein the fourth ferrule has a
fourth aperture.
25. The fiber optic plug according to claim 24 wherein the third
aperture of the third ferrule is separated from the second aperture
of the second ferrule by a second distance, and wherein the third
aperture is separated from the fourth aperture of the fourth
ferrule by a third distance, and wherein the second distance is
substantially equal to 3.125 mm, and wherein the third distance is
substantially equal to 3.125 mm.
26. The fiber optic plug according to claim 25, further comprising
a sleeve mounted to the body, and wherein the sleeve translates
relative to the body so as to disengage the plug from an
optoelectronic device.
27. The fiber optic plug according to claim 25, further comprising
a sleeve mounted to the body, and wherein the sleeve translates, in
a first direction, relative to the body so as to engage the plug
with an optoelectronic device.
28. The fiber optic plug according to claim 27 wherein the sleeve
translates, in a second direction, relative to the body so as to
disengage the plug from the optoelectronic device, and wherein the
second direction is opposite the first direction.
29. The fiber optic plug according to claim 26 wherein the
optoelectronic device is a modular high density multiple optical
transmitter/receiver array.
30. The fiber optic plug according to claim 29 wherein the first
ferrule has a diameter substantially equal to 1.25 mm, and wherein
the second ferrule has a diameter substantially equal to 1.25 mm,
and wherein the third ferrule has a diameter substantially equal to
1.25 mm, and wherein the fourth ferrule has a diameter
substantially equal to 1.25 mm.
31. The fiber optic plug according to claim 5 wherein the first
ferrule has a diameter substantially equal to 1.25 mm, and wherein
the second ferrule has a diameter substantially equal to 1.25 mm.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains to fiber optic connectors for
optoelectronic devices or optical subassemblies. The invention more
particularly concerns a fiber optic plug for connecting to a
receptacle of a small format optoelectronic package such as a
modular high density multiple optical transmitter/receiver
array.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Background
[0004] Optoelectronic devices such as optical transceivers are
known in the art and include active optical devices or diode
packages. One such optoelectronic device is a removable
optoelectronic module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,28, which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference. One end of the
removable optoelectronic module includes two SC style ports or
receptacles forming an SC duplex receptacle for receiving SC style
ferrules. Often, the two SC style ferrules are either ganged
together or are assembled in a common plug body so as to form an SC
duplex plug. The ferrule of an SC plug has a nominal diameter of
approximately 2.5 mm. When the ferrules are incorporated into a
single body or are ganged together, the center-to-center distance
between the two ferrules is approximately 12.5 mm. As compared to
conventional copper plugs, such as RJ-45 style plugs, the size or
panel profile of the SC duplex plug is large.
[0005] In order to increase the number of ports which can occupy a
panel, a reduced size ferrule and plug were developed and is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,481,634 and 6,102,581, both of which
are hereby incorporated herein by reference and where such a plug
is known as an LC plug connector. The ferrule of the LC plug has a
nominal diameter of approximately 1.25 mm. When two LC ferrules are
ganged together or are incorporated into a single body the
center-to-center distance of the two ferrules is approximately 6.25
mm. Thus, the number of ports located in a given linear dimension
using an LC duplex plug is equivalent to the number of copper ports
located in the same linear dimension using the RJ-45 plug, since
the size of the profiles of the two plugs are similar.
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a panel showing the relative
size of RJ-45 ports 2, SC ports 4, and LC ports 6. Twenty-four
RJ-45 and LC ports 2, 6 are shown and only twelve SC ports 4 are
shown occupying similar linear lengths. The increased port density
allows more data to be moved through a given port profile of
networking equipment. FIG. 1 is found in a document entitled
"Evaluating the LC SFF Interface for Single-Mode and Multimode
Application" and is available on the internet web-page at the home
of the LC Alliance (www.lcalliance.com). The above-identified
document is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0007] Other plug connectors have spacing between optical fibers
which are nominally spaced center-to-center at approximately 0.75
mm. One such plug connector is known as the MT-RJ and is described
in an article entitled "Performance Comparison of Small Form Factor
Fiber Optic Connector" which is available on the internet web page
of the LC alliance, and where the document is hereby incorporated
herein by reference. The MT-RJ plug connector includes a body or
single ferrule, where the body surrounds and holds two optical
fibers. However, such plug connectors do not employ multiple
ferrules and as a result the coupling of light into and out of a
fiber in an MT-RJ or other multi-fiber single ferrule connector can
not be independently optimized for each fiber. Therefore, optical
plug connectors which do not incorporate a single ferrule for a
single optical fiber introduce new problems, and, as such, optical
plug connectors which do not incorporate a single ferrule in
conjunction with a single optical fiber are not further
considered.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an optical
plug having multiple ferrules where a single ferrule is assigned to
a single optical fiber and which increases the port density in a
panel or device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an optical plug connector which increases the port density
in a panel or device.
[0010] It is still another object of the invention to provide a
plug which mates with a receptacle of a small format optoelectronic
device.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a plug which
is economical to manufacture.
[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a plug
which incorporates standard parts and features.
[0013] In one form of the invention, the plug includes a body and
ferrules attached to the body. Each ferrule has an aperture.
Additionally, all of the ferrules exist in a plane and each ferrule
has a diameter substantially equal to 1.25 mm. The aperture of each
of the ferrules is separated from the aperture of an adjacent
ferrule by a distance of 3.125 mm.
[0014] In another form of the invention, the plug includes a body
and two ferrules attached to the body. Each ferrule has an
aperture. The aperture of one ferrule is separated from the
aperture of the second ferrule by a distance of 3.125 mm.
[0015] Thus, the device of the invention is superior to existing
plugs. The plug of the invention increases port density in a panel
or a device. Furthermore, the plug of the invention is easy to
manufacture and incorporates features of commercially well received
connectors. Thus, the device of the invention is smaller than prior
art devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the
same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the RJ-45, SC, and LC ports;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plug of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of the plug of FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of the plug of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the plug of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modular high density
multiple optical transmitter/receiver array which may receive a
plug of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view of the modular high
density multiple optical transmitter/receiver array of FIG. 6
attached to a printed circuit board;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the modular
high density multiple optical transmitter/receiver array of FIG. 6
and the plug of FIG. 2 mated therein;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
plug;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the plug of FIG. 9 taken
from another angle;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a top view of the plug of FIG. 9;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plug
having eight ferrules;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the plug of FIG. 12 taken
from another angle;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a top view of the plug of FIG. 12;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plug
having twelve ferrules;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the plug of FIG. 15;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a top view of the plug of FIG. 15;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a top view of another embodiment of the four
ferrule plug having an SC style outer sleeve;
[0035] FIG. 19 is side view of the plug of FIG. 18;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a top view of another embodiment of the four
ferrule connector or plug having flexible latch arms;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the plug of FIG.
20;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the plug of FIG. 20 and a
transceiver; and
[0039] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the plug of FIG. 22
mated with the transceiver of FIG. 22.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views, and more particularly to FIGS. 2-5 and 8-23 thereof,
is an optical plug 10, 30, 60, 80, 100, 120.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plug 10 which shows four
ferrules 12 held by a body 8. The body 8 is made of a polymer
material and is typically formed by an injection molding process.
The ferrules 12 are preferably made of a glass, a ceramic material,
or a polymer material. Each ferrule 12 has a portion which conforms
to the LC standard and, as such, has a nominal diameter of 1.25 mm
and an aperture extending along the length of the ferrule 12 so as
to receive an optical fiber. FIG. 3 is a top view of the plug 10.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the plug 10 showing the ferrules 12, where
the ferrules 12 are positioned substantially in a single plane.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the plug 10 which shows the
center-to-center spacing, W, between ferrule apertures, where the
center-to-center spacing, W, is substantially equal to 3.125
mm.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modular high density
multiple optical transmitter/receiver array 20. The plug 10 is
adapted to engage ports 22 of the modular high density multiple
optical transmitter/receiver array 20. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional
view of the modular high density multiple optical
transmitter/receiver array 20 of FIG. 6 showing ferrule receiving
bores 24 of the ports 22. The modular high density multiple optical
transmitter/receiver array 20 is shown connected to a printed
circuit board 28 and to a panel 26. FIG. 7 further shows that,
nominally, the centers of adjacent ferrule receiving bores 24 are
separated by a distance, A, which is substantially equal to 3.125
mm. Each port 22 is a modular unit which is individually assembled
into the array and can be either a transmitter or a receiver.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the plug 10
engaged with the modular high density multiple optical
transmitter/receiver array 20. Ferrules 12 of the plug 10 are also
displayed. However, for reasons of clarity, the ports 22 are not
shown and the internal components of the plug 10 are not shown.
Furthermore, the array 20 is shown in relation to the panel 26.
[0044] FIG. 9 is another plug 30 embodiment of plug 10. Plug 30 has
four ferrules 12 similarly spaced apart as in the embodiment of
plug 10. The plug 30 includes a sleeve 32 which slides or
translates relative to the body 34. A cover or shroud 38 covers a
cavity formed within the body 34. When translating the sleeve 32,
the sleeve 32 either engages or disengages the plug 30 from the
array 20. The sleeve 32 operates in a manner consistent with known
MP style optical connectors manufactured by Stratos Lightwave, Inc,
and is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,045,270; 5,896,479; 5,748,818;
and 5,737,463, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0045] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the plug 30. FIG. 10
further shows that the body 34 includes optical fiber receiving
apertures 36 for receiving and guiding optical fibers (not shown).
FIG. 11 is a top view of the plug 30.
[0046] In practice, an operator pushes on the body 34 to engage the
plug 30 with an optoelectronic device 20. To disengage the plug 30
from the optoelectronic device 20, the operator pushes the sleeve
32 toward the optoelectronic device 20 until the plug 30 is
unlocked or released. At that time, the plug 30 can be withdrawn
from the optoelectronic device 20.
[0047] Other sleeve arrangements can be employed other than the MP
style sleeve 32, such an example includes a LIGHTRAY MPX style
sleeve (not shown), where LIGHTRAY MPX is a trademark of the
Whitaker Corporation. The LIGHTRAY MPX style sleeve allows the
operator to push on the sleeve to engage the plug with the
optoelectronic device and to pull on the sleeve to disengage the
plug from the optoelectronic device.
[0048] FIGS. 12-14 disclose another embodiment of the invention
which is a plug 60 having eight ferrules 12. The plug 60 includes a
sleeve 62 around a body 64 and a cover or shroud 68. The body 64
includes a base 70. Assembly and function of the plug 60 is similar
to the plug 30.
[0049] FIGS. 15-17 disclose another embodiment of the invention
which is a plug 80 having twelve ferrules 12. The plug 80 includes
a sleeve 82 around a body 84 and a cover or shroud 88. The body 84
includes a base 90. Assembly and function of the plug 80 is similar
to the plug 30.
[0050] FIGS. 18 and 19 disclose another embodiment of the invention
which is a plug 100 having four ferrules 12 where the plug 100
includes a sleeve 110. Sleeve 110 is similar to a sleeve which is
found on standard SC connectors which includes key 112. The plug
100 includes a body 104 and a cover 106. The plug 100 is assembled
and is operated in a manner similar to the plugs previously
discussed.
[0051] FIGS. 20-23 disclose yet another embodiment of the invention
which is a connector or plug 120 having four ferrules 12 and two
flexible latch arms 122, 126. The first flexible latch arm 122
includes a locking projection 124 and the second flexible latch arm
126 includes a locking projection 128.
[0052] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the plug 120. FIG. 21
shows the ferrules 12 mounted within the plug 120. Each ferrule 12
is attached to a backbone 150 and each ferrule 12 has a collar 140.
Each ferrule 12 is associated with a compression spring 142 where
the backbone 150 is positioned within the compression spring 142.
For reasons of clarity, the backbone 150 is not sectioned, however,
the backbone 150 is a hollow cylindrical member. In an unengaged
position, the collar 140 contacts a stop surface 144 of the plug
120 due to the force of the compressed compression spring 142
contacting and reacting force through the collar 140 and a
projection 146 formed in the plug 120. The fiber optic plug 120
includes a body which is comprised of a cap 152 which snaps onto a
bored-out member 153.
[0053] The assembly of the plug 120 is similar to the description
of the assembly of the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,634.
The spring 142 is placed around the backbone 150 of the ferrule 12.
The optical fiber (not shown) is, then, threaded through the
aperture 121 of the bored-out member 153 of the plug 120. Next, the
optical fiber is inserted into and bonded to the aperture of the
ferrule 12. The end of the ferrule 12 is polished. The ferrule 12
is placed in the cap 152 of the plug 120 so as to compress the
compression spring 142 between the collar 140 and the projection
146. The compression continues until the cap 152 is snapped onto
the bored-out member 153. In this position, the collar 140 abuts
the stop surface 144 due to the force applied by the compressed
compression spring 142. As compared to the LC ferrules disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,634, the collar 140 of the ferrule 12 is
smaller in its outer dimensions so as to enable the small
separation distance between ferrule apertures of 3.125 mm.
[0054] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the plug 120 and a
transceiver 130. The plug 120 mates with the transceiver 130. The
transceiver 130 includes a first locking feature 132 which is
formed as an aperture, and a second locking feature 134 which is
formed as an aperture. The locking projection 124 of the first
flexible latch arm 122 of the plug 120 is engageable with the first
locking feature 132 of the transceiver 130. The locking projection
128 of the first flexible latch arm 126 of the plug 120 is
engageable with the second locking feature 134 of the transceiver
130. Further shown in FIG. 22 is a polarizing member 154 formed on
the fiber optic plug 120. The polarizing member 154 of the plug 120
mates with a complimentary feature (not shown) formed in the
transceiver 130.
[0055] FIG. 23 is a top view of the plug 120 and a partial
cross-sectional view of the transceiver 130. Plug 120 is mated with
the transceiver 130. As the plug 120 is inserted into the
transceiver 130, the flexible latch arms 122, 126 deflect in
towards the body of the plug 120. Once the locking projections 124,
128 of the flexible latch arms 122, 126 pass by respective edges of
the first and second locking features 132, 134 of the transceiver,
the locking projections 124, 128 enter the respective locking
features 132, 134. In such a state, the plug 120 is locked to or
fully engaged with the transceiver 130. To release the plug 120
from the transceiver 130, the operator can push with his fingers on
the terminal ends of the flexible latch arms 122, 126 so as to
bring the flexible latch arms 122, 126 closer to each other. Once
the locking projections 124, 128 have been removed from the locking
features 132, 134, the operator can pull the plug 120 away from the
transceiver.
[0056] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It
is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
* * * * *